UNOCAL CORP
SC 13E4, 1996-08-07
PETROLEUM REFINING
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<PAGE>
 
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- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                                SCHEDULE 13E-4
 
                         ISSUER TENDER OFFER STATEMENT
                     (PURSUANT TO SECTION 13(E)(1) OF THE
                       SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934)
 
                              UNOCAL CORPORATION
                             (NAME OF THE ISSUER)
 
                              UNOCAL CORPORATION
                     (NAME OF PERSON(S) FILING STATEMENT)
 
                       $3.50 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
                          (PAR VALUE $.10 PER SHARE)
                        (TITLE OF CLASS OF SECURITIES)
 
                                  915289 20 1
                     (CUSIP NUMBER OF CLASS OF SECURITIES)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                   <C>
                 DENNIS P.R. CODON                                       R. GREGORY MORGAN
  VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER AND GENERAL                     MUNGER, TOLLES & OLSON     
                      COUNSEL                                         355 SOUTH GRAND AVENUE     
                 UNOCAL CORPORATION                                LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90071 
         2141 ROSECRANS AVENUE, SUITE 4000                                (213) 683-9100          
            EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA 90245                         
                   (310) 726-7600
</TABLE>
 (NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO RECEIVE NOTICES
          AND COMMUNICATIONS ON BEHALF OF PERSON(S) FILING STATEMENT)
 
                                AUGUST 8, 1996
    (DATE TENDER OFFER FIRST PUBLISHED, SENT OR GIVEN TO SECURITY HOLDERS)
 
                           CALCULATION OF FILING FEE
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<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
           TRANSACTION VALUATION*                           AMOUNT OF FILING FEE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                $512,500,000                                      $102,500
</TABLE>
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*  For purposes of calculating the filing fee pursuant to Rule 0-11(a)(4) of
   the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the book value of the
   $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock was calculated as of August 5, 1996.
[X]Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Rule 0-11(a)(2)
   and identify the filing with which the offsetting fee was previously paid.
   Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form
   or Schedule and the date of its filing.
 
<TABLE>
 <C>                       <S>
 Amount Previously Paid:   $176,725
 Form or Registration No.: S-4 (File Nos. 333-09137 and 333-09137-01)
 Filing Party:             Unocal Corporation and Unocal Capital Trust
 Date Filed:               July 30, 1996
</TABLE>
 
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<PAGE>
 
  This Issuer Tender Offer Statement (the "Statement") is being filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") by Unocal Corporation
("Unocal") in connection with the filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, of a registration statement on Form S-4 (as amended, the "Registration
Statement") regarding an exchange offer (the "Exchange Offer") to holders of
its $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $.10 per share (the "$3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock").  A copy of the Prospectus, dated August 7, 1996
(the "Prospectus"), contained in the Registration Statement filed with the
Commission on August 7, 1996 is attached hereto as Exhibit 1. Pursuant to
General Instruction B to Schedule 13E-4, certain information contained in the
Prospectus is hereby incorporated by reference in answer to items of this
Statement.
 
  References to the Prospectus are identified by the captions set forth in the
Prospectus. Where substantially identical information required by Schedule 13E-
4 is included under more than one caption, reference is made to only one
caption of the Prospectus.
 
ITEM 1. SECURITY AND ISSUER.
 
  (a) The name of the issuer is Unocal Corporation, a Delaware corporation. The
address of its principal executive office is 2141 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 4000,
El Segundo, California 90245.
 
  (b) Reference is made to "Prospectus Summary", "The Exchange Offer--Terms of
the Exchange Offer", and "The Exchange Offer--Transactions and Arrangements
Concerning the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock" in the Prospectus, which are
incorporated herein by reference.
 
  (c) Reference is made to "The Exchange Offer--Trading of Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities and $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock" in the Prospectus,
which is incorporated herein by reference. There is no public trading market
for the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock; however, the $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock is eligible for trading in the Private Offerings, Resales and
Trading through Automated Linkage Market.
 
  (d) Inapplicable.
 
ITEM 2. SOURCE AND AMOUNT OF FUNDS OR OTHER CONSIDERATION.
 
  (a) Reference is made to "The Exchange Offer--Terms of the Exchange Offer",
"Description of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities", "Description of
the Guarantee", and "Description of the Convertible Debentures" in the
Prospectus, which are incorporated herein by reference.
 
  (b) Inapplicable.
 
ITEM 3. PURPOSE OF THE TENDER OFFER AND PLANS OR PROPOSALS OF THE ISSUER OR
AFFILIATE.
 
  Reference is made to "The Exchange Offer--Purpose of the Exchange Offer" and
"The Exchange Offer--Terms of the Exchange Offer" in the Prospectus, which are
incorporated herein by reference. $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock acquired by
Unocal in the Exchange Offer will be retired.
 
ITEM 4. INTEREST IN SECURITIES OF THE ISSUER.
 
  None.
 
ITEM 5. CONTRACTS, ARRANGEMENTS, UNDERSTANDINGS OR RELATIONSHIPS WITH RESPECT
      TO THE ISSUER'S SECURITIES.
 
  Except as stated in "The Exchange Offer--Fees and Expenses; Transfer Taxes"
and "The Exchange Offer--Transactions and Arrangements Concerning the $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock" in the Prospectus, which are incorporated herein
by reference, none.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 6. PERSON RETAINED, EMPLOYED OR TO BE COMPENSATED.
 
  Reference is made to "The Exchange Offer--Exchange Agent and Information
Agent", "The Exchange Offer--Dealer Managers", and "The Exchange Offer--Fees
and Expenses; Transfer Taxes" in the Prospectus which are incorporated herein
by reference.
 
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL INFORMATION.
 
  (a) Reference is made to "Selected Consolidated Financial Information",
"Capitalization", and "Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference" in the
Prospectus, which are incorporated herein by reference.
 
  (b) Inapplicable.
 
ITEM 8. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
 
  (a) None.
 
  (b) There are no applicable regulatory requirements which must be complied
with or approvals which must be obtained in connection with the Exchange Offer
other than compliance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder,
including, without limitation, Rule 13e-4 promulgated thereunder, the Trust
Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and the requirements of state securities or
"blue sky" laws or the securities laws of non-U.S. jurisdictions.
 
  (c) Inapplicable.
 
  (d) None.
 
  (e) None.
 
ITEM 9. MATERIAL TO BE FILED AS EXHIBITS.
 
  (a) Prospectus, dated August 7, 1996 (Exhibit 1); Form of Newspaper
Announcement (Exhibit 2); Form of Letter of Transmittal (Exhibit 3); Form of
Notice of Guaranteed Delivery (Exhibit 4); Form of Letter to Registered
Holders and Depository Trust Participants (Exhibit 5); and Form of Letter to
Clients (Exhibit 6).
 
  (b) Form of Multiple Series Indenture, between Unocal and The Bank of New
York, as trustee (Exhibit 7); Form of First Supplemental Indenture, between
Unocal and The Bank of New York, as trustee, including form of 6 1/4%
Convertible Junior Subordinated Debenture (Exhibit 8); and Form of Preferred
Securities Guarantee Agreement (Exhibit 9).
 
  (c) None.
 
  (d) Tax Opinion of Miller & Chevalier, Chartered (Exhibit 10).
 
  (e) The Prospectus is included in (a) above.
 
  (f) None.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURE
 
  After due inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that
the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.
 
Dated: August 6, 1996
 
                                          UNOCAL CORPORATION
 
                                                   
                                          By:     /s/ Neal E. Schmale
                                             ---------------------------------
                                                      Neal E. Schmale
                                                  Chief Financial Officer
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT                              DESCRIPTION
 -------                              -----------
 <C>     <S>
    1    Prospectus, dated August 7, 1996.
    2    Form of Newspaper Announcement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
         99.5 to the Registration Statement, File Nos. 333-09137 and 333-
         09137-01).
    3    Form of Letter of Transmittal (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
         99.1 to the Registration Statement, File Nos. 333-09137 and 333-
         09137-01).
    4    Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery (incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 99.2 to the Registration Statement, File Nos. 333-09137 and
         333-09137-01).
    5    Form of Letter to Registered Holders and Depository Trust
         Participants (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the
         Registration Statement, File Nos. 333-09137 and 333-09137-01).
    6    Form of Letter to Clients (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4
         to the Registration Statement, File Nos. 333-09137 and 333-09137-01).
    7    Form of Multiple Series Indenture, between Unocal and The Bank of New
         York, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Pre-
         Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement, File Nos.
         333-09137 and 333-09137-01).
    8    Form of First Supplemental Indenture, between Unocal and The Bank of
         New York, as trustee, including form of 6 1/4% Convertible Junior
         Subordinated Debenture (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to
         Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement, File
         Nos. 333-09137 and 333-09137-01).
    9    Form of Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement (incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Registration Statement, File Nos.
         333-09137 and 333-09137-01).
   10    Tax Opinion of Miller & Chevalier, Chartered (incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 8.1 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the
         Registration Statement, File Nos. 333-09137 and 333-09137-01).
</TABLE>
 
                                       5

<PAGE>
 
       
                              Unocal Corporation
                               Offer to Exchange
                 
              6 1/4% Trust Convertible Preferred Securities     
                     (liquidation amount $50 per security)
                                      of
                             Unocal Capital Trust
        Guaranteed by Unocal Corporation to the Extent Set Forth Herein
          For $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock of Unocal Corporation
 
                                ---------------
 
               THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT,
           
        NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON SEPTEMBER 5, 1996, UNLESS EXTENDED.     
 
                                ---------------
   
  Unocal Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), hereby offers,
upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Prospectus (the
"Prospectus") and the accompanying Letter of Transmittal (the "Letter of
Transmittal" which, together with the Prospectus, constitute the "Exchange
Offer"), to exchange 6 1/4% Trust Convertible Preferred Securities (the "Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities") of Unocal Capital Trust, a Delaware
statutory business trust (the "Trust"), for up to all of the outstanding
shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock (the "$3.50 Convertible Preferred
Stock") of the Company. The Company will directly or indirectly own all of the
common securities of the Trust (the "Trust Common Securities" and, together
with the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities, the "Trust Securities"). The
Trust Securities will represent undivided beneficial interests in the assets
of the Trust.     
 
  The Exchange Offer will be effected on the basis of (A) that amount of Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities having an aggregate liquidation amount equal
to the greater of (1) the redemption price for a share of the $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock as of the Exchange Amount Determination Date (as
defined herein), plus accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon to but
excluding the Expiration Date (as defined herein), or (2) the Market Value (as
defined herein) of the number of shares of the common stock, par value $1.00
per share (the "Common Stock"), of the Company into which a share of the $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible as of the Exchange Amount
Determination Date, for (B) each share of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock
validly tendered and accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer. The Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities have a liquidation amount of $50 per
security. The current redemption price for a share of the $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock is $52.10. The current conversion ratio of the
$3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock is 1.626 shares of Common Stock for each
share of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock. The Company will pay amounts of
less than $50 due to a Holder (as defined herein) of $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock for such exchange in cash in lieu of issuing a fractional
Trust Convertible Preferred Security. The "Exchange Amount Determination Date"
will be the second business day before the Expiration Date. "Market Value"
means the average of the daily closing prices for one share of the Common
Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Transactions
listing (the "Closing Price") for the five trading days immediately preceding
the Exchange Amount Determination Date.
   
  The Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will be convertible at any time
beginning 90 days following the first date of issuance of any Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities and prior to the close of business on
September 1, 2026, at the option of the holder thereof, into shares of Common
Stock at an initial conversion ratio equal to that number of shares of Common
Stock determined by dividing the liquidation amount of $50 per security by the
product of 1.24 times the Market Value of a share of Common Stock.     
 
  On the Exchange Amount Determination Date, the Company will issue a press
release announcing the exchange ratio for the Exchange Offer and the initial
conversion ratio for the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities.
   
  Immediately prior to the exchange of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
for the shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock validly tendered and
accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer, the Company will deposit in the
Trust as trust assets its 6 1/4% Convertible Junior Subordinated Debentures
due 2026 (the "Convertible Debentures"), having an aggregate principal amount
equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of the Trust Securities to be issued
by the Trust.     
   
  Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer, the
Company will accept for exchange all shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred
Stock validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to 12:00 midnight, New York
City time, on September 5, 1996, or if extended by the Company, in its sole
discretion, the latest date and time to which extended (the "Expiration
Date"). The Exchange Offer will expire on the Expiration Date. Tenders of
shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock may be withdrawn at any time prior
to the Expiration Date and, unless accepted for exchange by the Company, may
be withdrawn at any time after 40 business days after the date of this
Prospectus.     
 
                                                       (continued on next page)
 
                                ---------------
     
  SEE "RISK FACTORS" STARTING ON PAGE 17 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS
       THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXCHANGE OFFER.      
 
                                ---------------
 
 THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR  BY ANY  STATE SECURITIES  COMMISSION NOR  HAS THE
   SECURITIES  AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION  OR ANY STATE SECURITIES  COMMISSION
     PASSED  UPON  THE  ACCURACY  OR  ADEQUACY  OF  THIS  PROSPECTUS.  ANY
      REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
                                ---------------
 
  Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Goldman, Sachs & Co. have been
retained to act as Dealer Managers to solicit exchanges of shares of $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock for Trust Convertible Preferred Securities. See
"The Exchange Offer--Dealer Managers". The Bank of New York has been retained
to act as Exchange Agent in connection with the Exchange Offer. D.F. King &
Co., Inc. has been retained to act as Information Agent to assist in
connection with the Exchange Offer.
 
                                ---------------
 
                  THE DEALER MANAGERS FOR THE EXCHANGE OFFER:
 
MORGAN STANLEY & CO.                                       GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
   Incorporated

   
August 7, 1996     
<PAGE>
 
(continued from previous page)
 
  NONE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY (THE "BOARD"), THE COMPANY,
THE TRUSTEES (AS DEFINED HEREIN), OR THE TRUST MAKES ANY RECOMMENDATION TO
HOLDERS OF $3.50 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AS TO WHETHER TO TENDER OR
REFRAIN FROM TENDERING IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER. HOLDERS OF $3.50 CONVERTIBLE
PREFERRED STOCK ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR FINANCIAL AND TAX ADVISORS IN
MAKING THEIR DECISIONS ON WHAT ACTION TO TAKE IN LIGHT OF THEIR OWN PARTICULAR
CIRCUMSTANCES.
 
  IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER, HOLDERS OF $3.50 CONVERTIBLE
PREFERRED STOCK MUST SUBMIT A LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND COMPLY WITH THE OTHER
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINED HEREIN
AND IN THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE. SEE "THE
EXCHANGE OFFER--PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING" AND "--LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL".
 
  For a description of the other terms of the Exchange Offer, see "The
Exchange Offer--Terms of the Exchange Offer," "--Expiration Date; Extensions;
Amendments; Termination," and "--Withdrawal of Tenders". Consummation of the
Exchange Offer is conditioned on, among other things, receipt of at least
4,000,000 validly tendered shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock (which
condition may be waived by the Company). See "The Exchange Offer--Expiration
Date; Extensions; Amendments; Termination".
 
  The Company expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion, subject to
applicable law, to (i) terminate the Exchange Offer, and not accept for
exchange any shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock and promptly return
all shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock at any time for any reason,
including (without limitation) if fewer than 4,000,000 of such shares are
tendered or upon the failure of any of the conditions specified in "The
Exchange Offer--Procedures for Tendering", (ii) waive any condition to the
Exchange Offer and accept all shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock
previously tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer, (iii) extend the
Expiration Date and retain all shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock
tendered pursuant to such Exchange Offer until the Expiration Date, subject,
however, to all withdrawal rights of Holders (see "The Exchange Offer--
Withdrawal of Tenders") or (iv) amend or modify the terms of the Exchange
Offer in any manner, including (without limitation), the form of the
consideration or the formula for calculating the amount of the consideration
to be paid pursuant to the Exchange Offer. Any amendment applicable to the
Exchange Offer will apply to all shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock
tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer. The minimum period during which the
Exchange Offer must remain open following a material change in the terms of
the Exchange Offer or a waiver by the Company of a material condition of the
Exchange Offer, other than a change in the percentage of the $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock being sought or in the consideration offered, will depend upon
the facts and circumstances, including the relative materiality of the change
or waiver. See "The Exchange Offer--Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments;
Termination".
 
  The Company will own directly or indirectly all of the Trust Common
Securities. The Trust exists for the sole purposes of (a) issuing its Trust
Securities in exchange for Convertible Debentures having an aggregate
principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of such Trust
Securities and (b) engaging in such other activities as are necessary or
incidental thereto. The Trust Convertible Preferred Securities and the Trust
Common Securities will rank pari passu with each other and payment thereon
shall be pro rata; provided that (i) if a Declaration Event of Default (as
defined herein) occurs and is continuing, the rights of holders of Trust
Common Securities to receive payment of periodic distributions and payments
upon liquidation, redemption, or otherwise will be subordinated to the rights
of holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities and (ii) holders of
Trust Common Securities have the exclusive right (subject to the terms of the
Declaration (as defined herein)) to appoint, replace, or remove Trustees and
to increase or decrease the number of Trustees. See "Unocal Capital Trust,"
"Description of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities," and "Description
of the Convertible Debentures".
   
  Cash distributions on the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will
accumulate from and including the Expiration Date at an annual rate of 6 1/4%
(the "distribution rate") of the liquidation amount of the securities, and
will be payable quarterly in arrears on March 1, June 1, September 1, and
December 1 of each year, commencing on December 1, 1996 ("distributions").
Cash distributions not paid on the regular scheduled distribution date
therefor will bear interest thereon at the distribution rate, compounded
quarterly, to the extent     
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
permitted by applicable law. The term "distributions" as used herein includes
such cash distributions and any such interest payable unless otherwise stated.
The distribution rate and the distribution and other payment dates for the
Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will correspond to the interest rate
and the interest and other payment dates on the Convertible Debentures
deposited in the Trust as trust assets. As a result, if principal or interest
is not paid on the Convertible Debentures, including as a result of the
Company's election to extend the interest payment period on the Convertible
Debentures as described below, the Trust will not make payments on the Trust
Securities. The Convertible Debentures provide that, so long as the Company
shall not be in default in the payment of interest on the Convertible
Debentures, the Company shall have the right to defer payments of interest on
the Convertible Debentures by extending the interest payment period from time
to time. Such deferral right, if exercised, would result in a corresponding
deferral of quarterly distributions on the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities (though such deferred distributions would bear interest thereon at
the distribution rate, compounded quarterly, since interest would continue to
accrue on the Convertible Debentures). Such deferral rights could result in
multiple extension periods of varying lengths but are limited to an aggregate
of 20 consecutive quarters (each, an "Extension Period"), and no such
Extension Period may extend beyond the maturity of the Convertible Debentures.
During any such Extension Period, the Company may not declare or pay dividends
on, or redeem, purchase, acquire, or make any distribution or liquidation
payment with respect to, any shares of its capital stock (with certain limited
exceptions); see "Risk Factors--Option to Extend Interest Payment Period," and
"Description of the Convertible Debentures--Interest," and "--Option to Extend
Interest Payment Period".
 
  The obligations of the Company under the Convertible Debentures will be
unsecured obligations of the Company and will be subordinate and junior in
right of payment, to the extent set forth herein, to all Senior Indebtedness
(as defined herein) of the Company, which includes all obligations and
liabilities other than accounts payable or any other obligations of the
Company to trade creditors, obligations expressly made pari passu or
subordinate by their terms, and certain indebtedness between or among the
Company and its affiliates, but senior to all capital stock of the Company now
outstanding, including the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock, or hereafter
issued by the Company and to any guarantee now or hereafter entered into by
the Company in respect of capital stock of its affiliates, including the
Guarantee. As of June 30, 1996, the Company (on an unconsolidated basis) had
no Senior Indebtedness other than guarantees of debt and capital lease
obligations of the Company's subsidiaries. At the same date, the Company's
consolidated balance sheet reflected approximately $6.6 billion of total
liabilities of the subsidiaries of the Company, including $3.2 billion of
total debt and capital lease obligations of the Company's subsidiaries
guaranteed by the Company. The Trust's funds available for distribution to the
holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will be limited to
payments received from the Company on the Convertible Debentures. The
Convertible Debentures will be structurally subordinated to all obligations of
the Company's subsidiaries. See "Description of the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities--Distributions".
 
  The payment of distributions, payments on the liquidation of the Trust, and
payments on the redemption of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities, out
of moneys held by the Trust as set forth below, will be guaranteed by the
Company on a subordinated basis as and to the extent described herein (the
"Guarantee"). The Guarantee will be a full and unconditional guarantee from
the time of exchange of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities, but the
Guarantee will cover distributions and other payments on the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities only if and to the extent that the Company has made a
payment of interest or principal on the Convertible Debentures deposited in
the Trust as trust assets. The Company's obligations under the Guarantee will
be unsecured and will rank (i) subordinate and junior in right of payment to
all Senior Indebtedness of the Company, (ii) pari passu with the most senior
preferred or preference stock now or hereafter issued by the Company
(including the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock) and with any guarantee now
or hereafter entered into by the Company in respect of any preferred or
preference stock of any affiliate of the Company, and (iii) senior to the
Common Stock. The Guarantee will be structurally subordinated to all
obligations of the Company's subsidiaries. See "Description of the Guarantee".
 
  For a description of the redemption rights with respect to the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities, the possible dissolution of the Trust, and
distribution of Convertible Debentures held by the Trust to holders of the
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
Trust Securities and the liquidation amount on the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities, see "Risk Factors--Special Event Distribution or Redemption,"
"Description of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities--Mandatory
Redemption," "--Special Event Distribution or Redemption," "--Redemption
Procedures for Redemption by the Trust," "--Liquidation Distribution Upon
Dissolution," and "Description of the Convertible Debentures".
 
  There is no established public trading market for the $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock.
   
  NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXCHANGE OFFER OTHER THAN THOSE
CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS. IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR
REPRESENTATIONS SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE
TRUST, THE TRUSTEES, THE COMPANY, OR THE DEALER MANAGERS. NEITHER THE DELIVERY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY EXCHANGE CONTEMPLATED HEREBY SHALL, UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE
AFFAIRS OF THE TRUST OR THE COMPANY SINCE THE RESPECTIVE DATES AS OF WHICH
INFORMATION IS GIVEN HEREIN. THE EXCHANGE OFFER IS NOT BEING MADE TO (NOR WILL
TENDERS BE ACCEPTED FROM OR ON BEHALF OF) HOLDERS OF $3.50 CONVERTIBLE
PREFERRED STOCK IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE MAKING OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
OR THE ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS THEREIN WOULD NOT BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAWS
OF SUCH JURISDICTION. HOWEVER, THE TRUST AND THE COMPANY MAY, AT THEIR
DISCRETION, TAKE SUCH ACTION AS THEY MAY DEEM NECESSARY FOR THE COMPANY TO MAKE
THE EXCHANGE OFFER IN ANY SUCH JURISDICTION AND EXTEND THE EXCHANGE OFFER TO
HOLDERS OF $3.50 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK IN SUCH JURISDICTION. IN ANY
JURISDICTION THE SECURITIES LAWS OR BLUE SKY LAWS OF WHICH REQUIRE THE EXCHANGE
OFFER TO BE MADE BY A LICENSED BROKER OR DEALER, THE EXCHANGE OFFER IS BEING
MADE ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY BY THE DEALER MANAGERS OR ONE OR MORE REGISTERED
BROKERS OR DEALERS WHICH ARE LICENSED UNDER THE LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION.     
 
               SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
  Certain matters discussed in this Prospectus and the documents incorporated
herein by reference may constitute forward-looking statements and as such may
involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may
cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be
materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements
expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
                                
                             TABLE OF CONTENTS     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                     PAGE                                        PAGE
                                     ----                                        ----
<S>                                  <C>     <C>                                 <C>
Available Information..............    5     Description of the Guarantee.......  54
Incorporation of Certain Documents           Description of the Convertible         
 by Reference......................    6      Debentures........................  56
Prospectus Summary.................    7     Effect of Obligations under the        
Risk Factors.......................   17      Convertible Debentures and the        
The Company........................   22      Guarantee.........................  65
Market Price of the Common Stock...   23     Description of the Common Stock....  66
Dividends on the Common Stock......   23     Description of the $3.50               
Capitalization.....................   24      Convertible Preferred Stock.......  68
Selected Consolidated Financial              Book-Entry System--The Depository      
 Information.......................   26      Trust Company.....................  75
The Exchange Offer.................   27     Certain Federal Income Tax             
Unocal Capital Trust...............   34      Considerations....................  77
Description of the Trust                     Legal Matters......................  84
 Convertible Preferred Securities..   36     Experts............................  84 
</TABLE>    
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
  The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy
statements, and other information concerning the Company can be inspected and
copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at
Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549,
500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511; and 7 World
Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material
can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The Common
Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the "NYSE"), the Chicago
Stock Exchange, and the Pacific Stock Exchange. Reports, proxy statements, and
other information concerning the Company can be inspected and copied at the
offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005; the Chicago
Stock Exchange, 440 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60605; and the
Pacific Stock Exchange, 115 Sansome Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco,
California 94104.
 
  The Commission maintains a Web site at http://www.sec.gov that contains
reports, proxy statements, and other information concerning the Company, which
files electronically with the Commission.
 
  This Prospectus constitutes a part of a combined registration statement on
Form S-4 (together with all amendments and exhibits, the "Registration
Statement") filed by the Company and the Trust with the Commission under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). This Prospectus
does not contain all of the information included in the Registration
Statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the Commission. Statements contained herein concerning the
provisions of any document do not purport to be complete and, in each
instance, are qualified in all respects by reference to the copy of such
document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or otherwise filed
with the Commission. Each such statement is subject to and qualified in its
entirety by such reference. Reference is made to such Registration Statement
and to the exhibits relating thereto for further information with respect to
the Company, the Trust, and the securities offered hereby.
 
  No separate financial statements of the Trust have been included herein. The
Company does not consider that such financial statements would be material to
holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities because (i) all of the
voting securities of the Trust will be owned, directly or indirectly, by the
Company, a reporting company under the Exchange Act, (ii) the Trust has no
independent operations but exists for the sole purpose of issuing securities
representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust in
order to refinance outstanding shares of the $3.50 Convertible Preferred
Stock, and (iii) the Company's obligations described herein, the guarantee by
the Company of the Trust's obligations under the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities, and the Convertible Debentures to be held by the Trust and the
related indenture, taken together, constitute a full and unconditional
guarantee of payments due on the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities. See
"Description of the Convertible Debentures" and "Description of the
Guarantee".
 
  The Trust is not currently subject to the information reporting requirements
of the Exchange Act. The Trust will become subject to such requirements upon
the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, although it intends to seek
and expects to receive exemption therefrom.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
  The following documents have been filed by the Company with the Commission
and are incorporated herein by reference (Commission File No. 1-8483):
 
  1. The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
     1995.
 
  2. The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March
     31, 1996.
 
  3. The Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 25, 1996,
     February 20, 1996, February 23, 1996, April 9, 1996, April 24, 1996,
     June 3, 1996, and July 25, 1996.
 
  All documents filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Section
13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this
Prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering of the securities
offered hereby shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.
Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated herein by reference shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained
herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed
to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement.
Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so
modified and superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
 
  THIS PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE WHICH ARE NOT PRESENTED
HEREIN OR DELIVERED HEREWITH. THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH
PERSON, INCLUDING ANY BENEFICIAL OWNER OF SHARES OF $3.50 CONVERTIBLE
PREFERRED STOCK, TO WHOM THIS PROSPECTUS IS DELIVERED, UPON THE WRITTEN OR
ORAL REQUEST OF SUCH PERSON, A COPY OF ANY OR ALL OF THE FOREGOING DOCUMENTS
INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, OTHER THAN EXHIBITS TO SUCH DOCUMENTS
(UNLESS SUCH EXHIBITS ARE SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO SUCH
DOCUMENTS). THESE DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST FROM THE STOCKHOLDER
SERVICES DEPARTMENT, UNOCAL CORPORATION, 2929 E. IMPERIAL HIGHWAY, BREA,
CALIFORNIA 92621-2390, OR (800) 252-2233. IN ORDER TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY
OF THE DOCUMENTS, ANY REQUEST SHOULD BE MADE NOT LATER THAN FIVE BUSINESS DAYS
PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
  The following summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its
entirety by the detailed information contained elsewhere in this Prospectus or
by documents incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
  The Company is a fully integrated energy resources company whose worldwide
operations comprise many aspects of energy production. The Company conducts
virtually all of its operations through its subsidiary, Union Oil Company of
California ("Union Oil"), and Union Oil's subsidiaries. As of June 30, 1996,
the Company had approximately $9.8 billion in assets.
 
  During 1995, the Company reorganized its business into the following segments
in order to remain focused on its most critical business activities:
 
  .  EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION: This segment engages in the exploration for,
     and the production and marketing of, crude oil, condensate, natural gas,
     and natural gas liquids. The Company's major production and development
     operations are conducted in the United States (principally the
     Louisiana/Gulf Coast region and Alaska), Thailand, Indonesia, and
     Canada. The Company's worldwide 1995 oil and gas production averaged
     approximately 500,000 barrel-of-oil equivalents ("BOE") per day,
     excluding production from California properties which were sold in April
     1996 but including approximately 35,000 BOE per day of host-country
     share under the Company's Indonesian production sharing contract.
 
  .  REFINING, MARKETING AND TRANSPORTATION: The 76 Products Company, a
     division of Union Oil, encompasses the Company's West Coast petroleum
     refining operations, marketing, and transportation of refined petroleum
     products and manufacturing and marketing of petroleum coke. This
     business unit includes three refineries in California and more than
     1,300 retail service stations in six Western states. The Company's 1995
     refinery production was 234,000 barrels per day.
 
  .  GEOTHERMAL AND POWER OPERATIONS: This segment engages in the exploration
     for, and the production and sale of, geothermal resources for the
     generation of electricity. The Company is the world's largest supplier
     of geothermal energy for power generation and is expanding to become a
     provider of electrical power in Southeast Asia's markets with projects
     in Indonesia and the Philippines. At year-end 1995, the Company had
     worldwide net proved geothermal reserves of 216 million BOE.
 
  .  DIVERSIFIED BUSINESSES: The Company's diversified businesses include
     agricultural products (nitrogen-based fertilizers), carbon and minerals
     (lanthanides and molybdenum, petroleum coke, and specialty graphites),
     pipelines, and real estate development and sales. Diversified businesses
     also include a 50% interest in The UNO-VEN Company, a refining and
     marketing partnership with the Venezuelan state oil company, operating
     in the midwestern United States.
 
                                   THE TRUST
 
  The Trust is a statutory business trust that was formed under the Delaware
Business Trust Act (the "Delaware Trust Act") on July 17, 1996. The Trust
exists for the sole purpose of (a) issuing its Trust Securities in exchange for
Convertible Debentures having an aggregate principal amount equal to the
aggregate liquidation amount of such Trust Securities and (b) engaging in such
other activities as are necessary and incidental thereto.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
 
                               THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
PURPOSE OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
  The purpose of the Exchange Offer is to refinance the $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock with the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities. This
refinancing will benefit the Company by (i) permitting the Company to deduct
interest payable on the Convertible Debentures for United States federal income
tax purposes, while dividends payable on the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock
are not deductible, (ii) potentially lowering the Company's quarterly cash
payment obligation, and (iii) reducing the number of shares of Common Stock
issuable upon conversion. See "The Exchange Offer--Purpose of the Exchange
Offer".
 
THE EXCHANGE OFFER; SECURITIES OFFERED
 
  Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer, the
Company hereby offers to exchange Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
representing preferred undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the
Trust for up to all outstanding shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock of
the Company. The Convertible Debentures will be the sole assets of the Trust.
The Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will be guaranteed by the Company to
the extent set forth in the Guarantee and described herein.
 
  The Exchange Offer will be effected on the basis of (A) that amount of Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities having an aggregate liquidation amount equal
to the greater of (1) the redemption price for a share of the $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock as of the Exchange Amount Determination Date, plus accumulated
and unpaid dividends thereon to but excluding the Expiration Date, or (2) the
Market Value of the number of shares of Common Stock into which a share of the
$3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible as of the Exchange Amount
Determination Date for (B) each share of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock
validly tendered and accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer. The Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities have a liquidation amount of $50 per security.
The current redemption price for a share of the $3.50 Convertible Preferred
Stock is $52.10. The current conversion ratio of the $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock is 1.626 shares of Common Stock for each share of $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock. The Company will pay amounts of less than $50 due
to a Holder of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock for such exchange in cash in
lieu of issuing a fractional Trust Convertible Preferred Security.
   
  The Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will be convertible at any time
beginning 90 days following the first date of issuance of any Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities and prior to the close of business on September 1, 2026,
at the option of the holder thereof, into shares of Common Stock at an initial
conversion ratio equal to that number of shares of Common Stock determined by
dividing the liquidation amount of $50 per security by the product of 1.24
times the Market Value of a share of Common Stock.     
 
  On the Exchange Amount Determination Date, the Company will issue a press
release announcing the exchange ratio for the Exchange Offer and the initial
conversion ratio for the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities.
 
  Immediately prior to the exchange of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
for the shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock validly tendered in the
Exchange Offer, the Company will deposit in the Trust as trust assets its
Convertible Debentures having an aggregate principal amount equal to the
aggregate liquidation amount of the Trust Securities to be issued by the Trust.
 
EXPIRATION DATE; WITHDRAWALS
 
  Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer, the
Company will accept for exchange all shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred
Stock validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the Expiration Date, or if
extended by the Company, in its sole discretion, the latest date and time to
which extended. The Exchange
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
Offer will expire on the Expiration Date. Tenders of shares of $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be withdrawn at
any time prior to the Expiration Date and, unless accepted for exchange by the
Company, may be withdrawn at any time after 40 business days after the date of
this Prospectus. See "The Exchange Offer--Withdrawal of Tenders" and "--
Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments; Termination".
 
EXTENSIONS, AMENDMENTS, AND TERMINATION
 
  The Company expressly reserves the right to (i) extend, amend, or modify the
terms of the Exchange Offer in any manner and (ii) withdraw or terminate the
Exchange Offer and not accept for exchange any shares of $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock, at any time for any reason, including (without limitation) if
fewer than 4,000,000 shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock are tendered
(which condition may be waived by the Company). See "The Exchange Offer--
Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments; Termination".
 
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING
 
  Each Holder of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock wishing to accept the
Exchange Offer must (i) properly complete and sign the Letter of Transmittal or
a facsimile thereof (all references in this Prospectus to the Letter of
Transmittal shall be deemed to include a facsimile thereof) in accordance with
the instructions contained herein and therein, together with any required
signature guarantees, and deliver the same to The Bank of New York, as Exchange
Agent, at either of its addresses set forth in "The Exchange Offer--Exchange
Agent and Information Agent" and either (a) certificates for the shares of
$3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock held by such Holder must be received by the
Exchange Agent at either such addresses or (b) such shares of $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock must be transferred pursuant to the procedures for book-entry
transfer described herein and a confirmation of such book-entry transfer must
be received by the Exchange Agent, in each case prior to the Expiration Date,
or (ii) comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures described herein. See
"The Exchange Offer--General" and "--Procedures for Tendering".
 
