OWENS & MINOR INC/VA/
10-K, 1998-03-30
MEDICAL, DENTAL & HOSPITAL EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES
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                                 UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                   FORM 10-K


[X]      Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997

[ ]     Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition  period from __________ to __________

Commission File Number      1-9810

                              OWENS & MINOR, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Virginia                                             54-01701843
(State or other jurisdiction of           (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)


4800 Cox Road, Glen Allen, Virginia                                    23060
(Address of principal executive offices)                             (Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code (804) 747-9794

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


                                                        Name of each exchange on
Title of each class                                         which registered
Common Stock, $2 par value                               New York Stock Exchange
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights                          New York Stock Exchange
10 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2006               New York Stock Exchange


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of Class)

    Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No

<PAGE>


    Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]

    The aggregate market value of Common Stock held by non-affiliates (based
upon the closing sales price) was approximately $485,161,882 as of March 3,
1998. In determining this figure, the Company has assumed that all of its
officers, directors and persons known to the Company to be the beneficial owners
of more than five percent of the Company's Common Stock are affiliates. Such
assumption shall not be deemed conclusive for any other purpose.

    The number of shares of the Company's Common Stock outstanding as of March
3, 1998 was 32,392,391 shares.



<PAGE>




                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Owens & Minor, Inc. definitive Proxy Statement for the 1998
Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the 1998 Proxy Statement) are incorporated by
reference into Part III of this Form 10-K. With the exception of the specific
information referred to in Items 10, 11 and 12 hereof with respect to the 1998
Proxy Statement, the 1998 Proxy Statement is not deemed to be filed as a part of
this report.



<PAGE>






                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                      and
                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                        Page Number(s)
                                                                        --------------
                                                                  Form               Proxy
                                                                  10-K             Statement
                                                                  -----            ---------
<S> <C>
PART I
      Item 1      Business                                         2 -  9
      Item 2      Properties                                            9
      Item 3      Legal Proceedings                                    10
      Item 4      Submission of Matters to a
                    Vote of Security Holders                           10
PART II
      Item 5      Market for Registrant's Common
                    Equity and Related Stockholder
                    Matters                                            14
      Item 6      Selected Financial Data                              15
      Item 7      Management's Discussion and
                    Analysis of Financial
                    Condition and Results
                    of Operations                                 16 - 21
      Item 8      Financial Statements and
                    Supplementary Data                            22 - 46
      Item 9      Changes in and Disagreements
                    with Accountants on Accounting
                    and Financial Disclosure                           47
PART III

 *    Item 10     Directors and Executive Officers
                     of the Registrant                                 47              5 - 8
 *    Item 11     Executive Compensation                               47         18 - 20, 24

 *    Item 12     Security Ownership of Certain
                    Beneficial Owners and
                    Management                                         47             16 - 17
      Item 13     Certain Relationships and
                    Related Transactions                               47
PART IV
      Item 14     Exhibits, Financial Statement
                    Schedules, and Reports on
                    Form 8-K                                           48

</TABLE>

                * Information related to this item is hereby incorporated by
reference to the 1998 Proxy Statement.

<PAGE>




                              OWENS & MINOR, INC.

                                     PART I


Item 1.  Business

Company Overview

Owens and Minor, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company or O&M) is one of the two
largest distributors of medical and surgical supplies in the United States. The
Company stocks and distributes approximately 140,000 finished medical and
surgical products produced by approximately 2,400 suppliers to approximately
4,000 customers from 45 distribution centers nationwide. The Company's customers
are primarily acute care hospitals and hospital-based systems, which account for
more than 90% of the Company's net sales, and also include alternate care
facilities such as clinics, surgery centers, rehabilitation facilities, nursing
homes, physicians' offices and home healthcare. The majority of the Company's
sales consist of dressings, endoscopic products, intravenous products,
disposable gloves, needles and syringes, sterile procedure trays, surgical
products and gowns, urological products and wound closure products. The Company
was incorporated in Virginia on December 7, 1926 as a successor to a partnership
founded in Richmond, Virginia in 1882.

The Company has significantly expanded its national presence over the last five
years. This expansion resulted from both internal growth and acquisitions,
including the May 1994 acquisition of Stuart Medical, Inc. (Stuart), then the
third largest distributor of medical and surgical supplies in the United States
with 1993 net sales of approximately $890.5 million. Since 1992, the Company has
grown from 29 medical distribution centers serving 37 states to 45 distribution
centers serving 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The Company is committed to providing its customers and suppliers with the most
responsive, efficient and cost effective distribution system for the delivery of
medical and surgical products and services. To meet this commitment, the Company
has implemented the following strategy: (i) maintain the highest quality of
service; (ii) provide its customers with information management services and
cost containment solutions to their inventory management needs; and (iii)
provide value-added services to major healthcare networks and suppliers.

Industry Overview

Distributors of medical and surgical supplies provide a wide variety of medical
and surgical products to healthcare providers, including hospitals and
hospital-based systems, integrated healthcare networks (IHNs) and alternate care
providers. In recent years, the medical/surgical supply distribution industry
has grown due to the rising consumption of medical supplies. The increase in
consumption has been the result of an aging population and emerging medical
technology resulting in new healthcare procedures and products. This increasing
reliance is driven by customers seeking to take advantage of cost savings
achievable through the use of distributors. The healthcare industry has also
been characterized by the consolidation of healthcare providers into larger and
more sophisticated entities that are increasingly seeking lower procurement
costs and incremental services through a broad distribution network capable of
supplying their inventory management needs. In recent years, major acute care
hospitals have become hospital consolidators, aligning with or acquiring any
number of outpatient and long-term care facilities to form integrated healthcare
networks, or IHNs. As a whole, these IHNs provide a full continuum of inpatient,
outpatient and long-term care. As a result, these hospital consolidators are
looking for partners to fulfill the distinct order management and distribution
needs for their entire network.


<PAGE>


The traditional role of a distributor involves warehousing and delivering
medical and surgical supplies to a customer's loading dock. Increasingly,
distributors have assumed the additional roles of assisting their partners to
operate as a more unified network and as asset managers. The quality of
information generated by a national distributor, in terms of its ability to
discern utilization patterns across a broad spectrum of products, customers and
locations, is more useful to both suppliers and customers than that of smaller
distributors. Larger distributors are offering a wide array of customized asset
management services, including enhanced inventory management services that
provide a continuous inventory replenishment process (CRP), asset management
consulting and stockless and just-in-time inventory programs. These services
have been built upon the large distributors' capabilities to develop and manage
large databases of information with the flexibility to interact with various
customer needs.

Customers

The Company currently markets its distribution services to several types of
healthcare providers, including hospitals, IHNs and alternate care providers.
O&M contracts with these providers directly and through national healthcare
networks (Networks) and group purchasing organizations (GPOs).

National Healthcare Networks and Group Purchasing Organizations. Networks and
GPOs are entities that act on behalf of a group of healthcare providers to
obtain pricing and other benefits that the individual members may not be able to
obtain. Hospitals, physicians and other types of healthcare providers have
joined Networks and GPOs to obtain services from medical/surgical supply
distributors ranging from discounted product pricing to logistical and clinical
support in exchange for a fee. Networks and GPOs negotiate directly with both
medical and surgical product suppliers and distributors on behalf of their
members, establishing exclusive or multi-supplier relationships.

Because the combined purchasing volumes of their member institutions are very
large, Networks and GPOs have the buying power to negotiate price discounts for
the most commonly used medical and surgical products and for logistical
services. Accordingly, O&M believes that successful relationships with Networks
and GPOs are central to the Company's ability to maintain market share. Sales to
the Company's top five Network or GPO customers represented approximately 78% of
its net sales in 1997.

Networks and GPOs do not issue purchase orders or collect funds on behalf of
their members and they cannot ensure that members will purchase their supplies
from a given supplier. However, the buying power of Networks and GPOs is such
that they are able to negotiate price discounts without having to guarantee
minimum purchasing volumes. Members may belong to more than one Network or GPO,
and they are also free to negotiate directly with distributors and suppliers. As
a result, healthcare providers often select the best pricing and other benefits
from among those offered through several Networks and GPOs. Most Networks and
GPOs do not compel members to use O&M when it is the Network's or the GPO's
primary distributor. O&M believes that, in such circumstances, the incentives
for Network or GPO members to buy supplies through the Network's or GPO's
contract with the Company are strong, and that these contracts yield significant
sales volumes. The Company plans to continue to maintain and strengthen its
relationships with selected Networks and GPOs as a means of securing its leading
market position. Since 1985, the Company has been a distributor for VHA Inc.,
one of the largest provider networks for not-for-profit hospitals, representing
over 1,500 healthcare organizations. Sales to members of VHA Inc. represented
approximately 40% of the Company's net sales in 1997.


<PAGE>


Integrated Healthcare Networks. An IHN is an organization which is composed of
several healthcare facilities that jointly offer a variety of healthcare
services in a given market. These providers may be individual not-for-profit or
investor-owned entities that are joined by a formal business arrangement, or
they may all be part of the same legal entity. An IHN is distinguished by the
fact that it is typically a network of different types of healthcare providers
that are strategically located within a defined service area and seeks to offer
a broad spectrum of healthcare services and comprehensive geographic coverage to
a particular local market. Although an IHN may include alternate care
facilities, hospitals are usually the key component of any IHN.

O&M believes that IHNs have become increasingly important because of their
expanding role in healthcare delivery and cost containment and their reliance
upon the hospital, O&M's traditional customer, as a key component of their
organizations. Individual healthcare providers within a multiple-entity IHN may
be able to contract individually for distribution services; however, O&M
believes that the providers' shared economic interests create strong incentives
for participation in distribution contracts which are established at the system
level. Additionally, single-entity IHNs are usually committed to using the
primary distributor designated at the corporate level because they are all part
of the same legal entity. Because IHNs frequently rely on cost containment as a
competitive advantage, IHNs have become an important source of demand for O&M's
enhanced inventory management and other value-added services.

Since 1994, the Company has been the primary distributor for Columbia/HCA
Healthcare Corporation (Columbia/HCA), an investor-owned system of hospitals and
alternate care facilities. The Company provides distribution and other inventory
management services to Columbia/HCA hospitals and alternate care facilities.
Columbia/HCA is the Company's largest IHN customer, owning over 300 hospitals
and over 600 alternate care providers throughout the United States. Net sales to
Columbia/HCA represented approximately 11% of the Company's net sales in 1997.
Columbia/HCA has announced a reorganization plan which includes a divestiture of
certain assets to third parties and spin-off of certain other assets. Under
certain circumstances, the Company would have the opportunity to maintain its
customer partnership with the divested businesses; however, the Company is
unable to estimate the effect of this anticipated reorganization upon its
results of operations.

Individual Providers. In addition to contracting with healthcare providers at
the IHN level and indirectly through Networks and GPOs, O&M contracts directly
with healthcare providers. In 1997, not-for-profit hospitals represented a
majority of these facilities.

Contracts and Pricing

Industry practice is for healthcare providers to negotiate product pricing
directly with suppliers and then negotiate distribution pricing terms with
distributors. Contracts in the medical and surgical supply distribution industry
establish the price at which products will be distributed, but generally do not
require minimum purchase volumes by customers and are terminable by the customer
upon short notice. Accordingly, most of the Company's contracts with customers
do not guarantee minimum sales volumes.