SPECIAL PROCEDURES FOR BENEFICIAL OWNERS
 
  Any beneficial owner whose shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock are
registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company, or
other nominee and who wishes to tender should contact such registered Holder
promptly and instruct such registered Holder to tender on such beneficial
owner's behalf. If such beneficial owner wishes to tender on its own behalf,
such owner must, prior to completing and executing a Letter of Transmittal and
delivering its shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock, either make
appropriate arrangements to register the ownership of such shares in such
owner's name or obtain a properly completed stock power from the registered
Holder. The transfer of registered ownership may take considerable time and may
not be able to be completed prior to the Expiration Date. See "The Exchange
Offer--Procedures for Tendering--Signature Guarantees".
 
GUARANTEED DELIVERY PROCEDURES
 
  If a Holder desires to accept the Exchange Offer and time will not permit a
Letter of Transmittal or shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock to reach
the Exchange Agent before the Expiration Date or the procedure for book-entry
transfer cannot be completed on a timely basis, a tender may be effected in
accordance with the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in "The Exchange
Offer--Procedures for Tendering--Guaranteed Delivery".
 
ACCEPTANCE OF SHARES AND DELIVERY OF TRUST CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES
 
  Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer, including
the reservation by the Company of the right to withdraw or terminate the
Exchange Offer and certain other rights, the Company will accept for exchange
all shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock validly tendered and not
withdrawn, and will deliver the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities to
exchanging Holders of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock as promptly as
practicable after the Expiration Date. See "The Exchange Offer--Terms of the
Exchange Offer" and "--Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments; Termination".
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
 
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
 
  The exchange of shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock for Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be a
taxable event. Depending on each exchanging Holder's particular facts and
circumstances, the exchange may be treated as (i) a transaction in which gain
or loss will be recognized in an amount equal to the difference between the
fair market value of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities received in the
exchange and the exchanging Holder's tax basis in the shares of $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock surrendered or (ii) a distribution taxable as a
dividend in an amount equal to the fair market value of the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities received by such exchanging Holder. See "Certain Federal
Income Tax Considerations--Exchange of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock for
Trust Convertible Preferred Securities".
 
  In the event an Extension Period deferring interest on the Convertible
Debentures occurs, all holders will be required to include accrued and unpaid
interest on the Convertible Debentures through the date of disposition in
income as ordinary income (i.e., original issue discount ("OID")), although the
holders did not receive a cash distribution from the Trust related to such
interest. The OID is then added to the holder's adjusted tax basis in his pro
rata share of the underlying Convertible Debentures. A holder who disposes of
his Trust Convertible Preferred Securities between record dates for payments of
distributions at a selling price that is less than the holder's adjusted tax
basis will recognize a capital loss. Subject to certain limited exceptions,
capital losses cannot be applied to offset ordinary income for United States
federal income tax purposes. The extent to which a holder would recognize a
gain or loss on the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will depend on the
market for the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities at the time of
disposition. See "Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations--Interest Income
and Original Issue Discount".
 
UNTENDERED SHARES
 
  Holders of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock who do not tender their shares
of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock in the Exchange Offer or whose shares of
$3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock are not accepted for exchange will continue
to hold such $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock and will be entitled to all the
rights and preferences, and will be subject to all of the limitations,
applicable thereto. See "The Exchange Offer--Trading of Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities and $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock". The Company may
exercise its optional redemption rights on any shares of $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock which are not tendered and exchanged in the Exchange Offer. The
current redemption price for a share of the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock
is $52.10, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, if any, up to but excluding
the date fixed for redemption. To the extent that shares of $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock are tendered and exchanged in the Exchange Offer, a Holder's
ability to sell untendered shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock could be
adversely affected. See "Risk Factors--Reduced Trading Market for $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock".
 
EXCHANGE AGENT AND INFORMATION AGENT
 
  The Bank of New York has been appointed as Exchange Agent in connection with
the Exchange Offer. Questions and requests for assistance, requests for
additional copies of this Prospectus or of the Letter of Transmittal and
requests for Notices of Guaranteed Delivery should be directed to D.F. King &
Co., Inc., which has been retained by the Company to act as Information Agent
for the Exchange Offer. The addresses and telephone numbers of the Exchange
Agent and Information Agent are set forth in "The Exchange Offer--Exchange
Agent and Information Agent".
 
DEALER MANAGERS
 
  Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Goldman, Sachs & Co. have been retained
to act as Dealer Managers to solicit exchanges of shares of $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock for Trust Convertible Preferred Securities. Questions with
respect to the Exchange Offer may be directed to Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated at (800) 835-9668 (extension 2262) and to Goldman, Sachs & Co. at
(800) 323-5678.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
 
COMPARISON OF TRUST CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES AND $3.50 CONVERTIBLE
PREFERRED STOCK
 
  The following is a brief summary of certain terms of the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities and the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock. For a more
complete description of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities, see
"Description of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities". For a more
complete description of the Convertible Debentures which will be deposited in
the Trust as trust assets and will represent the sole source for the payment of
distributions and other payments on the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities,
see "Description of the Convertible Debentures". For a more complete
description of the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock, see "Description of the
$3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock".
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                 TRUST CONVERTIBLE                  $3.50 CONVERTIBLE
                                PREFERRED SECURITIES                 PREFERRED STOCK
                         ---------------------------------  ---------------------------------
<S>                      <C>                                <C>
Issuer.................. The Trust. Payment of distribu-    The Company.
                         tions and on liquidation or re-
                         demption is guaranteed by the
                         Company on a subordinated basis,
                         to the extent described herein.
Distribution on
 Liquidation ........... $50.00 per Trust Convertible Pre-  $50.00 per share, plus accumu-
                         ferred Security, plus accumulated  lated and unpaid dividends.
                         and unpaid distributions.
Distribution/Dividend
 Rate................... 6 1/4% per annum cash distribu-    $3.50 per share per annum (7% per
                         tion payable quarterly in arrears  annum) cash dividend payable
                         on March 1, June 1, September 1,   quarterly in arrears on the 15th
                         and December 1 of each year, com-  day of January, April, July, and
                         mencing December 1, 1996, but      October of each year, out of
                         only if, and to the extent that,   funds legally available therefor,
                         interest payments are made in re-  when, as and if declared by the
                         spect of the Convertible Deben-    Board. Dividends are cumulative.
                         tures held by the Trust. During    Accumulated and unpaid dividends
                         any Extension Period on the Con-   do not bear interest. To date,
                         vertible Debentures, distribution  the Company has made each quar-
                         payments on the Trust Convertible  terly dividend payment with re-
                         Preferred Securities will not be   spect to the $3.50 Convertible
                         made but will continue to accumu-  Preferred Stock on the scheduled
                         late, and will bear interest at    dividend payment date. In the
                         the distribution rate, compounded  event that the equivalent of six
                         quarterly, to the extent permit-   quarterly dividends (whether con-
                         ted by applicable law. If a de-    secutive or not) are accumulated
                         ferral of an interest payment oc-  but not paid, the Holders of
                         curs, the holders of the Trust     $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock
                         Convertible Preferred Securities   will have certain voting rights.
                         would accrue income for United     See "Voting Rights/Enforcement"
                         States federal income tax purpos-  below. If a deferral of a divi-
                         es. Distributions accumulate from  dend payment occurs, the Holders
                         and including the Expiration       of $3.50 Convertible Preferred
                         Date.                              Stock would not be required to
                                                            include such amount in income for
                                                            United States federal income tax
                                                            purposes until the dividend is
                                                            actually declared and paid.
</TABLE>    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                 TRUST CONVERTIBLE                  $3.50 CONVERTIBLE
                                PREFERRED SECURITIES                 PREFERRED STOCK
                         ---------------------------------  ---------------------------------
<S>                      <C>                                <C>
Conversion.............. Convertible at the option of the   Convertible at the option of the
                         holder at any time beginning 90    Holder into such number of whole
                         days following the first date of   shares of Common Stock as is
                         issuance of any Trust Convertible  equal to the aggregate liquida-
                         Preferred Securities and prior to  tion preference of shares of
                         the close of business on Septem-   $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock
                         ber 1, 2026 into such number of    divided by the conversion price.
                         whole shares as is equal to the    As of the date of the Prospectus,
                         liquidation amount per security    the conversion
                         divided by the initial conversion  ratio is 1.626 shares (equivalent
                         price, which will be the product   to a conversion price of $30.75).
                         of 1.24 times the Market Value of  The conversion price is subject
                         a share of Common Stock. The con-  to adjustments upon certain
                         version price is subject to ad-    events, including the event of a
                         justments upon certain events,     Non-Stock Fundamental Change or a
                         including the event of a Non-      Common Stock Fundamental Change,
                         Stock Fundamental Change, a Com-   each as defined herein with re-
                         mon Stock Fundamental Change,      spect to $3.50 Convertible Pre-
                         each as defined herein with re-    ferred Stock. See "Description of
                         spect to the Trust Convertible     the $3.50 Convertible Preferred
                         Preferred Securities, or a Spin-   Stock--Conversion Rights".
                         off (as defined herein). Although  
                         similar defined terms are used,    In the event of a Spinoff, the    
                         these adjustments differ in many   $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock 
                         respects from the adjustments re-  will be subject to certain con-   
                         quired for the $3.50 Convertible   version provision adjustments.     
                         Preferred Stock. See "Description
                         of the Trust Convertible Pre-
                         ferred Securities--Conversion
                         Rights".

                         In the event of a Spinoff (as de-
                         fined herein), the Trust Convert-
                         ible Preferred Securities may be,
                         at the Company's option with cer-
                         tain limitations, subject to cer-
                         tain conversion provision and
                         other adjustments or exchanged
                         for one or more new trust con-
                         vertible preferred securities
                         which may be convertible into
                         Spinoff Common Stock (as defined
                         herein). See "Description of the
                         Trust Convertible Preferred Secu-
                         rities--Certain Other Adjust-
                         ments".
</TABLE>    

 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                 TRUST CONVERTIBLE                  $3.50 CONVERTIBLE
                                PREFERRED SECURITIES                 PREFERRED STOCK
                         ---------------------------------  ---------------------------------
<S>                      <C>                                <C>
Maturity/Redemption..... Upon the repayment of the Con-     The $3.50 Convertible Preferred
                         vertible Debentures, whether at    Stock is not subject to mandatory
                         maturity, upon redemption, or      redemption. The $3.50 Convertible
                         otherwise, the proceeds thereof    Preferred Stock is redeemable at
                         must immediately be applied to     the option of the Company on and
                         redeem the Trust Convertible Pre-  after July 15, 1996, in whole or
                         ferred Securities through the      in part, upon not less than 30
                         close of business on September 1,  days notice nor more than 60 days
                         2026 and the Trust Common Securi-  notice, during the twelve-month
                         ties having an aggregate liquida-  periods commencing on July 15 of
                         tion amount equal to the aggre-    the years indicated below at a
                         gate principal amount of the Con-  redemption price per share (ex-
                         vertible Debentures so repaid.     pressed as a percentage of the
                         The Convertible Debentures will    $50 liquidation preference there-
                         be redeemable at the option of     of), plus accumulated and unpaid
                         the Company, in whole or in part,  dividends thereon, up to but ex-
                         upon not less than 30 days notice  cluding the redemption date:
                         nor more than 60 days notice on    104.2% in 1996, 103.5% in 1997,
                         or after September 3, 2000 ini-    102.8% in 1998, 102.1% in 1999,
                         tially at a redemption price       101.4% in 2000, 100.7% in 2001
                         equivalent to 103.75% per Con-     and 100.0% in 2002 and thereaf-
                         vertible Debenture to be redeemed  ter. Holders of $3.50 Convertible
                         and declining to par on September  Preferred Stock have no right to
                         1, 2006, plus accrued and unpaid   require the Company to redeem the
                         interest thereon to the redemp-    $3.50 Convertible Preferred
                         tion date, including interest ac-  Stock. See "Description of the
                         cumulated as a result of the       $3.50 Convertible Preferred
                         Company's election to defer pay-   Stock--Optional Redemption".
                         ments of interest on the Convert-
                         ible Debentures. The Company may
                         not redeem any Convertible Deben-
                         tures unless all accumulated and
                         unpaid distributions have been
                         paid on all Convertible Deben-
                         tures for all quarterly interest
                         payment periods terminating on or
                         prior to the date of redemption.
                         See "Description of the Trust
                         Convertible Preferred Securi-
                         ties--Mandatory Redemption" and
                         "--Special Event Distribution or
                         Redemption". Holders of Trust
                         Convertible Preferred Securities
                         have no right to require the
                         Trust to redeem the Trust Con-
                         vertible Preferred Securities.

Subordination........... Subordinated to claims of credi-   Subordinated to claims of credi-
                         tors of the Trust, if any. The     tors, including holders of the
                         Trust is not permitted to incur    Company's outstanding debt secu-
                         any indebtedness for borrowed      rities and the Convertible Deben-
                         money. The Declaration provides    tures, and structurally subordi-
                         that the Company shall pay for     nated to all existing and future
                         all debts and obligations (other   obligations of the Company's sub-
                         than with respect to the Trust     sidiaries, but senior to the Com-
                         Securities) and all costs and ex-  mon Stock.
                         penses of the Trust, including     As of June 30, 1996, the Company
                         any income taxes, duties, and      (on an unconsolidated basis) had
                         other governmental charges, and    no Senior
                         all costs and expenses with re-    Indebtedness other than guaran-
                         spect thereto, to which the Trust  tees of debt and capital lease
                         may become subject, except for     obligations of
                         United States withholding taxes.   the Company's subsidiaries. At
                                                            the same
</TABLE>    
 
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 TRUST CONVERTIBLE                  $3.50 CONVERTIBLE
                                PREFERRED SECURITIES                 PREFERRED STOCK
                         ---------------------------------  ---------------------------------
<S>                      <C>                                <C>
                         The Convertible Debentures will    date, the Company's consolidated
                         rank subordinate and junior to     balance sheet reflected approxi-
                         all Senior Indebtedness of the     mately $6.6 billion of total lia-
                         Company, which includes all obli-  bilities of the subsidiaries of
                         gations and liabilities other      the Company, including $3.2 bil-
                         than accounts payable or any       lion of total debt and capital
                         other obligations of the Company   lease obligations of the
                         to trade creditors, obligations    Company's subsidiaries guaranteed
                         expressly made pari passu or sub-  by the Company.
                         ordinate by their terms, and cer-
                         tain indebtedness between or
                         among the Company and its affili-
                         ates, but senior to all capital
                         stock, including the $3.50 Con-
                         vertible Preferred Stock, now or
                         hereafter issued by the Company,
                         and to any guarantee now or here-
                         after entered into by the Company
                         in respect of capital stock of
                         its affiliates, including the
                         Guarantee.
                         The Convertible Debentures (and
                         the Company's obligations under
                         the Guarantee) also will be
                         structurally subordinated to all
                         existing and future obligations
                         of the Company's subsidiaries,
                         except to the extent that the
                         Company is a creditor of the sub-
                         sidiaries and is recognized as
                         such. In addition, the Guarantee
                         will rank junior to the Convert-
                         ible Debentures.
                         As of June 30, 1996, the Company
                         (on an unconsolidated basis) had
                         no Senior Indebtedness other than
                         guarantees of debt and capital
                         lease obligations of the
                         Company's subsidiaries. At the
                         same date, the Company's consoli-
                         dated balance sheet reflected ap-
                         proximately $6.6 billion of total
                         liabilities of the subsidiaries
                         of the Company, including
                         $3.2 billion of total debt and
                         capital lease obligations of the
                         Company's subsidiaries guaranteed
                         by the Company.
</TABLE>
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                 TRUST CONVERTIBLE                  $3.50 CONVERTIBLE
                                PREFERRED SECURITIES                 PREFERRED STOCK
                         ---------------------------------  ---------------------------------
<S>                      <C>                                <C>
Guarantee............... The Company will fully and uncon-  None.
                         ditionally guarantee, on a subor-
                         dinated basis and to the extent
                         set forth herein, the payment in
                         full of (i) distributions on the
                         Trust Convertible Preferred Secu-
                         rities to the extent the Trust
                         has funds available therefor,
                         (ii) the amount payable upon re-
                         demption of the Trust Convertible
                         Preferred Securities to the ex-
                         tent the Trust has funds avail-
                         able therefor, and (iii) general-
                         ly, the liquidation amount of the
                         Trust Convertible Preferred Secu-
                         rities to the extent the Trust
                         has assets available for distri-
                         bution to holders of Trust Con-
                         vertible Preferred Securities.
                         The Company's obligations under
                         the Guarantee will be unsecured
                         and will rank (i) subordinate and
                         junior in right of payment to all
                         other liabilities of the Company,
                         (ii) pari passu with the most se-
                         nior preferred or preference
                         stock now or hereafter issued by
                         the Company and with any guaran-
                         tee now or hereafter entered into
                         by the Company in respect of any
                         preferred or preference stock of
                         any affiliate of the Company, and
                         (iii) senior to the Common Stock.

Voting Rights/
 Enforcement............ Generally, holders of the Trust    The $3.50 Convertible Preferred
                         Convertible Preferred Securities   Stock is non-voting except that
                         will not have any voting rights.   (i) if the equivalent of six full
                         However, if an Indenture Event of  quarterly dividends (whether con-
                         Default (as defined herein) oc-    secutive or not) on the $3.50
                         curs and is continuing, the hold-  Convertible Preferred Stock are
                         ers of 25% of the aggregate liq-   accumulated and unpaid, the num-
                         uidation amount of the Trust Con-  ber of directors of the Company
                         vertible Preferred Securities may  will be increased by two and the
                         direct the Institutional Trustee   Holders of $3.50 Convertible Pre-
                         to declare the principal of and    ferred Stock will have the right,
                         interest on the Convertible De-    voting as a class together with
                         bentures immediately due and pay-  holders of shares of any other
                         able. If (i) the Institutional     preferred stock having similar
                         Trustee fails to enforce its       voting rights, to elect such ad-
                         rights under the Convertible De-   ditional directors (such voting
                         bentures or (ii) the Company de-   rights will continue until such
                         faults under the Guarantee, a      time as the dividend arrearage on
                         record holder of the Trust Con-    the $3.50 Convertible Preferred
                         vertible Preferred Securities may  Stock and shares of stock ranking
                         institute a legal proceeding di-   on a parity with it have been
                         rectly against the Company to en-  paid in full), (ii) the affirma-
                         force the Institutional Trustee's  tive consent of the Holders of at
                         rights without first instituting   least 66 2/3% of the outstanding
                         any legal proceeding against the   shares of $3.50 Convertible Pre-
                         Institutional Trustee.             ferred Stock, voting as a class
</TABLE>    
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                 TRUST CONVERTIBLE                  $3.50 CONVERTIBLE
                                PREFERRED SECURITIES                 PREFERRED STOCK
                         ---------------------------------  ---------------------------------
<S>                      <C>                                <C>
                                                            together with any other preferred
                                                            stock ranking on a parity with
                                                            the $3.50 Convertible Preferred
                                                            Stock, will be required for the
                                                            issuance of any class or series
                                                            of preferred stock ranking senior
                                                            to the $3.50 Convertible Pre-
                                                            ferred Stock as to dividends or
                                                            liquidation rights, and (iii) the
                                                            affirmative consent of the Hold-
                                                            ers of at least 66 2/3% of the
                                                            outstanding shares of $3.50 Con-
                                                            vertible Preferred Stock will be
                                                            required for certain amendments
                                                            to the Company's Certificate of
                                                            Incorporation affecting adversely
                                                            the rights of Holders of the
                                                            $3.50 Convertible Preferred
                                                            Stock.

Trading................. The Company has no current plans   There is no established public
                         to list the Trust Convertible      trading market for the $3.50 Con-
                         Preferred Securities on a securi-  vertible Preferred Stock. The
                         ties exchange. Although the        shares of $3.50 Convertible Pre-
                         Dealer Managers have indicated to  ferred Stock, and the Common
                         the Company and the Trust that     Stock issuable upon conversion
                         they intend to make a market in    thereof, which are not (and have
                         the Trust Convertible Preferred    not been) held by an affiliate of
                         Securities, they are not obli-     the Company are no longer subject
                         gated to do so and may discon-     to transfer restrictions.
                         tinue any such market making at
                         any time without notice. See "The
                         Exchange Offer--Trading of Trust
                         Convertible Preferred Securities
                         and $3.50 Convertible Preferred
                         Stock".

Dividends Received
 Deduction.............. Distributions on the Trust Con-    Dividends on the $3.50 Convert-
                         vertible Preferred Securities      ible Preferred Stock are eligible
                         will not be eligible for the div-  for the dividends received deduc-
                         idends received deduction for      tion for corporate Holders.
                         corporate holders.
</TABLE>    
 
                              ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
 
  The financial statements of the Trust will be reflected in the Company's
consolidated financial statements with the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities shown as Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable convertible
preferred securities of a subsidiary trust holding solely the Convertible
Debentures, and appropriate disclosure about the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities, the Guarantee, and the Convertible Debentures will be included in
the notes to the Company's consolidated financial statements. For financial
reporting purposes, the Company will record distributions payable on the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities as a reduction in earnings applicable to the
Common Stock in the Company's consolidated statement of earnings. See
"Capitalization".
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
 
                                 RISK FACTORS
 
  Prospective exchanging Holders of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock should
carefully consider, in addition to the other information set forth elsewhere
in this Prospectus, the following:
 
EXCHANGE OFFER AS TAXABLE EVENT
 
  The exchange of shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock for Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be a
taxable event. Depending on each exchanging Holder's particular facts and
circumstances, the exchange may be treated as (i) a transaction in which gain
or loss will be recognized in an amount equal to the difference between the
fair market value of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities received in
the exchange and the exchanging Holder's tax basis in the shares of $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock surrendered or (ii) a distribution taxable as a
dividend in an amount equal to the fair market value of the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities received by such exchanging Holder. See "Certain Federal
Income Tax Considerations". All Holders of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock
are advised to consult their own tax advisors regarding the federal, state,
local, and foreign tax consequences of an exchange of shares of $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock.
 
CORPORATE HOLDERS OF TRUST CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES NOT ENTITLED TO
DIVIDENDS RECEIVED DEDUCTION
 
  While dividends with respect to the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock are
eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporate Holders, each
corporate holder of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will be
considered the owner of an undivided interest in the Convertible Debentures
and will be required to include distributions on the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities in gross income without a deduction for dividends
received.
 
RANKING OF SUBORDINATED OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE GUARANTEE AND CONVERTIBLE
DEBENTURES
 
  The Company's obligations under the Guarantee will be unsecured and will
rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to all other liabilities of
the Company and pari passu with the most senior preferred or preference stock
now or hereafter issued by the Company and with any guarantee now or hereafter
entered into by the Company in respect of any preferred or preference stock of
any affiliate of the Company (including the $3.50 Convertible Preferred
Stock). The obligations of the Company under the Convertible Debentures will
be unsecured and will rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to all
present and future Senior Indebtedness of the Company, which includes all
obligations and liabilities other than accounts payable or any other
obligations of the Company to trade creditors, obligations expressly made pari
passu or subordinate by their terms, and certain indebtedness between or among
the Company and its affiliates. Both the Guarantee and the Convertible
Debentures will be structurally subordinated to all obligations of the
Company's subsidiaries, including Union Oil, through which the Company
conducts virtually all of its operations. No payment of principal of
(including redemption), premium, if any, or interest on the Convertible
Debentures may be made (i) if any Senior Indebtedness of the Company is not
paid when due and any applicable grace period with respect to such default has
ended and such default not having been cured or waived or ceasing to exist or
(ii) if the maturity of any Senior Indebtedness has been accelerated because
of a default. As of June 30, 1996, the Company (on an unconsolidated basis)
had no Senior Indebtedness other than guarantees of debt and capital lease
obligations of the Company's subsidiaries. At the same date, the Company's
consolidated balance sheet reflected approximately $6.6 billion of total
liabilities of the subsidiaries of the Company, including $3.2 billion of
total debt and capital lease obligations of the Company's subsidiaries
guaranteed by the Company. There are no terms in the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities, the Convertible Debentures, or the Guarantee that limit
the Company's or its subsidiaries' ability to incur additional indebtedness,
including indebtedness that ranks senior to the Convertible Debentures and the
Guarantee. See "Description of the Guarantee--Status of the Guarantee" and
"Description of the Convertible Debentures--Subordination".
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
RIGHTS UNDER THE GUARANTEE
 
  The Guarantee will be qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture
Act. The Institutional Trustee will act as indenture trustee under the
Guarantee for the purposes of compliance with the provisions of the Trust
Indenture Act (the "Guarantee Trustee"). The Guarantee Trustee will hold the
Guarantee for the benefit of the holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities.
   
  The Guarantee guarantees to the holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities the payment of (i) any accumulated and unpaid distributions
required to be paid on the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities, to the
extent the Trust has funds available therefor, (ii) the redemption price and
all accumulated and unpaid distributions with respect to Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities called for redemption by the Trust, to the extent the
Trust has funds available therefor and (iii) upon a voluntary or involuntary
dissolution, winding-up or termination of the Trust (other than in connection
with the distribution of Convertible Debentures to the holders of Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities or a redemption of all the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities), the lesser of (a) the aggregate of the liquidation
amount and all accumulated and unpaid distributions on the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities to the date of the payment to the extent the Trust has
funds available therefor or (b) the amount of assets of the Trust remaining
available for distribution to holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities in liquidation of the Trust. The holders of a majority in
liquidation amount of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will have the
right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for
any remedy available to the Guarantee Trustee or to direct the exercise of any
trust or power conferred upon the Guarantee Trustee under the Guarantee.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any holder of Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities may institute a legal proceeding directly against the Company to
enforce such holder's right to receive payment under the Guarantee without
first instituting a legal proceeding against the Trust, the Guarantee Trustee
or any other person or entity. If the Company were to default on its
obligation to pay amounts payable on the Convertible Debentures, the Trust
would lack available funds for the payment of distributions or amounts payable
on redemption of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities or otherwise, and,
in such event, holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities would not
be able to rely upon the Guarantee for payment of such amounts. See
"Description of the Guarantee". However, a holder of the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities could instead rely on the enforcement (1) by the
Institutional Trustee of its rights as registered holder of the Convertible
Debentures against the Company pursuant to the terms of the Convertible
Debentures or (2) by such holder of its right of direct action against the
Company to enforce payments on Convertible Debentures. See "Description of the
Convertible Debentures--Indenture Events of Default". The Declaration provides
that each holder of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities, by acceptance
thereof, agrees to the provisions of the Guarantee, including the
subordination provisions thereof, and the Indenture.     
 
ENFORCEMENT OF CERTAIN RIGHTS BY HOLDERS OF TRUST CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED
SECURITIES
 
  If (i) the Trust fails to pay distributions in full on the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities (other than pursuant to a deferral) or (ii) a Declaration
Event of Default occurs and is continuing, then the holders of Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities could rely upon, and under certain
circumstances, could cause, the enforcement by the Institutional Trustee of
its rights as a holder of the Convertible Debentures against the Company. In
addition, the holders of a majority in liquidation amount of the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities will have the right to direct the time,
method, and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the
Institutional Trustee or to direct the exercise of any trust or power
conferred upon the Institutional Trustee under the Declaration, including the
right to direct the Institutional Trustee to exercise the remedies available
to it as a holder of the Convertible Debentures. If the Institutional Trustee
fails to enforce its rights under the Convertible Debentures, a holder of
Trust Convertible Preferred Securities may institute a legal proceeding
directly against the Company to enforce the Institutional Trustee's rights
under the Convertible Debentures without first instituting any legal
proceeding against the Institutional Trustee or any other person or entity.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Declaration Event of Default has occurred
and is continuing and such event is attributable to the failure of the Company
to pay interest or principal on the Convertible Debentures on the date such
interest or principal is otherwise payable (or in the case of redemption, on
the redemption date), then the registered holder of Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities may directly institute a proceeding for enforcement of
payment to such
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
holder of the principal of or interest on the Convertible Debentures having a
principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities of such holder (a "Direct Action") on or
after the respective due date specified in the Convertible Debentures. In
connection with such Direct Action, the Company will be subrogated to the
rights of such holder of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities under the
Declaration to the extent of any payment made by the Company to such holder of
Trust Convertible Preferred Securities in such Direct Action. The holders of
Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will not be able to exercise directly
any other remedy available to the holders of the Convertible Debentures. See
"Description of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities--Declaration Events
of Default" and "Description of the Convertible Debentures--Indenture Events
of Default".
 
OPTION TO EXTEND INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD
 
  So long as the Company shall not be in default in the payment of interest on
the Convertible Debentures, the Company will have the right at any time, and
from time to time, under the Indenture (as such term is defined in
"Description of the Convertible Debentures" herein) to defer payments of
interest on the Convertible Debentures by extending the interest payment
period at any time, for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters. As a
consequence of such an extension, quarterly distributions on the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities would be deferred (but despite such deferral
would continue to accumulate with interest thereon at the rate specified by
the Convertible Debentures, compounded quarterly) by the Trust during any such
extended interest payment period. If the Company exercises this right to defer
interest payments, then (a) the Company shall not declare or pay any dividend
on, make any distributions with respect to, or redeem, purchase, acquire, or
make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital stock (other
than (i) purchases or acquisitions of shares of capital stock in connection
with any employee benefit plan or program, director plan or program, dividend
reinvestment, stock repurchase, or other similar plans available to
stockholders of the Company, or any option, warrant, right, or exercisable,
exchangeable, or convertible security outstanding as of the Expiration Date,
(ii) as a result of a reclassification of the Company's capital stock pursuant
to the exchange or conversion provisions of the Company's capital stock or the
exchange or conversion of one class or series of the Company's capital stock
for another class or series of the Company's capital stock or the capital
securities of a subsidiary (including a trust such as the Trust), or (iii) the
purchase of fractional interests in shares of the Company's capital stock
pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of such capital stock or
security being converted or exchanged), and (b) the Company shall not make any
payment of interest, principal or premium, if any, on, or repay, repurchase,
or redeem or make any guarantee payment (other than pursuant to the Guarantee)
with respect to any debt securities issued by the Company that rank pari passu
with or junior to the Convertible Debentures. Prior to the termination of any
such Extension Period, the Company may further extend the interest payment
period; provided that such Extension Period, together with all such previous
and further extensions thereof, may not exceed 20 consecutive quarters or
extend beyond the maturity of the Convertible Debentures. Upon the termination
of any Extension Period and the payment of all amounts then due, the Company
may commence a new Extension Period, subject to the above requirements. See
"Description of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities--Distributions" and
"Description of the Convertible Debentures--Option to Extend Interest Payment
Period".
 
  Should the Company exercise its right to defer payments of interest by
extending the interest payment period, each holder of Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities will accrue income (OID) in respect of the deferred and
compounded interest allocable to its Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
for United States federal income tax purposes, which will be allocated but not
distributed, to holders of record of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities.
As a result, each such holder of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will
recognize income for United States federal income tax purposes in advance of
the receipt of cash and will not receive the cash from the Trust related to
such income if such holder disposes of its Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities prior to the record date for the date on which distributions of
such amounts are made. The Company has no current intention of exercising its
right to defer payments of interest by extending the interest payment period
on the Convertible Debentures. However, should the Company determine to
exercise such right in the future, the market price of the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities is likely to be affected. A holder that disposes of its
Trust Convertible
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
Preferred Securities during an Extension Period, therefore, might not receive
the same return on its investment as a holder that continues to hold its Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities. In addition, as a result of the existence of
the Company's right to defer interest payments, the market price of the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities (which represent an undivided beneficial
interest in the Convertible Debentures) may be more volatile than other
securities that do not grant the issuer such rights. See "Certain Federal
Income Tax Considerations--Interest Income and Original Issue Discount".
 
PROPOSED TAX LEGISLATION
 
  On March 19, 1996, as a part of President Clinton's Fiscal 1997 Budget
Proposal, the Treasury Department proposed legislation (the "Proposed
Legislation") that, among other things, would (i) treat as equity for United
States federal income tax purposes certain debt instruments with a maximum
term of more than 20 years and (ii) disallow interest deductions on certain
convertible debt instruments or defer interest deductions on certain debt
instruments issued with OID. The Proposed Legislation is proposed to be
effective for debt instruments issued on or after December 7, 1995.
 
  On March 29, 1996, Senate Finance Committee Chairman William V. Roth, Jr and
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman William Archer issued a joint
statement (the "Joint Statement") indicating their intent that the Proposed
Legislation, if adopted by either of the tax-writing committees of Congress,
would have an effective date that is no earlier than the date of "appropriate
Congressional action". Based upon the Joint Statement, it is expected that if
the Proposed Legislation were enacted, such legislation would not apply to the
Convertible Debentures since they would be issued prior to the date of any
"appropriate Congressional action" or otherwise qualify for transitional
relief. However, there can be no assurances that the effective date guidance
contained in the Joint Statement will be incorporated in the Proposed
Legislation, if enacted, or that other legislation enacted after the date
hereof will not otherwise adversely affect the tax treatment of the
Convertible Debentures.
 
  If legislation were enacted that adversely affects the tax treatment of the
Convertible Debentures, there could be a distribution of the Convertible
Debentures to holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities or, in
certain circumstances, the redemption of the Convertible Debentures by the
Company and the distribution by the Trust of the resulting cash in redemption
of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities. See "Description of the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities--Special Event Distribution or Redemption".
 
SPECIAL EVENT DISTRIBUTION OR REDEMPTION
 
  Upon the occurrence of a Special Event (as defined herein), the Trust could
be dissolved (with the consent of the Company) except in the limited
circumstance described below, with the result that the Convertible Debentures
would be distributed to the holders of the Trust Securities in connection with
the liquidation of the Trust. In certain circumstances, the Company would have
the right to redeem the Convertible Debentures, in whole or in part, in lieu
of a distribution of the Convertible Debentures by the Trust; in which event
the Trust would redeem the Trust Securities on a pro rata basis to the same
extent as the Convertible Debentures are redeemed by the Company. See
"Description of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities--Special Event
Distribution or Redemption" and "Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations--
Receipt of Convertible Debentures or Cash Upon Liquidation of the Trust".
 
  There can be no assurance as to the market prices for the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities or the Convertible Debentures that may be distributed in
exchange for Trust Convertible Preferred Securities if a dissolution or
liquidation of the Trust were to occur. Accordingly, the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities that an investor may receive in the Exchange Offer or the
Convertible Debentures that a holder of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
may receive on dissolution and liquidation of the Trust, may trade at a
discount to the value of the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock on the
Expiration Date of the Exchange Offer. Because holders of Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities may receive Convertible Debentures upon the occurrence of
a Special Event, prospective purchasers of Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities are also making an investment decision with regard to the
Convertible Debentures and should carefully review all the information
regarding the Convertible
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
Debentures contained herein. See "Description of the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities--Special Event Distribution or Redemption" and
"Description of the Convertible Debentures--General".
 
EXCHANGE OF SECURITIES AND OTHER ADJUSTMENTS UPON A SPINOFF
   
  In the event of a Spinoff (as defined herein) of shares of capital stock of
a subsidiary or other corporation controlled by the Company, the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities, at the Company's option with certain
limitations, (i) may be subject to certain conversion provision adjustments,
(ii) may be exchanged for a new trust convertible preferred security issued by
a new trust created by the Spinoff Company (as defined herein) which is
convertible into Spinoff Company Stock (as defined herein), (iii) may be
subject to certain adjustments and a new trust convertible preferred security
will be issued to holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities or
(iv) may be exchanged for a combination of such a new security and a new trust
convertible preferred security issued by the Trust which is convertible into
Common Stock. See "Description of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities--
Conversion Rights--Certain Other Adjustments".     
 
LIMITED VOTING RIGHTS
 
  Holders of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will have limited voting
rights and will not be entitled to vote to appoint, remove or replace, or to
increase or decrease the number of, the Trustees, which voting rights are
vested exclusively in the holder of the Trust Common Securities. See
"Description of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities--Voting Rights".
 
TRADING PRICE
 
  The Trust Convertible Preferred Securities may trade at a price that does
not fully reflect the value of accrued and unpaid interest with respect to the
underlying Convertible Debentures. Should the Company exercise its right to
defer payments of interest, a holder who disposes of his Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities between record dates for payments of distributions
thereon will be required to include accrued and unpaid interest on the
Convertible Debentures through the date of disposition in income as ordinary
income (i.e., OID), and to add such amount to his adjusted tax basis in his
pro rata share of the underlying Convertible Debentures deemed disposed of. To
the extent the selling price is less than the holder's adjusted tax basis, a
holder will recognize a capital loss. Subject to certain limited exceptions,
capital losses cannot be applied to offset ordinary income for United States
federal income tax purposes. See "Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations--
Interest Income and Original Issue Discount" and "--Sale or Redemptions of
Trust Convertible Preferred Securities".
 
LACK OF ESTABLISHED TRADING MARKET FOR TRUST CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES
 
  There has not previously been any public market for the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities, and the Company has no current plans to list the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities on a securities exchange. There can be no
assurance that an active market for the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
will develop or, if developed, will be sustained in the future. Although the
Dealer Managers have indicated to the Company and the Trust that they intend
to make a market in the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities, as permitted
by applicable laws and regulations, they are not obligated to do so and may
discontinue any such market-making at any time without notice. Accordingly, no
assurance can be given as to the liquidity of, or trading markets for, the
Trust Convertible Preferred Securities.
 
REDUCED TRADING MARKET FOR $3.50 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
 
  There is no established public trading market for the $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock. To the extent shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock are
tendered and accepted in the Exchange Offer, the liquidity and trading market
for shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding following the
Exchange Offer, and the terms upon which such shares could be sold, could be
adversely affected. In addition, if the Exchange Offer is substantially
subscribed, there would be a significant risk that round lot holdings of
shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding following the Exchange
Offer would be limited. See "The Exchange Offer--Trading of Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities and $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock".
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
  The Company is a fully integrated energy resources company whose worldwide
operations comprise many aspects of energy production. The Company conducts
virtually all of its operations through Union Oil and Union Oil's
subsidiaries. As of June 30, 1996, the Company had approximately $9.8 billion
in assets.
 
  During 1995, the Company reorganized its business into the following
segments in order to remain focused on its most critical business activities:
 
  .  EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION: This segment engages in the exploration for,
     and the production and marketing of, crude oil, condensate, natural gas,
     and natural gas liquids. The Company's major production and development
     operations are conducted in the United States (principally the
     Louisiana/Gulf Coast region and Alaska), Thailand, Indonesia, and
     Canada. The Company's worldwide 1995 oil and gas production averaged
     approximately 500,000 BOE per day, excluding production from California
     properties which were sold in April 1996 but including approximately
     35,000 BOE per day of host-country share under the Company's Indonesian
     production sharing contract.
 
  .  REFINING, MARKETING AND TRANSPORTATION: The 76 Products Company, a
     division of Union Oil, encompasses the Company's West Coast petroleum
     refining operations, marketing, and transportation of refined petroleum
     products and manufacturing and marketing of petroleum coke. This
     business unit includes three refineries in California and more than
     1,300 retail service stations in six Western states. The Company's 1995
     refinery production was 234,000 barrels per day.
 
  .  GEOTHERMAL AND POWER OPERATIONS: This segment engages in the exploration
     for, and the production and sale of, geothermal resources for the
     generation of electricity. The Company is the world's largest supplier
     of geothermal energy for power generation and is expanding to become a
     provider of electrical power in Southeast Asia's markets with projects
     in Indonesia and the Philippines. At year-end 1995, the Company had
     worldwide net proved geothermal reserves of 216 million BOE.
 
  .  DIVERSIFIED BUSINESSES: The Company's diversified businesses include
     agricultural products (nitrogen-based fertilizers), carbon and minerals
     (lanthanides and molybdenum, petroleum coke, and specialty graphites),
     pipelines, and real estate development and sales. Diversified businesses
     also include a 50% interest in the UNO-VEN Company, a refining and
     marketing partnership with the Venezuelan state oil company, operating
     in the midwestern United States.
 
  The Company was incorporated in Delaware on March 18, 1983, to operate as
the parent of Union Oil, which was incorporated in California on October 17,
1890. The principal offices of the Company are located at 2141 Rosecrans
Avenue, Suite 4000, El Segundo, California 90245, and its telephone number at
that address is (310) 726-7600.
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
                       MARKET PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK
   
  The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices of a share of
the Common Stock reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite
Transactions listing during the indicated periods. The Common Stock is also
listed on the Pacific, Chicago, Swiss (Basel, Geneva, and Zurich), and
Singapore stock exchanges.     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                     HIGH    LOW
                                                                    ------ -------
<S>                                                                 <C>    <C>
1994
  First Quarter..................................................   $30     $24 7/8
  Second Quarter.................................................    29 5/8  24 3/8
  Third Quarter..................................................    30 3/4  26 5/8
  Fourth Quarter.................................................    29 7/8  25 5/8
1995
  First Quarter..................................................    29 1/8  25 1/4
  Second Quarter.................................................    30 1/8  27 5/8
  Third Quarter..................................................    30 1/2  26 7/8
  Fourth Quarter.................................................    29 7/8  24 3/4
1996
  First Quarter..................................................    34      27 3/4
  Second Quarter.................................................    34 1/2  29 5/8
  Third Quarter (through August 6, 1996).........................    34 3/8  30 1/2
</TABLE>    
 
                         DIVIDENDS ON THE COMMON STOCK
 
  The following table sets forth the quarterly dividends declared on the
Common Stock since January 1, 1994. Quarterly dividends declared are generally
paid on or about the tenth day of February, May, August, and November. The
most recent quarterly dividend was declared on June 3, 1996 and will be paid
on August 9, 1996.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1996 1995 1994
                                                                  ---- ---- ----
   <S>                                                            <C>  <C>  <C>
   First Quarter................................................. $.20 $.20 $.20
   Second Quarter................................................  .20  .20  .20
   Third Quarter.................................................       .20  .20
   Fourth Quarter................................................       .20  .20
</TABLE>
 
Declarations of cash dividends are at the discretion of the Board and
dependent on the Company's results of operations, financial conditions, legal
restrictions, and other factors deemed to be relevant by the Board.
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
                                CAPITALIZATION
 
  The following table sets forth the consolidated capitalization of the
Company (i) at June 30, 1996, and (ii) as adjusted to give effect to the
issuance of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities in the Exchange Offer on
the assumption that all of the outstanding shares of the $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock are validly tendered and accepted for exchange. To the extent
that shares of the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock are not validly tendered
or accepted in the Exchange Offer, the amount attributed to the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities would decrease and the amounts under the "As
Adjusted" column attributed to the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock and to
retained earnings would increase.
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                        JUNE 30, 1996
                                                    -------------------------
                                                     ACTUAL      AS ADJUSTED
                                                    ----------  -------------
                                                    (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>
Debt:
  Current portion of long-term debt and capital
   lease obligations............................... $      124    $      124
  Long-term debt and capital lease obligations.....      3,117         3,117
                                                    ----------    ----------
    Total debt.....................................      3,241         3,241
Capitalization:
  Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable
   convertible preferred securities of a subsidiary
   trust holding solely the Convertible
   Debentures......................................        --            539 (1)
  Stockholders' Equity:
    Preferred stock, par value $.10 per share;
     Authorized--100,000,000 shares; Outstanding--
     10,250,000 shares of $3.50 Convertible
     Preferred Stock, stated at liquidation
     preference, under Actual; no shares
     outstanding under As Adjusted(2)..............        513           --
    Common stock, $1.00 par value; Authorized--
     750,000,000 shares; Outstanding--248,309,196
     shares(3).....................................        248           248
    Capital in excess of par value.................        345           345
    Foreign currency translation adjustment........        (10)          (10)
    Unearned portion of restricted stock...........        (16)          (16)
    Retained earnings..............................      2,119         2,093 (4)
                                                    ----------    ----------
      Total stockholders' equity...................      3,199         2,660
                                                    ----------    ----------
        Total capitalization....................... $    6,440    $    6,440
                                                    ==========    ==========
Debt to capitalization.............................       50.3%         50.3%
                                                    ==========    ==========
</TABLE>    
- --------
   
(1) As described in this Prospectus, the sole assets of the Trust will be the
    Convertible Debentures in an aggregate principal amount equal to the
    aggregate liquidation amount of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
    issued in the Exchange Offer and the Trust Common Securities. The amount
    shown is attributable only to the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
    and assumes the issuance thereof in an amount having an aggregate
    liquidation amount equal to the aggregate redemption price of all
    10,250,000 outstanding shares of the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock
    ($534 million), plus the aggregate accumulated and unpaid dividends
    thereon for the period after July 15, 1996 (the most recent dividend
    payment date) to but excluding the Expiration Date stated on the cover of
    this Prospectus (approximately $5 million). To the extent that the Market
    Value for a share of the Common Stock exceeds $32.33 on the Exchange
    Amount Determination Date, the carrying amount of the Trust Convertible
    Preferred Securities will be greater.     
 
(2) Pursuant to its Rights Plan, the Company has designated 3,000,000 shares
    of preferred stock as Series A Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred
    Stock and reserved such shares for issuance upon the possible exercise,
    under the circumstances described in the Rights Plan, of preferred stock
    purchase rights associated with shares of Common Stock. See "Description
    of the Common Stock--Rights to Purchase Series A Preferred Stock".
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
   
(3) At June 30, 1996, there were reserved for issuance an aggregate of
    37,121,298 shares of Common Stock (together with associated preferred
    stock purchase rights), of which 16,666,667 were issuable upon the
    conversion of shares of the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock, 5,184,058
    were issuable pursuant to the Company's Dividend Reinvestment and Common
    Stock Purchase Plan and the balance were issuable pursuant to various
    employee benefit plans of the Company and the Company's directors'
    restricted stock plan. The Company will reserve, upon consummation of the
    Exchange Offer, an additional number of shares of Common Stock initially
    issuable upon conversion of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities.
    The shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon conversion of the
    $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock will be reduced in proportion to the
    number of shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock accepted in the
    Exchange Offer and retired.     
 
(4) The excess of the carrying value of the Trust Convertible Preferred
    Securities over the carrying value of the $3.50 Convertible Preferred
    Stock will be charged to retained earnings. All or some portion of this
    amount may be treated similar to preferred dividends on the consolidated
    earnings statement. Such portion will be dependent on the extent that the
    value of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities issued exceeds the
    greater of the carrying value of the shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred
    Stock exchanged or the market value, as of the Exchange Amount
    Determination Date, of the shares of Common Stock into which the shares of
    $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock exchanged were convertible. The issuance
    costs of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will be treated as
    deferred financing costs and will be amortized over a 30-year period (the
    term of the Convertible Debentures).
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
                  SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
  The following selected consolidated financial information of the Company and
its subsidiaries at and for the years ended December 31, 1991 through 1995 is
extracted or derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the audited
consolidated financial statements, and the notes thereto, of the Company,
which statements have been audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent
accountants. The selected consolidated financial information of the Company
and its subsidiaries for the six months ended June 30, 1995 and 1996 is
extracted or derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the
unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, and the notes thereto,
of the Company, which, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments
(consisting only of normal recurring accruals) necessary for the fair
presentation of the financial information for such periods. The results for
the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be
expected for the full fiscal year. The financial information reflects the
adoption by the Company of certain accounting changes which are described in
the notes to the aforementioned financial statements and the cumulative effect
of which is reflected in the table below.
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                            SIX MONTHS
                          ENDED JUNE 30,        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                          --------------- --------------------------------------
                           1996    1995    1995   1994    1993    1992    1991
                          ------- ------- ------ ------  ------  ------- -------
                                         (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS,
                                  EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND RATIOS)
<S>                       <C>     <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
REVENUES AND EARNINGS
 DATA
 Sales and operating
  revenues(1)...........  $ 4,741 $ 4,064 $8,133 $7,797  $8,077  $ 9,887 $10,735
 Other revenues(2)......      221     132    292    168     267      174     160
 Total revenues.........    4,962   4,196  8,425  7,965   8,344   10,061  10,895
 Earnings before income
  taxes and cumulative
  effect of accounting
  changes...............      614     256    463    294     611      349     212
 Income taxes...........      252     104    203    170     268      153     139
 Earnings before
  cumulative effect of
  accounting changes....      362     152    260    124     343      196      73
 Cumulative effect of
  accounting changes....      --      --     --    (277)   (130)      24     --
 Net earnings
  (loss)(2).............      362     152    260   (153)    213      220      73
 Dividends on $3.50
  Convertible Preferred
  Stock.................       18      18     36     36      36       17     --
 Net earnings (loss)
  applicable to the
  Common Stock..........      344     134    224   (189)    177      203      73
 Earnings (loss) per
  share of the Common
  Stock:
  Before cumulative
   effect of accounting
   changes..............     1.39     .55    .91    .36    1.27      .75     .31
  Cumulative effect of
   accounting changes...      --      --     --   (1.14)   (.54)     .10     --
   Net earnings (loss)
    per share...........     1.39     .55    .91   (.78)    .73      .85     .31
 Depreciation,
  depletion, and
  amortization..........      496     467  1,022    947     963      964   1,005
COMMON SHARE DATA
 Dividends declared.....       99      99    197    194     181      167     164
 Per share..............      .40     .40    .80    .80     .75      .70     .70
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT
 PERIOD END)
 Current assets.........    1,637   1,475  1,576  1,528   1,578    1,660   1,978
 Current liabilities....    1,466   1,070  1,316  1,257   1,196    1,436   1,524
 Working capital........      171     405    260    271     382      224     454
 Total assets...........    9,779   9,569  9,891  9,337   9,706    9,892  10,345
 Long-term debt and
  capital lease
  obligations...........    3,117   3,771  3,698  3,461   3,468    3,546   4,563
 Stockholders' equity...    3,199   2,906  2,930  2,815   3,129    3,131   2,464
RATIOS
 Earnings to fixed
  charges(3)............      4.5     2.3    2.2    1.7     2.5      1.7     1.4
 Earnings to combined
  fixed charges and
  preferred stock
  dividends(3)(4).......      3.8     2.0    1.9    1.5     2.2      1.6     1.4
 Current assets to
  current liabilities...      1.1     1.4    1.2    1.2     1.3      1.2     1.3
</TABLE>    
- -------
(1) Includes consumer excise taxes of $486 million, $437 million, $898
    million, $893 million, $816 million, $992 million and $1,050 million,
    respectively.
(2) Special items are detailed and discussed in the "Management's Discussion
    and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included in
    the Company's unaudited quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and audited annual
    reports on Form 10-K from which the selected consolidated financial
    information of the Company was extracted or derived.
(3) For purposes of this ratio, earnings consist of earnings before the
    cumulative effect of accounting changes, income taxes and fixed charges.
    Fixed charges consist of interest on indebtedness and capital lease
    obligations, amortization of debt discount, debt premium and issuance
    expense and that portion of operating lease rental expense which is
    representative of the interest factor (assumed to be one-third).
(4) For purposes of this ratio, preferred stock dividends are adjusted to a
    pre-tax basis.
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
                              THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
GENERAL
 
  Participation in the Exchange Offer is voluntary and Holders should
carefully consider whether to accept. None of the Board, the Company, the
Trustees, or the Trust make any recommendation to Holders as to whether to
tender or refrain from tendering in the Exchange Offer. Holders of $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock are urged to consult their financial and tax
advisors in making their own decisions on what action to take in light of
their own particular circumstances.
 
  Unless the context requires otherwise, the term "Holder" with respect to the
Exchange Offer means (i) any person in whose name any shares of $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock are registered on the books of the Company, (ii)
any other person who has obtained a properly completed stock power from the
registered holder, or (iii) any person whose shares of $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock are held of record by The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") who
desires to deliver such shares by book-entry transfer at DTC.
 
PURPOSE OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
  The purpose of the Exchange Offer is to refinance the $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock with the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities. This
refinancing will benefit the Company by (i) permitting the Company to deduct
interest payable on the Convertible Debentures for United States federal
income tax purposes, while dividends payable on the $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock are not deductible, (ii) potentially lowering the Company's
quarterly cash payment obligation, and (iii) reducing the number of shares of
Common Stock issuable upon conversion. The extent of these benefits, however,
cannot be predicted because they depend upon the number of shares of $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock exchanged pursuant to the Exchange Offer, upon the
Company's federal income tax position in any year, and the period of time the
Trust Convertible Preferred Securities remain outstanding. Neither the Trust's
ability to defer distribution payments on the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities nor the more limited voting rights on the part of holders of the
Trust Convertible Preferred Securities is a purpose of the Company in making
the Exchange Offer.
 
  If any shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock remain outstanding after
the consummation of the Exchange Offer, the Company may exercise its optional
redemption rights on any such shares. The current redemption price for a share
of the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock is $52.10, plus accumulated and
unpaid dividends, if any, up to but excluding the date fixed for redemption.
 
TERMS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
  Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer, the
Company will exchange Trust Convertible Preferred Securities representing
preferred undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust for up to
all of the outstanding shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock of the
Company. The Exchange Offer will be effected on the basis of (A) that amount
of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities having an aggregate liquidation
amount equal to the greater of (1) the redemption price for a share of the
$3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock as of the Exchange Amount Determination
Date, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon to but excluding the
Expiration Date, or (2) the Market Value of the number of shares of Common
Stock into which a share of the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock is
convertible as of the Exchange Amount Determination Date, for (B) each share
of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock validly tendered and accepted for
exchange in the Exchange Offer. The Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
have a liquidation amount of $50 per security. The current redemption price
for a share of the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock is $52.10. The current
conversion ratio of the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock is 1.626 shares of
Common Stock for each share of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock. The Company
will pay amounts of less than $50 due to a Holder of $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock for such exchange in cash in lieu of issuing a fractional
Trust Convertible Preferred Security. On the Exchange Amount Determination
Date, the Company will issue a press release announcing the exchange ratio for
the Exchange Offer.
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
  Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer, the
Company will accept for exchange all shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred
Stock validly tendered and not withdrawn as promptly as practicable after the
Expiration Date unless the Exchange Offer has been withdrawn or terminated.
The Company will not accept shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock for
exchange prior to the Expiration Date. The Company expressly reserves the
right, in its sole discretion, to delay acceptance for exchange of shares of
$3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock tendered under the Exchange Offer or the
exchange of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities for the shares of $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock accepted for exchange (subject to Rules 13e-4 and
14e-1 under the Exchange Act, which require that the Company consummate the
Exchange Offer or return the shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock
deposited by or on behalf of the Holders thereof promptly after the
termination or withdrawal of the Exchange Offer), or to withdraw or terminate
the Exchange Offer and not accept any shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred
Stock at any time for any reason. In all cases, except to the extent waived by
the Company, delivery of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities in
exchange for the shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock accepted for
exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be made only after timely receipt
by the Exchange Agent of such shares (or confirmation of book-entry transfer
thereof), a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal, and
any other documents required thereby.
   
  As of August 6, 1996, there were 10,250,000 shares of $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock outstanding. This Prospectus, together with the Letter of
Transmittal, is being sent to all registered Holders as of such date.     
 
  The Company shall be deemed to have accepted validly tendered shares of
$3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock (or defectively tendered shares of $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock with respect to which the Company has waived such
defect) when, as and if the Company has given oral or written notice thereof
to the Exchange Agent. The Exchange Agent will act as agent for the tendering
Holders for the purpose of receiving the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities from the Company and remitting such Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities to tendering Holders. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions
of the Exchange Offer, delivery of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities in
exchange for shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock will be made as
promptly as practicable after the Expiration Date.
 
  If any tendered shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock are not accepted
for exchange because of an invalid tender, the occurrence of certain other
events set forth herein, or otherwise, unless otherwise requested by the
Holder under "Special Delivery Instructions" in the Letter of Transmittal,
such shares will be returned, without expense, to the tendering Holder thereof
(or in the case of shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock tendered by
book-entry transfer into the Exchange Agent's account at DTC, such shares will
be credited to an account maintained at DTC designated by the participant
therein who so delivered such shares), as promptly as practicable after the
Expiration Date or the withdrawal or termination of the Exchange Offer.
 
  Holders of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock will not have any appraisal or
dissenters' rights under the Delaware General Corporation Law in connection
with the Exchange Offer. The Company intends to conduct the Exchange Offer in
accordance with the applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules
and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
 
  Holders who tender shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock in the
Exchange Offer will not be required to pay brokerage commissions or fees or,
subject to the instructions in the Letter of Transmittal, transfer taxes with
respect to the exchange of shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock
pursuant to the Exchange Offer. See "--Fees and Expenses".
 
EXPIRATION DATE; EXTENSIONS; AMENDMENTS; TERMINATION
 
  The Exchange Offer will expire on the Expiration Date. The Company reserves
the right to extend the Exchange Offer in its sole discretion at any time and
from time to time by giving oral or written notice to the Exchange Agent and
by timely public announcement communicated, unless otherwise required by
applicable law or regulation, by issuing a press release. During any extension
of the Exchange Offer, all shares of $3.50
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
Convertible Preferred Stock previously tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer
and not withdrawn will remain subject to the Exchange Offer.
 
  The Company expressly reserves the right to (i) amend or modify the terms of
the Exchange Offer in any manner, including (without limitation) the form of
the consideration or the formula for calculating the amount of the
consideration to be paid pursuant to the Exchange Offer and (ii) withdraw or
terminate the Exchange Offer and not accept for exchange any shares of $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock, at any time for any reason, including (without
limitation) if fewer than 4,000,000 shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred
Stock are tendered (which condition may be waived by the Company). If the
Company makes a material change in the terms of the Exchange Offer or if it
waives a material condition of the Exchange Offer, the Company will extend the
Exchange Offer. The minimum period for which the Exchange Offer will be
extended following a material change or waiver, other than a change in the
percentage of the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock being sought for exchange
or in the consideration offered, will depend upon the facts and circumstances,
including the relative materiality of the change or waiver. With respect to a
change in the percentage of the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock being sought
or in the consideration offered, the Exchange Offer will be extended for a
minimum of ten business days following public announcement of such change. Any
withdrawal or termination of the Exchange Offer will be followed as promptly
as practicable by public announcement thereof. In the event the Trust
withdraws or terminates the Exchange Offer, it will give immediate notice to
the Exchange Agent, and all shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock
theretofore tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be returned promptly
to the tendering Holders thereof. See "--Withdrawal of Tenders".
 
ACCUMULATED DISTRIBUTIONS ON TRUST CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES AND
DIVIDENDS ON $3.50 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
   
  The Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will accumulate distributions at
an annual rate of 6 1/4% from and including the Expiration Date. Dividends
accumulated on the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock after July 15, 1996 will
not be paid in cash on shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock accepted
for exchange in the Exchange Offer, but such accumulated and unpaid dividends
will be accounted for in determining the number of shares of Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities exchanged for each share of $3.50 Convertible Preferred
Stock.     
 
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING
 
  The tender of shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock by a Holder
thereof pursuant to one of the procedures set forth below will constitute an
agreement between such Holder and the Company in accordance with the terms and
subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the Letter of Transmittal.
 
  Each Holder of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock wishing to accept the
Exchange Offer must (i) properly complete and sign the Letter of Transmittal
or a facsimile thereof (all references in this Prospectus to the Letter of
Transmittal shall be deemed to include a facsimile thereof) in accordance with
the instructions contained herein and therein, together with any required
signature guarantees, and deliver the same to the Exchange Agent, at either of
its addresses set forth in "--Exchange Agent and Information Agent" and either
(a) certificates for the shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock held by
such Holder must be received by the Exchange Agent at either of such addresses
or (b) such shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock must be transferred
pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer described below and a
confirmation of such book-entry transfer must be received by the Exchange
Agent, in each case prior to the Expiration Date, or (ii) comply with the
guaranteed delivery procedures described below.
 
  LETTERS OF TRANSMITTAL, $3.50 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK, AND ANY OTHER
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE SENT ONLY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT, NOT TO THE
COMPANY, THE TRUST, THE DEALER MANAGERS, OR THE INFORMATION AGENT.
 
  Signature Guarantees. If tendered shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred
Stock are registered in the name of the signer of the Letter of Transmittal
and the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities to be issued in exchange
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
therefor are to be issued (and any untendered shares of $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock are to be reissued) in the name of the registered Holder
(which term, for the purposes described herein, shall include any participant
in DTC whose name appears on a security listing as the owner of the $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock), the signature of such signer need not be
guaranteed. If the tendered shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock are
registered in the name of someone other than the signer of the Letter of
Transmittal, such tendered shares must be endorsed or accompanied by written
instruments of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and duly executed
by the registered Holder, and the signature on the endorsement or instrument
of transfer must be guaranteed by a financial institution (including most
banks, savings and loan associations, and brokerage houses) that is a
participant in the Security Transfer Agents Medallion Program or The New York
Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Guarantee Program or the Stock Exchange
Medallion Program (any of the foregoing hereinafter referred to as an
"Eligible Institution"). If the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities and/or
$3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock not exchanged are to be delivered to an
address other than that of the registered Holder appearing on the register for
the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock, the signature in the Letter of
Transmittal must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution. Any beneficial
owner whose shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock are registered in the
name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company, or other nominee and
who wishes to tender should contact such registered Holder promptly and
instruct such registered Holder to tender on such beneficial owner's behalf.
If such beneficial owner wishes to tender on its own behalf, such owner must,
prior to completing and executing a Letter of Transmittal and delivering its
shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock, either make appropriate
arrangements to register the ownership of such shares in such owner's name or
obtain a properly completed stock power from the registered Holder. The
transfer of registered ownership may take considerable time and may not be
able to be completed prior to the Expiration Date.
 
  THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF $3.50 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND ALL OTHER
DOCUMENTS IS AT THE ELECTION AND RISK OF THE HOLDER. IF SENT BY MAIL, IT IS
RECOMMENDED THAT REGISTERED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, BE USED, PRIOR
INSURANCE OBTAINED, AND THE MAILING BE MADE SUFFICIENTLY IN ADVANCE OF THE
EXPIRATION DATE TO PERMIT DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT ON OR BEFORE THE
EXPIRATION DATE.
 
  Book-Entry Transfer. The Company understands that the Exchange Agent will
make a request promptly after the date of this Prospectus to establish
accounts with respect to the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock at DTC for the
purpose of facilitating the Exchange Offer, and subject to the establishment
thereof, any financial institution that is a participant in DTC's system may
make book-entry delivery of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock by causing DTC
to transfer such $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock into the Exchange Agent's
account with respect to the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock in accordance
with DTC's Automated Tender Offer Program ("ATOP") procedures for such book-
entry transfers. However, the exchange for shares of $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock so tendered will only be made after timely confirmation (a
"Book-Entry Confirmation") of such Book-Entry Transfer of shares of $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock into the Exchange Agent's account, and timely
receipt by the Exchange Agent of an Agent's Message (as such term is defined
in the next sentence) and any other documents required by the Letter of
Transmittal. The term "Agent's Message" means a message, transmitted by DTC
and received by the Exchange Agent and forming a part of a Book-Entry
Confirmation, which states that DTC has received an express acknowledgement
from a participant tendering shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock that
is the subject of such Book-Entry Confirmation that such participant has
received and agrees to be bound by the terms of the Letter of Transmittal, and
that the Trust may enforce such agreement against such participant. See "Book-
Entry System--The Depository Trust Company".
 
  Guaranteed Delivery. If a Holder desires to accept the Exchange Offer and
time will not permit a Letter of Transmittal or shares of $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock to reach the Exchange Agent before the Expiration Date or the
procedure for book- entry transfer cannot be completed on a timely basis, a
tender may be effected if the Exchange Agent has received at its office, prior
to the Expiration Date, a letter, a telegram, or facsimile transmission from
an Eligible Institution setting forth the name and address of the tendering
Holder, the name(s)
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
in which the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock is registered and, if the $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock is held in certificated form, the certificate
number of the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock to be tendered, and stating
that the tender is being made thereby and guaranteeing that within three
trading days after the date of execution of such letter, telegram, or
facsimile transmission by the Eligible Institution, the $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock, in proper form for transfer together with a properly
completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (and any other required
documents), or a confirmation of book-entry transfer of such $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock into the Exchange Agent's account at DTC, will be delivered by
such Eligible Institution. Unless the shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred
Stock being tendered by the above-described method are deposited with the
Exchange Agent within the time period set forth above (accompanied or preceded
by a properly completed Letter of Transmittal and any other required
documents) or a confirmation of book-entry transfer of such $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock into the Exchange Agent's account at DTC in accordance with
DTC's ATOP procedures is received, the Company may, at its option, reject the
tender. Copies of a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery which may be used by
Eligible Institutions for the purposes described in this paragraph are
available from the Exchange Agent and the Information Agent.
 
  Miscellaneous. All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility
(including time of receipt), and acceptance for exchange of any tender of
shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock will be determined by the Company,
whose determination will be final and binding. The Company reserves the
absolute right to reject any or all tenders not in proper form or the
acceptance for exchange of which may, in the opinion of the Company's counsel,
be unlawful. The Company also reserves the absolute right to waive any defect
or irregularity in the tender of any shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred
Stock, and the Company's interpretation of the terms and conditions of the
Exchange Offer (including the instructions in the Letter of Transmittal) will
be final and binding. None of the Company, the Exchange Agent, the Dealer
Managers, the Information Agent, or any other person will be under any duty to
give notification of any defects or irregularities in tenders or incur any
liability for failure to give any such notification.
 
  Tenders of shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock involving any
irregularities will not be deemed to have been made until such irregularities
have been cured or waived. Shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock
received by the Exchange Agent that are not validly tendered and as to which
the irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned by the
Exchange Agent to the tendering Holder (or in the case of shares of $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock tendered by book-entry transfer into the Exchange
Agent's account at DTC, such shares will be credited to an account maintained
at DTC designated by the participant therein who so delivered such shares),
unless otherwise requested by the Holder in the Letter of Transmittal, as
promptly as practicable after the Expiration Date or the withdrawal or
termination of the Exchange Offer.
 
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
 
  The Letter of Transmittal contains, among other things, the following terms
and conditions, which are part of the Exchange Offer.
 
  The party tendering shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock for exchange
(the "Transferor") exchanges, assigns, and transfers such shares to the
Company and irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Exchange Agent as the
Transferor's agent and attorney-in-fact to cause such shares to be assigned,
transferred, and exchanged. The Transferor represents and warrants that it has
full power and authority to tender, exchange, assign, and transfer the shares
of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock and to acquire Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities issuable upon the exchange of such tendered shares, and
that, when the same are accepted for exchange, the Company will acquire good
and unencumbered title to the tendered shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred
Stock, free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges, and encumbrances
and not subject to any adverse claim. The Transferor also warrants that it
will, upon request, execute, and deliver any additional documents deemed by
the Company to be necessary or desirable to complete the exchange, assignment,
and transfer of tendered shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock or
transfer ownership of such shares on the account books maintained by DTC. All
authority conferred by the Transferor will survive the death, bankruptcy, or
incapacity of the Transferor, and every obligation of the Transferor shall be
binding upon the heirs, legal representatives, successors, assigns, executors,
and administrators of such Transferor.
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
WITHDRAWAL OF TENDERS
 
  Tenders of shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock pursuant to the
Exchange Offer may be withdrawn at any time prior to the Expiration Date and,
unless accepted for exchange by the Company, may be withdrawn at any time
after 40 business days after the date of this Prospectus.
 
  To be effective, a written notice of withdrawal delivered by mail, hand
delivery, or facsimile transmission must be timely received by the Exchange
Agent at the address set forth in the Letter of Transmittal. The method of
notification is at the risk and election of the Holder. Any such notice of
withdrawal must specify (i) the Holder named in the Letter of Transmittal as
having tendered shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock to be withdrawn,
(ii) if shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock are held in certificated
form, the certificate numbers of such shares to be withdrawn, (iii) that such
Holder is withdrawing his election to have such shares exchanged, and (iv) the
name of the registered Holder of such shares, and must be signed by the Holder
in the same manner as the original signature on the Letter of Transmittal
(including any required signature guarantees) or be accompanied by evidence
satisfactory to the Company that the person withdrawing the tender has
succeeded to the beneficial ownership of the shares of $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock being withdrawn. The Exchange Agent will return the properly
withdrawn shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock promptly following
receipt of notice of withdrawal. If shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred
Stock have been tendered pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer,
any notice of withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at
DTC to be credited with the withdrawn shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred
Stock and otherwise comply with DTC's procedures. All questions as to the
validity of notice of withdrawal, including time of receipt, will be
determined by the Company, and such determination will be final and binding on
all parties. Withdrawals of tenders of shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred
Stock may not be rescinded and any shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock
withdrawn will thereafter be deemed not validly tendered for purposes of the
Exchange Offer. Properly withdrawn shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred
Stock, however, may be retendered by following the procedures therefor
described elsewhere herein at any time prior to the Expiration Date. See "--
Procedures for Tendering".
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
EXCHANGE AGENT AND INFORMATION AGENT
 
  The Bank of New York has been appointed as Exchange Agent for the Exchange
Offer. Deliveries to the Exchange Agent should be as follows:
 
                              THE EXCHANGE AGENT:
 
                             THE BANK OF NEW YORK
 
                         By Hand or Overnight Courier:
 
                             The Bank of New York
                          101 Barclay Street (7 East)
                            Reorganization Section
                        Corporate Trust Services Window
                           New York, New York 10286
                           Attention: George Johnson
 
                                   By Mail:
 
                             The Bank of New York
                          101 Barclay Street (7 East)
                            Reorganization Section
                           New York, New York 10286
                           Attention: George Johnson
 
                           By Facsimile Transmission
                       (For Eligible Institutions Only):
 
                                (212) 571-3080
 
               Confirm Receipt of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery
                                 by Telephone:
 
                                (212) 815-4997
 
  D.F. King & Co., Inc. has been retained to act as Information Agent.
Questions and requests for assistance regarding the Exchange Offer, requests
for additional copies of this Prospectus or of the Letter of Transmittal and
requests for Notice of Guaranteed Delivery may be directed to the Information
Agent at 77 Water Street, New York, New York 10005, telephone (800) 848-3051
or (212) 269-5550 (collect).
 