<PAGE>


The majority of the Company's contracts compensate the Company on a fixed
cost-plus percentage basis under which a negotiated percentage distributor fee
is added to the product cost agreed to by the customer and the supplier. The
Company also sells products on a variable cost-plus percentage basis that varies
according to the services rendered, the dollar volume of purchases and the
percentage of the institution's total purchase volume that is directed to the
Company. Under this type of pricing, as the Company's sales to an institution
grow, the cost-plus pricing charged to the customer decreases. Additionally, the
Company has contracts that charge incremental fees for additional distribution
and enhanced inventory management services, such as frequent deliveries and
distribution of products in small units of measure. Although the Company's
marketing and sales personnel based in the distribution centers negotiate local
contracts and pricing levels with customers, management has established minimum
pricing levels and a contract review process.



Services

The Company's core competency is the timely and accurate delivery of bulk
medical and surgical supplies at a low cost. In addition to these core
distribution services, the Company offers flexible delivery alternatives
supported by inventory management services to meet the varying needs of its
customers.

The Company's information technology (IT) systems enable the Company to offer
its customers the following services to minimize their inventory holding
requirements:

     o    PANDAC(R). The PANDAC(R) wound closure management system provides
          customers with an accurate evaluation of their current wound closure
          inventories and usage levels in order to reduce costs for wound
          closure products. The Company guarantees that PANDAC(R) will generate
          a minimum of 5% savings in total wound closure inventory expenditures
          during its first year of use.

     o    CostTrack. CostTrack is an activity-based costing and pricing model
          that allows management to identify the cost-drivers in specific
          distribution activities, giving customers the information they need to
          make decisions about the distribution services they require. CostTrack
          is also used to price value-added services accurately.

     o    Focus on Consolidation, Utilization & Standardization (FOCUS). The
          FOCUS program drives standardization and consolidation that increases
          the volume of purchases from our most efficient suppliers and provides
          operational benefit for customers.

     o    Decision Support System (DSS). DSS enables the Company to customize
          and analyze information for its customers so that they can make
          better, well-supported business decisions. Through distribution
          activities, the Company collects and stores a wealth of information
          about customers' product usage, ordering patterns and contractual
          agreements with suppliers. This leading-edge technology enables
          comparisons of information about product usage, ordering and pricing
          for each of the facilities within an integrated healthcare network.
          With this information in hand, a customer can standardize all
          facilities on the right products at the lowest cost.


<PAGE>


Information Technology

O&M makes major investments each year in IT to improve operational efficiency,
enhance business decision making, and support supply-chain management
initiatives with customers and suppliers.

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is an integral part the Company's IT and
business strategy, and the Company is at the forefront in using electronic
commerce technologies with customers and suppliers for efficient purchasing,
invoicing, funds transfer, and contract pricing. Computer-to-computer transfer
of data through EDI significantly reduces the paperwork and manual effort
required to process business transactions and is a key contributor to the
Company's operational efficiency. With the rapid evolution of the Internet, the
Company is responding in 1998 with the introduction of an electronic product
catalog and an Internet-based direct ordering system for use by customers.

A highlight of 1997 was the introduction of the Company's data warehousing and
DSS. This national award winning system gives users throughout the Company the
ability to access a repository of business data for ad hoc reporting and
analysis. Selected customers are also using the DSS information to make cost
saving decisions related to product standardization and utilization. In 1998,
the DSS capabilities will be made available to customers and suppliers.

Currently, the majority of the Company's computing needs are met by traditional
mainframe-based software applications. A new inventory forecasting system
implemented during 1996 was the Company's first client/server application and
the Company continues to enhance this inventory forecasting system. In 1998, O&M
will be undertaking a major initiative to implement a new client/server
warehouse management system in all operating Divisions. This new system will
enable the Company to standardize warehousing business practices across the
country as well as to continue to promote operational efficiency.

The Company is well on its way to ensuring that its systems are date compliant
for the next millennium. Work is under way to either replace, repair or retire
computer hardware, system software, and business applications as needed to
ensure Year 2000 compliance. The Company is also working closely with customers
and suppliers to ensure that they have developed plans to address the Year 2000
issue. The Company expects that its Year 2000 remediation efforts will be
substantially complete by the end of the first quarter of 1999.

Sales and Marketing

The Company's sales and marketing force is organized on a decentralized basis in
order to provide individualized services to customers by giving the local sales
force at each distribution center the discretion to respond to customers' needs
quickly and efficiently. The sales and marketing force, which is divided into
three tiers, consists of approximately 240 locally based sales personnel. In
order to ensure that all of the Company's customers receive high levels of
customer service, each tier of the sales force is dedicated to specific
functions, including: developing relationships with large hospitals, IHN
customers and alternate site customers; targeting increased penetration of
existing accounts; and providing daily support services. Corporate personnel and
IT employees work closely with the local sales force to support the marketing of
O&M's inventory management capabilities and the strengthening of customer
relationships.

All division sales and marketing personnel receive performance based
compensation aligned with customer satisfaction and O&M's expectations. In
addition, the Company, with the support of its suppliers, emphasizes quality and
IT in comprehensive training programs for its sales and marketing force to
sharpen customer service skills. In order to respond rapidly to their customers'
needs, all marketing and sales personnel are equipped with laptop computers that
provide access to (i) order, inventory and payment status, (ii) customized
reporting and data analysis and (iii) computer programs, such as CostTrack and
PANDAC(R).

<PAGE>


Suppliers

The Company is the only national distributor that does not manufacture or sell
products under its own label, and believes that this independence has enabled it
to develop strong and mutually beneficial relationships with its suppliers. The
Company believes that its size, strong, long-standing relationships and
independence enable it to obtain attractive terms and incentives from suppliers.
These terms and incentives contribute significantly to the Company's gross
margin.

The Company has long-standing relationships with virtually all major suppliers
of medical and surgical supplies. Approximately 20% of the Company's net sales
in 1997 were sales of Johnson & Johnson Hospital Services, Inc. products.

Asset Management

Inventory

Due to the Company's significant investment in inventory to meet the rapid
delivery requirements of its customers, efficient asset management is essential
to the Company's profitability. O&M maintains inventories of approximately
140,000 finished medical and surgical products produced or distributed by
approximately 2,400 suppliers. The significant and ongoing healthcare product
and procedural changes challenge distributors and healthcare providers to create
more efficient inventory management systems.

The Company has responded to these ongoing changes by developing IT and
improving warehousing techniques, including the use of radio-frequency hand-held
computers and bar-coded labels that identify location, routing and inventory
picking and replacement, which allow the Company to monitor inventory throughout
its distribution systems. The Company has implemented additional programs to
manage inventory including a client/server based inventory forecasting system,
warehouse slotting and reconfiguration techniques, CRP and FOCUS. The
forecasting system uses historical information to analyze current and historic
trends to reduce the cost of carrying unnecessary inventory and to increase
inventory turnover. CRP, which utilizes computer-to-computer interfaces, allows
suppliers to monitor daily sales and inventory levels so that they can
automatically and accurately replenish the Company's inventory. The FOCUS
program is the Company's product standardization and consolidation initiative.
By increasing the volume of purchases from our most efficient suppliers, the
Company reduces operational costs for its customers, its suppliers and itself.
To qualify as a FOCUS partner, the Company requires participating suppliers to
satisfy minimum requirements, such as automated purchasing, exceeding minimum
fill rates and offering a flexible returned goods policy.


<PAGE>


Accounts Receivable

The Company's credit practices are consistent with those of other
medical/surgical distributors. The Company actively manages its accounts
receivable to minimize credit risk and does not believe that credit risk
associated with accounts receivable poses a significant risk to its results from
operations.

Distribution

The Company employs a decentralized approach to sales and customer service,
operating 45 distribution centers throughout the United States. The Company's
distribution centers currently provide products and services to customers in 50
states and the District of Columbia. The range of products and customer and
administrative services provided by a particular distribution facility are
determined by the characteristics of the market it serves. Most distribution
centers are managed as separate profit centers. Most functions, including
purchasing, customer service, warehousing, sales, delivery and basic financial
tasks, are conducted at the distribution center and are supported by corporate
personnel. Although the Company continues to seek opportunities to reduce costs,
it still supports the belief that the decentralized nature of its distribution
system provides customers with flexible and individualized service and
contributes to overall cost reductions.

The Company delivers most medical and surgical supplies with a leased fleet of
trucks. Parcel services are used to transport all other medical and surgical
supplies. Distribution centers generally service hospitals and other customers
within a 100 to 150 mile radius. The frequency of deliveries from distribution
centers to principal accounts varies by customer account.

Competition

The medical/surgical supply distribution industry in the United States is highly
competitive and consists of three major nationwide distributors, the Company,
Allegiance Corporation and McKesson Corp., which acquired General Medical
Corporation in February 1997. The industry also includes Bergen Brunswig Corp.,
a smaller national distributor, and a number of regional and local distributors.
Competition within the medical/surgical supply distribution industry exists with
respect to total delivered product cost, product availability, the ability to
fill and invoice orders accurately, delivery time, efficient computer
communication capabilities, services provided, breadth of product line,
inventory management including the benefits of information technology and the
ability to meet special requirements of customers.

The Company believes its decentralized approach to distribution offers it a
unique competitive advantage. Not only can the Company compete with large
national distributors with its economies of scale, but also with its
decentralized distribution process, the Company offers a higher level of
customer service by being located near the customer thus allowing the Company to
effectively compete with the smaller local distributors.


<PAGE>




Regulation

The medical/surgical supply distribution industry is subject to regulation by
federal, state and local government agencies. Each of the Company's distribution
centers is licensed to distribute medical and surgical supply products as well
as certain pharmaceutical and related products. The Company must comply with
regulations, including operating and security standards for each of its
distribution centers, of the Food and Drug Administration, the Drug Enforcement
Agency, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, state boards of
pharmacy and, in certain areas, state boards of health. The Company believes
that it is in material compliance with all statutes and regulations applicable
to distributors of medical and surgical supply products and pharmaceutical and
related products, as well as other general employee health and safety laws and
regulations.

The current government focuses on healthcare reform and the escalating cost of
medical care has increased pressures on all participants in the healthcare
industry to reduce the costs of products and services. The Company does not
believe that the continuation of these trends will have a significant effect on
the Company's results of operations or financial condition.

Employees

As of December 31, 1997, the Company employed approximately 3,000 full and
approximately 90 part-time employees. Approximately 35 employees are currently
covered by a collective bargaining agreement at one of the Company's
distribution centers. The Company believes that its relations with its employees
are good.

O&M believes that on-going employee training is critical to employee
performance. The Company emphasizes quality and technology in training programs
designed to increase employee efficiency by sharpening overall customer service
skills and by focusing on functional best practices.

Item 2.      Properties

The corporate headquarters of the Company is located in western Henrico County,
in a suburb of Richmond, Virginia, in leased facilities. The Company owns two
undeveloped parcels of land, which are adjacent to the Company's corporate
headquarters. In 1997, the Company sold an office/warehouse facility in Sanford,
Florida.

The Company leases offices and warehouses for its 45 distribution centers in 43
cities throughout the United States. In 1997, the Company opened one new
distribution center, relocated one distribution center, and expanded one
distribution center. Three distribution centers were consolidated into existing
locations. In 1998, expansions or reductions are planned for four to five
facilities to meet current and anticipated business needs. The Company does not
expect to close any facilities during 1998.

The Company continuously evaluates the efficiency of its distribution system.
The Company believes that its facilities are adequate to carry on its business
as currently conducted. All of the Company's distribution centers are leased
from unaffiliated third parties. A number of the leases related to the above
properties are scheduled to terminate within the next several years. The Company
believes that, if necessary, it could find facilities to replace these leased
premises without suffering a material adverse effect on its business.