  The Company will pay the Exchange Agent and Information Agent reasonable and
customary fees for their services and will reimburse them for all their
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection therewith.
 
DEALER MANAGERS
 
  Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Goldman, Sachs & Co., as Dealer
Managers, have agreed to solicit exchanges of shares of $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock. The Company will pay the Dealer Managers a fee of 5/8% of the
aggregate redemption price for the shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock
as of the Exchange Amount Determination Date, plus accumulated and unpaid
dividends thereon to but excluding the Expiration Date, validly tendered and
accepted for exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer. Additional solicitation
may be made by telecopier, by telephone, or in person by officers and regular
employees of the Company and its affiliates. No additional compensation will
be paid to any such officers and employees who engage in soliciting tenders.
 
  Each of the Dealer Managers engage in transactions with, and from time to
time have performed services for, the Company.
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
TRADING OF TRUST CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES AND $3.50 CONVERTIBLE
PREFERRED STOCK
 
  There has not been any public market for the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities. There can be no assurance that an active market for the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities will develop or, if developed, be sustained
in the future. Although the Dealer Managers have indicated to the Company and
the Trust that they intend to make a market in the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities, they are not obligated to do so and may discontinue any such
market-making at any time without notice. Accordingly, no assurance can be
given as to the liquidity of, or trading markets for, the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities.
 
  There is no established public trading market for the $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock. The shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock, and the
underlying shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof, have not
been and will not be registered under the Securities Act. The shares of $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock, and the underlying shares of Common Stock
issuable upon conversion thereof, are freely tradeable unless held by
affiliates of the Company. Holders of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock who do
not tender their shares $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock in the Exchange
Offer or whose shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock are not accepted
for exchange will continue to hold such shares and will be entitled to all the
rights and preferences, and will be subject to all of the limitations
applicable thereto. To the extent that shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred
Stock are tendered and accepted in the Exchange Offer, the liquidity and
trading market for the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding following
the Exchange Offer, and the terms upon which such $3.50 Convertible Preferred
Stock could be sold, could be adversely affected.
 
TRANSACTIONS AND ARRANGEMENTS CONCERNING THE $3.50 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
  Except as described herein, there are no contracts, arrangements,
understandings, or relationships in connection with the Exchange Offer between
the Company or any of its directors or executive officers, the Trust or any of
the Trustees, and any person with respect to any securities of the Company or
the Trust, including the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities, the
Convertible Debentures, the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock, and the Common
Stock issuable upon conversion thereof.
 
FEES AND EXPENSES; TRANSFER TAXES
   
  The expenses of soliciting tenders of shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred
Stock will be borne by the Company. For compensation to be paid to the Dealer
Managers, see "--Dealer Managers". The total cash expenditures to be incurred
by the Company in connection with the Exchange Offer, other than fees payable
to the Dealer Managers, but including the expenses of the Dealer Managers and
the Trust, printing, accounting, and legal fees, and the fees and expenses of
the Exchange Agent, the Information Agent, the trustees under the Indenture,
the Guarantee, and the Trust, are estimated to be approximately $1.3 million.
    
  Holders of shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock accepted in the
Exchange Offer are responsible for paying any transfer taxes in connection
with such exchange. If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes or
exemption therefrom is not submitted with the Letter of Transmittal, the
amount of such transfer taxes will be billed directly to such tendering
Holder.
 
                             UNOCAL CAPITAL TRUST
 
  The Trust is a statutory business trust formed under Delaware law pursuant
to (i) a declaration of trust, dated as of July 17, 1996, executed by the
Company, as sponsor, and the trustees of the Trust (the "Trustees") and (ii)
the filing of a certificate of trust with the Secretary of State of Delaware
on July 17, 1996. Such declaration will be amended and restated in its
entirety (as so amended and restated, the "Declaration") substantially in the
form filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this
Prospectus is a part. The Declaration will be qualified as an indenture under
the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Trust Indenture Act"). The
Company will initially acquire all of the Trust Securities and will offer the
Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
to the Holders of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock in the Exchange Offer.
Immediately after consummation of the Exchange Offer, former Holders of $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock will own all of the issued and outstanding Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities and the Company will own all of the issued
and outstanding Trust Common Securities. The Trust Common Securities will have
an aggregate liquidation amount equal to no less than 1% of the total capital
of the Trust. The Trust exists for the sole purposes and functions of (a)
issuing its Trust Securities in exchange for Convertible Debentures having an
aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of the
Trust Securities and (b) engaging in only those other activities as are
necessary or incidental thereto. The Company will pay all fees and expenses
related to the Trust and the offering of the Trust Securities.
 
  Pursuant to the Declaration, the number of Trustees will initially be five.
Three of the Trustees (the "Regular Trustees") must be persons who are
employees or officers of the Company. The fourth Trustee must be an entity
permitted by the Commission to act as an institutional trustee under the Trust
Indenture Act, unaffiliated with the Company and with a combined capital and
surplus of at least $50 million, which will serve as indenture trustee under
the Declaration for the purpose of compliance with the Trust Indenture Act
(the "Institutional Trustee"). Initially, The Bank of New York, a banking
corporation, will be the Institutional Trustee until it resigns or is removed
by the Company. The fifth Trustee must be a resident of Delaware or an entity
that maintains its principal place of business in the state of Delaware (the
"Delaware Trustee"). Initially, The Bank of New York (Delaware), an affiliate
of the Institutional Trustee, will be the Delaware Trustee until it resigns or
is removed by the Company. The Company, as the holder of the Trust Common
Securities, will have the right to appoint or remove any Trustee and to
increase or decrease the number of Trustees (but not below two Trustees).
 
  The Institutional Trustee will hold title to the Convertible Debentures for
the benefit of the holders of the Trust Securities and will have the power to
exercise all rights, powers, and privileges as the holder of the Convertible
Debentures under the Indenture. In addition, the Institutional Trustee will
maintain exclusive control of a segregated non-interest bearing trust account
(the "Institutional Trustee Account") into which it will deposit all payments
of funds received in respect of the Convertible Debentures for the benefit of
the holders of the Trust Securities. The Institutional Trustee will make
payments of distributions and payments on liquidation, redemption, and
otherwise to the holders of the Trust Securities out of funds from the
Institutional Trustee Account. Trust and Trustee expenses are not paid from
funds in the Institutional Trustee Account, but are paid by the Company
pursuant to the Indenture. See "Description of the Convertible Debentures--
Miscellaneous".
   
  For the purpose of compliance with the Trust Indenture Act, The Bank of New
York will also act as the Guarantee Trustee and as Debenture Trustee (as
defined herein) under the Indenture (as defined herein). The Bank of New York
is currently the trustee under two indentures under which debt securities in
an aggregate principal amount of approximately $1.8 billion, maturing from
August 1996 to March 2011, have been issued by Union Oil and guaranteed by the
Company. The Bank of New York is a participating lender under two of the
Company's bank credit agreements, pursuant to which it has committed to lend
to Union Oil and other subsidiaries of the Company, subject to guarantees by
the Company, an aggregate of approximately $80 million, none of which is
outstanding as of August 6, 1996. The guarantees by the Company under the
indentures and bank credit agreements described above are Senior Indebtedness
(as defined herein). The Company and its subsidiaries may in the future enter
into other relationships with The Bank of New York.     
 
  The foregoing summary of the material terms and provisions of the
Declaration is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the
Declaration, a copy of which is filed as an exhibit to the Registation
Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, the Delaware Trust Act, and the
Trust Indenture Act.
 
  The business address of the Trust is 2141 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 4000, El
Segundo, California 90245, and its telephone number at that address is (310)
726-7600.
 
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
           DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES
 
  The Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will be issued pursuant to the
terms of the Declaration. The Declaration will be qualified as an indenture
under the Trust Indenture Act. The Institutional Trustee, The Bank of New
York, will act as indenture trustee for the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities under the Declaration for purposes of compliance with the Trust
Indenture Act. The terms of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities and the
rights of the holders thereof, will include those stated in the Declaration,
those made part of the Declaration by the Trust Indenture Act, and those set
forth in the Delaware Trust Act. The following summary of the material terms
and provisions of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities and the rights of
the holders thereof, is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference
to, the Declaration, a copy of which is filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, the Trust Indenture
Act, and the Delaware Trust Act.
 
GENERAL
 
  The Declaration authorizes the Regular Trustees to issue on behalf of the
Trust the Trust Securities, which represent undivided beneficial interests in
the assets of the Trust. All of the Trust Common Securities will be owned,
directly or indirectly, by the Company. The Trust Common Securities will rank
pari passu, and payments will be made thereon on a pro rata basis, with the
Trust Convertible Preferred Securities, except that upon the occurrence and
during the continuance of a Declaration Event of Default (as defined herein),
the rights of the holders of the Trust Common Securities to receive payment of
periodic distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption, and
otherwise will be subordinated to the rights of the holders of the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities. The Declaration does not permit the issuance
by the Trust of any securities other than the Trust Securities or the
incurrence of any indebtedness by the Trust. Pursuant to the Declaration, the
Institutional Trustee will hold the Convertible Debentures for the benefit of
the holders of the Trust Securities. The payment of distributions out of money
held by the Trust, and payments upon redemption of the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities or liquidation of the Trust, will be guaranteed by the
Company to the extent described under "Description of the Guarantee". The
Guarantee will be held by The Bank of New York, the Guarantee Trustee, for the
benefit of the holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities. The
Guarantee will not cover payment of distributions when the Trust does not have
sufficient available funds to pay such distributions. In such event, the
remedy of a holder of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities would be to vote
to direct the Institutional Trustee to enforce the Institutional Trustee's
rights under the Convertible Debentures except in the limited circumstances in
which the holder may take Direct Action (as defined herein). See "--
Declaration Events of Default" and "--Voting Rights".
 
DISTRIBUTIONS
   
  Distributions on the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will be fixed at
a rate per annum of 6 1/4% of the liquidation amount of the securities.
Distributions not paid on the regularly scheduled payment date therefor will
accumulate interest thereon at the distribution rate, compounded quarterly, to
the extent permitted by law. The term "distribution" as used herein includes
any such interest payable unless otherwise stated. The amount of distributions
payable for any full quarterly distribution period will be computed on the
basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. The amount of distributions
payable for any period shorter than a full quarterly distribution period for
which distributions are computed, will be computed on the basis of a 30-day
month and, for periods of less than a month, the actual number of days elapsed
per 30-day month.     
 
  Distributions on the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will be
cumulative, will accumulate from and including the Expiration Date, and will
be payable quarterly in arrears on March 1, June 1, September 1, and December
1 of each year, commencing December 1, 1996, when, as and if funds are
available for payment. Distributions will be made by the Institutional
Trustee, except as otherwise described below.
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
   
  So long as the Company is not in default in the payment of interest on the
Convertible Debentures, the Company will have the right under the Indenture at
any time, and from time to time, to defer payments of interest by extending
the interest payment period on the Convertible Debentures, during which
Extension Period no interest will be due and payable on the Convertible
Debentures. As a consequence of such deferral, quarterly distributions on the
Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will also be deferred, although such
deferred distributions would accumulate with interest thereon, to the extent
permitted by law, at the distribution rate, compounded quarterly, during any
such Extension Period. Such right to extend the interest payment period for
the Convertible Debentures will be limited to a period not exceeding 20
consecutive quarters and such period may not extend beyond the maturity of the
Convertible Debentures. If the Company exercises this right, then during such
Extension Period (a) the Company shall not declare or pay any dividend on,
make any distributions with respect to, or redeem, purchase, acquire, or make
a liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital stock (other than
(i) purchases or acquisitions of shares of capital stock in connection with
any employee benefit plan or program, director plan or program, dividend
reinvestment, stock repurchase, or other similar plans available to
stockholders of the Company, or any option, warrant, right, or exercisable,
exchangeable, or convertible security outstanding as of the Expiration Date,
(ii) as a result of a reclassification of the Company's capital stock pursuant
to the exchange or conversion provisions of the Company's capital stock or the
exchange or conversion of one class or series of the Company's capital stock
for another class or series of the Company's capital stock or the capital
securities of a subsidiary (including a trust such as the Trust), or (iii) the
purchase of fractional interests in shares of the Company's capital stock
pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of such capital stock or
security being converted or exchanged), and (b) the Company shall not make any
payment of interest, principal or premium, if any, on, or repay, repurchase,
or redeem or make any guarantee payment (other than pursuant to the Guarantee)
with respect to any debt securities issued by the Company that rank pari passu
with or junior to the Convertible Debentures. Prior to the termination of any
such Extension Period, the Company may further extend the Extension Period;
provided, that such Extension Period, together with all such previous and
further extensions, may not exceed 20 consecutive quarters or extend beyond
the maturity of the Convertible Debentures. Upon the termination of any
Extension Period and the payment of all interest accrued and unpaid on the
Convertible Debentures, the Company may commence a new Extension Period,
subject to the above requirements. See "Description of the Convertible
Debentures--Interest" and "--Option to Extend Interest Payment Period". If
distributions are deferred, the accumulated distributions (including accrued
interest thereon) will be paid to holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities as they appear on the books and records of the Trust on the first
record date following the termination of the Extension Period. The Company has
no present intention of exercising its rights to defer payments by extending
the interest payment period on the Convertible Debentures.     
 
  Distributions on the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities must be paid on
the dates on which they are payable only to the extent that the Trust has
funds available for the payment of such distributions. The Trust's funds
available for distribution to the holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities will be limited to payments received from the Company on the
Convertible Debentures. See "Description of the Convertible Debentures". The
payment of distributions out of moneys held by the Trust will be guaranteed by
the Company to the extent set forth under "Description of the Guarantee".
 
  Distributions on the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will be payable
to the holders thereof as they appear on the books and records of the Trust on
the relevant record dates, which, as long as the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities remain in book-entry only form, will be one Business Day (as
defined below) prior to the relevant payment dates. Such distributions will be
paid through the Institutional Trustee who will hold amounts received in
respect of the Convertible Debentures for the benefit of the holders of the
Trust Securities. Subject to any applicable laws and regulations and the
provisions of the Declaration and the Indenture, distributions may, at the
Company's option, be paid either (i) by check mailed to the address of the
person entitled thereto as it appears in the register or (ii) by transfer to
an account maintained by such person located in the United States; provided,
however, that payments to DTC will be made by wire transfer of immediately
available funds to the account of DTC or its nominee. See "Book-Entry System--
The Depository Trust Company". If the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
do not continue to remain in book-entry only form, the Regular Trustees shall
have the right to select record dates, which shall conform to the rules of any
securities exchange or other
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
organization on which the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities are listed or
quoted and shall be at least one Business Day prior to the relevant payment
dates. If any date on which distributions are payable on the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities is not a Business Day, then payment of the distributions
payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day that is a
Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any such
delay), except that, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar
year, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in
each case with the same force and effect as if made on such payment date. A
"Business Day" means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or any other day
on which banking institutions in New York City or Los Angeles, California are
permitted or required by any applicable law to close.
 
CONVERSION RIGHTS
   
  General. The Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will be convertible at
any time beginning 90 days following the first date of issuance of any Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities and prior to the close of business on
September 1, 2026 (or, in the case of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
called for redemption, prior to the close of business on the Business Day
prior to the date of redemption (the "Redemption Date")), at the option of the
holder thereof and in the manner described below, into shares of Common Stock
at an initial conversion ratio equal to that number of shares of Common Stock
determined by dividing the liquidation amount of $50 per security by the
conversion price. The initial conversion price will be equal to the product of
1.24 times the Market Value of a share of Common Stock and will be subject to
adjustment as described under "--Conversion Provision Adjustments-General,"
"--Conversion Provision Adjustments-Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets of
the Company," and "--Certain Other Adjustments" below. Prior to the earliest
of the Distribution Date (as defined herein), the date on which all Rights are
redeemed, or January 29, 2000, whenever the Company issues shares of the
Common Stock upon conversion of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities,
the Company will issue, together with each such share of the Common Stock, one
Right (as defined herein) entitling the holder thereof, under certain
circumstances, to purchase one one-hundredth of a share of the Series A
Preferred Stock (as defined herein) pursuant to, and upon the terms of, the
Rights Plan. See "Description of the Common Stock--Rights to Purchase Series A
Preferred Stock".     
   
  The terms of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities provide that a
holder of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities wishing to exercise its
conversion right shall deliver an irrevocable conversion request (and, if such
Trust Convertible Preferred Securities are certificated, the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities certificate(s), duly endorsed or assigned to the Trust in
blank) to the Institutional Trustee, as conversion agent (the "Conversion
Agent"), directing the Conversion Agent, on behalf of such holder, to exchange
such Trust Convertible Preferred Securities for a portion of the Convertible
Debentures and immediately convert such Convertible Debentures into Common
Stock. Holders may obtain copies of the required form of the conversion
request from the Conversion Agent. So long as a book-entry system for the
Trust Convertible Preferred Securities is in effect, however, procedures for
converting the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities into shares of Common
Stock will differ, as described under "Book-Entry System--The Depository Trust
Company".     
   
  Accumulated distributions will not be paid in cash on the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities that are converted nor will such accumulated
distributions be converted into additional shares of Common Stock, but such
accumulated distributions will be deemed to be paid in full and then returned
by the holder to the Company as partial consideration for the Common Stock
received on conversion. If any Trust Convertible Preferred Securities are
converted into shares of Common Stock during the period from (but excluding) a
record date to (and including) the next succeeding distribution payment date,
then either (i) if such Trust Convertible Preferred Securities have been
called for redemption on a redemption date that occurs during such period, or
are to be redeemed in connection with a Special Event which occurs during such
period, the Company shall not be required to pay a distribution on such
distribution payment date in respect of such Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities or (ii) if otherwise converted during such period, such Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities shall be accompanied by funds equal to the
distributions payable on such succeeding distribution payment date on the
liquidation amount so converted. The Company may not redeem any Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities unless all accumulated and unpaid
distributions have been paid on all outstanding Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities for all quarterly distribution payment periods terminating on or
prior to the last distribution payment     
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
date before the date of redemption. Since the Company is required to pay all
accumulated and unpaid distributions, other than for the current quarter, prior
to redeeming the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities, holders choosing to
convert their Trust Convertible Preferred Securities in order to avoid such
redemption will, at most, forego actual receipt of a cash distribution payment
only for the current quarter. The Company will make no payment or allowance for
distributions on the shares of Common Stock issued upon such conversion, except
to the extent that such shares of Common Stock are held of record on the record
date for any such distributions.
 
  No fractional shares of Common Stock will be issued as a result of
conversion, but cash will be paid by the Company in lieu thereof based on the
market price of the Common Stock on the date such Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities are converted.
   
  Conversion Provision Adjustments--General. The conversion price for the
Convertible Debentures (and thus the conversion price of the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities) will be subject to adjustment in certain events,
including (a) the issuance of shares of Common Stock as a dividend or a
distribution with respect to the Common Stock, (b) subdivisions, combinations,
and reclassification of the Common Stock, (c) the issuance to all holders of
the Common Stock of certain rights or warrants entitling them to subscribe for
shares of Common Stock at less than the average of the closing prices of the
Common Stock during the ten trading days immediately prior to such issuance,
(d) the distribution to all holders of the Common Stock of capital stock (other
than the Common Stock), evidences of indebtedness of the Company, assets or
rights or warrants to subscribe for any of its securities (excluding certain
distributions described elsewhere in this paragraph), (e) the distribution of
cash to all holders of the Common Stock, excluding distributions in connection
with the liquidation, dissolution, or winding-up of the Company, and excluding
any quarterly cash dividend on the Common Stock to the extent that the
aggregate cash dividend per share of the Common Stock in any quarter does not
exceed the greater of (i) the amount per share of the next preceding quarterly
dividend on the Common Stock to the extent that such preceding quarterly
dividend did not require an adjustment of the conversion price pursuant to this
clause (e) (as adjusted to reflect subdivisions or combinations of the Common
Stock), and (ii) 3.75% of the average of the closing prices of the Common Stock
during the ten trading days immediately prior to the declaration of such
dividend, (f) payment in respect of a tender or exchange offer by the Company
or a subsidiary thereof for the Common Stock (other than an odd-lot tender
offer) at a price in excess of the closing price of the Common Stock as of the
trading day next succeeding the last date tenders or exchanges thereunder may
be made, and (g) payment in respect of a tender or exchange offer by a person
other than the Company or a subsidiary thereof for the Common Stock at a price
in excess of the closing price of the Common Stock as of the trading day next
succeeding the last date tenders or exchanges thereunder may be made. The
adjustment referred to in clause (g) above will only be made if the Board is
not recommending rejection of the tender offer or exchange offer and if such
offer is made for an amount that increases the offeror's ownership of the
Common Stock to more than 25% of the total shares of Common Stock outstanding.
The adjustment referred to in clause (g) above will not be made, however, if as
of the close of the offer, the offering documents with respect to such offer
disclose a plan or an intention to cause the Company to engage in a
consolidation or merger or a sale of all or substantially all of the Company's
assets. Any determinations by the Board pursuant to these general conversion
provision adjustments shall be determined in good faith by the Board, whose
determination shall be conclusive and described in a Board resolution.     
 
  In the event that the Rights are separated from the Common Stock in
accordance with the provisions of the Rights Plan such that the holders of
Trust Convertible Preferred Securities would thereafter not be entitled to
receive any such Rights in respect to the Common Stock issuable upon conversion
of such Trust Convertible Preferred Securities, the conversion price of the
Convertible Debentures (and thus the conversion price of the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities) will be adjusted as provided in clause (d) of the
preceding paragraph (subject to readjustment in the event of the expiration,
termination, or redemption of the Rights). In lieu of any such adjustment, the
Company may amend the Rights Plan to provide that upon conversion of the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities the holders thereof will receive, in addition
to the Common Stock issuable upon such conversion, the Rights which would have
attached to such shares of Common Stock if the Rights had not become separated
from the Common Stock pursuant to the provisions of the Rights Plan. See
"Description of the Common Stock--Rights to Purchase Series A Preferred Stock".
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
 
  The Company from time to time may reduce the conversion price of the
Convertible Debentures (and thus the conversion price of the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities) by any amount selected by the Company for any period of
at least 20 days, in which case the Company shall give at least 15 days'
notice of such reduction. The Company may make such reductions in the
conversion price, in addition to those set forth above, as the Board considers
advisable to avoid or diminish any income tax to holders of the Common Stock
resulting from any dividend or distribution of stock (or rights to acquire
stock) or from any event treated as such for income tax purposes. See "Certain
Federal Income Tax Considerations--Conversion Adjustment".
 
  No adjustment of the conversion price will be made upon the issuance of any
shares of Common Stock pursuant to (a) any present or future plan providing
for the reinvestment of dividends or interest payable on securities of the
Company and the investment of optional amounts in shares of Common Stock under
any such plan, (b) the issuance of shares of Common Stock, or options or
rights to purchase such shares, pursuant to any present or future employee
benefit plan or program, or director plan or program, or (c) pursuant to any
option, warrant, right, or excercisable, exchangeable, or convertible security
outstanding as of the Expiration Date. No adjustment in the conversion price
will be required unless such adjustment would require a change of at least one
percent (1%) in the conversion price then in effect; provided, however, that
any adjustment that would not be required to be made shall be carried forward
and taken into account in determining whether any subsequent adjustment is
required. If any action would require adjustment of the conversion price
pursuant to more than one of the provisions described above, only one
adjustment shall be made and such adjustment shall be the amount of adjustment
that has the highest absolute value to the holder of the Convertible
Debentures (and therefore the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities).
   
  In the event that the provisions described herein specifying the methods by
which the conversion price or other provisions are adjusted, including those
described in "--Conversion Provision Adjustments--Merger, Consolidation or
Sale of Assets of the Company" and "--Certain Other Adjustments," would
require an adjustment that is determined in good faith by the Board to be
inconsistent with the purposes of the provisions hereof providing for
conversion price adjustment (generally, to place the holders of the
Convertible Debentures and the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities in a
position equivalent to the position they were in prior to the event requiring
an adjustment to the conversion price or other provisions), the Board may make
an adjustment (in lieu of that required pursuant to the above provisions) that
it determines in good faith to place the holders of the Convertible Debentures
and the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities in a position at least
equivalent to the position they were in prior to such event, which
determination shall be described in a resolution of the Board.     
   
  Conversion Provision Adjustments--Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets of
the Company. If the Company is a party to (i) any recapitalization or
reclassification of shares of Common Stock (other than a change in par value
or a change resulting from a subdivision or combination), (ii) any
consolidation or merger of the Company (other than a merger that does not
result in a reclassification, conversion, exchange, or cancellation of the
Common Stock), (iii) any sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the
assets of the Company, (iv) any compulsory share exchange, or (v) any other
transaction, in any such case pursuant to which the Common Stock is converted
solely into the right to receive other securities, cash or other property,
then lawful provision shall be made so that the holder of each Convertible
Debenture (and thus, Trust Convertible Preferred Security) then outstanding
will have the right thereafter to convert such Convertible Debenture only
into:     
     
    (x) in the case of any such transaction that does not constitute a Common
  Stock Fundamental Change (as defined below) and subject to funds being
  legally available for such purpose under applicable law at the time of such
  conversion, the kind and amount of the securities, cash and other property
  that would have been receivable upon such recapitalization,
  reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer, or share exchange
  by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon
  conversion of such Trust Convertible Preferred Security immediately prior
  to such recapitalization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale,
  transfer, or share exchange, after giving effect, in the case of any
  transaction that is a Non-Stock Fundamental Change (as defined below), to
  any adjustment in the conversion price in accordance with clause (i) of the
  following paragraph, and     
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
     
    (y) in the case of any such transaction that constitutes a Common Stock
  Fundamental Change, common stock of the kind received by holders of the
  Common Stock as a result of such Common Stock Fundamental Change in an
  amount determined in accordance with clause (ii) of the following
  paragraph.     
   
The company formed by such consolidation, or resulting from such merger, or
that acquired such assets or the Company's shares, or is the issuer of the
securities into which the Common Stock was converted into the right to receive
such securities, as the case may be, shall make provisions in its certificate
or articles of incorporation or other constituent document to establish such
right. Such certificate or articles of incorporation or other constituent
document shall provide for adjustments that, for events subsequent to the
effective date of such provision in such certificate or articles of
incorporation or other constituent documents, shall be as nearly equivalent as
may be practicable to the relevant adjustments provided for in the preceding
paragraphs and in this paragraph.     
 
  Notwithstanding any other provision in the preceding paragraphs to the
contrary, if any Fundamental Change (as defined below) occurs, then the
conversion price in effect will be adjusted immediately after such Fundamental
Change as follows:
     
    (i) in the case of a Non-Stock Fundamental Change, the conversion price
  of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities immediately following such
  Non-Stock Fundamental Change shall be the lower of (A) the conversion price
  in effect immediately prior to such Non-Stock Fundamental Change (after
  giving effect to any other prior adjustments effected pursuant to the
  preceding paragraphs) and (B) the product of (1) the greater of the
  Applicable Price (as defined below) and the then applicable Reference
  Market Price (as defined below) and (2) a fraction, the numerator of which
  is the liquidation amount of such Trust Convertible Preferred Security and
  the denominator of which is (x) the amount of the redemption price for one
  Trust Convertible Preferred Security if the redemption date were the date
  of such Non-Stock Fundamental Change (or, for the period through August 31,
  1997, the twelve-month periods commencing September 1, 1997 and September
  1, 1998 and the period from September 1, 1999 to September 3, 2000, the
  product of 106.250%, 105.625%, 105.000% and 104.375%, respectively, times
  the liquidation amount of such Trust Convertible Preferred Security) plus
  (y) any then-accumulated and unpaid distributions on one Trust Convertible
  Preferred Security; and     
 
    (ii) in the case of a Common Stock Fundamental Change, the conversion
  price of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities immediately following
  such Common Stock Fundamental Change will be the conversion price in effect
  immediately prior to such Common Stock Fundamental Change, but after giving
  effect to any other prior adjustments effected pursuant to the preceding
  paragraphs, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the
  Purchaser Stock Price (as defined below) and the denominator of which is
  the Applicable Price, provided, however, that in the event of a Common
  Stock Fundamental Change in which (A) 100% of the value of the
  consideration received by a holder of the Common Stock is common stock of
  the successor, acquiror, or other third party (and cash, if any, paid with
  respect to any fractional interests in such common stock resulting from
  such Common Stock Fundamental Change) and (B) all of the Common Stock shall
  have been exchanged for, converted into or acquired for, common stock of
  the successor, acquiror, or other third party (and any cash with respect to
  fractional interests), the conversion price of the Trust Convertible
  Preferred Securities immediately following such Common Stock Fundamental
  Change shall be the conversion price in effect immediately prior to such
  Common Stock Fundamental Change divided by the number of shares of common
  stock of the successor, acquiror, or other third party received by a holder
  of one share of the Common Stock as a result of such Common Stock
  Fundamental Change.
 
  Depending upon whether a Fundamental Change is a Non-Stock Fundamental Change
or a Common Stock Fundamental Change, a holder may receive significantly
different consideration upon conversion. In the event of a Non-Stock
Fundamental Change, the holder will have the right to convert Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities into the kind and amount of the shares of stock and other
securities or property or assets (including cash), except as otherwise provided
above, as is determined by the number of shares of Common Stock receivable upon
conversion at the conversion price as adjusted in accordance with clause (i) of
the preceding paragraph. However, in the event of a Common Stock Fundamental
Change in which less than 100% of the value of the consideration received by a
holder of the Common Stock is common stock of the successor, acquiror or other
third party, a holder of a Trust Convertible Preferred Security who converts
such security following the
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
 
Common Stock Fundamental Change will receive consideration in the form of such
common stock only, whereas a holder who converted such security prior to the
Common Stock Fundamental Change would have received consideration in the form
of such common stock as well as any other securities or assets (which may
include cash) issuable upon conversion of such Trust Convertible Preferred
Security immediately prior to such Common Stock Fundamental Change.
 
  For purposes of the "Description of the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities," the following terms shall have the designated meanings:
   
  The term "Applicable Price" means (i) in the event of a Non-Stock Fundamental
Change in which the holders of the Common Stock receive only cash, the amount
of cash received by a holder of one share of the Common Stock and (ii) in the
event of any other Fundamental Change, the average of the closing price, of the
Common Stock for the 10 trading days immediately prior to (A) the record date
for the determination of the holders of the Common Stock entitled to receive
cash, securities, property or other assets in connection with such Fundamental
Change or (B), if there is no such record date, the date upon which the holders
of the Common Stock shall have the right to receive such cash, securities,
property or other assets.     
   
  The term "Common Stock Fundamental Change" means any Fundamental Change in
which more than 50% of the value (as determined in good faith by the Board) of
the consideration received by holders of the Common Stock consists of common
stock that, for the 10 trading days immediately prior to such Fundamental
Change, has been admitted for listing or admitted for listing subject to notice
of issuance on a national securities exchange or quoted, or approved for
quotation subject to notice of issuance on The Nasdaq National Market System;
provided, however, that a Fundamental Change shall not be a Common Stock
Fundamental Change unless either (i) the Company continues to exist after the
occurrence of such Fundamental Change and the outstanding Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities continue to exist as outstanding Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities, or (ii) not later than the occurrence of such Fundamental
Change, the outstanding Trust Convertible Preferred Securities are converted
into or exchanged for shares of convertible preferred stock or debentures of a
corporation succeeding to the business of the Company, which convertible
preferred stock has powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional
or other rights, and qualifications, limitations, and restrictions
substantially similar to those of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
and which debentures have terms substantially similar to those of the
Convertible Debentures.     
 
  The term "Fundamental Change" means the occurrence of any transaction or
event or series of transactions or events pursuant to which all or
substantially all of the Common Stock is exchanged for, converted into,
acquired for or constitutes solely the right to receive cash, securities,
property, or other assets (whether by means of an exchange offer, liquidation,
tender offer, consolidation, merger, combination, reclassification,
recapitalization, or otherwise); provided, however, in the case of any such
series of transactions or events, for purposes of adjustment of the conversion
price, a Fundamental Change shall be deemed to have occurred when substantially
all of the Common Stock shall have been exchanged for, converted into or
acquired for, or shall constitute solely the right to receive, such cash,
securities, property or other assets, but the adjustment shall be based upon
the consideration that the holders of the Common Stock received in the
transaction or event as a result of which more than 50% of the Common Stock
shall have been exchanged for, converted into or acquired for, or shall
constitute solely the right to receive, such cash, securities, property or
other assets.
 
  The term "Non-Stock Fundamental Change" means any Fundamental Change other
than a Common Stock Fundamental Change.
   
  The term "Purchaser Stock Price" means, with respect to any Common Stock
Fundamental Change, the average of the daily closing prices for one share of
the common stock received by holders of the Common Stock in such Common Stock
Fundamental Change for the 10 trading days immediately prior to (A) the record
date for the determination of the holders of the Common Stock entitled to
receive such common stock or (B), if there is no such record date, the date
upon which the holders of the Common Stock shall have the right to receive such
common stock.     
   
  The term "Reference Market Price" shall initially mean 66 2/3% of the Market
Value of the Common Stock and, in the event of any adjustment to the conversion
price other than as a result of a Fundamental Change or a     
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
 
   
Spinoff (as defined herein), the Reference Market Price shall also be adjusted
so that the ratio of the Reference Market Price to the conversion price after
giving effect to any such adjustment of the conversion price shall always be
the same as the ratio of the initial Reference Market Price to the initial
conversion price.     
   