<PAGE>

Item 3.      Legal Proceedings

Information related to this item is in Part II, Item 8, Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements, Note 14 - Legal Proceedings.

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of 1997.


<PAGE>


Executive and Other Officers of the Registrant

Identification of Executive and Other Officers

Following are the names and ages, as of December 31, 1997, of the executive and
other officers of Owens & Minor, Inc., their positions and summaries of their
backgrounds and business experience. Olwen B. Cape, a new officer, was elected
by unanimous consent of the Board of Directors effective June 9, 1997. Also,
Mark R. Gordon and Jack M. Clark, both new officers, were elected at the Board
of Directors meeting on October 27, 1997. All of the other officers, including
new officers, Gloria M. Farrow and F. Lee Marston, were elected at the annual
meeting of the Board of Directors held on April 29, 1997. All officers have been
elected to serve until the 1998 Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors, or
such time as their successors are elected.

G. Gilmer Minor, III, age 57, has been employed by the Company since 1963 and
has served as President since 1981 and Chief Executive Officer since 1984. In
May 1994, he was elected Chairman of the Board. Mr. Minor also serves as a
member of the Boards of Directors of Crestar Financial Corporation and Richfood
Holdings, Inc.

Craig R. Smith,  age 46, has been employed by the Company since 1989.  From 1990
to 1992,  Mr. Smith served as Group Vice  President for the western region. In
January 1993, Mr. Smith assumed the  responsibilities  of Senior Vice President,
Distribution.  Later in 1993, Mr. Smith assumed the new role of Senior Vice
President,  Distribution  and Information  Systems,  and in 1994, he was elected
Executive Vice  President,  Distribution  and  Information  Systems.  In
February  1995,  Mr. Smith was promoted to Chief  Operating Officer.

Henry A.  Berling,  age 55,  has been  employed  by the  Company  since  1966.
Mr.  Berling  was  employed  by the  Company  in the Medical/Surgical  Division
and was elected Vice President in 1981 and Senior Vice President,  Sales and
Marketing, in 1987. In 1989, he was  elected  Senior  Vice  President  and Chief
Operating  Officer.  In 1991,  Mr.  Berling  assumed a new role as Senior  Vice
President,  Sales and  Distribution.  In 1992, Mr.  Berling  assumed the role of
Senior Vice  President,  Sales and Marketing and in 1994, he was elected
Executive Vice President,  Sales and Customer Development.  In May 1995, Mr.
Berling was elected Executive Vice President,  Partnership  Development.  In
August 1996, Mr. Berling assumed an additional  role and became  Executive Vice
President, Partnership  Development  and Chief  Sales  Officer.  In 1998,  his
title was  changed  to  Executive  Vice  President,  Partnership Development.
Mr. Berling has been a member of the Board of Directors since January 1998.

Drew St. J.  Carneal,  age 59,  has been  employed  by the  Company  since 1989
when he joined the  Company  as Vice  President  and Corporate  Counsel.  In
1989, he was elected Secretary,  and in March 1990, Senior Vice President,
Corporate Counsel and Secretary. In May 1995, the title Corporate Counsel was
changed to General Counsel.

Jack M. Clark, age 47, joined the Company in November 1997 as Senior Vice
President, Sales and Marketing. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Clark was
employed by Campbell Soup Company from 1996 to 1997, serving as Vice President,
U.S. Sales and Marketing. From 1982 to 1996, he was employed by Coca-Cola USA
where his last position was Area Vice President.

Gloria M. Farrow, age 50, joined the Company in April 1997 as Senior Vice
President and Managing Director, Human Resources. Prior to joining the Company,
Ms. Farrow was employed by Allstate Insurance Company from 1973 to 1996 in
various positions including Assistant Vice President, Corporate Human Resources.


<PAGE>

Mark R. Gordon, age 44, joined the Company in November 1997 as Senior Vice
President, Strategic Planning and Business Development. Prior to joining the
Company, Mr. Gordon was employed by The Proctor & Gamble Company from 1979 to
1997, serving in various positions including Vice President-Latin America and
Corporate Officer.

James L. Grigg,  age 50, joined the Company in June 1996 as Senior Vice
President,  Product.  In August 1996,  Mr. Grigg assumed an additional  role and
became Senior Vice President,  Supply Chain  Management.  Prior to joining the
Company,  Mr. Grigg was employed by FoxMeyer Health Corp. from November 1992 to
May 1996 serving as Vice President, Trade Relations and Product Management.

F. Lee Marston, age 44, joined the Company in April 1997 as Senior Vice
President, Chief Information Officer. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Marston
was President of The Logistics Technology Group, a company he founded, from 1996
to 1997. From 1993 to 1996 he directed the logistics information systems
practice of the Progress Group, a logistical consulting firm. From 1992 to 1993,
Mr. Marston was Director of Distribution for the Baptist Sunday School Board.

Ann Greer Rector, age 40, joined the Company in August 1995 as Vice President
and Controller. In August 1996, Ms. Rector was promoted to Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Rector was
employed by USAir Group, Inc. from 1983 to 1995 serving in various financial
positions, including Vice President and Controller from 1992 through July 1995.

Thomas J. Sherry,  age 49, has been  employed by the Company and Stuart  Medical
Inc.,  which was  acquired by the Company,  for 21 years.  With the Company's
acquisition of Stuart  Medical Inc. in 1994, he became Vice  President,  Sales
and Marketing.  In August 1996,  Mr. Sherry was promoted to Senior Vice
President,  Customer Care. In November 1997, Mr. Sherry assumed the position of
Group Vice  President,  West.  From 1976 to 1994,  Mr.  Sherry had been employed
by Stuart  Medical  Inc.,  serving in various  sales and management positions
and most recently, Executive Vice President.

Richard F. Bozard, age 50, has been employed by the Company since 1988, serving
as Director of Credit until 1991, when he was elected Vice President and
Treasurer.

Olwen B. Cape, age 47, joined the Company in June 1997 as Vice President and
Controller. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Cape was employed by Bausch & Lomb
Incorporated from 1990 to 1997 serving in various financial positions, including
Director, Business Analysis & Planning.

Charles C. Colpo,  age 40, has been employed by the Company  since 1981 when he
joined the Company as Manager,  Internal  Audit.  In April 1984,  Mr. Colpo was
promoted to Division Vice  President  (DVP) and served as DVP for three
divisions  from 1984 to 1994. In 1994, he served as Director,  Business Process
Redesign.  In 1995, Mr. Colpo was promoted to Vice President,  Inventory
Management. In August 1996, Mr. Colpo became Vice President, Supply Chain
Process.

Hugh F. Gouldthorpe, Jr., age 58, has been employed by the Company since 1986
when he joined the Company as Director of Hospital Sales for the Wholesale Drug
Division. In 1987, Mr. Gouldthorpe was promoted to Vice President and in 1989,
he was promoted to Vice President, General Manager, Wholesale Drug Division. In
1991, he was elected Vice President, Corporate Communications and in 1993, Vice
President, Quality and Communications.


<PAGE>

Wayne B. Luck, age 41, has been employed by the Company since 1992. In 1992, he
served as Manager of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and Distribution Systems
and subsequently Manager, Applications and Director, Application Services. In
1995, he was elected Vice President, Information Technology.

Bruce J. MacAllister, age 46, has been employed by the Company since 1993 when
he joined the Company as Division Vice President. In 1995, he was elected Group
Vice President, Southern and Western Regions. In 1997, he assumed the position
of Group Vice President, East. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. MacAllister was
employed by Proctor & Gamble in a variety of sales and marketing positions.

Michael  L.  Roane,  age 42, has been  employed  by the  Company  since 1992
when he joined  the  Company as Vice  President,  Human Resources.

Hue Thomas,  III, age 58, has been  employed by the Company since 1970. In 1984,
Mr.  Thomas served as Assistant  General  Manager, Medical/Surgical  Division.
In 1985, he served as Assistant Corporate Vice President,  and in 1987 he was
elected Vice President. In 1989,  he was  elected  Vice  President,  General
Manager,  Medical/Surgical  Division.  In 1991,  he was elected  Vice
President, Corporate Relations.


<PAGE>





                                    PART II


Item 5.                    Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
                           Stockholder Matters


Owens & Minor, Inc.'s common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under
the symbol OMI. The following table indicates the range of high and low sales
prices per share of the Company's common stock as reported on the New York Stock
Exchange and the quarterly cash dividends paid by the Company:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                1997
Quarter                                 1st                    2nd                   3rd                    4th
<S> <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Market Price:
   High                             $      11.38          $       16.25          $       15.38          $       14.88
   Low                              $       9.75          $       10.75          $       12.63          $       13.13
Dividends per share                 $      0.045          $       0.045          $       0.045          $       0.045
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                                1996
Quarter                                 1st                    2nd                   3rd                    4th
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Market Price:
   High                             $      12.75          $       14.38          $       11.75          $       10.88
   Low                              $      11.25          $       11.63          $        9.25          $        9.25
Dividends per share                 $      0.045          $       0.045          $       0.045          $       0.045
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                                1995
Quarter                                 1st                    2nd                   3rd                    4th
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Market Price:
   High                             $      14.88          $       14.13          $       14.75          $       13.38
   Low                              $      12.25          $       11.63          $       12.13          $       11.63
Dividends per share                 $      0.045          $       0.045          $       0.045          $       0.045
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>

As of December 31, 1997, there were approximately 16,100 common shareholders.




<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Item 6.      Selected Financial Data (1)

(in thousands, except ratios and per share data)



For the year ended December 31,                           1997            1996              1995            1994             1993
<S> <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net sales                                           $  3,116,798        $3,019,003      $2,976,486       $2,395,803      $1,396,971
Income (loss) from continuing operations
   before discontinued operations and
   cumulative effect of change in
   accounting principle (2)                         $     24,320            12,965         (11,308)           7,919          18,517
Net income (loss)                                   $     24,320            12,965         (11,308)           7,919          20,134
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Income (loss) per common share from
     continuing operations before discontinued
     operations and cumulative effect of change     $       0.60      $       0.25      $    (0.53)     $     0.15       $     0.62
     in accounting principle - basic (2)
Net income (loss) per common share - basic          $       0.60      $       0.25      $    (0.53)     $     0.15       $     0.67
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss) per common share from
     continuing operations before discontinued
     operations and cumulative effect of change     $       0.60      $       0.25      $    (0.53)     $     0.15       $     0.60
     in accounting principle - diluted (2)
Net income (loss) per common share - diluted        $       0.60      $       0.25      $    (0.53)     $     0.15       $     0.65
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash dividends per common share                     $       0.18      $       0.18      $     0.18      $     0.17       $     0.14
At December 31,

Working capital                                     $    233,789      $    192,990      $  331,663      $  281,788       $  139,091
Total assets                                        $    712,563           679,501         857,803         868,560          334,322
Long-term debt                                      $    182,550           167,549         323,308         248,427           50,768
Capitalization ratio (3)                                    53.0%             54.8%           61.9%           49.2%            27.1%
Shareholders' equity                                $    259,301           242,400         235,271         256,176          136,943
Book value per common share                         $       4.48      $       3.99      $     3.90      $     4.59       $     4.50
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selected Ratios of Continuing Operations:

Gross margin as a percent of net sales                      10.2%              9.9%             9.0%           9.7%            10.5%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    as a percent of net sales                                7.5%              7.7%             7.6%           6.9%             7.7%
Average receivable days sales outstanding (3)               33.4              36.1             37.7           35.9             34.2
Average inventory turnover                                   9.9               8.9              8.3            8.8             11.5
Return on average total equity                               9.7%              5.4%            (4.6%)          3.7%            14.6%
Current ratio                                                1.9               1.7              2.1            1.8              2.0
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- ----------------------
(1)  In 1994, the Company acquired Stuart Medical, Inc. and Emery Medical Supply
     Inc. In 1993, the Company merged with Lyons Physician Supply and acquired
     A. Kuhlman & Co. These business combinations were accounted for as
     purchases, with the exception of Lyons Physician Supply, which was
     accounted for as a pooling of interests. In 1993, the Company decreased its
     loss provision for discontinued operations by $0.9 million.