  Certain Other Adjustments. Notwithstanding any other provision in the
preceding paragraphs to the contrary, in the event that the Company shall
distribute, by dividend or otherwise (the date of which is hereinafter
referred to as the "Spinoff Distribution Date") to all holders of the Common
Stock shares of capital stock ("Spinoff Company Stock") of any subsidiary of
the Company or any other corporation controlled by the Company and formed for
the purpose of facilitating the transaction described in this paragraph (the
"Spinoff Company") (such transaction, a "Spinoff"), then at the option of the
Company (within the limits specified below), the Company will:     
     
  (1) exchange all, but not less than all, of the Trust Convertible Preferred
      Securities for a new trust convertible preferred security ("Spinoff
      Company Trust Convertible Preferred Security") of the Spinoff Company
      Trust (as defined below) having the same liquidation amount,
      distribution rate, redemption provisions, and conversion provisions of
      the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities and other terms
      substantially similar to those of the Trust Convertible Preferred
      Securities except that (i) upon conversion the Spinoff Company Trust
      Convertible Preferred Securities will convert into Spinoff Company
      Stock, (ii) the conversion price immediately following such exchange
      will equal the product of (A) the conversion price in effect
      immediately prior to such Spinoff and (B) a fraction, the numerator of
      which is the Spinoff Fair Value (as defined below) and the denominator
      of which is the Average Stock Price (as defined below) (such fraction
      referred to as the "Spinoff Ratio") and (iii) the Reference Market
      Price with respect to the Spinoff Trust Convertible Preferred
      Securities shall equal the Reference Market Price with respect to the
      Trust Convertible Preferred Securities multiplied by the Spinoff Ratio;
      or     
 
  (2) either (a) exchange all, but not less than all, of the Trust
      Convertible Preferred Securities for
        
     (i) a Spinoff Company Trust Convertible Preferred Security of the
         Spinoff Company Trust (as defined below) having the same
         distribution rate, redemption provisions, and conversion
         provisions of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities and other
         terms substantially similar to those of the Trust Convertible
         Preferred Securities except that (A) upon conversion the Spinoff
         Company Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will convert into
         Spinoff Company Stock, (B) the liquidation amount of each Spinoff
         Trust Convertible Preferred Security shall be equal to the product
         of (x) the liquidation amount of a Trust Convertible Preferred
         Security and (y) the Spinoff Ratio, (C) the conversion price
         immediately following such exchange will equal the product of (I)
         the conversion price in effect immediately prior to such Spinoff
         and (II) the Spinoff Ratio, and (D) the Reference Market Price
         with respect to the Spinoff Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
         shall equal the Reference Market Price with respect to the Trust
         Convertible Preferred Securities multiplied by the Spinoff Ratio;
         and     
        
     (ii) a new trust convertible preferred security ("New Trust
          Convertible Preferred Security") of the Company having the same
          distribution rate, redemption provisions, and conversion
          provisions of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities and
          other terms substantially similar to those of the Trust
          Convertible Preferred Securities except that (A) the liquidation
          amount of each New Trust Convertible Preferred Security shall be
          equal to the product of (x) the liquidation amount of a Trust
          Convertible Preferred Security and (y) one minus the Spinoff
          Ratio, (B) the conversion price immediately following such
          exchange will equal the product of (I) the conversion price in
          effect immediately prior to such Spinoff and (II) one minus the
          Spinoff Ratio, and (C) the Reference Market Price with respect to
          the New Trust Convertible Preferred Security shall equal the
          Reference Market Price with respect to the Trust Convertible
          Preferred Securities multiplied by one minus the Spinoff Ratio;
          or     
        
     (b) in lieu of the exchange contemplated in (a) above, distribute a
         Spinoff Company Trust Convertible Preferred Security as provided
         for in (a)(i) and adjust the terms of the existing Trust
         Convertible Preferred Security as provided for in subsection (A),
         (B) and (C) of Section (2)(a)(ii); or     
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
  (3) adjust the conversion price by multiplying the conversion price of the
      Trust Convertible Preferred Securities prior to the Spinoff by a
      fraction, the numerator of which is the Average Stock Price less the
      Spinoff Fair Value, and the denominator of which is such Average Stock
      Price;
 
provided, that:
  (x) the Company will have the option described in clause (1) only if the
      Spinoff Company will own more than 40% of the consolidated net assets
      of the Company as of the day immediately prior to the Spinoff
      Distribution Date, as determined in good faith by the Board prior to
      the Spinoff Distribution Date;
     
  (y) the Company will have the options described in clauses (1) and (2) only
      if the effective date of the Spinoff is before September 1, 2023 and
      the Company and the Regular Trustees have received an opinion of an
      independent tax counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that
      the holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will not be
      subject, at the time of such transaction or subsequently thereafter, to
      more than a de minimis amount of taxes, duties or other governmental
      charges in connection with the transaction described therein; and     

  (z) the Company will have the option described in clause (2) only if the
      Spinoff Company will own more than 20% of the consolidated net assets
      of the Company as of the day immediately prior to the Spinoff
      Distribution Date, as determined in good faith by the Board prior to
      the Spinoff Distribution Date.
 
  In order to effect the exchange described in clauses (1) or (2) above:
       
    (i)   no less than 20 business days prior to the date on which an
          exchange of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities or a
          distribution and adjustment as contemplated by 2(b) above has been
          completed (the "Spinoff Exchange Date"), the Company must provide
          notice to the registered holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred
          Securities of the Spinoff Exchange Date including reasonable detail
          concerning relevant adjustments to interest rate, redemption
          provisions and conversion provisions, and the kind and amount of
          the securities into which such Trust Convertible Preferred
          Securities will be exchanged as a result of the Spinoff;     
    (ii)  the Company shall make provision, as part of the Spinoff, to
          establish the right of the holders of the Trust Convertible
          Preferred Securities to the securities to be issued in such
          exchange or a distribution and adjustment as contemplated by 2(b)
          above, including, but not limited to, causing the Spinoff Company
          to create a trust similar to the Trust (the "Spinoff Company
          Trust") for the purpose of issuing the Spinoff Company Trust
          Convertible Preferred Securities;

    (iii) following the Spinoff Exchange Date, the holders shall have the
          benefit of guarantees with terms substantially similar to that of
          the Guarantee, (a) from Spinoff Company as guarantor, with
          respect to the Spinoff Company Trust Convertible Preferred
          Securities, and (b) from the Company as guarantor, with respect
          to New Trust Convertible Preferred Securities;
       
    (iv)  following the Spinoff Exchange Date, except in the case of 2(b)
          above, the rights of holders of Trust Convertible Preferred
          Securities (including, but not limited to, the right to accrue or
          accumulate distributions) shall cease, and the Trust Convertible
          Preferred Securities will no longer be deemed to be outstanding
          and will only represent the right to receive the securities to be
          issued to the holders of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities in
          exchange therefor pursuant to the Spinoff;     
       
    (v)   following the Spinoff Exchange Date, the holders of record of the
          Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will be considered the
          holders of record of any Spinoff Company Trust Convertible
          Preferred Securities and New Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
          (or in the case of 2(b) above, the Trust Convertible Preferred
          Securities) for the purposes of the governing instruments with
          respect to such securities, including, but not limited to, any
          indenture, declaration or certificate of designations and the
          Declaration and the Indenture, including for the purposes of giving
          of notice or voting thereunder; and     
       
    (vi)  each holder of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities, by such
          holder's acceptance thereof, agrees to such exchange and to the
          effects of such exchange as set forth herein.     
 
Whether, after the Spinoff, the Spinoff Company Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities or the New Trust Convertible Preferred Securities have terms
substantially equivalent to the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities prior
to the Spinoff will be determined in good faith by the Board (or its
successor).
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
   
  "Average Stock Price" shall mean the average of the closing prices of the
Common Stock for the 10 trading days immediately prior to the "ex" dividend or
distribution date of the Common Stock, or absent such a date, the 10 trading
days immediately prior to the Spinoff Distribution Date; provided, however,
that if the Spinoff Fair Value is computed with respect to daily closing
prices of Spinoff Company Stock following the Spinoff Distribution Date, the
Average Stock Price shall be calculated as the average of the sums of the
daily closing prices of the Common Stock and the Spinoff Company Stock for the
same 10 trading days immediately following the Spinoff Distribution Date.     
   
  "Spinoff Fair Value" shall mean the product of (a) the average of the
closing prices for one share of Spinoff Company Stock as reported on a "when
issued" basis for the ten trading days immediately prior to the Spinoff
Distribution Date or in the absence of "when issued" trading, for the ten
trading days immediately following the Spinoff Distribution Date, multiplied
by (b) the number of shares of Spinoff Company Stock distributed to a holder
of one share of Common Stock in the Spinoff; provided, however, in the absence
of an active trading market for the Spinoff Company Stock, the fair value of
the shares of Spinoff Company Stock distributed to a holder of one share of
Common Stock in the Spinoff shall be determined by the Board in good faith.
       
  In the event of a Spinoff, the provisions set forth in this section under
"--Certain Other Adjustments" above shall exclusively govern such transaction,
and no other adjustment or change shall be made with respect to the conversion
price or the securities to be received by a holder of Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities upon conversion due solely to such Spinoff. The
implementation of any of the provisions set forth above shall not require the
approval of holders of Trust Securities.     
 
MANDATORY REDEMPTION
 
  Upon the repayment of the Convertible Debentures, whether at maturity or
upon redemption, the proceeds from such repayment must immediately be applied
to redeem Trust Securities having an aggregate liquidation amount equal to the
aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Debentures so repaid. The
Convertible Debentures will mature on September 1, 2026, and may be redeemed,
in whole or in part, at the option of the Company, at any time on or after
September 3, 2000, or at any time in certain circumstances upon the occurrence
of a Special Event (as defined below). Holders of Trust Securities must be
given not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice of any such redemption.
The Company will issue a press release announcing any such redemption. See "--
Special Event Distribution or Redemption" and "Description of the Convertible
Debentures--Redemption at the Option of the Company".
 
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
   
  In the event the Company redeems less than all of the Convertible Debentures
and, therefore, less than all of the outstanding Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities are to be redeemed, the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will
be redeemed pro rata, which means that so long as the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities are in book-entry form the redemption proceeds will be
distributed in accordance with the procedures of the Depository (as defined
herein). See "Book-Entry System--The Depository Trust Company". The Company
may not redeem any Convertible Debentures (and therefore cause a mandatory
redemption of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities) unless all accumulated
and unpaid distributions have been paid on all outstanding Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities for all quarterly distribution payment periods
terminating on or prior to the last distribution payment date before the date
of redemption. Any redemption of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities, other
than upon the occurrence of a Special Event, will be made at the following
prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount of the Convertible
Debentures) (each, a "Redemption Price") together with accrued and unpaid
interest to, but excluding the redemption date, if redeemed during the 12-
month period beginning September 1 (other than the first period, which will
begin on September 3, 2000) of the following years:     
 
<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
                                                                      REDEMPTION
   YEAR                                                                 PRICE
   ----                                                               ----------
   <S>                                                                <C>
   2000..............................................................  103.750%
   2001..............................................................  103.125%
   2002..............................................................  102.500%
   2003..............................................................  101.875%
   2004..............................................................  101.250%
   2005..............................................................  100.625%
   and 100% if redeemed on or after September 1, 2006.
</TABLE>    
 
SPECIAL EVENT DISTRIBUTION OR REDEMPTION
   
  "Tax Event" means that the Regular Trustees shall have received an opinion
of an independent tax counsel experienced in such matters (a "Dissolution Tax
Opinion") to the effect that on or after the date of the Prospectus, as a
result of (a) any amendment to, clarification of, or change (including any
announced prospective change) in the laws, or any regulations thereunder, of
the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or
therein, (b) any judicial decision, official administrative pronouncement,
ruling, regulatory procedure, notice, or announcement, including any notice or
announcement of intent to adopt such procedures or regulations (an
"Administrative Action"), or (c) any amendment to, clarification of, or change
in the official position or the interpretation of such Administrative Action
or judicial decision that differs from the theretofore generally accepted
position, in each case, by any legislative body, court, governmental
authority, or regulatory body, irrespective of the manner in which such
amendment, clarification or change is made known, which amendment,
clarification, or change is effective or such pronouncement or decision is
announced, in each case, on or after, the date of this Prospectus, there is
the creation by such change in tax law of more than an insubstantial risk that
(i) the Trust is or will be subject to United States federal income tax with
respect to interest accrued or received on the Convertible Debentures, (ii)
the Trust is, or will be subject to more than a de minimis amount of taxes,
duties or other governmental charges, or (iii) interest payable in cash by the
Company to the Trust on the Convertible Debentures (other than interest
attributable to the Trust Common Securities) is not, or will not be,
deductible, in whole or in part, by the Company for United States federal
income tax purposes; provided, however, that such an opinion shall not be
deemed to be a "Dissolution Tax Opinion" if the change in tax law requires the
Company for United States federal income tax purposes to defer taking a
deduction for any OID that accrues with respect to the Convertible Debentures
until the interest payment related to such OID is paid by the Company in cash,
provided, such change in tax law does not create more than an insubstantial
risk that the Company will be prevented from taking a deduction for OID
accruing with respect to the Convertible Debentures at a date that is no later
than the date the interest payment related to such OID is actually paid by the
Company in cash.     
 
  "Investment Company Event" means that the Regular Trustees shall have
received an opinion of an independent counsel experienced in such matters (a
"Change in 1940 Act Opinion") to the effect that, as a result
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
of the occurrence of a change in law or regulation or a written change in
interpretation or application of law or regulation by any legislative body,
court, governmental agency, or regulatory authority on or after the date of
this Prospectus, there is more than an insubstantial risk that the Trust is or
will be considered an "investment company" which is required to be registered
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").
   
  If, at any time, a Tax Event or an Investment Company Event (each, a
"Special Event") shall occur and be continuing, the Trust may with the consent
of the Company, except in the limited circumstances described below, be
dissolved with the result that Convertible Debentures with an aggregate
principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of, with an
interest rate identical to the distribution rate of, and accrued and unpaid
interest equal to accumulated and unpaid distributions on, the Trust
Securities, would be distributed to the holders of the Trust Securities in
liquidation of such holders' interests in the Trust on a pro rata basis within
90 days following the occurrence of the Special Event; provided that such
dissolution and distribution shall be conditioned on (i) the Regular Trustees'
receipt of an opinion of an independent tax counsel experienced in such
matters (a "No Recognition Opinion"), which opinion may rely on published
revenue rulings of the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"), to the effect that
the holders of the Trust Securities will not recognize any gain or loss for
United States federal income tax purposes as a result of such dissolution and
distribution of Convertible Debentures, (ii) the Company or the Trust being
unable to avoid such Special Event within such 90-day period by taking some
ministerial action (such as filing a form or making an election or pursuing
some other similar reasonable measure) that will have no adverse effect on the
Trust, the Company or the holders of the Trust Securities or does not subject
any of them to more than de minimis regulatory requirements and (iii) the
Company's prior written consent to such dissolution and distribution. If the
Company declines to consent to the dissolution and distribution, the Company
may incur an obligation to pay Additional Interest. See "Description of the
Convertible Debentures--Additional Interest". Furthermore, if (i) after
receipt of a Dissolution Tax Opinion by the Regular Trustees the Company has
received an opinion (a "Redemption Tax Opinion") of an independent tax counsel
experienced in such matters that, as a result of a Tax Event, there is more
that an insubstantial risk that the Company would be precluded from deducting
the interest on the Convertible Debentures for United States federal income
tax purposes, even after the Convertible Debentures were distributed to the
holders of Trust Securities in liquidation of such holders' interests in the
Trust as described above, or (ii) after receipt of a Dissolution Tax Opinion
or a Change in 1940 Act Opinion by the Regular Trustees, such Regular Trustees
shall have been informed by independent tax counsel experienced in such
matters that it cannot, for substantive reasons, deliver a No Recognition
Opinion to the Trust, the Company shall have the right, upon not less than 30
nor more than 60 days notice, to redeem the Convertible Debentures, in whole
or in part, at 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid
interest thereon, for cash within 90 days following the occurrence of such
Special Event. Following such redemption, Trust Securities with an aggregate
liquidation amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Convertible
Debentures so redeemed shall be redeemed by the Trust at the liquidation
amount thereof plus accumulated and unpaid distributions thereon to, but
excluding the redemption date on a pro rata basis; provided, however, that if
at the time there is available to the Company the opportunity to eliminate,
which elimination shall be complete within such 90-day period, such Special
Event by taking some ministerial action that has no adverse effect on the
Trust, the Company or the holders of the Trust Securities, or does not subject
any of them to more than de minimis regulatory requirements, the Company or
the Trust will pursue such measure in lieu of redemption.     
   
  After the date for any distribution of Convertible Debentures upon
dissolution of the Trust, (i) the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will
no longer be deemed to be outstanding, (ii) the Depository (as defined herein)
or its nominee, as the record holder of the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities, will receive a registered global certificate or certificates
representing the Convertible Debentures to be delivered upon such
distribution, and (iii) any certificate representing Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities not held by the Depository or its nominee will be deemed
to represent beneficial interests in Convertible Debentures having an
aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of, with
an interest rate identical to the distribution rate of, and accrued and unpaid
interest (including Compound Interest) equal to accumulated and unpaid
distributions on such Trust Convertible Preferred Securities until such
certificates are presented to the Company or its agent for transfer or
reissuance.     
 
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
REDEMPTION PROCEDURES FOR REDEMPTION BY THE TRUST
 
  The Trust may not redeem any of the outstanding Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities unless all accumulated and unpaid distributions have been paid on
all outstanding Trust Convertible Preferred Securities for all quarterly
distribution periods terminating on or prior to the last distribution payment
date before the date of redemption.
   
  If the Trust gives a notice of redemption in respect of Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities, then, by 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the
redemption date, provided that the Company has paid to the Institutional
Trustee funds sufficient to pay the applicable redemption price, plus
accumulated and unpaid distributions thereon, the Institutional Trustee will
irrevocably deposit with the Depositary funds sufficient to pay the applicable
Redemption Price, plus accumulated and unpaid distributions thereon, and will
give the Depository irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the
redemption price plus accumulated and unpaid distributions to the holders of
the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities. See "Book-Entry System--The
Depository Trust Company". If notice of redemption shall have been given and
funds deposited as required, then, immediately prior to the close of business
on the date of such deposit, distributions will cease to accrue and all rights
of holders of such Trust Convertible Preferred Securities so called for
redemption will cease, except the right of the holders of such Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities to receive the redemption price, plus
accumulated and unpaid distributions thereon, but without further accrued
interest on such redemption price. The distributions payable upon redemption
(unless the date of redemption is a distribution payment date) will be payable
to the person to whom the redemption price is payable. In the event that any
date fixed for redemption of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities is not a
Business Day, then payment of the redemption price, plus accumulated and
unpaid distributions thereon, payable on such date will be made on the next
succeeding day that is a Business Day (without any interest or other payments
in respect of any such delay) except that, if such Business Day falls in the
next calendar year, such payment will be made on the immediately preceding
Business Day. In the event that payment of the redemption price, plus
accumulated and unpaid distributions thereon, in respect of Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities is improperly withheld or refused and not paid either by
the Institutional Trustee, or, if paid to the Trust, by the Company pursuant
to the Guarantee, distributions on such Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
will continue to accumulate at the distribution rate from the original
redemption date to the actual date of payment, in which case the actual
payment date will be considered the date fixed for redemption for purposes of
calculating the redemption price.     
 
  In the event that fewer than all of the outstanding Trust Securities are to
be redeemed, the Trust Securities will be redeemed pro rata. So long as the
Trust Convertible Securities are in book-entry form, the distribution of
proceeds will be made in accordance with the procedures applied by the
Depository. See "Book-Entry System--The Depository Trust Company".
 
  Subject to the foregoing and applicable law (including, without limitation,
United States federal securities laws), the Company or any of its subsidiaries
may at any time, and from time to time, purchase outstanding Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities by tender, in the open market or otherwise.
 
LIQUIDATION DISTRIBUTION UPON DISSOLUTION
 
  In the event of any voluntary or involuntary, dissolution, winding-up or
termination of the Trust (each a "Liquidation"), the then holders of the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities will be entitled to receive out of the assets
of the Trust, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors, distributions in
an amount equal to the aggregate of the liquidation amount per Trust
Convertible Preferred Security, plus accumulated and unpaid distributions
thereon to the date of payment (the "Liquidation Distribution"), unless, in
connection with such Liquidation, Convertible Debentures in an aggregate
principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of, with an
interest rate identical to the distribution rate of, and accrued and unpaid
interest equal to accumulated and unpaid distributions on, the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities have been distributed on a pro rata basis to
the holders of the Trust Securities.
 
  If, upon any such Liquidation, the Liquidation Distribution can be paid only
in part because the Trust has insufficient assets available to pay in full the
aggregate Liquidation Distribution for all Trust Securities, then the amounts
payable directly by the Trust on the Trust Securities shall be paid on a pro
rata basis. The holders of
 
                                      48
<PAGE>
 
the Trust Common Securities will be entitled to receive distributions upon any
such dissolution pro rata with the holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities, except that if a Declaration Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing, the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities shall have a preference
over the Trust Common Securities with regard to such distributions.
   
  Pursuant to the Declaration, the Trust shall terminate (i) on July 16, 2031,
the expiration of the term of the Trust, (ii) upon the bankruptcy of the
Company as the holder of the Trust Common Securities, (iii) upon the filing of
a certificate of dissolution or its equivalent with respect to the Company as
the holder of the Trust Common Securities, the filing of a certificate of
cancellation with respect to the Trust after obtaining the consent of the
holders of at least a majority in liquidation amount of the Trust Securities
voting together as a single class to file such certificate of cancellation, or
the revocation of the charter of the Company as the holder of the Trust Common
Securities and the expiration of 90 days after the date of revocation without
a reinstatement thereof, (iv) upon the distribution of Convertible Debentures
upon the occurrence of a Special Event, (v) upon the entry of a decree of a
judicial dissolution of the holder of the Trust Common Securities or the
Trust, (vi) upon the redemption of all the Trust Securities, or (vii) upon the
distribution of the Common Stock to all holders of Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities upon conversion of all outstanding Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities.     
 
DECLARATION EVENTS OF DEFAULT
 
  An event of default under the Indenture (an "Indenture Event of Default")
constitutes an event of default under the Declaration with respect to the
Trust Securities (a "Declaration Event of Default"). See "Description of
Convertible Debentures--Indenture Events of Default".
 
  Upon the occurrence and continuance of a Declaration Event of Default, the
Institutional Trustee as the sole holder of the Convertible Debentures will
have the right under the Indenture to declare the principal amount of the
Convertible Debentures to be immediately due and payable. The Company and the
Trust are each required to file annually with the Institutional Trustee an
officer's certificate as to its compliance with all conditions and covenants
under the Declaration.
 
  If the Institutional Trustee fails to enforce its rights under the
Convertible Debentures, any holder of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
may institute a legal proceeding against the Company to enforce the
Institutional Trustee's rights under the Convertible Debentures.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Declaration Event of Default has occurred
and is continuing and such event is attributable to the failure of the Company
to pay interest or principal on the Convertible Debentures on the date such
interest or principal is otherwise payable (or in the case of redemption, the
redemption date), then the registered holder of Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities may institute a Direct Action for payment on or after the
respective due date specified in the Convertible Debentures. In connection
with such Direct Action, the Company will be subrogated to the rights of such
holder of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities under the Declaration to the
extent of any payment made by the Company to such holder of Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities in such Direct Action. The holders of Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities will not be able to exercise directly any other remedy
available to the holders of the Convertible Debentures.
 
  Pursuant to the Declaration, the holder of the Trust Common Securities will
be deemed to have waived any Declaration Event of Default with respect to the
Trust Common Securities until all Declaration Events of Default with respect
to the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities have been cured, waived or
otherwise eliminated. Until such Declaration Events of Default with respect to
the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities have been so cured, waived, or
otherwise eliminated, the Institutional Trustee will be deemed to acting
solely on behalf of the holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
and only the holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will have
the right to direct the Institutional Trustee with respect to certain matters
under the Declaration, and therefore the Indenture.
 
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
VOTING RIGHTS
 
  Except as described herein, under the Delaware Trust Act, the Trust
Indenture Act and under "Description of the Guarantee--Modification of the
Guarantee; Assignment", and as otherwise required by law and the Declaration,
the holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will have no voting
rights.
 
  Subject to the requirement of the Institutional Trustee obtaining a tax
opinion as set forth in the last sentence of the next paragraph, the holders
of a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Institutional
Trustee, or direct the exercise of any trust or power conferred upon the
Institutional Trustee under the Declaration, including the right to direct the
Institutional Trustee, as holder of the Convertible Debentures, to (i)
exercise the remedies available under the Indenture with respect to the
Convertible Debentures, (ii) waive any past Indenture Event of Default that is
waivable under the Indenture, or (iii) exercise any right to rescind or annul
a declaration that the principal of all the Convertible Debentures shall be
due and payable; provided, however, that if an Indenture Event of Default has
occurred and is continuing then, the holders of 25% of the aggregate
liquidation amount of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities may direct
the Institutional Trustee to declare the principal of and interest on the
Convertible Debentures immediately due and payable; provided, further, that,
where a consent or action under the Indenture would require the consent or act
of holders of more than a majority in principal amount of the Convertible
Debentures (a "Super Majority"), only the holders of at least such Super
Majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities may direct the Institutional Trustee to give such consent or take
such action.
 
  The Institutional Trustee shall notify all holders of the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities of any notice of default received from the Debenture
Trustee with respect to the Convertible Debentures. Such notice shall state
that such Indenture Event of Default also constitutes a Declaration Event of
Default. Except with respect to the directing the time, method and place of
conducting a proceeding for a remedy, the Institutional Trustee shall not take
any of the actions described in clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) above unless the
Institutional Trustee has obtained an opinion of tax counsel to the effect
that, as a result of such action, the Trust will not be classified as other
than a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes.
 
  In the event the consent of the Institutional Trustee, as the holder of the
Convertible Debentures, is required under the Indenture with respect to any
amendment, modification or termination of the Indenture or the Convertible
Debentures, the Institutional Trustee shall request the direction of the
holders of the Trust Securities with respect to such amendment, modification
or termination and shall vote with respect to such amendment, modification or
termination as directed by a majority in liquidation amount of the Trust
Securities voting together as a single class; provided, however, that where a
consent under the Indenture would require the consent of a Super Majority, the
Institutional Trustee may only give such consent at the direction of the
holders of at least the same Super Majority percentage in liquidation amount
of the Trust Securities as is required under the Indenture of aggregate
principal amount of the Convertible Debentures outstanding. The Institutional
Trustee shall not take any such action in accordance with the direction of the
holders of the Trust Securities unless the Institutional Trustee has obtained
an opinion of tax counsel to the effect that for the purposes of United States
federal income take the Trust will not be classified as other than a grantor
trust on account of such action.
 
  A waiver of an Indenture Event of Default will constitute a waiver of the
corresponding Declaration Event of Default.
 
  Any approval or direction of holders of Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities may be given at a separate meeting of holders of Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities convened for such purpose, at a meeting of all of the
holders of Trust Securities or pursuant to written consent. The Regular
Trustees will cause a notice of any meeting at which holders of Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities are entitled to vote, or of any matter upon
which action by written consent of such holders is to be taken, to be mailed
to each holder of record of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities. Each such
notice will include a statement setting forth the following information: (i)
the date of such meeting or the date by which such action is to be taken; (ii)
a description of any resolution proposed for adoption at such meeting on which
such holders are entitled to vote or of such matter
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
upon which written consent is sought; and (iii) instructions for the delivery
of proxies or consents. No vote or consent of the holders of Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities will be required for the Trust to redeem and cancel Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities, distribute Convertible Debentures, or make
adjustments to the conversion price or to the kind and amount of the
securities, cash and other property into which the Convertible Debentures are
convertible, each in accordance with the Declaration.
 
  Notwithstanding that holders of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities are
entitled to vote or consent under any of the circumstances described above,
any of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities that are owned at such time
by the Company or any entity directly or indirectly controlling or controlled
by, or under direct or indirect common control with, the Company, shall not be
entitled to vote or consent and shall, for purposes of such vote or consent,
be treated as if such Trust Convertible Preferred Securities were not
outstanding.
 
  The procedures by which holders of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
may exercise their voting rights are described below. See "--Book-Entry Only
Issuances" and "Book-Entry System--The Depository Trust Company".
 
  Holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will have no rights to
appoint or remove the Trustees, who may be appointed, removed or replaced
solely by the Company as the indirect or direct holder of all of the Trust
Common Securities.
 
MODIFICATION OF THE DECLARATION
 
  The Declaration may be modified and amended if approved by the Regular
Trustees (and in certain circumstances the Institutional Trustee), provided
that, if any proposed amendment provides for, or the Regular Trustees
otherwise propose to effect, (i) any action that would adversely affect the
powers, preferences or special rights of the Trust Securities, whether by way
of amendment to the Declaration or otherwise or (ii) the dissolution, winding-
up or termination of the Trust, then the holders of the Trust Securities
voting together as a single class will be entitled to vote on such amendment
or proposal and such amendment or proposal shall not be effective except with
the approval of at least a majority in liquidation amount of the Trust
Securities affected thereby; provided that if any amendment or proposal
referred to in clause (i) above would adversely affect only the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities or only the Trust Common Securities, then
only the affected class will be entitled to vote on such amendment or proposal
and such amendment or proposal shall not be effective except with the approval
of a majority in liquidation amount of such class of Trust Securities.
 
  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amendment or modification may be made to
the Declaration if such amendment or modification would (i) cause the Trust to
be classified for purposes of United States federal income taxation as other
than a grantor trust, (ii) reduce or otherwise adversely affect the powers of
the Institutional Trustee in contravention of the Trust Indenture Act or (iii)
cause the Trust to be deemed an "investment company" which is required to be
registered under the 1940 Act.
 
PROPOSED TAX LEGISLATION
 
  On March 19, 1996, as a part of President Clinton's Fiscal 1997 Budget
Proposal, the Treasury Department proposed legislation (the "Proposed
Legislation") that, among other things, would (i) treat as equity for United
States federal income tax purposes certain debt instruments with a maximum
term of more than 20 years and (ii) disallow interest deductions on certain
convertible debt instruments or defer interest deductions on certain debt
instruments issued with OID. The Proposed Legislation is proposed to be
effective for debt instruments issued on or after December 7, 1995.
 
  On March 29, 1996, Senate Finance Committee Chairman William V. Roth, Jr.
and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman William Archer issued a joint
statement (the "Joint Statement") indicating their intent that the Proposed
Legislation, if adopted by either of the tax-writing committees of Congress,
would have an effective date that is no earlier than the date of "appropriate
Congressional action". Based upon the Joint Statement, it is expected that if
the Proposed Legislation were enacted, such legislation would not apply to the
Convertible Debentures since they would be issued prior to the date of any
"appropriate Congressional action" or otherwise
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
qualify for transitional relief. However, there can be no assurance that the
effective date guidance contained in the Joint Statement will be incorporated
in the Proposed Legislation, if enacted, or that other legislation enacted
after the date hereof will not otherwise adversely affect the tax treatment of
the Convertible Debentures. If legislation were enacted that adversely affects
the tax treatment of the Convertible Debentures, there could be a distribution
of the Convertible Debentures to holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities or, in certain circumstances, the redemption of the Convertible
Debentures by the Company and the distribution by the Trust of the resulting
cash in redemption of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities. See
"Description of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities--Special Event
Distribution or Redemption".
 
  If the Proposed Legislation or any similar legislation changed the tax
treatment of the Convertible Debentures and the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities, the United States federal income tax consequences of the purchase,
ownership and disposition of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities would
differ from those described herein. If legislation were enacted that would
constitute a Tax Event, there would be a distribution of the Convertible
Debentures to holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities or, in
certain circumstances, at the Company's option, redemption of the Convertible
Debentures by the Company. There can be no assurances as to whether or in what
form the Proposed Legislation may be enacted into law or whether other
legislation will be enacted that otherwise adversely affects the tax treatment
of the Convertible Debentures and the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities.
 
MERGERS, CONSOLIDATIONS OR AMALGAMATIONS
   
  The Trust may not consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or be
replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets
substantially as an entirety to, any corporation or other body, except as
described below. The Trust may, with the consent of the Regular Trustees and
without the consent of the holders of the Trust Securities, the Delaware
Trustee or the Institutional Trustee, consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or
into, or be replaced by a trust organized as such under the laws of any state,
provided that (i) such successor entity either (x) expressly assumes all of
the obligations of the Trust under the Trust Securities or (y) substitutes for
the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities other securities having
substantially the same terms as the Trust Securities (the "Successor
Securities"), so long as the Successor Securities rank the same as the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities rank with respect to distributions and
payments upon liquidation, redemption, and otherwise, (ii) the Company
expressly acknowledges a trustee of such successor entity possessing the same
powers and duties as the Institutional Trustee as the holder of the
Convertible Debentures, (iii) the Company uses its reasonable efforts to cause
the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities (including any Successor
Securities) to be listed or quoted on any national securities exchange or with
another organization on which the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities are
then listed or quoted, (iv) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or
replacement does not cause the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
(including any Successor Securities) to be downgraded by any nationally
recognized statistical rating organization, (v) such merger, consolidation,
amalgamation or replacement does not adversely affect the rights, preferences
and privileges of the holders of the Trust Securities (including any Successor
Securities) in any material respect (other than with respect to any dilution
of the holders' interest in the new entity), (vi) such successor entity has a
purpose identical to that of the Trust, (vii) prior to such merger,
consolidation, amalgamation or replacement, the Company has received an
opinion of an independent counsel to the Trust experienced in such matters to
the effect that, (A) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement
does not adversely affect the legal rights, preferences and privileges of the
holders of the Trust Securities (including any Successor Securities) in any
material respect (other than with respect to any dilution of the holders'
interest in the new entity), (B) following such merger, consolidation,
amalgamation or replacement, neither the Trust nor such successor entity will
be required to register as an investment company under the 1940 Act, and (C)
following such merger, consolidation, amalgamation or replacement, the Trust
or such successor entity will continue to be classified as a grantor trust for
United States federal income tax purposes, and (viii) the Company guarantees
the obligations of such successor entity under the Successor Securities at
least to the extent provided by the Guarantee and the Trust Common Securities
Guarantee (as defined below). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust shall
not, except with the consent of holders of 100% in liquidation amount of the
Trust Securities, consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or be replaced
by any other entity or permit any other entity to consolidate, amalgamate,
merge with or into, or     
 
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
replace it, if such consolidation, amalgamation, merger or replacement would
cause the Trust or the successor entity to be classified as other than a
grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes.
 
BOOK-ENTRY ONLY ISSUANCES
 
  DTC will act as securities depositary for the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities. The Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will be issued only as
fully registered securities registered in the name of Cede & Co., DTC's
nominee ("Cede"). One or more fully registered global Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities certificates, representing the total aggregate number of
Trust Convertible Preferred Securities, will be issued and will be deposited
with DTC. Although voting with respect to the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities is limited, in those cases where a vote is required, neither DTC
nor Cede will itself consent or vote with respect to Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities. Under its usual procedures, DTC would solicit votes on
behalf of the Trust through an Omnibus Proxy. Except as provided herein, a
Beneficial Owner in a global Trust Convertible Preferred Security certificate
will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities. Accordingly, each Beneficial Owner must rely on the
procedures of DTC to exercise any rights under the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities. A more detailed description of the DTC book-entry system is set
forth in "Book-Entry System--The Depository Trust Company" below.
 
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE INSTITUTIONAL TRUSTEE
 
  The Institutional Trustee, prior to the occurrence of a default with respect
to the Trust Securities and after the curing of any defaults that may have
occurred, undertakes to perform only such duties as are specifically set forth
in the Declaration and, after default, shall exercise the same degree of care
as a prudent individual would exercise in the conduct of his or her own
affairs. Subject to such provisions, the Institutional Trustee is under no
obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the Declaration at
the request of any holder of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities, unless
offered reasonable indemnity by such holder against the costs, expenses and
liabilities which might be incurred hereby. The holders of Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities will not be required to offer such indemnity in the event
such holders, by exercising their voting rights, direct the Institutional
Trustee to take any action it is empowered to take under the Declaration
following a Declaration Event of Default. The Institutional Trustee also
serves as trustee under the Guarantee and the Indenture.
 
  See "Unocal Capital Trust" regarding the Bank of New York's service as the
trustee under two indentures under which debt securities have been issued by
Union Oil and guaranteed by the Company.
 
CONVERSION AGENT AND PAYING AGENT
 
  The Institutional Trustee is appointed under the terms of the Trust
Securities to act as Conversion Agent. In addition, in the event that the
Trust Convertible Preferred Securities do not remain in book-entry only form,
the following provisions would apply:
 
  The Institutional Trustee will act as paying agent and may designate an
additional or substitute paying agent at any time. Registration of transfers
of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will be effected without charge by
or on behalf of the Trust, but upon payment (with the giving of such indemnity
as the Trust or the Company may require) in respect of any tax or other
government charges that may be imposed in relation to it. The Trust will not
be required to register or cause to be registered the transfer of Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities after such Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities have been called for redemption.
 
GOVERNING LAW
 
  The Declaration and the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will be
governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State
of Delaware.
 
MISCELLANEOUS
 
  The Regular Trustees are authorized and directed to take any action so that
the Trust will not be required to register as an "investment company" under
the 1940 Act or characterized as other than a grantor trust for United States
federal income tax purposes, and to cooperate with the Company so that the
Convertible Debentures will be treated as indebtedness of the Company for
United States federal income tax purposes. In this connection, the Regular
Trustees are authorized to take any action, not inconsistent with the
Declaration and applicable law, that the Regular Trustees determine in their
discretion to be necessary or desirable to achieve such end, as long as such
action does not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities.
 
  Holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities have no preemptive
rights.
 
                                      53
<PAGE>
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF THE GUARANTEE
 
  Set forth below is a summary of information concerning the Guarantee which
will be executed and delivered by the Company for the benefit of the holders
of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities. The Guarantee will be qualified as
an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. The Bank of New York will act as
the independent trustee under the Guarantee (the "Guarantee Trustee") for
purposes of the Trust Indenture Act. The terms of the Guarantee will be those
set forth in such Guarantee and those made part of such Guarantee by the Trust
Indenture Act. The summary is subject in all respects to the provisions of,
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the form of Guarantee, which
is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus
forms a part, and the Trust Indenture Act. The Guarantee will be held by the
Guarantee Trustee for the benefit of the holders of the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities.
 
GENERAL
   
  Pursuant to the Guarantee, the Company will agree, to the extent set forth
therein, to pay in full to the holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities the Guarantee Payments (as defined herein) (except to the extent
paid by the Trust), as and when due, regardless of any defense, right of
setoff, or counterclaim which the Trust may have or assert. The following
payments with respect to Trust Convertible Preferred Securities issued by the
Trust to the extent not paid by the Trust (the "Guarantee Payments"), will be
subject to the Guarantee thereon (without duplication): (i) any accumulated
and unpaid distributions which are required to be paid on such Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities to the extent the Trust shall have funds
available therefor; (ii) the redemption price and all accumulated and unpaid
distributions to the date of redemption to the extent the Trust has funds
available therefor with respect to any Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
called for redemption by the Trust, and (iii) upon a voluntary or involuntary
dissolution, winding-up, or termination of the Trust (other than in connection
with the conversion of all of the Trust Securities into Common Stock or the
distribution of the Convertible Debentures to the holders of Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities as provided in the Declaration), the lesser of (a) the
aggregate of the liquidation amount and all accumulated and unpaid
distributions on such Trust Convertible Preferred Securities to the date of
payment, to the extent the Trust has funds available therefor and (b) the
amount of assets of the Trust remaining available for distribution to holders
of such Trust Convertible Preferred Securities in liquidation of the Trust.
The Company's obligation to make a Guarantee Payment may be satisfied by
direct payment of the required amounts by the Company to the holders of Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities or by causing the Trust to pay such amounts
to such holders.     
 
  The Guarantee will not apply to any payment of distributions on the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities except to the extent the Trust shall have
funds available therefor. If the Company does not make interest payments on
the Convertible Debentures purchased by the Trust, the Trust will not pay
distributions on the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities issued by the
Trust and will not have funds available therefor. See "Description of the
Convertible Debentures--Certain Covenants of the Company". The Guarantee, when
taken together with the Company's obligations under the Convertible
Debentures, the Indenture, and the Declaration, including its obligations to
pay costs, expenses, debts, and liabilities of the Trust (other than with
respect to the Trust Securities), will provide a full and unconditional
guarantee on a subordinated basis by the Company of payments due on the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities.
 
  The Company has also agreed separately to fully and unconditionally
guarantee the obligations of the Trust with respect to the Trust Common
Securities (the "Trust Common Securities Guarantee") to the same extent as the
Guarantee, except that upon an Indenture Event of Default, rights of holders
of Trust Common Securities to receive payment of periodic distributions and
payments on liquidation, redemption, or otherwise will be subordinated to the
rights of the holders of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities.
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY
 
  In the Guarantee, the Company will covenant that, so long as any Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities remain outstanding, if there shall have
occurred any event that would constitute an event of default under the
Guarantee or the Declaration, then (a) the Company shall not declare or pay
any dividend on, make any
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
distributions with respect to, or redeem, purchase, acquire, or make a
liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital stock (other than (i)
purchases or acquisitions of shares of capital stock in connection with any
employee benefit plan or program, director plan or program, dividend
reinvestment, stock repurchase, or other similar plans available to
stockholders of the Company, or any option, warrant, right, or exercisable,
exchangeable, or convertible security outstanding as of the Expiration Date,
(ii) as a result of a reclassification of the Company's capital stock pursuant
to the exchange or conversion provisions of the Company's capital stock or the
exchange or conversion of one class or series of the Company's capital stock
for another class or series of the Company's capital stock or the capital
securities of a subsidiary (including a trust such as the Trust), or (iii) the
purchase of fractional interests in shares of the Company's capital stock
pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of such capital stock or
security being converted or exchanged), and (b) the Company shall not make any
payment of interest, principal or premium, if any, on, or repay, repurchase,
or redeem or make any guarantee payment (other than pursuant to the Guarantee)
with respect to any debt securities issued by the Company that rank pari passu
with or junior to the Convertible Debentures.
 
MODIFICATION OF THE GUARANTEE; ASSIGNMENT
 
  Except with respect to any changes that do not adversely affect the rights
of holders of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities (in which case no consent
of holders of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will be required), the
Guarantee may be amended only with the prior approval of the holders of at
least a majority in liquidation amount of the outstanding Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities. All guarantees and agreements contained in a Guarantee
shall bind the successors, assigns, receivers, trustees, and representatives
of the Company and shall inure to the benefit of the holders of the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities then outstanding.
 
TERMINATION
 
  The Guarantee will terminate upon (a) full payment of the Redemption Price
of all Trust Convertible Preferred Securities, (b) conversion of all the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities to Common Stock or distribution of the
Convertible Debentures held by the Trust to the holders of the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities or (c) full payment of the amounts payable in
accordance with the Declaration upon liquidation of the Trust. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Guarantee will continue to be effective or will be
reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any holder of Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities must restore payment of any sums paid under Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities or the Guarantee. The subordination
provisions of the Convertible Debentures provide that in the event payment is
made on the Convertible Debentures or the Guarantee in contravention of such
provisions, such payments shall be paid over the holders of Senior
Indebtedness.
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
 
  An event of default under the Guarantee will occur upon the failure of the
Company to perform any of its payment or other obligations thereunder. The
holders of a majority in liquidation amount of the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities have the right to direct the time, method, and place of conducting
any proceeding for any remedy available to the Guarantee Trustee in respect of
the Guarantee or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Guarantee
Trustee under the Guarantee. If the Guarantee Trustee fails to enforce such
Guarantee, any holder of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities may institute
a legal proceeding directly against the Company to enforce the Guarantee
Trustee's rights under the Guarantee, without first instituting a legal
proceeding against the Trust, the Guarantee Trustee, or any other person or
entity. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company has failed to make a
payment required under the Guarantee, a holder of the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities may directly institute a proceeding against the Company
for enforcement of the Guarantee for such payment. The Company waives any
right or remedy to require that any action be brought first against the Trust
or any other person or entity before proceeding directly against the Company.
 
                                      55
<PAGE>
 
STATUS OF THE GUARANTEE
 
  The Guarantee will constitute an unsecured obligation of the Company and
will rank (i) subordinate and junior in right of payment to all other
liabilities of the Company, (ii) pari passu with the most senior preferred or
preference stock now or hereafter issued by the Company and with any guarantee
now or hereafter entered into by the Company in respect of any preferred or
preference stock of any affiliate of the Company (including the $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock); and (iii) senior to the Common Stock. The terms
of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities provide that each holder of
Trust Convertible Preferred Securities by acceptance thereof agrees to the
subordination provisions and other terms of the Guarantee relating thereto.
 
  The Guarantee creates a guarantee of payment and not of collection (that is,
the holder of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities may institute a legal
proceeding directly against the Company to enforce its rights under the
Guarantee without instituting a legal proceeding against the Trust, the
Guarantee Trustee, or any other person or entity).
 
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE GUARANTEE TRUSTEE
 
  The Guarantee Trustee, before the occurrence of any event of default with
respect to the Guarantee and after curing all events of default with respect
to the Guarantee that may have occurred, shall undertake to perform only such
duties as are specifically set forth in the Guarantee. After an event of
default with respect to the Guarantee has occurred, the Guarantee Trustee
shall exercise the rights and powers vested in it by the Guarantee, and shall
use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise thereof as a prudent
individual would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his
or her own affairs. Subject to such provisions, the Guarantee Trustee is under
no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the Guarantee at
the request of any holder of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities, unless
such holder shall have provided to the Guarantee Trustee such security and
indemnity, reasonably satisfactory to the Guarantee, against the costs,
expenses, and liabilities that might be incurred thereby.
 
                   DESCRIPTION OF THE CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES
   
  Set forth below is a description of the specific terms of the Convertible
Debentures. The following description is subject to, and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to, the Supplemental Indenture (the "Supplemental
Indenture") and the Multiple Series Indenture (the "Base Indenture" and,
together with the Supplemental Indenture, the "Indenture"), each to be entered
into by and between the Company and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (the
"Debenture Trustee"), a form of which is filed as an Exhibit to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part. Certain capitalized
terms used herein are defined in the Indenture.     
 
  Under certain circumstances involving the dissolution of the Trust following
the occurrence of a Special Event, Convertible Debentures may be distributed
to the holders of the Trust Securities in liquidation of the Trust. See
"Description of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities--Special Event
Distribution or Redemption".
 
  If the Convertible Debentures are distributed to the holders of the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities, the Company will use its reasonable efforts
to have the Convertible Debentures listed or quoted on such national
securities exchange or similar organization on which the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities are then listed or quoted, if any.
 
GENERAL
 
  The Convertible Debentures will be issued as unsecured debt under the
Indenture. The Convertible Debentures will be limited in aggregate principal
amount to approximately (i) the greater of (A) the aggregate
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
redemption price as of the Exchange Amount Determination Date for all
outstanding shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock, plus aggregate
accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon to but excluding the Expiration Date,
or (B) the Market Value of shares of Common Stock of the Company as of the
Exchange Amount Determination Date into which all outstanding shares of the
$3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock are convertible, plus (ii) the capital
contributed by the Company in exchange for the Trust Common Securities.
   
  The Convertible Debentures are not subject to a sinking fund provision. The
Convertible Debentures are convertible into the Common Stock at the option of
the holders of the Convertible Debentures at any time beginning 90 days
following the first date that any Trust Convertible Preferred Securities are
issued and prior to the close of business on September 1, 2026 (or, in the
case of Convertible Debentures called for redemption, the close of business on
the Business Day immediately preceding the Redemption Date) at the initial
conversion ratio equal to that number of shares of Common Stock determined by
dividing the principal amount of $50 by the product of 1.24 times the Market
Value of a share of Common Stock, subject to the conversion price adjustments
described under "Description of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities--
Conversion Rights". The entire principal amount of the Convertible Debentures
will mature and become due and payable, together with any accrued and unpaid
interest thereon including Compound Interest (as defined herein) and
Additional Interest (as defined herein), if any, on September 1, 2026.     
 
  If Convertible Debentures are distributed to holders of Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities in liquidation of such holders' interests in the Trust,
such Convertible Debentures will initially be issued as a Global Security (as
defined herein). As described herein, under certain limited circumstances,
Convertible Debentures may be issued in certificated form in exchange for a
Global Security. See "Book-Entry and Settlement" below. In the event that
Convertible Debentures are issued in certificated form, such Convertible
Debentures will be in denominations of $50 and integral multiples thereof and
may be transferred or exchanged at the offices described below. Payments on
Convertible Debentures issued as a Global Security will be made to DTC, a
successor depositary or, in the event that no depositary is used, to a Paying
Agent for the Convertible Debentures. In the event Convertible Debentures are
issued in certificated form, principal and interest will be payable, the
transfer of the Convertible Debentures will be registrable and Convertible
Debentures will be exchangeable for Convertible Debentures of other
denominations of a like aggregate principal amount at the corporate trust
office of the Institutional Trustee in New York, New York; provided that
payment of interest may be made at the option of the Company by check mailed
to the address of the holder entitled thereto or by wire transfer to an
account appropriately designated by the holder entitled thereto.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, so long as the holder of any Convertible
Debentures is the Institutional Trustee, the payment of principal and interest
on the Convertible Debentures held by the Institutional Trustee will be made
at such place and to such account as may be designated by the Institutional
Trustee.
 
SUBORDINATION
 
  The Convertible Debentures are subordinated and junior in right of payment
to all Senior Indebtedness of the Company to the extent set forth in the
Indenture. No payment of principal (including redemption payments), premium,
if any, or interest on the Convertible Debentures may be made (i) if any
Senior Indebtedness of the Company is not paid when due and any applicable
grace period with respect to such default has ended and such default has not
been cured or waived or ceased to exist, or (ii) if the maturity of any Senior
Indebtedness of the Company has been accelerated because of a default and such
acceleration has not been rescinded. Upon any payment by the Company or
distribution of assets of the Company to creditors upon any dissolution,
winding-up, liquidation, or reorganization, whether voluntary or involuntary,
or in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other proceedings, all
principal, premium, if any, and interest due or to become due on all Senior
Indebtedness of the Company must be paid in full before the holders of
Convertible Debentures are entitled to receive or retain any payment. Upon
satisfaction of all claims of all Senior Indebtedness then outstanding, the
rights of the holders of the Convertible Debentures will be subrogated to the
rights of the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Company to receive
payments of distributions applicable to Senior Indebtedness until all amounts
owing on the
 
                                      57
<PAGE>
 
Convertible Debentures are paid in full. For purposes of the subordination
provisions, the payment, issuance and delivery of cash, property or securities
(other than stock and certain subordinated securities of the Company) upon
conversion of a Convertible Debenture will be deemed to constitute payment on
account of the principal of such Convertible Debenture.
 
  By reason of such subordination, in the event of liquidation or insolvency,
creditors of the Company may recover less, ratably, than holders of Senior
Indebtedness and may recover more, ratably, than the holders of the
Convertible Debentures.
 
  In the event of the acceleration of the maturity of any Convertible
Debentures, the holders of Senior Indebtedness outstanding at the time of such
acceleration will first be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts
due thereon before the holders of the Convertible Debentures will be entitled
to receive any payment upon the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest
on, the Convertible Debentures.
   
  The term "Senior Indebtedness" means, with respect to the Company, all
current and future obligations and liabilities of the Company (whether
absolute, accrued, fixed, contingent, liquidated, unliquidated, or otherwise),
except for (1) accounts payable or any other obligations of the Company to
trade creditors created or assumed by the Company in the ordinary course of
business, (2) any obligation that is expressly by its terms subordinated to or
pari passu with the Convertible Debentures, and (3) any obligation or
liability of the Company to any person of which at least a majority of the
voting interest under ordinary circumstances is at such time, directly or
indirectly, owned by the Company. In addition, such Senior Indebtedness shall
continue to be Senior Indebtedness and be entitled to the benefits of the
subordination provisions irrespective of any amendment, modification, or
waiver of any term of such Senior Indebtedness.     
 
  The Indenture does not limit the aggregate amount of Senior Indebtedness
that may be issued or incurred by the Company and does not limit obligations
at Union Oil or other subsidiaries which are structurally senior to the
Convertible Debentures.
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY
 
  If the Company shall have exercised its right to defer payment of interest
on the Convertible Debentures by extending the interest payment period as
provided in the Indenture and such period, or any extension thereof, shall be
continuing, then (a) the Company shall not declare or pay any dividend on,
make any distributions with respect to, or redeem, purchase, acquire, or make
a liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital stock (other than
(i) purchases or acquisitions of shares of capital stock in connection with
any employee benefit plan or program, director plan or program, dividend
reinvestment, stock repurchase, or other similar plans available to
stockholders of the Company, or any option, warrant, right, or exercisable,
exchangeable, or convertible security outstanding as of the Expiration Date,
(ii) as a result of a reclassification of the Company's capital stock pursuant
to the exchange or conversion provisions of the Company's capital stock or the
exchange or conversion of one class or series of the Company's capital stock
for another class or series of the Company's capital stock or the capital
securities of a subsidiary (including a trust such as the Trust), or (iii) the
purchase of fractional interests in shares of the Company's capital stock
pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of such capital stock or
security being converted or exchanged), and (b) the Company shall not make any
payment of interest, principal or premium, if any, on, or repay, repurchase,
or redeem or make any guarantee payment (other than pursuant to the Guarantee)
with respect to any debt securities issued by the Company that rank pari passu
with or junior to the Convertible Debentures.
 
  Except as otherwise provided in the Indenture, for so long as the
Convertible Debentures are issued to the Trust or the Institutional Trustee
and the Trust Securities remain outstanding, the Company will covenant (i) to
directly or indirectly maintain 100% ownership of the Trust Common Securities;
provided, however, that any
 
                                      58
<PAGE>
 
permitted successor of the Company under the Indenture may succeed to the
Company's ownership of such Trust Common Securities, (ii) to use its
reasonable efforts to cause the Trust (a) to remain a statutory business
trust, except in connection with the distribution of the Convertible
Debentures, the redemption of all Trust Securities, or certain mergers,
consolidations, amalgamations, or other transactions each as permitted by the
Indenture or the Declaration, and (b) to continue to be classified as a
grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes and (iii) to use
its reasonable efforts to cause each holder of Trust Securities to be treated
as owning an undivided beneficial interest in the Convertible Debentures.
 
REDEMPTION AT THE OPTION OF THE COMPANY
   
  Except as described below with respect to accrued and unpaid interest, the
Company will have the right to redeem the Convertible Debentures, in whole or
in part, from time to time, on or after September 3, 2000, upon not less than
30 nor more than 60 days notice, at the following Redemption Prices (expressed
as percentages of the principal amount of the Convertible Debentures) together
with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, including Compound Interest
(as defined herein) to, but excluding, the redemption date, if redeemed during
the 12-month period beginning on September 1 (other than the first period,
which will begin on September 3, 2000) of the following years:     
<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
                                                                      REDEMPTION
   YEAR                                                                 PRICE
   ----                                                               ----------
   <S>                                                                <C>
   2000..............................................................  103.750%
   2001..............................................................  103.125%
   2002..............................................................  102.500%
   2003..............................................................  101.875%
   2004..............................................................  101.250%
   2005..............................................................  100.625%
   and 100% if redeemed on or after September 1, 2006.
</TABLE>    
 
  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may not redeem any Convertible
Debentures unless all accrued and unpaid interest has been paid on all
outstanding Convertible Debentures for all quarterly interest payment periods
terminating on or prior to the last interest payment date before the date of
redemption. If Convertible Debentures are redeemed on any March 1, June 1,
September 1, or December 1, accrued and unpaid interest shall be payable to
holders of record on the record date for such interest payment.
 
  The Company shall also have the right to redeem the Convertible Debentures
at any time in certain circumstances upon the occurrence of a Special Event as
described under "Description of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities--
Special Event Distribution or Redemption" at 100% of the principal amount
thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon (including Compound
Interest), to, but excluding, the redemption date.
 
  So long as the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities are outstanding, the
Declaration requires that the proceeds from the redemption of any of the
Convertible Debentures will be used to redeem Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities.
   
  The Company also has the right to redeem the Convertible Debentures in order
to effect an exchange of securities in the event of a Spinoff. See
"Description of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities--Conversion
Rights--Certain Other Adjustments".     
 
INTEREST
   
  Each Convertible Debenture shall bear interest at the rate of 6 1/4% per
annum from the date of original issuance or, for Convertible Debentures issued
in the Exchange Offer, from and including the Expiration Date. Interest is
payable quarterly in arrears on March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1 of
each year (each an "Interest Payment Date"), commencing on December 1, 1996,
to the person in whose name such Convertible Debenture is registered, subject
to certain exceptions, at the close of business on the business day next
preceding such Interest Payment Date. In the event the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities shall not continue to remain in book-entry only form and
the Convertible Debentures are not in the form of a global security, the
Company shall have the right to select record dates, which shall be at least
one business day before an Interest Payment Date.     
 
                                      59
<PAGE>
 
   
  The amount of interest payable for any full quarterly interest period will
be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. The amount
of interest payable for any period shorter than a full quarterly interest
period for which interest is computed, will be computed on the basis of 30-day
months and, for periods of less than a month, the actual number of days
elapsed per 30-day month. In the event that any date on which interest is
payable on the Convertible Debentures is not a business day, then payment of
the interest payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day that
is a business day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any
such delay), except that, if such business day is in the next succeeding
calendar year, then such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding
business day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made on such
date.     
 
OPTION TO EXTEND INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD
   
  So long as the Company is not in default in the payment of interest on the
Convertible Debentures, the Company will have the right, at any time, and from
time to time, during the term of the Convertible Debentures, to defer payments
of interest by extending the interest payment period for a period not
exceeding 20 consecutive quarters, during which Extension Period no interest
will be due and payable. At the end of the Extension Period, the Company shall
pay all interest then accrued and unpaid (including any Additional Interest,
as herein defined), together with interest thereon compounded quarterly at the
rate specified for the Convertible Debentures to the extent permitted by
applicable law ("Compound Interest"); provided that during any such Extension
Period, (a) the Company shall not declare or pay any dividend on, make any
distributions with respect to, or redeem, purchase, acquire, or make a
liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital stock (other than (i)
purchases or acquisitions of shares of capital stock in connection with any
employee benefit plan or program, director plan or program, dividend
reinvestment, stock repurchase, or other similar plans available to
stockholders of the Company, or any option, warrant, right, or exercisable,
exchangeable, or convertible security outstanding as of the Expiration Date,
(ii) as a result of a reclassification of the Company's capital stock pursuant
to the exchange or conversion provisions of the Company's capital stock or the
exchange or conversion of one class or series of the Company's capital stock
for another class or series of the Company's capital stock or the capital
securities of a subsidiary (including a trust such as the Trust), or (iii) the
purchase of fractional interests in shares of the Company's capital stock
pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of such capital stock or
security being converted or exchanged), and (b) the Company shall not make any
payment of interest, principal or premium, if any, on, or repay, repurchase,
or redeem or make any guarantee payment (other than pursuant to the Guarantee)
with respect to any debt securities issued by the Company that rank pari passu
with or junior to the Convertible Debentures. Prior to the termination of any
such Extension Period, the Company may further extend the Extension Period;
provided, that such Extension Period, together with all such previous and
further extensions, may not exceed 20 consecutive quarters or extend beyond
the maturity of the Convertible Debentures. Upon the termination of any
Extension Period and the payment of all amounts then due, the Company may
commence a new Extension Period, subject to the above requirements. No
interest during an Extension Period, except at the end thereof, shall be due
and payable. The Company has no present intention of exercising its right to
defer payments of interest by extending the interest payment period on the
Convertible Debentures. If the Institutional Trustee shall be the only holder
of the Convertible Debentures, the Company shall give the Regular Trustees,
the Institutional Trustee and the Debenture Trustee notice of its election of
such Extension Period one Business Day prior to the earlier of (i) the date
distributions on the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities are payable or
(ii) the date the Regular Trustees are required to give notice to any national
stock exchange or other organization on which the Trust Convertible Preferred
Stock are listed or quoted, if any, or to holders of the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities of the record date or the date such distribution is
payable. The Regular Trustees shall give notice to the Company's selection of
such Extension Period to the holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities. If the Institutional Trustee shall not be the only holder of the
Convertible Debentures, the Company shall give the holders of the Convertible
Debentures notice of its election of such Extension Period ten Business Days
prior to the earlier of (i) the Interest Payment Date or (ii) the date upon
which the Company is required to give notice to any national stock exchange or
other organization on which the Trust Convertible Preferred Stock are listed
or quoted, if any, or to holders of the Convertible Debentures of the record
or payment date of such related interest payment.     
 
                                      60
<PAGE>
 
PROPOSED TAX LEGISLATION
 
  See the discussion above under the heading "Description of the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities--Proposed Tax Legislation".
 
CONVERSION OF THE CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES
   
  The Convertible Debentures will be convertible into the Common Stock at the
option of the holders of the Convertible Debentures at any time beginning 90
days following the first date that any Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
are issued and prior to the close of business on September 1, 2026 (or, in the
case of Convertible Debentures called for redemption, the close of business on
the Business Day immediately preceding the Redemption Date) at the initial
conversion ratio equal to that number of shares of Common Stock determined by
dividing the stated principal amount of one Convertible Debenture by the
product of 1.24 times the Market Value of a share of Common Stock, subject to
the conversion price adjustments described under "Description of the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities--Conversion Rights". The Trust has agreed not
to convert Convertible Debentures held by it except pursuant to a notice of
conversion delivered to the Conversion Agent by a holder of Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities. Upon surrender of a Trust Convertible Preferred Security
to the Conversion Agent for conversion, the Trust will distribute Convertible
Debentures to the Conversion Agent on behalf of the holder of the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities so converted, whereupon the Conversion Agent
will convert such Convertible Debentures to the Common Stock on behalf of such
holder. The Company's delivery to the holders of the Convertible Debentures
(through the Conversion Agent) of the fixed number of shares of Common Stock
into which the Convertible Debentures are convertible (together with the cash
payment, if any, in lieu of fractional shares) will be deemed to satisfy the
Company's obligation to pay the principal amount of the Convertible Debentures
so converted, and the accrued and unpaid interest thereon attributable to the
period from the last date to which interest has been paid or duly provided
for. If any Convertible Debentures are converted into Common Stock during the
period from (but excluding) a record date to the next succeeding interest
payment date, then either (i) if such Convertible Debentures have been called
for redemption on a redemption date which occurs during such period, or are to
be redeemed in connection with a Special Event which occurs during such
period, the Company shall not be required to pay accrued interest in cash on
such interest payment date in respect of such Convertible Debentures nor will
such accrued interest be converted into additional shares of Common Stock, but
such accrued interest will be deemed to be paid in full and then returned by
the holder to the Company as partial consideration for the Common Stock
received on conversion or (ii) if otherwise converted during such period, such
Convertible Debentures shall be accompanied by funds equal to the interest
payable on such succeeding interest payment date on the principal amount so
converted. The Company may not redeem any Convertible Debentures unless all
accrued and unpaid interest has been paid on all outstanding Convertible
Debentures for all quarterly interest payment periods terminating on or prior
to the last interest payment date before the date of redemption. Since the
Company is required to pay all accrued and unpaid interest, other than for the
current quarter (which interest is then paid to holders of Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities as accumulated and unpaid distributions), prior to
redeeming the Convertible Debentures (and thus, resulting in the redemption of
the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities), holders of Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities choosing to convert such Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities in order to avoid such redemption will, at most, forego actual
receipt of a cash distribution payment only for the current quarter. Interest
may, at the Company's option, be paid either (i) by check mailed to the
address of the person entitled thereto as it appears in the register or (ii)
by transfer to an account maintained by such person located in the United
States; provided, however, that payments to DTC will be made by wire transfer
of immediately available funds to the account of DTC or its nominee.     
 
ADDITIONAL INTEREST
 
  If at any time the Trust shall be required to pay any taxes, duties,
assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature (other than withholding
taxes) imposed by the United States, or any other taxing authority, then, in
any such case, the Company will pay as additional interest ("Additional
Interest") such additional amounts as shall be required so that the net
amounts received and retained by the Trust after paying any such taxes,
duties,
 
                                      61
<PAGE>
 
assessments or other governmental charges will be not less than the amounts
the Trust would have received had no such taxes, duties, assessments or other
governmental charges been imposed.
 
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS
 
  Except as otherwise provided in the Indenture, the Company may not merge or
consolidate or sell or convey all or substantially all of its assets unless
the successor corporation (if other than the Company) is a domestic
corporation and assumes the Company's obligations on the Convertible
Debentures and under the Indenture. See "Description of the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities--Conversion Rights".
 
  The Indenture does not contain provisions that afford the Convertible
Debentures protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction involving
the Company.
 
INDENTURE EVENTS OF DEFAULT
   
  Any one of the following events will constitute an Indenture Event of
Default with respect to the Convertible Debentures: (a) default in the payment
of any interest on the Convertible Debentures when due and payable, if
continued for 30 days after written notice has been given as provided in the
Indenture, whether or not such payment is prohibited by the subordination
provisions of the Indenture and the Convertible Debentures, provided, however,
that a valid extension of the interest payment period does not constitute a
default in the payment of interest; (b) default in the payment of principal of
(or premium, if any, on) the Convertible Debentures when due and payable
whether or not such payment is prohibited by the subordination provisions of
the Indenture and the Convertible Debentures, provided, however, that a valid
extension of the maturity of such Convertible Debentures does not constitute a
default in the payment of principal or premium; (c) failure to perform any
other covenant of the Company in the Indenture or the Convertible Debentures
(other than a covenant included in the Indenture solely for the benefit of any
series of debt securities other than the Convertible Debentures), if continued
for 90 days after written notice has been given as provided in the Indenture;
(d) failure of the Company to deliver the Common Stock upon a valid conversion
election by the holder or holders of the Convertible Debentures to convert
such Convertible Debentures into shares of Common Stock; (e) certain events in
bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization involving the Company; or (f) the
voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding-up, or termination of the Trust,
except in connection with (i) the distribution of Convertible Debentures to
the holders of Trust Securities in liquidation of the Trust or in their
interest in the Trust, (ii) the redemption of the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities, and (iii) certain mergers, consolidations or amalgamations, each
as permitted by the Declaration.     
 
  If any Indenture Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the
Institutional Trustee, as the holder of the Convertible Debentures, will have
the right to declare the principal of the Convertible Debentures (including
any Compound Interest and Additional Interest, if any) and any other amounts
payable under the Indenture to be forthwith due and payable and to enforce its
other rights as a creditor with respect to the Convertible Debentures. See
"Description of the Convertible Debentures--Indenture Events of Default" for a
description of the Indenture Events of Default. An Indenture Event of Default
also constitutes a Declaration Event of Default. The holders of Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities in certain circumstances have the right to
direct the Institutional Trustee to exercise its rights as the holder of the
Convertible Debentures. See "Description of the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities--Declaration Events of Default" and "--Voting Rights".
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Indenture Event of Default has occurred
and is continuing and such event is attributable to the failure of the Company
to pay interest or principal on the Convertible Debentures on the date such
interest or principal is otherwise payable (or in the case of redemption, the
redemption date), the Company acknowledges that then a holder of Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities may institute a Direct Action for payment on
or after the respective due date specified in the Convertible Debentures.
Notwithstanding any payments made to such holder of Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities by the Company in connection with a Direct Action, the
Company shall remain obligated to pay the principal of or interest on the
Convertible Debentures held by the Trust or the Institutional Trustee of the
Trust, and the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of the holder of such
Trust Convertible Preferred Securities with respect to payments on the Trust
Convertible Preferred
 
                                      62
<PAGE>
 
Securities to the extent of any payments made by the Company to such holder in
any Direct Action. The holders of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will
not be able to exercise directly any other remedy available to the holders of
the Convertible Debentures.
 
DEFEASANCE
 
  The obligations of the Company with respect to the payment of the principal
of, and interest on, the Convertible Debentures will terminate if the Company
irrevocably deposits or causes to be deposited with the Debenture Trustee,
under the terms of an escrow trust agreement in form and substance
satisfactory to the Debenture Trustee, as a trust fund specifically pledged as
security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the holders of the
Convertible Debentures, (i) money, (ii) U.S. government obligations, which
through the payment of interest and principal in respect thereof in accordance
with their terms will provide money at such time or times as payments are due
and payable on the Convertible Debentures, or (iii) a combination of (i) and
(ii), sufficient to pay and discharge the Convertible Debentures (and all
other sums payable with respect to the Convertible Debentures). The discharge
of the Convertible Debentures is subject to certain other conditions,
including (without limitation) (a) no Indenture Event of Default or event
(including such deposit) which with notice or lapse of time would become an
Indenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date
of such deposit, and (b) such deposit and the related intended consequence
will not result in any default or event of default under any material
indenture, agreement, or other instrument binding upon the Company or its
subsidiaries or any of their properties. The conversion rights under the
Indenture will survive until the Convertible Debentures are no longer
outstanding.
 
MODIFICATION, WAIVER, MEETINGS, AND VOTING
 
  Modification of Indentures. The Indenture will provide that the Company and
the Debenture Trustee may, without the consent of any holders of Convertible
Debentures, enter into supplemental indentures for the purposes, among other
things, of adding to the Company's covenants, adding additional Indenture
Events of Default, establishing the form or terms of Convertible Debentures or
curing ambiguities or inconsistencies in such Indenture, or making other
changes to the Indenture or form or terms of the Convertible Debentures,
provided such action does not have a material adverse effect on the interests
of the holders of the Convertible Debentures. In addition, modifications and
amendments of the Indenture may be made by the Company and the Debenture
Trustee with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Debentures then outstanding
affect by such modification or amendment; provided, however, that no such
modification or amendment may, without the consent of each holder of
Convertible Debentures outstanding that is affected thereby, (a) change the
stated maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or
rate of interest on the Convertible Debentures, (b) reduce the principal
amount of or interest on any Convertible Debentures, (c) change any obligation
to pay additional amounts, (d) change the place of payment or the currency or
currency unit in which the Convertible Debentures or interest thereon is
payable, (e) impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any
payment on or with respect to the Convertible Debentures, (f) reduce the
percentage in principal amount of the Convertible Debentures then outstanding
required for modification or amendment of the Indenture or for any waiver of
compliance with certain provisions of the Indenture or for waiver of certain
defaults, (g) change any obligation of the Company to maintain an office or
agency in the places and for the purposes required by the Indenture, (h) make
any change that would materially adversely affect the right to convert the
Convertible Indentures, or (i) modify any of the above positions.
 