(2)  The Company incurred $16.7 and $29.6 million in 1995 and 1994,
     respectively, or $0.33 and $0.57, respectively, per common share (basic and
     diluted), of nonrecurring restructuring expenses related to its
     restructuring plans developed in conjunction with its combination with
     Stuart Medical, Inc. See further discussion in Note 3 to Consolidated
     Financial Statements.


(3)  Excludes impact of off balance sheet receivables securitization agreement.
     See further discussion in Note 7 to Consolidated Financial Statements.



<PAGE>



Item 7.      Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
             Results of Operations

General Owens and Minor, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) is one of the two
largest distributors of medical and surgical supplies in the United States. The
Company distributes approximately 140,000 finished medical and surgical products
produced by approximately 2,400 suppliers to more than 4,000 customers from 45
distribution centers nationwide. The Company's customers are primarily acute
care hospitals and hospital-based systems, which account for more than 90% of
the Company's net sales, and also include alternate care facilities such as
nursing homes, clinics, surgery centers, rehabilitation facilities, physicians'
offices and home healthcare. As a leader in the industry, the Company serves a
number of customers who comprise a significant percentage of the Company's
sales. These customers include major buying groups that represent independently
owned member hospitals, and large integrated healthcare networks. The majority
of the Company's sales consist of dressings, endoscopic products, intravenous
products, disposable gloves, needles and syringes, sterile procedure trays,
surgical products and gowns, urological products and wound closure products.


     The Company is subject to risks associated with changes in the medical
industry, including continued efforts to control costs, which place pressure on
operating margin, and changes in the way that medical and surgical services are
delivered to patients.


     In 1997, the Company's net income was $24.3 million, or $0.60 per basic and
diluted common share, compared with $13.0 million, or $0.25 per basic and
diluted common share, in 1996. This improvement in net income was the result of
increased sales to both new and existing customers, and the continued success of
the Company's initiatives to improve gross margins and to reduce selling,
general and administrative (SG&A) expenses through greater productivity.


     Gross margin initiatives included reductions in the number of products
distributed by the Company through continued implementation of the FOCUS (Focus
on Consolidation, Utilization & Standardization) program, which promotes product
and supplier standardization to create a more efficient purchasing and
distribution system. In 1997, the Company also continued to build upon the
success of CostTrack, an activity-based costing and pricing model that enables
customers to effectively manage the costs of the services that they purchase
from the Company. As a result of these and other initiatives, gross margin as a
percentage of net sales increased to 10.5% in the fourth quarter of 1997, from
10.0% in the fourth quarter of 1996, and to 10.2% for the year ended December
31, 1997, compared to 9.9% in 1996.


     SG&A expenses were reduced through improved efficiency in internal
processes, including the expanded use of electronic data interchange (EDI) with
both customers and suppliers to reduce manual processing efforts. SG&A expenses
fell to 7.5% of net sales for 1997, compared to 7.7% in 1996; for the fourth
quarter, SG&A expenses were 7.7% of sales, compared to 7.5% in 1996. The fourth
quarter increase included approximately $1.0 million of costs incurred in
connection with the Company's development of solutions to enable system
processing in the Year 2000 and beyond.


<PAGE>


Results of Operations The following table presents the Company's consolidated
statements of operations on a percentage of net sales basis:

Year ended December 31,                1997        1996        1995
                                    ----------  ---------    --------


Net sales                           100.0%        100.0%      100.0%
Cost of goods sold                   89.8          90.1        91.0
                                    ----------    --------   ---------
Gross margin                         10.2           9.9         9.0
                                    ----------    --------   ---------

Selling, general and
   administrative expenses            7.5           7.7         7.6
Depreciation and
   amortization                       0.6           0.5         0.5
Interest expense, net                 0.5           0.7         0.9
Discount on accounts
   receivable securitization          0.2           0.2         -
Nonrecurring restructuring
   expenses                           -             -           0.6
                                    ----------    --------   ---------
Total expenses                        8.8           9.1         9.6
                                    ----------    --------   ---------
Income (loss) before
   income taxes                       1.4           0.8        (0.6)
Income tax provision (benefit)        0.6           0.4        (0.2)
                                    ==========    ========   =========
Net income (loss)                     0.8%          0.4%       (0.4)%
                                    ==========    ========   =========

Results of Operations -- 1997 Compared to 1996

Net sales Net sales increased 3.2% to $3.12 billion for the year ended December
31, 1997, from $3.02 billion for the year ended December 31, 1996, and increased
6.8% to $805 million for the fourth quarter of 1997 from $754 million for the
fourth quarter of 1996. The increase in sales was a result of sales to new
customers and increased penetration of existing accounts. The Company continued
to emphasize initiatives to increase profitable sales, increasing overall
profitability. This strategy resulted in modest sales growth of 0.3% in the
first half of 1997 compared to the first half of 1996 and improved growth of
6.2% in the second half of 1997 compared to the second half of 1996. The Company
will continue this commitment to profitable sales growth and has entered into
several new agreements in 1997 that will provide opportunities for such future
growth, although such growth cannot be assured.

     In addition to developing new customer relationships, the Company has
remained committed to continuing its service to established customers. In August
1997 the Company entered into a new three-year contract with VHA Inc. (VHA) to
provide distribution services to VHA's member hospitals and primary care
facilities. Under this contract, the Company will continue to distribute medical
and surgical supplies and pursue growth opportunities with VHA's member
hospitals and primary care facilities. Net sales to member hospitals under
contract with VHA totaled approximately $1.25 billion in 1997 and $1.22 billion
in 1996, approximately 40% and 41%, respectively, of the Company's total net
sales.

     For the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, sales to Columbia/HCA
Healthcare Corporation (Columbia/HCA) totaled $356 million and $321 million,
respectively, or approximately 11% in each year of the Company's total net
sales. Columbia/HCA has announced a reorganization plan which includes a
divestiture of certain assets to third parties and spin-off of certain other
assets. Under certain circumstances, the Company would have the opportunity to
maintain its customer partnership with the divested businesses; however the
Company is unable to estimate the effect of this anticipated reorganization upon
its results of operations.

Gross margin Gross margin as a percentage of net sales increased to 10.2% for
the year ended December 31, 1997, from 9.9% for the year ended December 31,
1996, and increased to 10.5% for the fourth quarter in 1997, from 10.0% for the
fourth quarter in 1996. This increase has been the result of the Company's
supply chain initiatives to improve the management and the purchasing of
inventory. These initiatives included the FOCUS program and the benefits from
participating in certain inventory purchasing opportunities, which result from
the Company's market position and the volume of business that the Company
conducts with its key suppliers. These increases were offset by a $1.5 million
increase in the annual LIFO (last-in, first-out) provision in 1997 compared to
1996. The lower charge in 1996 resulted from reductions in inventory levels and
modest inflation.

<PAGE>


Selling, general and administrative expenses SG&A expenses as a percentage of
net sales decreased to 7.5% for the year ended December 31, 1997, from 7.7% for
the year ended December 31, 1996, and increased to 7.7% for the fourth quarter
in 1997, from 7.5% for the fourth quarter in 1996. The improvement for the year
was a result of many cost-saving initiatives, including the reduction of more
than 100 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees since December 31, 1996, and the
more cost effective utilization of computer resources, including more extensive
use of EDI in transactions with customers and suppliers. The Company has
improved its efficient distribution infrastructure through more effective
management of truck leasing contracts and implementation of more technologically
advanced warehousing systems at selected distribution centers. The positive
results of these initiatives were partially offset in the fourth quarter with
approximately $1.0 million of expenses associated with the Company's development
of solutions to enable computer system processing in the Year 2000 and beyond.

Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization increased by 9.7% in
1997 compared to 1996. This increase was due primarily to the Company's
continued investment in information technology. The Company anticipates similar
increases in depreciation and amortization in 1998 associated with additional
capital investment in technology, including capital spending for system upgrades
to remediate Year 2000 issues.

Interest expense, net Financing costs, net of finance charge income of $3.1
million and $4.7 million in 1997 and 1996, respectively, decreased to $22.3
million in 1997 from $25.5 million in 1996. (Finance charge income represents
payments from customers for past due balances on their accounts.) Outstanding
financing, excluding the impact of the off balance sheet accounts receivable
securitization (Outstanding Financing), decreased slightly to $292.6 million at
December 31, 1997, from $293.5 million at December 31, 1996. Working capital and
Outstanding Financing were at lower levels for most of the year, resulting in
lower financing costs. The decline in average working capital requirements
resulted from improved inventory management, including reduction in the numbers
of both stock-keeping units and suppliers, and strengthening accounts receivable
collection procedures, including automating the cash application function
through the utilization of EDI. Interest expense was lower in 1997 than in 1996
as a result of lower average borrowings and lower interest rates on variable
rate debt as market interest rates declined. This was offset by lower finance
charge income which resulted from improved collections of accounts receivable.
The Company will continue to take action to reduce financing costs through its
working capital reduction initiatives and management of interest rates, although
the future results of these initiatives cannot be assured.

Income taxes The Company had an income tax provision of $17.6 million in 1997,
an effective tax rate of 42.0%, compared with $10.1 million in 1996, an
effective tax rate of 43.9%. The decline in the effective tax rate is due to
increased income before taxes reducing the impact of nondeductible goodwill
amortization.

Net income Net income increased $11.4 million or 87.6% in 1997 compared to 1996.
The increase was primarily due to the initiatives previously discussed related
to sales, gross margin, SG&A expenses and financing costs. Although the trend
has been favorable and the Company continues to pursue these and other
initiatives, the future impact on net income cannot be assured.

Results of Operations -- 1996 Compared to 1995

Net sales Net sales increased 1.4% to $3.02 billion in 1996 from $2.98 billion
in 1995. The Company's anticipated moderate sales growth for 1996 was primarily
a result of price increases implemented in December 1995 and the first quarter
of 1996. As a result of the price increases, the Company lost a portion of its
customer base; however, the Company was able to offset these losses by obtaining
new accounts and further penetrating existing accounts.

Gross margin Gross margin as a percentage of net sales increased to 9.9% in 1996
from 9.0% in 1995. The increase was the result of several margin enhancement
initiatives. These included the implementation of the price increase, the
standardization of suppliers and products and the increased utilization of
CostTrack. Gross margin was also favorably impacted by a $2.8 million decline in
the annual LIFO provision. This decline was due to reduced inventory levels and
moderate inflation rates.


<PAGE>

Selling, general and administrative expenses For the year, SG&A expenses as a
percentage of net sales increased to 7.7% from 7.6% in 1995. However, SG&A
expenses decreased $4.6 million to 7.5% of net sales in the fourth quarter of
1996 from 8.2% in the fourth quarter of 1995. The SG&A expense decline in the
fourth quarter was a result of many cost-saving initiatives including the
reduction of approximately 400 FTE employees since March 31, 1996; the reduction
in the cost of employee retirement plans of approximately $2.0 million annually;
the more cost effective utilization of computer resources; the completion of 22
warehouse reconfigurations in 1995; the implementation of improved inventory
management systems in a majority of the Company's facilities; the continued
automation of administrative functions through the utilization of EDI; and the
refocus on best practices within the Company. The increase for the year in SG&A
expenses as a percentage of net sales was primarily a result of increased
personnel costs incurred in connection with the implementation in 1995 of new
contracts providing for enhanced service levels and services not previously
provided by the Company, system conversions and reconfiguring warehouse systems.

Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization increased by 4.4% in
1996 compared to 1995. This increase was due primarily to the Company's
continued investment in improved information technology. The Company has been
migrating to a distributed computing environment employing client-server
technology when cost beneficial.

Interest expense, net Financing costs, net of finance charge income of $4.7
million and $3.8 million in 1996 and 1995, respectively, decreased to $25.5
million in 1996 from $26.2 million in 1995. Financing costs, net of finance
charge income of $1.1 million and $1.2 million in the fourth quarter of 1996 and
1995, respectively, decreased to $5.9 million in 1996 from $7.9 million in 1995.
The decline in financing costs was a result of the Company's ability to reduce
working capital requirements by substantially completing the implementation of
its client-server-based inventory forecasting system and strengthening its
accounts receivable collection procedures. Due to the reduction in working
capital requirements, the Company reduced outstanding financing by approximately
$89.1 million during the year. During 1996, the Company completed a refinancing
plan that, in addition to its improved financial performance, reduced the
effective rate of its outstanding financing.

Income taxes The Company had an income tax provision of $10.1 million in 1996,
an effective tax rate of 43.9%, compared with an income tax benefit of $5.1
million in 1995.

Net income Net income increased $24.3 million in 1996 compared to 1995.
Excluding nonrecurring restructuring expenses net of taxes, net income increased
$14.0 million in 1996 compared to 1995. The increase was primarily due to the
initiatives previously discussed related to gross margin, SG&A expenses and
financing costs.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity The Company's liquidity improved during 1997 in comparison to 1996.
Outstanding Financing was approximately $1.0 million lower at December 31, 1997
compared to December 31, 1996. For the first three quarters of 1997, Outstanding
Financing was significantly below 1996 levels as a result of increased earnings
and reduced working capital requirements. During the fourth quarter, increased
sales, resulting in higher receivable levels at year-end, as well as inventory
purchasing opportunities, resulted in increased financing needs.

     In September 1997, the Company renegotiated the terms of its Revolving
Credit Facility which resulted in more favorable pricing of the debt. The
renegotiated Revolving Credit Facility expires in May 2001 with interest based
on, at the Company's discretion, the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or
the Prime Rate. In October 1997, the Company's Receivables Financing Facility
was modified to improve the pricing and reduce the term of the agreement from
May 1999 to October 1998. The remaining terms of the Receivables Financing
Facility are substantially the same as those in the agreement entered into in
December 1995 and modified in May 1996.

     At December 31, 1997, the Company had approximately $192.5 million of
unused credit under its Revolving Credit Facility and $29.0 million under its
Receivables Financing Facility. The Company manages its interest rate exposure
through the use of interest rate swaps and believes that interest rate
fluctuations will not significantly affect operating results.

<PAGE>

     In May 1996, the Company completed a plan which included refinancing its
$425.0 million Revolving Credit Facility by issuing $150.0 million of 10.875%
Senior Subordinated 10-year notes, increasing its Receivables Financing Facility
to $150.0 million from $75.0 million and entering into a new $225.0 million
Revolving Credit Facility.

     The Company expects that its available financing will be sufficient to fund
its working capital needs and long-term strategic growth plans, although this
cannot be assured.

Working Capital Management In 1997, the Company made improvements in working
capital management. Inventory turnover for the year increased to 9.9 times in
1997 from 8.9 times in 1996. This improvement was driven by the Company's
program of standardization of products and suppliers, which reduced the number
of items from multiple manufacturers distributed by the Company. The Company
reduced the number of stock-keeping units to approximately 140,000 from 250,000
and also reduced the number of suppliers with which it conducts business from
approximately 3,000 to 2,400. The Company also reduced accounts receivable days
sales outstanding (excluding the impact of the Receivables Financing Facility)
to 33.4 days in 1997 from 36.1 days in 1996. This reduction was achieved through
automation of the cash application function as well as strengthening the
Company's methods of monitoring and enforcing contract payment terms and basing
a portion of its sales force incentives on reducing days sales outstanding.

Capital Expenditures Capital expenditures were approximately $12.0 million in
1997, of which approximately $7.8 million was for computer systems, compared to
approximately $13.2 million in 1996, of which approximately $10.4 million was
for computer systems. Each year the Company makes major investments in
information technology to improve operational efficiency, enhance business
decision-making and support supply chain management initiatives with customers
and suppliers. These capital expenditures are expected to be funded through cash
flow from operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements In June 1997, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS)
No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.
SFAS No. 131 establishes standards for the way that public business enterprises
report information about operating segments in annual financial statements and
requires that those enterprises report selected information about operating
segments in interim financial reports issued to shareholders. This statement
also establishes standards for related disclosures about products and services,
geographic areas and major customers. This standard is effective for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 1997.

     In June 1997, the FASB issued Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards
No. 130, Reporting  Comprehensive  Income. SFAS No. 130  establishes  standards
for  reporting  and  presentation  of  comprehensive  income  and  its
components  in a  full  set  of general-purpose   financial  statements.   This
standard  is  effective  for  fiscal  years  beginning  after  December  15,
1997. Reclassification of financial statements for earlier periods provided for
comparative purposes is required.

     Management believes that the effect on the Company of adoption of these
standards will be limited to changes in financial statement presentation and
disclosure.

Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this discussion constitute
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and
unknown risks, including, but not limited to, general economic and business
conditions, competition, changing trends in customer profiles and changes in
government regulations. Although the Company believes that its expectations with
respect to the forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions
within the bounds of its knowledge of its business and operations, there can be
no assurance that actual results, performance or achievements of the Company
will not differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements
expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Readiness for Year 2000 The Company is dependent upon computer-based systems to
conduct its business with both customers and suppliers. During 1997, the Company
completed a comprehensive review of these systems to identify those that could
be affected by the Year 2000 issue, and has developed a strategy for
remediation. This strategy includes retirement of outdated software and
replacement or repair of the remaining software. The Company is also working
closely with both customers and suppliers to ensure that they have developed
plans to address the Year 2000 issue. The Company expects that its Year 2000
remediation efforts will be substantially complete by the end of the first
quarter of 1999. The Company estimates that expenses for the Year 2000
initiative will total approximately $6.0 million, of which $2.1 million was
incurred in 1997. Capital spending over the next two years will also include
approximately $3.4 million related to this initiative.



<PAGE>






Item 8.      Financial Statements and Supplementary Data


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


Owens & Minor, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)


- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year ended December 31,                                                 1997                   1996                   1995
<S> <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net sales                                                          $     3,116,798        $     3,019,003        $     2,976,486
Cost of goods sold                                                       2,800,044              2,720,613              2,708,668
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross margin                                                               316,754                298,390                267,818
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Selling, general and administrative expenses                               234,872                233,704                225,897
Depreciation and amortization                                               17,664                 16,098                 15,416
Interest expense, net                                                       15,703                 18,954                 25,538
Discount on accounts receivable securitization                               6,584                  6,521                    641
Nonrecurring restructuring expenses                                          -                      -                     16,734
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total expenses                                                             274,823                275,277                284,226
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Income (loss) before income taxes                                           41,931                 23,113                (16,408)
Income tax provision (benefit)                                              17,611                 10,148                 (5,100)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net income (loss)                                                           24,320                 12,965                (11,308)
Dividends on preferred stock                                                 5,175                  5,175                  5,175
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net income (loss) attributable to common stock                     $        19,145        $         7,790        $       (16,483)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net income (loss) per common share - basic                         $          0.60        $          0.25        $         (0.53)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net income (loss) per common share - diluted                       $          0.60          $        0.25         $        (0.53)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash dividends per common share                                    $          0.18          $        0.18          $        0.18
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.








<PAGE>


Owens & Minor, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

December 31,                                                                             1997                    1996
                                                                                    ---------------         ---------------
<S> <C>

Assets
Current assets
    Cash and cash equivalents                                                       $          583          $         743
    Accounts and notes receivable, net of allowance of $6,312 and $6,495                   187,878                147,243
    Merchandise inventories                                                                285,529                281,839
    Other current assets                                                                    25,274                 25,675
                                                                                    ---------------         ---------------

    Total current assets                                                                   499,264                455,500
Property and equipment, net                                                                 26,628                 29,231
Goodwill, net                                                                              162,821                167,366
Other assets, net                                                                           23,850                 27,404
                                                                                    ---------------         ---------------

    Total assets                                                                    $      712,563          $     679,501
                                                                                    ===============         ===============

Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities
    Accounts payable                                                                $      224,072          $     224,037
    Accrued payroll and related liabilities                                                  7,840                  5,001
    Other accrued liabilities                                                               33,563                 33,472
                                                                                    ---------------         ---------------

    Total current liabilities                                                              265,475                262,510
Long-term debt                                                                             182,550                167,549
Accrued pension and retirement plans                                                         5,237                  7,042
                                                                                    ---------------         ---------------

    Total liabilities                                                                      453,262                437,101
                                                                                    ---------------         ---------------

Shareholders' equity
    Preferred stock, par value $100 per share; authorized-10,000 shares
       Series A; Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock; none issued                        -                      -
       Series B; Cumulative Preferred Stock; 4.5%, convertible;
           issued and outstanding - 1,150 shares                                           115,000                115,000
    Common stock, par value $2 per share; authorized-200,000 shares;
         issued and outstanding - 32,213 shares and 31,907 shares                           64,426                 63,814
    Paid-in capital                                                                          8,005                  5,086
    Retained earnings                                                                       71,870                 58,500
                                                                                    ---------------         ---------------

    Total shareholders' equity                                                             259,301                242,400
                                                                                    ---------------         ---------------

Commitments and contingencies

    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                                      $      712,563          $     679,501
                                                                                    ===============         ===============
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


<PAGE>


Owens & Minor, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended December 31,                                                     1997                 1996                  1995
                                                                       ---------------     -----------------     -----------------
<S> <C>

Operating activities
Net income (loss)                                                      $      24,320        $       12,965       $       (11,308)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided
    by (used for) operating activities
    Depreciation and amortization                                             17,664                16,098                15,416
    Provision for losses on accounts and notes receivable                        268                   838                   827
    Provision for LIFO reserve                                                 2,414                   908                 3,700
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
       Accounts and notes receivable                                         (40,903)              117,157                24,175
       Merchandise inventories                                                (6,104)               43,633                (6,229)
       Accounts payable                                                        4,714                (9,670)              (17,107)
       Net change in other current assets and current liabilities              4,611                 5,025               (18,753)
    Other, net                                                                 1,038                 1,178                (2,151)
                                                                       ---------------     -----------------     -----------------

Cash provided by (used for) operating activities                               8,022               188,132               (11,430)
                                                                       ---------------     -----------------     -----------------

Investing activities
Additions to property and equipment                                           (7,495)               (6,242)              (13,876)
Additions to computer software                                                (4,472)               (6,985)               (7,396)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment                                   1,851                 6,865                 3,597
                                                                       ---------------     -----------------     -----------------

Cash used for investing activities                                           (10,116)               (6,362)              (17,675)
                                                                       ---------------     -----------------     -----------------