  Waiver of Default. The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount
of the Convertible Debentures then outstanding may, on behalf of the holders
of all Convertible Debentures, waive compliance by the Company with certain
restrictive provisions of the Indenture. The holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Debentures then outstanding may,
on behalf of the holders of all Convertible Debentures, waive any past default
under the Indenture with respect to the Convertible Debentures except a
default (a) in the payment of principal of or any interest on the Convertible
Debentures and (b) in respect of a covenant or provision of the Indenture
which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of each holder of the
Convertible Debentures then outstanding.
 
                                      63
<PAGE>
 
  Meetings and Voting. A meeting may be called at any time by the Debenture
Trustee, and upon request, by the Company (pursuant to a resolution of the
Board) or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Convertible
Debentures then outstanding. Except as described above under "Modifications of
Indentures" and "Waiver of Default," a resolution presented at a meeting or
reconvened meeting at which a quorum of the holders of Convertible Debentures
then outstanding is present may be adopted by the affirmative vote of the
lesser of (i) the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Convertible
Debentures then outstanding, or (ii) the holders of 66 2/3% in principal
amount of the Convertible Debentures then outstanding represented and voting
at the meeting; provided, however, that if any consent, waiver, or other
action which the Indenture expressly provides may be made, given, or taken by
the holders of a specified percentage, which is less than a majority of the
principal amount of the Convertible Debentures then outstanding, such action
may be adopted at a meeting or reconvened meeting at which a quorum is present
by the affirmative vote of the lesser of (a) the holders of such specified
percentage in principal amount of the Convertible Debentures then outstanding
or (b) a majority in principal amount of Convertible Debentures then
outstanding of such series represented and voting at the meeting. Any
resolution passed or decision taken at any meeting of holders of Convertible
Debentures duly held in accordance with the Indenture will be binding on all
holders of Convertible Debentures whether or not present or represented at the
meeting.
 
  Except with respect to certain reconvened meetings, the quorum at a meeting
of the holders of a Convertible Debenture will be persons holding or
representing a majority in principal amount of the Convertible Debentures then
outstanding.
 
BOOK-ENTRY AND SETTLEMENT
 
  If distributed to holders of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities in
connection with the involuntary or voluntary dissolution, winding-up, or
liquidation of the Trust as a result of the occurrence of a Special Event, the
Convertible Debentures will be issued in the form of one or more global
certificates registered in the name of the depository or its nominee. For
further detail, see "Book-Entry System--The Depository Trust Company" below.
 
THE DEPOSITORY
 
  If the Convertible Debentures are distributed to holders of Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities in liquidation of such holders' interests in
the Trust, DTC will act as securities depository for the Convertible
Debentures. For a description of DTC and the specific terms of the depository
arrangements, see "Description of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities--
Book-Entry Only Issuances".
 
  None of the Company, the Trust, the Institutional Trustee, any paying agent
and any other agent of the Company or the Debenture Trustee will have any
responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or
payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in a Global
Security for such Convertible Debentures or for maintaining, supervising or
reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
 
DISCONTINUANCE OF THE DEPOSITORY'S SERVICES
 
  A Global Security shall be exchangeable for Convertible Debentures
registered in the names of persons other than the Depository or its nominee
only if (i) the Depository notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable
to continue as a depository for such Global Security and no successor
depository shall have been appointed, (ii) the Depository, at any time, ceases
to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act at which time the
Depository is required to be so registered to act as such depository and no
successor depository shall have been appointed, (iii) the Company, in its sole
discretion, determines that such Global Security shall be so exchangeable or
(iv) there shall have occurred an Indenture Event of Default with respect to
such Convertible Debentures. Any Global Security that is exchangeable pursuant
to the preceding sentence shall be exchangeable for Convertible Debentures
registered in such names as the Depository shall direct. It is expected that
such instructions will be based upon directions received by the Depository
from its Participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in
such Global Security.
 
                                      64
<PAGE>
 
GOVERNING LAW
 
  The Indenture and the Convertible Debentures will be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.
 
MISCELLANEOUS
   
  The Indenture will provide that the Company will pay all fees and expenses
related to (i) the issuance and exchange of the Trust Securities and the
Convertible Debentures, (ii) the organization, maintenance and dissolution of
the Trust, (iii) the retention of the Trustees and (iv) the enforcement by the
Institutional Trustee of the rights of the holders of the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities. The payment of such fees and expenses will be fully and
unconditionally guaranteed by the Company.     
 
  The Company will have the right at all times to assign any of its respective
rights or obligations under the Indenture to a direct or indirect wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company; provided that, in the event of any such assignment,
the Company will remain liable for all of their respective obligations.
Subject to the foregoing, the Indenture will be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the parties thereto and their respective successors and assigns.
The Indenture provides that it may not otherwise be assigned by the parties
thereto.
 
                        EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE
                   CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES AND THE GUARANTEE
 
  As set forth in the Declaration, the sole purposes of the Trust are (a)
issuing its Trust Securities in exchange for Convertible Debentures having an
aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of such
Trust Securities and (b) engaging in such other activities as are necessary or
incidental thereto.
 
  As long as payments of interest and other payments are made when due on the
Convertible Debentures, such payments will be sufficient to cover
distributions and payments due on the Trust Securities because of the
following factors: (i) the aggregate principal amount of Convertible
Debentures will be equal to the sum of the aggregate liquidation amount of the
Trust Securities; (ii) the interest rate and the interest and other payment
dates on the Convertible Debentures will match the distribution rate and
distribution and other payment dates for the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities; (iii) the Company shall pay all, and the Trust shall not be
obligated to pay, directly or indirectly, costs, expenses, debt, and
obligations of the Trust (other than with respect to the Trust Securities);
and (iv) the Declaration further provides that the Trustees shall not take or
cause or permit the Trust to, among other things, engage in any activity that
is not consistent with the purposes of the Trust.
 
  Payments of distributions (to the extent funds therefor are available) and
other payments due on the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities (to the
extent funds therefor are available) are guaranteed by the Company as and to
the extent set forth under "Description of the Guarantee". If the Company does
not make interest payments on the Convertible Debentures held by the Trust,
the Trust will not have sufficient funds to pay distributions on the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities. The Guarantee is a full guarantee on a
subordinated basis with respect to the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
issued by the Trust from the time of its issuance but does not apply to any
payment of distributions unless and until the Trust has sufficient funds for
the payment of such distributions. The Guarantee covers the payment of
distributions and other payments on the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
only if and to the extent that the Company has made a payment of interest or
principal on the Convertible Debentures held by the Trust as its sole asset.
The Guarantee, when taken together with the Company's obligations under the
Convertible Debentures, the Indenture and the Declaration, including its
obligations to pay costs, expenses, debts and liabilities of the Trust (other
than with respect to the Trust Securities), provides a full and unconditional
guarantee of amounts on the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities.
 
  If the Company fails to make interest or other payments on the Convertible
Debentures when due (taking account of any Extension Period), the Declaration
provides a mechanism whereby a holder of the Trust
 
                                      65
<PAGE>
 
Convertible Preferred Securities, using the procedures described in
"Description of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities--Book-Entry Only
Issuances," and "--Voting Rights," and "Book Entry System--The Depository
Trust Company" may direct the Institutional Trustee to enforce its rights
under the Convertible Debentures. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in such
circumstances a holder of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities may institute
a Direct Action for payment on or after the respective due date specified in
the Convertible Debentures. In connection with such Direct Action, the Company
will be subrogated to the rights of such holder of Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities in such Direct Action. The Company, under the Guarantee,
acknowledges that the Guarantee Trustee shall enforce the Guarantee on behalf
of the holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities. If the Company
fails to make payments under the Guarantee, the Guarantee provides a mechanism
whereby the holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities may direct
the Guarantee Trustee to enforce its rights thereunder. Any holder of Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities may institute a legal proceeding directly
against the Company to enforce such holder's right to receive payment under
the Guarantee without first instituting a legal proceeding against the Trust,
the Guarantee Trustee, or any other person or entity.
 
                        DESCRIPTION OF THE COMMON STOCK
   
  The Board is authorized to issue a maximum of 750,000,000 shares of Common
Stock under the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (the
"Certificate of Incorporation"). As of June 30, 1996, 248,309,196 shares of
Common Stock were outstanding, 16,666,667 shares were reserved for issuance
upon the conversion of the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock and 20,454,631
shares were reserved for issuance in connection with the Company's employee
benefit plans, its directors' restricted stock plan and its dividend
reinvestment and common stock purchase plan.     
 
  The following summary of the rights of holders of the Common Stock does not
purport to be complete and is subject in all respects to the applicable
provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Certificate of
Incorporation, and the Company's bylaws (the "Bylaws").
 
CERTAIN RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF THE COMMON STOCK
 
  Dividend Rights: Subject to the prior rights of the holders of any class of
the Company's preferred stock, if any, holders of the Common Stock are
entitled to receive such dividends as are declared by the Board out of funds
legally available therefor.
 
  Voting Rights: Subject to the rights of the holders of any class of the
Company's preferred stock, if any, all voting rights are vested in the holders
of shares of Common Stock, each share being entitled to one vote on all
matters presented for a vote (except for those matters for which a separate
class vote is required under Delaware law). The holders of one-third of the
shares entitled to vote constitute a quorum at any meeting of stockholders.
Holders of shares of Common Stock do not have cumulative voting rights, which
means that holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the election of
directors can elect 100% of the directors standing for election, if they
choose to do so, and the holders of the remaining shares voting for the
election of directors will not be able to elect any person or persons to the
Board. The Board is divided into three classes, and directors normally serve
three-year staggered terms. One of the classes is presented for election at
each annual meeting, so that the entire Board is never presented for election
in any one year.
 
  Liquidation Rights: Subject to the rights of the holders of any class of the
Company's preferred stock, if any, in the event of liquidation of the Company,
holders of the Common Stock will share pro rata in all assets distributable to
stockholders in respect of shares held by them.
 
  Preemptive Rights: Holders of the Common Stock are not entitled to any
preemptive rights to subscribe for any securities that may be issued by the
Company.
 
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<PAGE>
 
  ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C. ("ChaseMellon"), Encino,
California, is the transfer agent and registrar for the Common Stock. The
Common Stock may also be presented for transfer at the office of ChaseMellon,
New York, New York.
 
RIGHTS TO PURCHASE SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK
 
  In January 1990, the Board adopted a stockholder rights plan (the "Rights
Plan") and declared a dividend of one right (a "Right" and collectively, the
"Rights") for, and to be attached to, each outstanding share of the Common
Stock. The resolutions creating the Rights Plan provide that as long as the
Rights are attached to shares of Common Stock, as provided in the "Rights
Agreement" referred to below, one additional Right will be issued and
delivered with each share of the Common Stock that becomes outstanding after
February 12, 1990. Each Right entitles the holder thereof to purchase one one-
hundredth (1/100th) of a share of preferred stock designated as the Series A
Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred Stock").
The Rights will expire on January 29, 2000, unless redeemed earlier, and will
not be exercisable or transferable separately from the shares of Common Stock
until the close of business on the earlier of (i) the tenth day following a
public announcement that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons
(a "15% Stockholder") has acquired, or obtained the right to acquire,
beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding Common Stock or (ii)
the date of the commencement or the announcement of an intention to make a
tender or exchange offer that would cause any person or group to become a 15%
Stockholder (the "Distribution Date"). The Rights Plan is expected to have the
effect of rendering certain changes of control of the Company more difficult.
 
  Pursuant to the Rights Plan, 3,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock
have been designated and reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Rights. An
additional number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock equal to one one-
hundredth of the number of shares of Common Stock will be reserved for
issuance in connection with an issuance of preferred stock or the Common Stock
of the Company, whether issued directly, upon exercise of equity warrants, or
upon conversion of any convertible preferred stock or debt securities
(including the Convertible Debentures) of the Company.
 
  A description of the Rights and the Series A Preferred Stock is set forth in
the Rights Agreement, dated January 29, 1990 and as amended, between the
Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as successor rights agent, which is
included as exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is
a part.
 
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS
 
  The Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws contain certain provisions that
may have the effect of rendering a change of control of the Company more
difficult. The Board is divided into three classes, and normally serve three-
year staggered terms. Special meetings of the Company's stockholders generally
may be called only by the Board, and any action required or permitted to be
taken by the stockholders must be taken at an annual or special meeting and
may not be effected by written consent. The vote of 75% of the outstanding
stock of the Company entitled to vote is required for the stockholders to
adopt, amend or repeal bylaws. Such a 75% vote is also required for approval
of a merger or consolidation of the Company, and certain other transactions,
with another corporation that owns beneficially, with its affiliates, more
than 10% of the total voting power of all outstanding shares of the Company's
voting stock (a "Related Corporation"), unless such a transaction was approved
by 75% of the directors of the Company prior to the Related Corporation
becoming such. The Certificate of Incorporation also requires such a 75% vote
to repeal or amend any of the foregoing provisions.
 
  The Bylaws require 30 days' advance notice of, and specified information
with respect to, nominations by stockholders of persons for election as
directors and other business to be brought before an annual meeting by a
stockholder.
 
  As set forth below under "Description of the $3.50 Convertible Preferred
Stock," the Board has the authority, without further stockholder action, to
provide for the issuance of preferred stock of the Company and to fix the
terms thereof. Provisions which could render a change of control of the
Company more difficult, such
 
                                      67
<PAGE>
 
as extraordinary voting, dividend, redemption or conversion rights, could be
included in the terms of preferred stock. The Board has adopted a policy that
it will not authorize the issuance of voting preferred stock for the sole or
principal purpose of deterring an unsolicited takeover bid for the Company.
However, this policy does not prevent or restrain the Board from taking any
action necessary in the discharge of its fiduciary duties or from authorizing
preferred stock in connection with a transaction approved by stockholders,
employee or executive plans, a rights offering or the Rights Plan, or to
existing stockholders in connection with a recapitalization or
reclassification.
 
             DESCRIPTION OF THE $3.50 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
 
GENERAL
   
  Under the Certificate of Incorporation, the Board is authorized without
further stockholder action to provide for the issuance of up to 100,000,000
shares of preferred stock, $.10 par value, in one or more series, with such
voting powers or without voting powers, and with such designations,
preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and
qualifications, limitations or restrictions, as shall be set forth in
resolutions providing for the issue therefor adopted by the Board. As of
August 6, 1996, the Company has issued, pursuant to a certificate of
designations (the "Certificate of Designations"), 10,250,000 shares of
preferred stock, all of which are shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock.
    
  The transfer agent, registrar, dividend disbursing agent, and redemption
agent for the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock is ChaseMellon. The registrar
for the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock will send notices to stockholders of
any special meetings at which Holders thereof will have the right to elect
directors of the Company. See "--Voting Rights".
 
DIVIDENDS
 
  Holders of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when,
as and if declared by the Board, out of funds legally available for payment,
cash dividends at an annual rate of $3.50 per share, payable in arrears on
January 15, April 15, July 15, and October 15 of each year. Each such dividend
is payable to Holders of record as they appear on the Company's stock register
on such record dates, not more than 60 days nor less than 10 days preceding
the payment dates thereof, as fixed by the Board. Dividends payable for each
full dividend period equal $0.875 per share of $3.50 Convertible Preferred
Stock. Dividends payable for any period less than a full dividend period are
computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.
Dividends on each share of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock cumulate to (but
excluding) the earlier of the redemption date for such share or the date of
final distribution upon liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the
Company. Holders of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock are not entitled to any
dividend, whether payable in cash, property or stock, in excess of full
cumulative dividends. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, is
payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments which may be in
arrears.
 
  If there are outstanding shares of any other class or series of preferred
stock of the Company ranking junior to (including the Series A Preferred Stock
described under "Description of the Common Stock--Rights to Purchase Series A
Preferred Stock") or on a parity with the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock as
to dividends, no full dividends may be declared or paid or set apart for
payment on any such other series for any period unless full cumulative
dividends have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid (or declared
and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof is set apart for such payment) on
the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock for all dividend payment periods
terminating on or prior to the date of the payment of such full cumulative
dividends. When dividends are not paid in full on the $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock and on any other series of preferred stock of the Company
ranking on a parity as to dividends with the $3.50 Convertible Preferred
Stock, all dividends declared upon all outstanding shares of $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock and shares of such other series of preferred stock will be
declared pro rata so that the amounts of dividends declared per share on the
$3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock and such other preferred stock will in all
cases bear to each other the same
 
                                      68
<PAGE>
 
ratio that accumulated and unpaid dividends per share on the shares of $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock and such other preferred stock bear to each other.
 
  Unless full cumulative dividends on all outstanding shares of $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock have been paid or declared and set apart for
payment for all past dividend payment periods, no dividend (other than a
dividend in the Common Stock or in any other stock of the Company ranking
junior to the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock as to dividends and upon
liquidation and other than as provided in the preceding paragraph) may be
declared or paid or set apart for payment or other distribution declared or
made upon the Common Stock or upon any other stock of the Company ranking
junior to or on a parity with the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock as to
dividends or upon liquidation, nor may any of the Common Stock or any other
stock of the Company ranking junior to or on a parity with the $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation be redeemed,
purchased or otherwise acquired for any consideration (or any moneys be paid
to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any shares of
any such stock) by the Company (except by conversion into or exchange for
stock of the Company ranking junior to the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock
as to dividends and upon liquidation). These restrictions do not prevent the
Company from making contributions to its employee benefit plans or from
redeeming Rights pursuant to its Rights Plan.
 
  Holders of shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock called for redemption
on a redemption date between a dividend record date and the corresponding
dividend payment date are not entitled to receive the dividend payable on such
dividend payment date.
 
LIQUIDATION RIGHTS
 
  In the event of any voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation, or
winding up of the Company, the Holders of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock
will be entitled to receive and to be paid out of the Company's assets
available for distribution to its stockholders, before any payment or
distribution is made to holders of the Common Stock or any other class of
stock of the Company ranking junior to the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock
upon liquidation (including the Series A Preferred Stock), a liquidation
preference in the amount of $50 per share of the $3.50 Convertible Preferred
Stock plus accumulated and unpaid dividends. If, upon any voluntary or
involuntary dissolution, liquidation, or winding up of the Company, the
amounts payable with respect to the liquidation preference of the $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock and any other shares of stock of the Company
ranking as to any such distribution on a parity with the $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock are not paid in full, the Holders of $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock and of such other shares will share ratably in any such
distribution of assets of the Company in proportion to the full distributable
amounts to which they are entitled as measured by liquidation preferences.
After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distribution to which they
are entitled, the Holders of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock will have no
right or claim to any of the remaining assets of the Company. Neither the sale
of all or substantially all of the property or business of the Company (other
than in connection with the winding up of its business), nor the merger or
consolidation of the Company into or with any other corporation will be
considered a dissolution, liquidation, or winding up of the Company.
 
  The right of the Company, and hence the right of Holders of $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock and other stockholders and creditors of the
Company, to participate in any distribution of assets of any subsidiary
(including Union Oil) upon its liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is
necessarily subject to the prior claims of creditors of the subsidiary, except
to the extent that claims of the Company itself as a creditor of the
subsidiary are recognized.
 
                                      69
<PAGE>
 
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
 
  The $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock is not subject to any mandatory
redemption, sinking fund, or other similar provisions. Since July 15, 1996,
the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock has been redeemable in whole or in part,
at the Company's option, upon not less than 30 days' notice nor more than 60
days' notice, during the twelve-month periods commencing on July 15 of the
years indicated below at the following redemption prices per share (expressed
as a percentage of the $50 liquidation preference thereof), plus accumulated
and unpaid dividends, if any, up to but excluding the date fixed for
redemption:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      REDEMPTION
   YEAR                                                                 PRICE
   ----                                                               ----------
   <S>                                                                <C>
   1996..............................................................   104.2%
   1997..............................................................   103.5%
   1998..............................................................   102.8%
   1999..............................................................   102.1%
   2000..............................................................   101.4%
   2001..............................................................   100.7%
   2002 and thereafter...............................................   100.0%
</TABLE>
 
  In the event that fewer than all the outstanding shares of $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock are to be redeemed, the shares to be redeemed will be
determined by lot or pro rata or by any other method as may be determined by
the Board to be equitable.
 
  From and after the applicable redemption date (unless default shall be made
by the Company in providing money for the payment of the redemption price),
dividends on the shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock to be redeemed on
such redemption date shall cease to accrue, said shares shall no longer be
deemed to be outstanding, the Holders thereof shall cease to be stockholders
of the Company, and all rights with respect to said shares (except the right
to receive the redemption price without interest) will terminate. Holders of
shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock called for redemption on a
redemption date between a dividend record date and the corresponding dividend
payment date are not entitled to receive the dividend payable on such dividend
payment date.
 
  If any dividends on the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock are in arrears, no
shares of the Preferred Stock will be redeemed unless all outstanding shares
of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock are simultaneously redeemed.
 
  Holders of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock have no right to require
redemption of the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock.
 
VOTING RIGHTS
 
  Holders of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock have no voting rights except as
set forth below or as otherwise from time to time required by law.
 
  If the equivalent of six quarterly dividends payable on the $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock or any other series of preferred stock of the
Company are in default, the number of directors of the Company will be
increased by two and the Holders of all outstanding shares of $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock and all other outstanding shares of preferred
stock having similar voting rights, voting as a single class without regard to
series and with no cumulative voting, to the exclusion of the holders of the
Common Stock, will be entitled to elect those two additional directors, who
shall serve until all dividends in default have been paid or declared and set
apart for payment.
 
  Unless the vote or consent of the Holders of a greater number of shares is
then required by law, the affirmative vote or consent of the Holders of at
least 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares of $3.50 Convertible
 
                                      70
<PAGE>
 
Preferred Stock, voting as a class, will be required for any amendment,
alteration or repeal of the Certificate of Incorporation (including any
certificate amendatory thereof or supplemental thereto providing for the
capital stock of the Company, including any Certificate of Designation or
similar document relating to the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock) which
would adversely affect the preferences, rights, powers or privileges of the
$3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock. Unless the vote or consent of the Holders
of a greater number of shares is then required by law, the affirmative vote or
consent of the Holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares of $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock and any other series of preferred stock of the
Company ranking on a parity with the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock either
as to dividends or upon liquidation, voting as a single class without regard
to series, will be required to create, authorize or issue, or reclassify any
authorized stock of the Company into, or create, authorize, or issue any
obligation or security convertible into or evidencing a right to purchase, any
shares of any class of stock of the Company ranking prior to the $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation.
 
  The Certificate of Incorporation may be amended to increase the number of
authorized shares of preferred stock without the vote of the Holders of the
outstanding shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock.
 
CONVERSION RIGHTS
 
  The $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible at the option of the
holder thereof into such number of shares of Common Stock as is equal to the
aggregate liquidation preference amount of shares of $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock surrendered for conversion divided by the conversion price
(except that a share of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock called for
redemption will be convertible up to and including but not after the close of
business on the day fixed for redemption, unless the Company defaults in
making payment of the amount payable upon redemption). As of the date of this
Prospectus, the conversion price is $30.75.
 
  No fractional shares of Common Stock or securities representing fractional
shares of Common Stock will be issued upon conversion. Any fractional interest
in a share of the Common Stock resulting from conversion will be paid in cash
based on the market price of the Common Stock (determined as set forth in the
Certificate of Designations).
 
  The conversion price is subject to adjustment (under formulas set forth in
the Certificate of Designation) in certain events, including: the issuance of
the Common Stock as a dividend or distribution on its capital stock;
subdivisions and combinations of the shares of Common Stock; the issuance to
all holders of the Common Stock of certain rights or warrants entitling them
to subscribe for or purchase the Common Stock at less than the current market
price (as defined in the Certificate of Designation); and the distribution to
all holders of the Common Stock of evidences of indebtedness of the Company,
capital stock, or assets (excluding the Common Stock, cash dividends,
distributions in connection with liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of
the Company, and those rights or warrants referred to above), unless the
Company reserves such distribution for the Holders of $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock upon conversion.
 
  If the Company shall be a party to a recapitalization, reclassification,
consolidation, merger, sale or transfer of all or substantially all of its
assets or share exchange (including any (i) recapitalization or
reclassification of shares of Common Stock (other than a change in par value
or as a result of a subdivision or combination of the Common Stock), (ii)
consolidation or merger of the Company with or into another person, other than
a merger that does not result in a reclassification, conversion, exchange or
cancellation of the Common Stock, (iii) any sale or transfer of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company, or (iv) any compulsory share
exchange, pursuant to which the Common Stock is converted to the right to
receive other securities, cash or other property), then lawful provision shall
be made so that the holder of each share of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock
then outstanding shall have the right thereafter to convert such share only
into (x) in the case of a Non-Stock Fundamental Change (as defined below) and
subject to funds being legally available for such purpose under applicable law
at the time of such conversion, the kind and amount of the securities, cash
and other property receivable upon such transaction by a holder of the number
of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of such share of $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock immediately prior to such transaction after giving
effect to
 
                                      71
<PAGE>
 
any adjustment in the conversion price in accordance with clause (i) of the
following paragraph, and (y) in the case of a Common Stock Fundamental Change
(as defined below), common stock of the kind received by holders of the Common
Stock as a result of such Common Stock Fundamental Change in an amount
determined in accordance with clause (ii) of the following paragraph. The
company formed by such consolidation, resulting from such merger, or acquiring
such assets or the Company's shares, as the case may be, shall make provisions
in its certificate or articles of incorporation or other constituent document
to establish such right. Such certificate or articles of incorporation or
other constituent document shall provide for adjustments which, for events
subsequent to the effective date of such certificate or articles of
incorporation or other constituent document, shall be as nearly equivalent as
practical to the relevant adjustments provided for in specified portions of
the Certificate of Designations.
 
  Notwithstanding any other provision in the preceding paragraphs, if any
Fundamental Change (as defined below) occurs, the conversion price in effect
will be adjusted immediately after that Fundamental Change as follows:
 
    (i) in the case of a Non-Stock Fundamental Change, the conversion price
  of the shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock will be the lower of (A)
  the conversion price in effect immediately prior to such Non-Stock
  Fundamental Change and (B) the product of (1) the greater of the Applicable
  Price (as defined below) and the Reference Market Price (as defined below)
  and (2) a fraction, the numerator of which is $50 and the denominator of
  which is the amount at which one share of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock
  would be redeemed by the Company if the redemption date were the date of
  the Non-Stock Fundamental Change (the denominator being the sum of (y) the
  product of the percentage (expressed as a decimal) set forth in the table
  under the caption "Optional Redemption" and $50, and (z) any accumulated
  and unpaid dividends on the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock); and
 
    (ii) in the case of a Common Stock Fundamental Change, the conversion
  price of the shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock immediately
  following the Common Stock Fundamental Change will be the conversion price
  in effect immediately prior to the Common Stock Fundamental Change
  multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the Purchaser Stock
  Price (as defined below) and the denominator of which is the Applicable
  Price; provided, however, that in the event of a Common Stock Fundamental
  Change in which (A) 100% of the value of the consideration received by a
  holder of the Common Stock is common stock of the successor, acquiror, or
  other third party (and cash, if any, paid with respect to any fractional
  interests in that common stock resulting from the Common Stock Fundamental
  Change) and (B) all of the Common Stock of the Company shall have been
  exchanged for, converted into, or acquired for, common stock of the
  successor, acquiror or other third party, the conversion price of the
  shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock immediately following the
  Common Stock Fundamental Change shall be the conversion price in effect
  immediately prior to the Common Stock Fundamental Change multiplied by a
  fraction, the numerator of which is one (1) and the denominator of which is
  the number of shares of common stock of the successor, acquiror, or other
  third party received by a holder of one share of the Common Stock as a
  result of the Common Stock Fundamental Change.
 
  Depending upon whether the Fundamental Change is a Non-Stock Fundamental
Change or Common Stock Fundamental Change, a holder may receive significantly
different consideration upon conversion. In the event of a Non-Stock
Fundamental Change, the holder has the right to convert shares of $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock into the kind and amount of the shares of stock
and other securities or property or assets (including cash), except as
otherwise provided above, as is determined by the number of shares of Common
Stock receivable upon conversion at the conversion price as adjusted in
accordance with clause (i) of the preceding paragraph. However, in the event
of a Common Stock Fundamental Change in which less than 100% of the value of
the consideration received by a holder of the Common Stock is common stock of
the successor, acquiror or other third party, a holder of a share of $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock who converts such share following the Common Stock
Fundamental Change will receive consideration in the form of such common stock
only, whereas a holder who converted such share prior to the Common Stock
Fundamental Change received consideration in the form of such common stock as
well as any other securities or assets (which may include cash) issuable upon
conversion of such share of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock immediately
prior to such Common Stock Fundamental Change.
 
 
                                      72
<PAGE>
 
  For purposes of the "Description of the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock",
the following terms shall have the designated meanings:
 
  The term "Applicable Price" means (i) in the event of a Non-Stock
Fundamental Change in which the holders of the Common Stock receive only cash,
the amount of cash received by a holder of one share of the Common Stock and
(ii) in the event of any other Non-Stock Fundamental Change or any Common
Stock Fundamental Change, the average of the Closing Prices (determined as
provided in the Certificate of Designation) for one share of the Common Stock
during the ten trading days immediately prior to the record date for the
determination of the holders of the Common Stock entitled to receive cash,
securities, property or other assets in connection with such Non-Stock
Fundamental Change or Common Stock Fundamental Change or, if there is no such
record date, prior to the date on which the holders of the Common Stock will
have the right to receive such cash, securities, property or other assets.
 
  The term "Common Stock Fundamental Change" means any Fundamental Change in
which more than 50% of the value (as determined in good faith by the Board) of
the consideration received by holders of the Common Stock consists of common
stock that, for the ten trading days immediately prior to such Fundamental
Change, has been admitted for listing on a national securities exchange or
quoted on the Nasdaq National Market System; provided, however, that a
Fundamental Change will not be a Common Stock Fundamental Change unless either
(i) the Company continues to exist after the occurrence of such Fundamental
Change and the outstanding shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock
continue to exist as outstanding shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock,
or (ii) not later than the occurrence of such Fundamental Change, the
outstanding shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock are converted into or
exchanged for shares of convertible preferred stock of a corporation
succeeding to the business of the Company, which convertible preferred stock
has powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other rights,
and qualifications, limitations and restrictions substantially similar to
those of the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock.
 
  The term "Fundamental Change" means the occurrence of any transaction or
event in connection with a plan pursuant to which all or substantially all of
the Common Stock of the Company is exchanged for, converted into, acquired for
or constitutes solely the right to receive cash, securities, property or other
assets (whether by means of an exchange offer, liquidation, tender offer,
consolidation, merger, combination, reclassification, recapitalization or
otherwise); provided, however, in the case of a plan involving more than one
such transaction or event, for purposes of adjustment of the conversion price,
a Fundamental Change will be deemed to have occurred when substantially all of
the Common Stock has been exchanged for, converted into, or acquired for, or
constitutes solely the right to receive cash, securities, property or other
assets, but the adjustment shall be based upon the consideration that the
holders of the Common Stock received in the transaction or event as a result
of which more than 50% of the Common Stock is exchanged for, converted into,
or acquired for, or constitutes solely the right to receive cash, securities,
property or other assets; and provided, further, that the term does not
include (i) any transaction or event in which the Company and/or any of its
subsidiaries are the issuers of all the cash, securities, property or other
assets exchanged, acquired or otherwise issued in the transaction or event, or
(ii) any transaction or event in which the holders of the Common Stock receive
securities of an issuer other than the Company if, immediately following the
transaction or event, those holders hold a majority of the securities having
the power to vote normally in the election of directors of the other issuer
outstanding immediately following the transaction or other event.
 
  The term "Non-Stock Fundamental Change" means any Fundamental Change other
than a Common Stock Fundamental Change.
 
  The term "Purchaser Stock Price" means, with respect to any Common Stock
Fundamental Change, the average of the reported last sale prices for one share
of the common stock received by holders of the Common Stock in that Common
Stock Fundamental Change during the ten trading days immediately prior to the
record date for the determination of the holders of the Common Stock entitled
to receive that common stock or, if there is no such record date, prior to the
date upon which the holders of the Common Stock shall have the right to
receive the common stock.
 
                                      73
<PAGE>
 
  The term "Reference Market Price" means $17.00 as of the date of this
Prospectus and, in the event of any adjustment to the conversion price as
described in the third paragraph of this subsection, the Reference Market
Price will also be adjusted so that the ratio of the Reference Market Price to
the conversion price after giving effect to any adjustment will always be the
same as the ratio of $17.00 (the initial Reference Market Price) to $30.75
(the initial conversion price for the Preferred Stock); which is 1 to 1.8088.
 
  No adjustment in the conversion price will be required unless the adjustment
would require a change of at least 1% in the conversion price then in effect;
provided, however, that any adjustment that would otherwise be required to be
made shall be carried forward and taken into account in any subsequent
adjustment. The Company reserves the right to make any reduction in the
conversion price in addition to those required in the foregoing provisions as
the Company considers to be advisable to avoid or diminish income taxes to the
Company's stockholders resulting from certain stock-related distributions.
Except as stated above, the conversion price will not be adjusted for the
issuance of the Common Stock or any securities convertible into or
exchangeable for the Common Stock or carrying the right to purchase any of the
foregoing.
 
  The Holders of shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock at the close of
business on a dividend record date are entitled to receive the dividend
payable on those shares (except that Holders of shares called for redemption
on a redemption date between the record date and the dividend payment date
will not be entitled to receive such dividend) on the corresponding dividend
payment date notwithstanding the subsequent conversion thereof. However,
shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock surrendered for conversion during
the period between the close of business on any dividend record date and the
opening of business on the corresponding dividend payment date (except shares
called for redemption on a redemption date during that period) must be
accompanied by payment of an amount equal to the dividend payable on the
shares on that dividend payment date. A holder of shares of $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock on a dividend record date who (or whose transferee) tenders
any shares for conversion on or after a dividend payment date will receive the
dividend payable by the Company on $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock on that
date, and the converting holder need not include payment in the amount of such
dividend upon surrender of shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock for
conversion. Except as provided above, the Company will not make any payment or
adjustment on conversion in respect of dividends, whether or not in arrears,
on shares surrendered for conversion or on account of dividends on the shares
of Common Stock issued upon conversion.
 
BOOK-ENTRY; DELIVERY AND FORM
 
  Except as described in the next paragraph, the shares of $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock are on deposit with, or on behalf of, DTC and are registered
in the name of Cede in the form of a global $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock
certificate, and investors hold their interests therein directly through DTC,
or indirectly through organizations which are participants in DTC. A more
detailed description of the DTC book-entry system is set forth in "Book-Entry
System--The Depository Trust Company" below.
 
  Shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock (i) held by certain foreign
purchasers or accredited institutional investors who are not qualified
institutional buyers (the "Non-Global Purchasers") or (ii) if DTC is at any
time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary and a successor depositary
is not appointed by the Company within 90 days, issued by the Company in
definitive form in exchange for the global certificate are "Certificated $3.50
Convertible Preferred Shares". There are restrictions on the transfer of
Certificated $3.50 Convertible Preferred Shares.
 