Financing activities
Additions to long-term debt                                                   26,026               150,000                77,970
Reductions of long-term debt                                                 (11,049)             (314,877)                 (242)
Other short-term financing, net                                               (4,679)               (7,341)              (38,723)
Cash dividends paid                                                          (10,950)              (10,868)              (10,730)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options                                        2,586                 1,844                   532
                                                                       ---------------     -----------------     -----------------

Cash provided by (used for) financing activities                               1,934              (181,242)               28,807
                                                                       ---------------     -----------------     -----------------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                            (160)                  528                  (298)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                                   743                   215                   513
                                                                       ---------------     -----------------     -----------------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                               $         583        $          743          $        215
                                                                       ===============     =================     =================

</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


<PAGE>



Owens & Minor, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(in thousands, except per share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                      Preferred        Common
                                       Shares         Preferred         Shares          Common          Paid-in         Retained
                                     Outstanding        Stock        Outstanding         Stock          Capital         Earnings
                                     ------------    ------------    -------------    ------------    ------------    -----------
<S> <C>

Balance December 31, 1994                1,150        $115,000          30,764          $61,528          $1,207         $78,441
Net loss                                  -               -               -                -               -            (11,308)
Common stock cash dividends (1)           -               -               -                -               -             (5,555)
Preferred stock cash dividends (1)        -               -               -                -               -             (5,175)
Exercise of stock options                 -               -                 64              128             404             -
Common stock issued for
    incentive plan                        -               -                 34               68             416             -
Other                                     -               -               -                -                117             -
                                     ------------    ------------    -------------    ------------    ------------    -------------

Balance December 31, 1995                1,150         115,000          30,862           61,724           2,144          56,403
Net income                                -               -               -                -               -             12,965
Common stock cash dividends (1)           -               -               -                -               -             (5,693)
Preferred stock cash dividends (1)        -               -               -                -               -             (5,175)
Exercise of stock options                 -               -                206              412           1,432             -
Convertible debt conversion               -               -                867            1,734           1,766             -
Other                                                     -                <28>             <56>           <256>            -
                                     ------------    ------------    -------------    ------------    ------------    -------------

Balance December 31, 1996                1,150         115,000          31,907           63,814           5,086          58,500
Net income                                -               -               -                -               -             24,320
Common stock cash dividends (1)           -               -               -                -               -             (5,775)
Preferred stock cash dividends (1)        -               -               -                -               -             (5,175)
Exercise of stock options                 -               -                303              606           2,059             -
Other                                     -               -                  3                6             860             -
                                     ------------    ------------    -------------    ------------    ------------    -------------

Balance December 31, 1997                1,150       $115,000           32,213          $64,426          $8,005       $  71,870
                                     ============    ============    =============    ============    ============    =============

</TABLE>


(1) Cash dividends were $0.18 per common share and $4.50 per preferred share for
the years 1997, 1996 and 1995.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.




<PAGE>






Owens & Minor, Inc. and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation Owens & Minor, Inc. is one of the two largest distributors
of medical and surgical supplies in the United States. The consolidated
financial statements include the accounts of Owens & Minor, Inc. and its wholly
owned subsidiaries (the Company). All significant intercompany accounts and
transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of the consolidated financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires
management assumptions and estimates that affect amounts reported. Actual
results may differ from these estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash and marketable
securities with an original maturity or maturity at acquisition of three months
or less. Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates market
value.

Merchandise Inventories The Company's merchandise inventories are valued on a
last-in, first-out (LIFO) basis.

Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost or, if acquired
under capital leases, at the lower of the present value of minimum lease
payments or fair market value at the inception of the lease. Normal maintenance
and repairs are expensed as incurred, and renovations and betterments are
capitalized. Depreciation and amortization are provided for financial reporting
purposes on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the
assets or, for capital leases and leasehold improvements, over the terms of the
lease, if shorter. In general, the estimated useful lives for computing
depreciation and amortization are: 40 years for buildings and improvements; 4 to
8 years for warehouse equipment; and 3 to 8 years for computer, office and other
equipment. Straight-line and accelerated methods of depreciation are used for
income tax purposes.

Goodwill Goodwill is amortized on a straight-line basis over 40 years from the
dates of acquisition. As of December 31, 1997 and 1996, goodwill was $181.1
million and the related accumulated amortization was $18.3 million and $13.7
million, respectively. Based upon management's assessment of future cash flows
of acquired businesses, the carrying value of goodwill at December 31, 1997 has
not been impaired. The carrying value of goodwill could be impacted if estimated
future cash flows are not achieved.

Computer Software The Company's computer software expenditures are applicable to
software developed or purchased for internal use. Certain software development
costs are capitalized when incurred and only after technological feasibility has
been established. Technological feasibility is determined based upon completion
of a detailed program design, or, if such is not pursued, then a product design
and a working model. Amortization of all capitalized software costs begins after
the software is available for use in the Company's operations and is computed on
a product-by-product basis over the estimated economic life of the product from
3 to 5 years. Computer software costs are included in other assets, net in the
Consolidated Balance Sheets. Unamortized software at December 31, 1997 and 1996
was $11.0 million and $11.1 million, respectively. Depreciation and amortization
expense includes $4.6 million, $2.8 million and $2.2 million of software
amortization for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.


<PAGE>


Revenue Recognition Revenue from product sales is generally recognized at the
time the product is shipped. Service revenue is recognized over the contractual
period as the services are performed.

Stock-Based Compensation The Company uses the intrinsic value method of
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 to account for stock-based
compensation. This method requires compensation expense to be recognized for the
excess of the quoted market price of the stock at the grant date or the
measurement date over the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock. The
disclosure requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS)
No. 123 are included in Note 8 to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Net Income  (Loss) per Common Share In 1997,  the  Financial  Accounting
Standards  Board issued SFAS No. 128,  Earnings per Share. Earnings per share
amounts for all periods have been restated to conform to SFAS No. 128
requirements.

Derivative Financial Instruments The Company enters into interest rate swaps and
caps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. These instruments
are designated as hedges of interest-bearing liabilities and off balance sheet
financing. Net payments or receipts are accrued as interest payable or
receivable and as interest expense or income. Fees related to these instruments
are amortized over the life of the instrument. If the outstanding balance of the
underlying liability were to drop below the notional amount of the swap or cap,
the excess portion of the swap or cap would be marked to market, and the
resulting gain or loss included in net income.

Note 2 - Business Acquisitions
In May 1994, Owens & Minor, Inc. acquired all of the capital stock of Stuart
Medical, Inc. (Stuart), a distributor of medical and surgical supplies. As part
of the Stuart acquisition, the Company initiated a plan to close certain
facilities and terminate certain employees of the former Stuart operations. The
costs of this plan were included as a liability assumed from the acquisition and
included in the allocation of the purchase price. During 1995, the Company
incurred substantially all of the costs of exiting the former Stuart operations
and charged approximately $6.5 million against established acquisition
liabilities.

Note 3 - Nonrecurring Restructuring Expenses
During 1995, the Company incurred $16.7 million of nonrecurring restructuring
expenses related to two restructuring plans. Under the first plan, the Company
incurred $13.2 million of nonrecurring restructuring expenses in connection with
the Stuart acquisition and the Company's related decision to contract out the
management and operation of its mainframe computer system. These expenses were
comprised primarily of duplicate facility costs (approximately $9.3 million),
including the costs of maintaining duplicate personnel and duplicate locations
and the costs of converting Stuart divisions to the Company's systems and
processes; costs associated with redesigning and implementing processes and
systems that optimize warehouse resources and revising existing processes and
systems to utilize the most efficient practices of both companies to increase
efficiencies within the combined company (approximately $3.9 million), including
the development of both a client/server strategy and the requirements for
forecasting and warehouse management systems, both necessary to accommodate the
needs of the combined companies.

Under the second plan, which was implemented in December 1995, the Company
incurred $3.5 million of nonrecurring restructuring expenses in connection with
the closing of two distribution centers and the downsizing of five distribution
centers. These expenses were comprised primarily of costs associated with a
reduction in the number of employees (approximately $1.7 million), the
write-down of non-cash assets (approximately $0.9 million) and other related
exit costs (approximately $0.9 million).

<PAGE>


During 1996, the Company substantially completed both restructuring plans and
charged approximately $3.0 million against the established accrued liabilities.

Note 4 - Merchandise Inventories
The Company's merchandise inventories are valued on a LIFO basis. If LIFO
inventories had been valued on a current cost or first-in, first-out (FIFO)
basis, they would have been greater by $25.3 million and $22.9 million as of
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. In 1995, the Company recorded a $2.0
million provision for specifically identified slow-moving inventory. During
1996, inventory quantities were reduced. This reduction resulted in a
liquidation of LIFO inventory carried at lower costs prevailing in prior years
as compared with the cost of 1996 purchases, the effect of which increased net
income by approximately $1.2 million or $0.04 per basic common share.

Note 5 - Property and Equipment
The Company's investment in property and equipment consists of the following:



(In thousands)

December 31,                                       1997                1996
                                                 ---------          ----------

Warehouse equipment                           $   23,477           $    22,824

Computer equipment                                22,729                19,657

Office and other equipment                        11,198                10,710

Land and buildings                                 1,503                 2,966

Leasehold improvements                             9,221                 8,316
                                               -------------        ----------


                                                  68,128                64,473
Accumulated depreciation and amortization        (41,500)              (35,242)
                                               -------------        -----------

Property and equipment, net
                                              $   26,628           $    29,231
                                               =============      =============

Depreciation  and  amortization  expense for property and equipment in 1997,
1996 and 1995 was $8.5 million,  $8.7 million and $8.5 million, respectively.

Note 6 - Accounts Payable
Accounts payable balances were $224.1 million and $224.0 million as of December
31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, of which $187.8 million and $183.0 million,
respectively, were trade accounts payable and $36.3 million and $41.0 million,
respectively, were drafts payable. Drafts payable are checks written in excess
of bank balances to be funded upon clearing the bank.




<PAGE>


Note 7 - Long-Term Debt and Off Balance Sheet Financing The Company's long-term
debt consists of the following:


(In thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

December 31,                                                         1997                               1996
                                                        --------------------------------   -----------------------------

                                                          Carrying          Estimated        Carrying      Estimated
                                                           Amount          Fair Value         Amount       Fair Value
                                                        --------------    --------------  -------------- --------------
<S> <C>
10.875% Senior Subordinated Notes, mature
    June 2006                                            $150,000           $168,750         $150,000      $159,000
Revolving Credit Facility with interest based on
    London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or
    Prime Rate, expires May 2001, credit limit of
       $225,000                                            32,550             32,550            6,500         6,500
$11.5 million, 0% Subordinated Note, matured
    May 1997 effective interest rate 10.4%                  -                     -            11,049        11,258
                                                        --------------   --------------   --------------  --------------

Long-term debt                                           $182,550           $201,300         $167,549      $176,758
                                                        ==============   ==============   ==============  ==============

</TABLE>

In May 1996, the Company refinanced its existing $425.0 million Revolving Credit
Facility by issuing $150.0 million of 10.875% Senior Subordinated 10-year notes
(Notes), increasing its Receivables Financing Facility to $150.0 million from
$75.0 million and entering into a new $225.0 million Revolving Credit Facility.
In September 1997, the Company renegotiated the terms of its Revolving Credit
Facility which resulted in more favorable pricing of the debt.

The Notes were issued on May 29, 1996, and mature on June 1, 2006. Interest on
the Notes is payable semi-annually on June 1 and December 1. The Notes are
redeemable, after June 1, 2001, at the Company's option, subject to certain
restrictions. The Notes are unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several
basis by all direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Company, other than O&M
Funding Corp. (OMF).