  The redemption price of Certificated $3.50 Convertible Preferred Shares will
be payable upon redemption by wire transfer of immediately available funds
upon presentation and surrender of such Certificated $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Shares at the Company's principal office or at the office or agency
of the Company maintained for such purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, the
City of New York. Dividends on the Certificated $3.50 Convertible Preferred
Shares will be payable on each dividend payment date by check mailed to the
persons in whose names such shares are registered on the record date preceding
such dividend payment date; provided that any such person will be entitled to
receive such dividend payment by wire transfer of immediately
 
                                      74
<PAGE>
 
available funds if appropriate wire transfer instructions have been received
by ChaseMellon, the transfer agent, not later than the record date preceding
such dividend payment date and the amount of such payment is equal to or
greater than the minimum amount required for a wire transfer under
ChaseMellon's rules for operations at the time of payment.
 
                BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM--THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY
 
  DTC acts as securities depositary (the "Depository") for the $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock, will act as the Depository for the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities and, if such are distributed to the holders
of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities as described herein, is expected to
act as the Depository for the Convertible Debentures. For purposes of the
description of the book-entry system below, the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities, the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock and the Convertible
Debentures are referred to as the "Convertible Securities".
 
  DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking
Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law,
a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the
meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a "clearing agency"
registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC
holds securities that its participants (the "Participants") deposit with DTC.
DTC also facilitates the settlement among Participants of securities
transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through
electronic computerized book-entry changes in Participants' accounts, thereby
eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct
Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies,
clearing corporations and certain other organizations (the "Direct
Participants"). DTC is owned by a number of its Direct Participants and by the
NYSE, the American Stock Exchange, Inc., and the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC system is also available to others,
such as securities brokers and dealers, banks, and trust companies that clear
transactions through or maintain a direct or indirect custodial relationship
with a Direct Participant either directly or indirectly ("Indirect
Participants"). The rules applicable to DTC and its Participants are on file
with the SEC.
 
  The ownership interest of each actual owner of a Convertible Security
("Beneficial Owner") within the DTC system is recorded on the Direct and
Indirect Participants' records and is credited to the Direct Participant on
DTC's records. Beneficial Owners do not receive written confirmation from DTC
of their transactions, but Beneficial Owners are expected to receive written
confirmations providing details of the transactions, as well as periodic
statements of their holdings, from the Direct or Indirect Participants through
which the Beneficial Owners exchanged or hold Convertible Securities.
Transfers of ownership interests in the Convertible Securities are to be
accomplished by entries made on the books of Participants acting on behalf of
Beneficial Owners. Beneficial Owners will not receive certificates
representing their ownership interests in a Convertible Security, except in
the event that use of the book-entry system for such Convertible Security is
discontinued.
 
  The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities
take physical delivery of securities in definitive form. Such laws may impair
the ability to transfer beneficial interests in the Convertible Securities
represented by a global certificate.
 
  To facilitate subsequent transfers, all the Convertible Securities deposited
by Participants with DTC are registered in the name of Cede. The deposit of
Convertible Securities with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede
effect no change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the identity
of the Beneficial Owners of the Convertible Securities, as its records reflect
only the identity of the Direct Participants to whose accounts such
Convertible Securities are credited, which may or may not be the Beneficial
Owners. The Participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their
holdings on behalf of their customers.
 
  Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to Direct
Participants, by Direct Participants to Indirect Participants and by Direct
Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed
 
                                      75
<PAGE>
 
by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory
requirements that may be in effect from time to time.
 
  Redemptions are coordinated through DTC. Redemption notices shall be sent to
Cede. If less than all of the Convertible Securities held by DTC are being
redeemed, DTC will reduce the amount of the interest of each Direct
Participant in such Convertible Securities in accordance with its procedures.
 
  Conversions are coordinated through DTC. Conversions notices shall be sent
to Cede by a Direct Participant for the benefit of Beneficial Owners. DTC will
reduce the amount of interest of a Direct Participant in the Convertible
Securities as result of any such conversion in accordance with its procedures.
 
  Additionally, although voting with respect to the Convertible Securities is
limited, in those cases where a vote is required, neither DTC nor Cede will
itself consent or vote with respect to such securities. Under its usual
procedures, DTC would mail an Omnibus Proxy to the issuer of the Convertible
Security for which a vote is being solicited as soon as possible after the
record date. The Omnibus Proxy assigns Cede consenting or voting rights to
those Direct Participants to whose accounts the voting Convertible Securities
are credited on the record date (identified in a listing attached to the
Omnibus Proxy). The Company and the Trust believe that the arrangements among
DTC, Direct and Indirect Participants, and Beneficial Owners will enable the
Beneficial Owners to exercise rights equivalent in substance to the rights
that can be directly exercised by a holder of a Convertible Security.
 
  Distribution payments on the Convertible Securities are made to DTC. DTC's
practice is to credit Direct Participants' accounts on the relevant payment
date in accordance with their respective holdings shown of DTC's record unless
DTC has reason to believe that it will not receive payments on such payment
date. Payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by
standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities
held for the account of customers in bearer form or registered in "street
name," and such payments will be the responsibility of such Participant and
not of DTC, the Trust, or the Company, subject to any statutory or regulatory
requirements to the contrary that may be in effect from time to time. Payment
of distributions to DTC is the responsibility of the issuer of the Convertible
Security, disbursement of such payments to the Beneficial Owners is the
responsibility of Direct and Indirect Participants.
 
  DTC has advised the Company that it will take any action permitted to be
taken by a holder of the Convertible Securities (including, without
limitation, the presentation of a stock certificate for conversion) only at
the direction of one or more Participants to whose account with DTC interests
in shares presented by a global certificate are credited and only in respect
of such number of the shares of the Convertible Securities represented by a
global certificate as to which such Participants have given such direction.
 
  Except as provided herein, a Beneficial Owner in a global Convertible
Security certificate will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of such
securities. Accordingly, each Beneficial Owner must rely on the procedures of
DTC to exercise any rights under such securities. Because DTC can only act on
behalf of Participants, who in turn act on behalf of Indirect Participants,
the ability of a person having a beneficial interest in shares represented by
a global certificate to pledge such interest to persons or entities that do
not participate in the DTC system, or otherwise take actions in respect of
such interest, may be affected by the lack of a physical certificate of such
interest.
 
  DTC may discontinue providing its services as Depository with respect to the
Convertible Securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to the issuer.
Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor securities depositary
is not obtained, certificates for the Convertible Securities for which DTC has
discontinued its services are required to be printed and delivered.
Additionally, the issuer of the Convertible Security may decide to discontinue
use of the system of book-entry transfers through DTC (or any successor
depositary) with respect to its Convertible Securities. In that event,
certificates for such Convertible Securities will be printed and delivered.
 
                                      76
<PAGE>
 
  The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system
has been obtained from sources that the Company and the Trust believe to be
reliable, but neither the Company nor the Trust takes responsibility for the
accuracy thereof.
 
                   CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
 
GENERAL
 
  In the opinion of Miller & Chevalier, Chartered, special tax counsel to the
Company and the Trust, the following are the material United States federal
income tax consequences of the acquisition by exchange, ownership, and
disposition of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities. Unless otherwise
stated, this summary deals only with Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
held as capital assets by Holders who exchange shares of $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock. It does not deal with special classes of holders such as
banks, thrifts, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies,
insurance companies, dealers in securities or currencies, tax-exempt
investors, foreign governments, or with persons that hold the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities or the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock as a
position in a "straddle," as part of a "synthetic security" or "hedge," as
part of a "conversion transaction" or other integrated investment, or as other
than a capital asset. This summary also does not address the tax consequences
to persons that have a functional currency other than the U.S. Dollar or the
tax consequences to stockholders, partners, or beneficiaries of a holder of
Trust Convertible Preferred Securities. Further, it does not include any
description of any alternative minimum tax consequences or the tax laws of any
state or local government or any foreign government that may be applicable to
the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities or to a Holder's decision to
exchange shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock for Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities. This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code"), Treasury regulations thereunder, and
administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, as of the date hereof,
all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis.
 
  ALL HOLDERS OF $3.50 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK ARE ADVISED TO CONSULT
THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND FOREIGN TAX
CONSEQUENCES OF AN EXCHANGE OF SHARES OF $3.50 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK FOR
TRUST CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES AND THE OWNERSHIP, CONVERSION AND
DISPOSITION OF TRUST CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES RECEIVED IN THE EXCHANGE
OFFER IN LIGHT OF THEIR OWN PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
 
CLASSIFICATION OF THE CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES
 
  In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Debentures, Miller &
Chevalier, Chartered will render its opinion that, although the matter is not
free from doubt, the Convertible Debentures will be classified for United
States federal income tax purposes as indebtedness of the Company under
current law. By accepting a Trust Convertible Preferred Security, each holder
covenants to treat the Convertible Debentures as indebtedness and the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities as evidence of an indirect beneficial
ownership in the Convertible Debentures. No assurance can be given, however,
that the classification of the Convertible Debentures as indebtedness will not
be challenged by the IRS. The remainder of this discussion assumes that the
Convertible Debentures will be classified for United States federal income tax
purposes as indebtedness of the Company.
 
CLASSIFICATION OF THE TRUST
 
  In connection with the issuance of the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities, Miller & Chevalier, Chartered will render its opinion that the
Trust will be classified for United States federal income tax purposes as a
grantor trust and not as an association taxable as a corporation. Accordingly,
for United States federal income tax purposes, each holder of Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities will be considered the owner of an undivided
interest in the Convertible Debentures, and pursuant to the agreement to treat
the Convertible Debentures as indebtedness, each holder will be required to
include in its gross income interest received or accrued with respect to its
allocable share of the Convertible Debentures.
 
                                      77
<PAGE>
 
INTEREST INCOME AND ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT
 
  Corporate holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will not be
entitled to a dividends-received deduction with respect to any income
recognized with respect to the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities.
 
  Under current law, the Company's option to defer payments of interest by
extending interest payment periods for up to 20 quarters would cause the
Convertible Debentures to be issued with OID. OID must be included in income
by all holders as it accrues economically on a daily basis, without regard to
when it is paid in cash or whether a particular holder generally uses the cash
method of accounting. On June 14, 1996, however, the U.S. Treasury Department
issued new income tax regulations providing that "remote" contingencies are
ignored in determining whether a debt instrument is issued with OID. These new
regulations apply to all debt instruments that, like the Convertible
Debentures, are to be issued on or after August 13, 1996.
 
  The Company believes that the likelihood of its exercising its option to
defer payments of interest is "remote" because exercising that option would
prevent the Company from declaring dividends on its Common Stock and the
Company has paid regular quarterly dividends on its Common Stock for more than
80 years. Thus, in the opinion of special tax counsel, the Convertible
Debentures that will be issued on or after August 13, 1996, will not include
OID under the new regulations, and holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities should accrue interest under their own methods of accounting (e.g.,
cash or accrual) instead of under the daily economic accrual rules for OID
instruments.
 
  Under the new regulations, however, if the Company exercises its right to
defer payments of interest, the Convertible Debentures will become OID
instruments, and all holders of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
will be required to accrue interest on a daily basis during the extended
interest period even though the Company will not pay the interest in cash
until the end of the extended interest period, and even if some holders
generally use the cash method of accounting. A holder who disposes of the
Trust Convertible Preferred Securities during an extended interest period may
suffer a loss because the market value of the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities will likely fall if the Company exercises its option to defer
payments of interest on the Convertible Debentures. Furthermore, the market
value of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities may not reflect the
accumulated distributions that will be paid at the end of the extended
interest period, and a holder who sells the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities during the extended interest period will not receive from the
Company any cash related to the interest income the holder accrued and
included in its taxable income under the OID rules (because that cash will be
paid to the holder of record at the end of the extended interest period).
 
  If the Convertible Debentures become OID instruments (i.e., if the Company
ever exercises its right to defer payments of interest), the Convertible
Debentures will be taxed as OID instruments for as long as they remain
outstanding. Thus, even after the end of the extended interest period, all
holders will be required to continue accruing interest on the Convertible
Debentures on a daily basis, regardless of their method of accounting. Under
the OID rules, a holder would accrue an amount of interest income each year
that approximates the stated interest payments called for under the terms of
the Convertible Debentures, and actual cash payments of interest on the
Convertible Debentures would not be reported separately as taxable income.
 
  The new regulations have not yet been addressed in any rulings or other
interpretations by the IRS, and it is possible that the IRS could take a
position contrary to special tax counsel's interpretation.
 
EXCHANGE OF $3.50 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK FOR TRUST CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED
SECURITIES
 
  The exchange of shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock for Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities will be a taxable event. If, with respect to
a particular holder, the exchange satisfies one of the tests of section 302 of
the Code described below, it will be treated as a transaction in which capital
gain or loss is recognized, rather than as a dividend. The tests under section
302 of the Code are applied on a stockholder-by-stockholder basis. Therefore,
whether an exchange will be treated as a transaction in which capital gain or
loss is recognized or as a dividend with respect to a particular Holder will
depend on that Holder's particular facts and circumstances. If the exchange of
shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock for Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities is
 
                                      78
<PAGE>
 
treated as a transaction in which capital gain or loss is recognized with
respect to a particular holder, the capital gain or loss will be based on the
difference between the fair market value of the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities received in the exchange and the Holder's adjusted tax basis in the
shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock surrendered therefor. Any capital
gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares of $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock surrendered in the exchange was held by the holder
for more than one year. The exchanging Holder's tax basis in the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities received in the exchange will equal the fair
market value of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities at the time of the
exchange and the holding period for the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
will begin on the day after the day on which the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities are acquired by the holder.
   
  Pursuant to section 302 of the Code, an exchange will be treated as a
transaction in which gain or loss is recognized if, after giving effect to the
constructive ownership rules of section 318 of the Code, the exchange
(i) represents a "complete termination" of the exchanging Holder's stock
interest in the Company, (ii) is "substantially disproportionate" with respect
to the exchanging Holder or (iii) is "not essentially equivalent to a
dividend" with respect to the exchanging Holder, all within the meaning of
section 302(b) of the Code. Under the constructive ownership rules of section
318 of the Code, a holder of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will be
treated as owning the Common Stock into which such Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities are convertible. Accordingly, an exchange pursuant to the Exchange
Offer could not, standing alone, satisfy the "complete termination" or the
"substantially disproportionate" tests. An exchange will be "not essentially
equivalent to a dividend" as to a particular holder if it results in a
"meaningful reduction" in such holder's interest in the Company (after
application of the constructive ownership rules of section 318 of the Code).
In general, there are no fixed rules for determining whether a "meaningful
reduction" has occurred. However, based upon published rulings of the IRS, the
exchange will be treated as a transaction in which gain or loss is recognized
if the holder's stock ownership (treating the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities as converted) is minimal, the holder exercises no control over the
affairs of the Company, and the holder's percentage equity interest in the
Company is reduced in the redemption to any extent. On August 6, the closing
market price of the Common Stock was $33 5/8. If the Market Value of a share
of Common Stock is at least $26.08, the number of shares of Common Stock to be
issued upon conversion of all of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
would be less than the number of shares of Common Stock that would be issued
upon conversion of all of the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Securities (assuming
that the Expiration Date is not extended beyond September 5, 1996); therefore
an exchange of shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock for Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities would, standing alone, result in some
reduction in an exchanging Holder's constructive stock interest in the
Company. However, if the Market Value of a share of Common Stock is lower than
$26.08, such exchange would not, standing alone, result in any reduction in
the exchanging Holder's constructive stock interest in the Company. No
assurance can be given that these tests will be satisfied, and, if such tests
are not satisfied, the exchange will be treated as a dividend. EACH HOLDER
SHOULD CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR AS TO ITS ABILITY IN LIGHT OF ITS OWN
PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES TO SATISFY ANY OF THE FOREGOING TESTS, POSSIBLY BY
DISPOSING OF A PORTION OF ITS STOCK INTEREST IN THE COMPANY CONTEMPORANEOUSLY,
AND AS PART OF AN INTEGRATED PLAN, WITH THE EXCHANGE OF SHARES OF $3.50
CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK FOR TRUST CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES.     
 
  If an exchange is treated as a dividend with respect to a particular
exchanging Holder under section 302 of the Code, such holder (i) will not
recognize any loss on the exchange, (ii) will recognize dividend income
(rather than capital gain) in an amount equal to the fair market value of the
Trust Convertible Preferred Securities (and any cash in lieu of fractional
Trust Convertible Preferred Securities) received without regard to the
holder's basis in the shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock surrendered
in the exchange, to the extent of its proportionate share of the Company's
current or accumulated earnings and profits. The holding period for the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities will begin on the day after the day on which
the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities are acquired by the exchanging
Holder. CORPORATE HOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS
CONCERNING THE AVAILABILITY OF THE CORPORATE DIVIDENDS-RECEIVED DEDUCTION AND
THE POSSIBLE APPLICATION OF THE EXTRAORDINARY DIVIDEND RULES OF CODE SECTION
1059 TO AN EXCHANGE BY A CORPORATE HOLDER FOR WHOM THE DISTRIBUTION IS TAXABLE
AS A DIVIDEND.
 
 
                                      79
<PAGE>
 
RECEIPT OF CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES OR CASH UPON LIQUIDATION OF THE TRUST
 
  Under certain circumstances, as described under the caption "Description of
the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities--Special Event Distribution or
Redemption". The Convertible Debentures may be distributed to holders in
exchange for the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities and in liquidation of
the Trust. This distribution cannot occur without an opinion of an independent
tax counsel to the effect that the distribution will not result in recognition
of gain or loss to each holder. If the exchange is a non-taxable event, each
holder would receive an aggregate tax basis in the Convertible Debentures
equal to the holder's aggregate tax basis in the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities. A holder's holding period in the Convertible Debentures received
in liquidation of the Trust would include the period during which the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities were held by the holder. However, the tax-
free treatment of the distribution may be adversely affected as a result of a
change in law. For example, if a Tax Event results in the Trust being treated
as an association taxable as a corporation, then a holder would recognize gain
or loss upon receipt of the Convertible Debentures as if it had sold the
exchanged Trust Convertible Preferred Securities for cash. See "--Sale or
Redemption of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities".
 
  Under certain circumstances described herein (see "Description of the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities"), the Convertible Debentures may be redeemed
for cash and the proceeds of the redemption distributed to holders in
redemption of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities. Under current law,
such a redemption would, for United States federal income tax purposes,
constitute a taxable disposition of the redeemed Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities and a holder would recognize gain or loss as if it sold the
redeemed Trust Convertible Preferred Securities for cash. See "--Sale or
Redemption of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities".
 
SALE OR REDEMPTION OF TRUST CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES
 
  A holder that sells or redeems Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will
recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between its adjusted tax basis
in the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities and the amount realized on such
sale or redemption. Assuming that the Company does not defer payment of
interest on the Convertible Debentures, a holder's adjusted tax basis in the
Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will be the fair market value of those
securities on the date of the exchange of shares of $3.50 Convertible
Preferred Stock for Trust Convertible Preferred Securities. Subject to the
discussion below regarding accrued and unpaid interest, such gain or loss
generally will be a capital gain or loss and generally will be a long-term
capital gain or loss if the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities have been
held for more than one year.
 
  The Trust Convertible Preferred Securities may trade at a price that does
not fully reflect the value of the accrued and unpaid interest with respect to
the underlying Convertible Debentures. Should the Company exercise its right
to defer payments on interest, a holder who disposes of its Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities between record dates for payments of distributions
thereon will be required to include accrued and unpaid interest on the
Convertible Debentures through the date of disposition in income as ordinary
income, and to add such amount to its adjusted tax basis in its allocable
share of the underlying Convertible Debentures deemed disposed. To the extent
the selling price is less than the holder's adjusted tax basis, a holder will
recognize a capital loss. Subject to certain limited exceptions, capital
losses cannot be applied to offset ordinary income for United States federal
income tax purposes.
 
CONVERSION OF TRUST CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES INTO THE COMMON STOCK
 
  A holder of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will not recognize
income, gain or loss upon the conversion, through the Conversion Agent, of
Convertible Debentures into the Common Stock except to the extent of ordinary
income recognized with respect to accrued and unpaid interest on the
Convertible Debentures at that time. A holder of Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities will also recognize gain upon the receipt of cash in lieu of a
fractional share of the Common Stock equal to the amount of the cash received
less such holder's tax basis in such fractional share. Such a holder's tax
basis in the Common Stock received upon conversion should generally be equal
to such holder's tax basis in the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
delivered to the Conversion Agent for exchange, plus the amount of interest
income recognized on the exchange, minus the basis
 
                                      80
<PAGE>
 
allocated to any fractional share for which cash is received and such holder's
holding period in the Common Stock received upon conversion will begin on the
day after the day the holder acquired the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities delivered to the Conversion Agent for exchange (except that the
holding period of the Common Stock deemed issued for accrued interest will
begin on the day following the date of conversion).
 
CONVERSION ADJUSTMENT
 
  Treasury Regulations promulgated under section 305 of the Code would treat
holders of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities as having received a
constructive distribution from the Company in the event the conversion price
of the Convertible Debentures were adjusted if (i) as a result of such
adjustment, the proportionate interest of such holder in the assets or
earnings and profits of the Company were increased and (ii) the adjustment was
not made pursuant to a bona fide, reasonable anti-dilution formula. An
adjustment to the conversion price would not be considered made pursuant to
such formula if the adjustment was made to compensate for certain taxable
distributions with respect to the Common Stock. Thus, under certain
circumstances, a reduction in the conversion price for the holders may result
in deemed dividend income to holders to the extent of the current or
accumulated earnings and profits of the Company. Holders of the Convertible
Debentures would be required to include their allocable share of such deemed
dividend in gross income but will not receive any cash related thereto.
 
PROPOSED TAX LEGISLATION
 
  See the discussion above under the heading "Risk Factors--Proposed Tax
Legislation".
 
INFORMATION REPORTING TO HOLDERS
 
  Income on the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities will generally be
reported to holders on Forms 1099, which should be mailed to holders of the
Trust Convertible Preferred Securities by January 31 following each calendar
year.
 
  The Trust will be obligated to report annually to Cede, as holder of record
of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities, the interest received or
accrued related to the Convertible Debentures for the year. The Trust
currently intends to report such information on Form 1099 prior to January 31
following each calendar year even though the Trust is not legally required to
report to record holders until April 15 following each calendar year. Under
current law, holders of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities who hold as
nominees for beneficial holders will not have any obligation to report
information regarding the beneficial holders to the Trust. The Trust,
moreover, will not have any obligation to report to beneficial holders who are
not also record holders. Thus, beneficial holders of the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities who hold their Trust Convertible Preferred Securities
through nominees will receive Forms 1099 reflecting the income on their Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities from such nominee holders rather than the
Trust.
 
BACKUP WITHHOLDING
 
  Payments made on, and proceeds from the sale of the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities or the Convertible Debentures distributed to holders of
the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities may be subject to a "backup"
withholding tax of 31% unless the holder complies with certain identification
requirements. Any withheld amounts will be allowed as a refund or credit
against the holder's United States federal income tax provided the required
information is provided to the Service.
 
NON-UNITED STATES PERSONS
 
  For purposes of this discussion, "non-United States person" means any person
who, for United States federal income tax purposes, is neither (i) a citizen
or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation, partnership or other
entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or of
any State or of any of its territories or possessions, or (iii) a domestic
trust or estate.
 
 
                                      81
<PAGE>
 
  On April 15, 1996, the U.S. Treasury Department issued proposed regulations
that could affect the procedures to be followed by a non-United States person
in establishing non-United States person status. These proposed regulations
would generally be effective for payments made after December 31, 1997. Non-
United States persons should consult their tax advisors regarding the effect,
if any, of the proposed regulations on their acquisition, ownership and
disposition of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities.
 
  ALL HOLDERS OF $3.50 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK THAT ARE NON-UNITED STATES
PERSONS ARE ADVISED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE FEDERAL,
STATE, LOCAL, AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR EXCHANGE OF SHARES OF
$3.50 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK FOR TRUST CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES
AND THE OWNERSHIP, CONVERSION, AND DISPOSITION OF TRUST CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED
SECURITIES RECEIVED IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER IN LIGHT OF THEIR OWN PARTICULAR
CIRCUMSTANCES.
 
EXCHANGE OF $3.50 CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK FOR TRUST CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED
SECURITIES
 
  Subject to the discussion of backup withholding below, if a holder that is a
non-United States person proves, in a manner and under arrangements
satisfactory to the Company or other withholding agent, that the exchange of
shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock for Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities qualifies as a transaction in which gain or loss is recognized
rather than as a dividend (see "Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations--
Exchange of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock for Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities," above), the Company or other withholding agent will not withhold
federal income tax on the issuance of the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities to that holder and that holder generally will not be subject to
United States federal income tax in respect of gain recognized on the exchange
unless (i) the gain is effectively connected with a trade or business
conducted by the non-United States person within the United States (in which
case the branch profits tax may also apply if the holder is a foreign
corporation), (ii) in the case of a non-United States person that is an
individual, the holder is present in the United States for a period or periods
aggregating 183 days or more in the taxable year of the exchange and certain
other conditions are satisfied or (iii) the Company is or has been a "United
States real property holding corporation" within the meaning of section
897(c)(2) of the Code within the shorter of the holder's holding period or the
five-year period ending on the date of the exchange and certain other
conditions are satisfied, and no treaty exception is applicable.
 
  The Company believes it is a "United States real property holding
corporation". Accordingly, gain realized on the disposition (or exchange) of
shares of $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock by a non-United States person that
is deemed to own more than five percent of the $3.50 Convertible Preferred
Stock at any time during the shorter of the five-year period preceding such
disposition or such holder's holding period may be subject to United States
federal income tax. Where a non-United States person is deemed to own less
than five percent of the $3.50 Convertible Preferred Stock at all times during
the shorter of the five-year period preceding disposition or such holder's
holding period, the non-United States person will not be subject to United
States federal income taxation provided that the $3.50 Convertible Preferred
Stock continues, prior to the disposition of such stock, to be "regularly
traded on an established securities market" (within the meaning of section
897(c)(3) of the Code and the temporary regulations issued thereunder).
 
  If a holder that is a non-United States person exchanges shares of $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock for Trust Convertible Preferred Securities and
does not prove, in a manner satisfactory to the Company or other withholding
agent, that such exchange qualifies as a transaction in which gain or loss is
recognized, the Company will treat the issuance of Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities to the non-United States person as a dividend distribution. The
Company will withhold United States federal income tax from the gross proceeds
to that holder in an amount equal to 30% of the proceeds (including Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities that the holder would otherwise have
received) unless the holder is eligible for a reduced tax treaty rate with
respect to dividend income (in which case tax will be withheld at the reduced
rate) or unless the holder establishes that it is exempt from tax (such as by
providing the appropriate form certifying its status as a foreign government).
Except as may otherwise be provided in an applicable income tax treaty, a
holder that is a non-United States person will be taxed at ordinary federal
income tax rates on a net income basis if such dividend is effectively
connected with
 
                                      82
<PAGE>
 
the conduct of a trade or business of such holder within the United States (in
which case the branch profits tax may also apply if the holder is a foreign
corporation) and will not be subject to the withholding tax described in the
preceding sentence. A holder that is a non-United States person may be
eligible to obtain from the IRS a refund of tax withheld if such holder meets
one of three tests of section 302 described above under "--Exchange of $3.50
Convertible Preferred Stock for Trust Convertible Preferred Securities" or is
otherwise able to establish that no tax (or a reduced amount of tax) was due.
 
PAYMENTS ON TRUST CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES
 
  Subject to a discussion of backup withholding below, payments of principal
and interest (including OID, if any) on a Trust Convertible Preferred Security
by the Company or its agent (in its capacity as such) to a beneficial owner
that is a non-United States person will not be subject to United States
federal withholding tax provided that (a) such person does not actually or
constructively own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all
classes of stock of the Company entitled to vote, (b) such person is not a
controlled foreign corporation that is related to the Company actually or
constructively through stock ownership, (c) such person is not a bank that
acquired its Trust Convertible Preferred Security in consideration of an
extension of credit made pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the
ordinary course of business and (d) either (i) the beneficial owner certifies
under penalties of perjury on a Form W-8 delivered to the Company or its
agent, that it is not a United States person and provides its name and address
or (ii) a qualifying securities clearing organization, bank or other financial
institution that holds customers' securities in the ordinary course of its
trade or business and that holds the Trust Convertible Preferred Security
certifies to the Company or its agent under penalties of perjury that such
statement has been received from the beneficial owner in a suitable form by it
or by a qualifying intermediary and furnishes the payor with a copy thereof.
 
  If the beneficial owner of a Trust Convertible Preferred Security who is a
non-United States person is engaged in a trade or business within the United
States and interest (including OID, if any) on the Trust Convertible Preferred
Security is effectively connected with the conduct of such trade or business,
such beneficial owner may be subject to United States federal income tax on
such interest (including OID, if any) at ordinary federal income tax rates on
a net basis (in which case the branch profits tax may also apply if the holder
is a foreign corporation).
 
  If the Convertible Debentures are not classified for United States federal
income tax purposes as indebtedness of the Company, payments by the Trust or
any of its paying agents to any holder of a Trust Convertible Preferred
Security who is a non-United States person could be subject to United States
withholding tax at a 30% rate (or a lower rate prescribed by an applicable
treaty). Prospective investors that are non-United States persons should
consult their tax advisors concerning the possible application of these rules.
 
SALE, EXCHANGE OR CONVERSION OF TRUST CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SECURITIES
 
  Subject to the discussion of backup withholding below, any capital gain
realized upon the sale or exchange of a Trust Convertible Preferred Security
(including upon retirement of a Trust Convertible Preferred Security or to the
extent cash is received in lieu of a fractional share of Common Stock upon
conversion) by a beneficial owner who is a non-United States person ordinarily
will not be subject to United States federal income tax unless (i) such gain
is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by such non-United
States person within the United States (in which case the branch profits tax
may also apply if the holder is a foreign corporation), (ii) in the case of a
non-United States person that is an individual, such holder is present in the
United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more in the
taxable year of the exchange and certain other conditions are satisfied or
(iii) the Company is or has been a "United States real property holding
corporation" within the meaning of section 897(c)(2) of the Code within the
shorter of the holder's holding period or the five-year period ending on the
date of the exchange and certain other conditions are satisfied, and no treaty
exception is applicable.
 
  If the Company is treated as a "United States real property holding
corporation," gain realized on the disposition (or exchange) of the Trust
Convertible Preferred Securities by a non-United States person that is
 
                                      83
<PAGE>
 
deemed to own more than five percent of the Trust Convertible Preferred
Security disposed at any time during the shorter of the five-year period
preceding such disposition or such holder's holding period may be subject to
United States federal income tax. Where a non-United States person is deemed
to own less than five percent of the Trust Convertible Preferred Securities at
all times during the shorter of the five-year period preceding disposition or
such holder's holding period, the non-United States person will not be subject
to United States federal income taxation provided that the Trust Convertible
Preferred Securities continue to be "regularly traded on an established
securities market" (within the meaning of section 897(c)(3) of the Code and
the temporary regulations issued thereunder).
 
  The conversion of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities into Common Stock
will not result in a realization of gain or loss or be subject to United
States withholding tax.
 
BACKUP WITHHOLDING AND INFORMATION REPORTING
 
  Information reporting on IRS Form 1099 and backup withholding at a rate of
31% will not apply to payments of principal and interest (including OID, if
any) or a paying agent to a non-United States holder on a Trust Convertible
Preferred Security if the certification described in clause (d) under "--
Payments on Trust Convertible Preferred Securities" above is received,
provided that the payor does not have actual knowledge that the holder is a
United States person. However, interest (including OID, if any) on a Trust
Convertible Preferred Security owned by a holder that is non-United States
person may be required to be reported annually on IRS Form 1042S.
 
  Payments of the proceeds from the sale by a holder that is a non-United
States person of a Trust Convertible Preferred Security made to or through a
foreign office of a broker will not be subject to information reporting or
backup withholding, except that if the broker is a United States person, a
controlled foreign corporation for United States tax purposes or a foreign
person 50% or more of whose gross income is effectively connected with a
United States trade or business for a specified three-year period, information
reporting may apply to such payments. Payments of the proceeds from the sale
of a Trust Convertible Preferred Security to or through the United States
office of a broker is subject to information reporting and backup withholding
unless the holder certifies as to its non-United States person status or
otherwise establishes an exemption from information reporting and backup
withholding.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
  Certain matters relating to the validity of the Trust Convertible Preferred
Securities offered hereby will be passed upon for the Company by Morris
Nichols Arhst & Tunnell, Wilmington, Delaware, and certain matters relating to
the validity of the Convertible Debentures, the Guarantee, and the Common
Stock will be passed upon for the Company by Munger, Tolles & Olson, Los
Angeles, California. Certain tax matters will be passed upon for the Company
by Miller & Chevalier, Chartered, Washington, D.C. Certain legal matters will
be passed upon for the Dealer Managers by Davis Polk & Wardwell, New York, New
York.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of
the Company and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995, included in the
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995 and
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, have been incorporated herein in
reliance on the report of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent accountants,
which report is incorporated by reference herein, and on the authority of that
firm as experts in accounting and auditing. Such report includes an
explanatory paragraph with respect to changes in methods of accounting for the
impairment of long-lived assets and long-lived assets to be disposed of in
1995; for recognizing the reduction in value of producing oil and gas
properties in 1994; and for postretirement benefits other than pensions and
for postemployment benefits in 1993.
 
                                      84
<PAGE>
 
                              The Exchange Agent:
 
                              THE BANK OF NEW YORK
 
    By Hand or Overnight Courier:                       By Mail
                                             (Registered or Certified Mail
                                                      Recommended)
 
         The Bank of New York
 
     101 Barclay Street (7 East)
        Reorganization Section                    The Bank of New York
   Corporate Trust Services Window            101 Barclay Street (7 East)
       New York, New York 10286                  Reorganization Section
      Attention: George Johnson                 
                                             New York, New York 10286     
                                               Attention: George Johnson
 
                           By Facsimile Transmission
                       (For Eligible Institutions Only):
 
                                 (212) 571-3080
 
                Confirm Receipt of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery
                                 by Telephone:
 
                                 (212) 815-4997
 
                             The Information Agent:
 
                             D.F. KING & CO., INC.
                                77 Water Street
                            New York, New York 10005
                           (800) 848-3051 (Toll-Free)
                         (212) 269-5550 (Call Collect)
 
  Any questions or requests for assistance or additional copies of this
Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal may be directed to the Information
Agent at its telephone number and location set forth above. You may also
contact your broker, dealer, commercial bank or trust company or other nominee
for assistance concerning the Exchange Offer.
 
                  The Dealer Managers for the Exchange Offer:
 
     MORGAN STANLEY & CO.                             GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
        Incorporated                                    85 Broad Street
        1585 Broadway                               New York, New York 10004
   New York, New York 10036                        (800) 323-5678 (Toll-Free)
   (800)835-9668 (extension
      2262) (Toll-Free)


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