The Revolving Credit Facility expires in May 2001 with interest based on, at the
Company's discretion, LIBOR or the Prime Rate. The Company is charged a
commitment fee of between 0.15% and 0.25%, depending upon the Company's
capitalization ratio, on the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility.
The terms of the Revolving Credit Facility limit the amount of indebtedness that
the Company may incur, require the Company to maintain certain levels of
tangible net worth, current ratio, leverage ratio and fixed charge coverage, and
restrict the ability of the Company to materially alter the character of the
business through consolidation, merger or purchase or sale of assets. At
December 31, 1997, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

Net interest expense includes finance charge income of $3.1 million, $4.7
million and $3.8 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Finance charge
income represents payments from customers for past due balances on their
accounts. Cash payments for interest during 1997, 1996 and 1995 were $18.3
million, $22.1 million and $29.0 million, respectively.

The estimated fair value of long-term debt is based on the borrowing rates
currently available to the Company for loans with similar terms and average
maturities.

<PAGE>


The annual maturities of long-term debt for the five years subsequent to
December 31, 1997 are as follows: $0 in 1998, 1999 and 2000, $32.6 million in
2001 and $0 in 2002. At December 31, 1996, the 0% Subordinated Note was
classified as long-term due to the Company's intent and ability to refinance the
note through its Revolving Credit Facility.

Off Balance Sheet Financing In May 1996, the Company modified its existing $75.0
million Receivables Financing Facility to increase the borrowing limit. Pursuant
to the agreement, OMF is entitled to transfer, without recourse, certain of the
Company's trade receivables and to receive up to $150.0 million from an
unrelated third party purchaser at a cost of funds at commercial paper rates
plus a charge for administrative and credit support services. In October 1997,
the Receivables Financing Facility was modified to improve the pricing and
reduce the term of the agreement to October 1998. The remaining terms of the
Receivables Financing Facility are substantially the same as those in the
agreement entered into in December 1995 and modified in May 1996. At December
31, 1997 and 1996, the Company had received $110.0 million and $126.0 million,
respectively, under the agreement. To continue use of the Receivables Financing
Facility, the Company is required to be in compliance with the covenants of the
Revolving Credit Facility.

The Company manages its interest rate risk, primarily through the use of
interest rate swap and cap agreements. The Company's interest rate swap
agreements as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 included $100.0 million notional
amounts which effectively converted a portion of the Company's fixed rate
financing instruments to variable rates. Under these swap agreements, expiring
in May 2006, the Company pays the counterparties a variable rate based on the
six-month LIBOR and the counterparties pay the Company a fixed interest rate
ranging from 7.27% to 7.32%. At the option of the counterparties, these swaps
can be terminated in 2001. The Company also had $50.0 million and $90.0 million
as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, notional amounts of interest
rate swaps which effectively converted a portion of the Company's variable rate
financing instruments to fixed rate instruments. Under these swap agreements,
which expire in 1998, the Company pays the counterparties a fixed rate ranging
from 7.41% to 7.72% and the counterparties pay the Company a variable rate based
on either the three-month or six-month LIBOR.

The payments received or disbursed related to the interest rate swaps are
included in interest expense, net. Based on estimates of the prices obtained
from a dealer, the Company had an unrealized gain of approximately $2.7 million
and $0.7 million at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, for the fixed to
variable rate swaps and an unrealized loss of approximately $0.2 million and
$1.5 million at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, for the variable to
fixed rate swaps.

The Company is exposed to certain losses in the event of nonperformance by the
counterparties to these swap agreements. However, the Company's exposure is not
material and, since the counterparties are investment grade financial
institutions, nonperformance is not anticipated.


Note 8 - Stock-Based Compensation
The Company maintains stock based compensation plans (Plans) which provide for
the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs) and common
stock. The Plans are administered by the Compensation and Benefits Committee of
the Board of Directors and allow the Company to award or grant to officers,
directors and employees incentive, non-qualified and deferred compensation stock
options, SARs and restricted and unrestricted stock.


<PAGE>

Approximately three million common shares were originally available for issuance
under the Plans. The restricted stock and stock options awarded under the Plans
generally vest over three years and the stock options expire ten years from the
date of grant. The options are granted at a price which equals fair market value
at the date of grant. At December 31, 1997, there were no SARs outstanding.

In 1997, the Company adopted a Management Equity Ownership Program. This program
requires each of the Company's officers to own the Company's common stock at
specified levels, which gradually increase over five years. Officers who meet
specified ownership goals in a given year are awarded restricted stock under the
provisions of the Plans.

The following table summarizes the activity and terms of outstanding options at
December 31, 1997, and for the years in the three-year period then ended:

(In thousands, except per share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>




                                                  1997                         1996                        1995
                                        --------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
                                                        Average                     Average                     Average
                                                        Exercise                    Exercise                    Exercise
                                           Shares        Price         Shares        Price         Shares        Price
                                        ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C>

Options outstanding beginning of year       1,922        $13.06          1,745        $12.41        1,742        $12.36
Granted                                       523         12.73            629         13.38          221         13.17
Exercised                                    (303)        13.41           (206)         8.95          (64)         8.31
Expired/cancelled                            (202)        14.58           (246)        12.67         (154)        14.59
                                        ------------- ============= ------------- ============= ------------- =============

Outstanding at end of year                  1,940        $13.50          1,922        $13.06        1,745        $12.41
                                        ============= ============= ============= ============= ============= =============
Exercisable options at end of year          1,123        $13.87          1,053        $12.40          978        $11.19
                                        ============= ============= ============= ============= ============= =============

</TABLE>





<PAGE>


At December 31, 1997, the following option groups were outstanding:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                               Outstanding                                          Exercisable
                             -------------------------------------------------    ------------------------------------------------

                                                                   Weighted                                            Weighted
                                                                   Average                                             Average
                                                 Weighted         Remaining                           Weighted        Remaining
                               Number of          Average        Contractual        Number of         Average        Contractual
   Range of Exercise            Options          Exercise            Life            Options          Exercise           Life
         Prices                 (000's)            Price           (Years)           (000's)           Price           (Years)
- -------------------------      ---------        ---------        -----------        ---------         ---------       ----------
<S> <C>

      $8.50-12.50                   211           $9.23             3.3                 170            $8.99             1.9
      $12.51-16.50                1,729          $14.02             7.5                 953           $14.74             6.4
                               ---------        =========        ===========        ---------        ==========       ===========
                                  1,940          $13.50             7.1               1,123           $13.87             5.8
                               =========        =========        ===========        =========        ==========       ===========

</TABLE>

Using the intrinsic value method, the Company's 1997, 1996 and 1995 net income
(loss) includes stock-based compensation expense (net of tax benefit) of
approximately $67 thousand, $50 thousand and $0, respectively. The weighted
average fair value of options granted in 1997, 1996 and 1995 was $3.77, $3.90
and $3.80 per option, respectively. Had the Company included in stock-based
compensation expense the fair value at grant date of stock option awards granted
in 1997, 1996 and 1995, net income (loss) would have been $23.2 million or $0.56
per basic common share, $12.3 million or $0.23 per basic common share and
$(11.5) million or $(0.54) per basic common share for the years ended December
31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The fair value of each option is
estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with
the following assumptions used for grants: dividend yield of 1.2%-1.7% in 1997,
1.8% in 1996 and 1995; expected volatility of 24.6%-41.0% in 1997, 32.0% in 1996
and 1995; risk-free interest rate of 5.6% in 1997 and 6.3% in 1996 and 1995; and
expected lives of 2.1-5.1 years in 1997 and 4.0 years in 1996 and 1995.

Note 9 - Retirement Plans
Pension and Retirement Plans The Company has a noncontributory pension plan
covering substantially all employees who had earned benefits as of December 31,
1996. At December 31, 1996, substantially all of the benefits of employees under
this plan were frozen, with all participants becoming fully vested. The changes
in this plan resulted in a 1996 curtailment gain of approximately $2.0 million,
which is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the
Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company expects to continue
to fund the plan based on federal law requirements and amounts deductible for
income tax purposes, until such time as plan assets equal plan liabilities. As
of December 31, 1997, plan assets consist primarily of equity securities,
including 34 thousand shares of the Company's common stock, and U.S. Government
securities.

The Company also has a noncontributory, unfunded retirement plan for certain
officers and other key employees. Benefits are based on a percentage of the
employees' compensation. The Company maintains life insurance policies on plan
participants to act as a financing source for the plan.



<PAGE>


The following table sets forth the plans' financial status and the amounts
recognized in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets:

(In thousands)


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                     Pension Plan                        Retirement Plan
                                                         -----------------------------------   ------------------------------------
December 31,                                                  1997               1996               1997                1996
                                                         ----------------   ----------------   ----------------    ----------------
<S> <C>
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
Accumulated benefit obligations:
       Vested                                            $     (20,177)     $      (18,166)    $        (1,347)    $      (1,386)
       Non-vested                                                 (210)               -                 (1,633)           (1,234)
                                                         ----------------   ----------------   ----------------    ----------------

Total accumulated benefit obligations                          (20,387)            (18,166)             (2,980)           (2,620)
Additional amounts related to projected salary increases
                                                                  (284)               (158)             (2,098)           (2,397)
                                                         ----------------   ----------------   ----------------    ----------------

Projected benefit obligations for service rendered to
    date                                                       (20,671)            (18,324)             (5,078)           (5,017)
Plan assets at fair market value                                22,121              16,950                -                 -
                                                         ----------------   ----------------   ----------------    ----------------

Plan assets over (under) projected benefit obligations
                                                                 1,450              (1,374)             (5,078)           (5,017)
Unrecognized net loss (gain) from past experience
                                                                  (502)                -                 1,301             1,839
Unrecognized prior benefit                                        -                    -                  (221)             (237)
Unrecognized net obligation being recognized over 17
    years                                                         -                    -                   205               246
                                                         ----------------   ----------------   ----------------    ----------------

Accrued pension asset (liability)                        $         948      $       (1,374)    $        (3,793)    $      (3,169)
                                                         ================   ================   ================    ================

</TABLE>

The components of net periodic pension cost for both plans are as follows:

(In thousands)

Year ended December 31,                            1997      1996       1995
                                                   ----      ----       ----

Service cost-benefits earned during the year    $   568    $ 2,598    $ 1,865
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations    1,715      1,714      1,425
Actual return on plan assets                     (3,393)    (1,566)    (2,521)
Curtailment gain                                   -        (1,988)       -
Net amortization and deferral                     2,077        422      1,470
                                                  -----     ------      -----

Net periodic pension cost                       $   967    $ 1,180    $ 2,239
                                                =======    =======    =======



The weighted average discount rate, rate of increase in future compensation
levels used in determining the actuarial present value of the projected benefit
obligations and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets were
assumed to be 7.0%, 5.5% and 8.5%, respectively, in 1997 and 7.5%, 5.5% and
8.5%, respectively, in 1996.

<PAGE>


Other Retirement Benefits The Company substantially terminated its
postretirement medical plan in 1996. The termination resulted in a reduction in
the Company's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation of approximately
$1.6 million which will be recognized in income over the lives of the remaining
participants in the plan (approximately 13 years).

The following table sets forth the plan's financial status and the amount
recognized in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets:

(In thousands)



December 31,                                                 1997        1996
                                                             ----        ----

Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:
    Retirees                                                $(361)       $(376)
    Fully eligible active plan participants                  (595)        (556)
                                                             -----        -----

Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation                (956)        (932)
Unrecognized prior service benefit                         (1,436)      (1,567)
                                                           -------      -------

Accrued postretirement benefit liability                  $(2,392)     $(2,499)
                                                           =======     ========

The components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost are as follows:

(In thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Year ended December 31,                                                        1997                1996              1995
                                                                               ----                ----              ----
<S> <C>

Service cost-benefits earned during the year                                $      -             $  308            $  275
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation                    65                177               152
Net amortization                                                                (131)               (78)             (120)
                                                                            ---------            -------           ------
Net periodic postretirement cost (benefit)                                  $    (66)            $  407            $  307
                                                                            =========            =======           ======
</TABLE>



<PAGE>



For measurement purposes, a 10.0% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost
of covered healthcare benefits was assumed for 1997; the rate was assumed to
decrease gradually to 6.0% for the year 2001 and remain at that level
thereafter. The healthcare cost trend rate assumption does not have a
significant effect on the amounts reported. The weighted average discount rate
used in determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was 7.0%
and 7.5% for 1997 and 1996, respectively.

The Company maintains a voluntary Savings and Protection Plan covering
substantially all full-time employees who have completed six months of service
and have attained age 18. The Company matches a certain percentage of each
employee's contribution. Effective January 1, 1997, the Company enhanced this
plan to provide for a minimum contribution by the Company to the plan for all
eligible employees of 1% of their salary. This contribution can be increased at
the Company's discretion. The Company incurred approximately $2.6 million, $1.0
million and $1.1 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, of expenses
related to this plan.



<PAGE>


Note 10 - Income Taxes
The income tax provision (benefit) consists of the following:

(In thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Year ended December 31,                                                     1997                1996               1995
                                                                    ---------------     --------------     ----------------
<S> <C>

Current tax provision (benefit):
    Federal                                                         $     14,484        $      6,186       $    (13,009)
    State                                                                  3,130               1,556               (172)
                                                                    ---------------     --------------     ----------------

Total current provision (benefit)                                         17,614               7,742            (13,181)

Deferred tax provision (benefit):
    Federal                                                                   (2)              1,923              7,731
    State                                                                     (1)                483                350
                                                                    ---------------     --------------     ----------------

Total deferred provision (benefit)                                            (3)              2,406              8,081
                                                                    ---------------     --------------     ----------------

Total income tax provision (benefit)                                $     17,611        $     10,148       $     (5,100)
                                                                    ===============     ==============     ================
</TABLE>



A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to the Company's effective income
tax rate is shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


Year ended December 31,                                                    1997               1996                1995
                                                                        -----------        -----------        -----------
<S> <C>

Federal statutory rate                                                     35.0%              35.0%              (34.0)%
Increases (reductions) in the rate resulting from:
    State income taxes, net of federal income tax impact                    4.9                5.0                (3.3)
    Nondeductible goodwill amortization                                     3.7                7.5                 9.5
    Nontaxable income                                                      (2.6)              (4.6)               (4.5)
    Other, net                                                              1.0                1.0                 1.2
                                                                        -----------        -----------        -------------

Effective rate                                                             42.0%              43.9%              (31.1)%
                                                                        ===========        ===========        =============
</TABLE>



<PAGE>





The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions
of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below:

(In thousands)


Year ended December 31,                                      1997        1996
                                                             ----        ----

Deferred tax assets:
   Allowance for doubtful accounts                           $2,525      $3,053
   Accrued liabilities not currently deductible               7,044       7,597
   Employee benefit plans                                     3,377       3,636
   Merchandise inventories                                    4,169       2,613
   Nonrecurring restructuring expenses                          -           420
   Tax loss carryforward, net                                 1,238       1,665
   Other                                                        839         847
                                                           --------     -------

Total deferred tax assets                                    19,192      19,831
                                                             ------      ------

Deferred tax liabilities:
   Property and equipment                                     1,557       1,437
   Computer software                                          1,252       1,869
   Other                                                      1,148       1,293
                                                            -------     -------

Total deferred tax liabilities                                3,957       4,599
                                                            -------     -------

Net deferred tax asset (included
    in other current assets and
   other assets, net)                                       $15,235      $15,232
                                                            =======      =======

At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company had a $0.10 million and $0.35 million
valuation allowance, respectively, for state net operating losses. Based on the
level of historical taxable income and projections of future taxable income over
the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes
it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of these
deductible differences, net of existing valuation allowances.

Cash payments for income taxes for 1997, 1996 and 1995 were $18.6 million, $8.0
million and $6.1 million, respectively.



<PAGE>


Note 11 - Net Income (Loss) per Common Share
The following sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss)
per common share:




(In thousands, except per share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S> <C>
                                                                                     1997               1996               1995
Numerator:
    Net income (loss)                                                         $      24,320      $      12,965       $    (11,308)
    Preferred stock dividends                                                         5,175              5,175              5,175
                                                                                 -------------      -------------       ------------

Numerator for basic net income (loss) per common share - net
    income (loss) available to common shareholders                                   19,145              7,790            (16,483)
    Effect of dilutive securities - interest on convertible debt                      -                     51               -
                                                                                 -------------      -------------       ------------

Numerator for diluted net income (loss) per common share - net income (loss)
    available to common shareholders after
    assumed conversions                                                       $      19,145      $       7,841       $    (16,483)
                                                                                 =============      =============       ============

Denominator:
    Denominator for basic net income (loss) per common
      share - weighted average shares                                                32,048             31,707             30,820
                                                                                 -------------      -------------       ------------
    Effect of dilutive securities:
      Employee stock options                                                             74                 78                  -
      Interest on convertible debt                                                        -                 21                  -
      Other                                                                               7                  3                  -
                                                                                 -------------      -------------       ------------

Denominator for diluted net income (loss) per common share - adjusted weighted
    average shares and assumed
    conversions                                                                      32,129             31,809             30,820
                                                                                 =============      =============       ============

Net income (loss) per common share - basic                                            $0.60              $0.25              $(0.53)
Net income (loss) per common share - diluted                                          $0.60              $0.25              $(0.53)

</TABLE>




Note 12 - Shareholders' Equity
On May 10, 1994, the Company issued 1.15 million shares of Series B preferred
stock in connection with the Stuart acquisition. Each share of preferred stock
has an annual dividend of $4.50, payable quarterly, has voting rights on items
submitted to a vote of the holders of common stock and is convertible into
approximately 6.1 shares of common stock at the shareholder's option. As of
April 1997, the preferred stock was redeemable by the Company at a price of $100
subject to certain restrictions.

The Company has a shareholder rights agreement under which 8/27ths of a Right is
attendant to each outstanding share of common stock of the Company. Each full
Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from the Company one
one-hundredth of a share of Series A Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock
(the Series A Preferred Stock), at an exercise price of $75 (the Purchase
Price). The Rights will become exercisable, if not earlier redeemed, only if a
person or group acquires 20% or more of the outstanding shares of the common
stock or announces a tender offer, the consummation of which would result in
ownership by a person or group of 20% or more of such outstanding shares. Each
holder of a Right, upon the occurrence of certain events, will become entitled
to receive, upon exercise and payment of the Purchase Price, Series A Preferred
Stock (or in certain circumstances, cash, property or other securities of the
Company or a potential acquirer) having a value equal to twice the amount of the
Purchase Price. The Rights will expire on April 30, 2004, if not earlier
redeemed.


<PAGE>


Note 13 - Commitments and Contingencies
The Company has a commitment through December 2001 to outsource the management
and operation of its mainframe computer. This commitment is cancellable at any
time on 180 days prior notice and a minimum payment of $8.8 million. The Company
also has entered into noncancellable agreements to lease certain office and
warehouse facilities with remaining terms ranging from one to 10 years. Certain
leases include renewal options, generally for five-year increments. At December
31, 1997, future minimum annual payments under noncancellable operating lease
agreements with original terms in excess of one year are as follows:

(In thousands)

                                                                        Total
                                                                       -------
                           1998                                        $20,181
                           1999                                         17,168
                           2000                                         13,190
                           2001                                         10,331
                           2002                                          7,929
                           Later years                                  21,318
                                                                        ------

                           Total minimum payments                      $90,117
                                                                       =======

Minimum  lease  payments  have not been  reduced by minimum  sublease  rentals
aggregating  $0.8  million  due in the future  under noncancellable subleases.

Rent expense for all operating  leases for the years ended  December 31, 1997,
1996 and 1995 was $26.3  million,  $25.6 million and $27.0 million,
respectively.

The Company has limited concentrations of credit risk with respect to financial
instruments. Temporary cash investments are placed with high credit quality
institutions and concentrations within accounts and notes receivable are limited
due to their geographic dispersion.

In 1997, 1996 and 1995, net sales to Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation totaled
$356 million, $321 million and $249 million, or approximately 11%, 11% and 8%,
respectively, of the Company's net sales. In 1997, net sales to member hospitals
of Premier Inc. totaled $386 million, or approximately 12% of the Company's net
sales. Net sales to member hospitals under contract with VHA Inc. totaled $1.3
billion in 1997, $1.2 billion in 1996 and 1995, approximately 40%, 41% and 40%,
respectively, of the Company's net sales. As members of a national healthcare
network, VHA Inc. hospitals have incentive to purchase from their primary
selected distributor; however, they operate independently and are free to
negotiate directly with distributors and manufacturers.

<PAGE>


Note 14 - Legal Proceedings
As of January 30, 1998, Stuart is named as a defendant along with product
manufacturers, distributors, healthcare providers, trade associations and others
in approximately 136 lawsuits, filed in various federal and state courts (the
Cases). The Cases represent the claims of approximately 145 plaintiffs claiming
personal injuries and approximately 73 spouses asserting claims for loss of
consortium. The Cases seek damages for personal injuries allegedly attributable
to spinal fixation devices. The great majority of the Cases seek compensatory
and punitive damages in unspecified amounts.

Prior to December 1992, Stuart distributed spinal fixation devices manufactured
by Sofamor SNC, a predecessor of Sofamor Danek Group, Inc. (Sofamor Danek).
Approximately one third of the claims involve plaintiffs implanted with spinal
fixation devices manufactured by Sofamor Danek. Such plaintiffs allege that
Stuart is liable to them under applicable products liability law for injuries
caused by such devices distributed and sold by Stuart. In addition, such
plaintiffs allege that Stuart distributed and sold the spinal fixation devices
through deceptive and misleading means and in violation of applicable law. In
the remaining Cases, plaintiffs seek to hold Stuart liable for injuries caused
by other manufacturers' devices that were neither distributed nor sold by
Stuart. Such plaintiffs allege that Stuart engaged in a civil conspiracy and
concerted action with manufacturers, distributors and others to promote the sale
of spinal fixation devices through deceptive and misleading means and in
violation of applicable law. Stuart never manufactured any spinal fixation
devices. The Company believes that affirmative defenses are available to Stuart.
All Cases filed against Stuart have been, and will continue to be, vigorously
defended.

A majority of the Cases have been transferred to, and consolidated for pretrial
proceedings, in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia under the
style MDL Docket No. 1014: In re Orthopedic Bone Screw Products Liability
Litigation. Discovery proceedings, including the taking of depositions have been
ongoing in certain of the Cases, and, in a number of Cases, discovery has been
completed and these Cases have been remanded back for trial to those
jurisdictions where they were originally filed. The Company is unable at this
time to determine with certainty whether or not Stuart may be held liable.

Based upon management's analysis of indemnification agreements between Stuart
and Sofamor Danek, the manufacturer of the devices distributed by Stuart, the
Company believes that Stuart is entitled to indemnification by Sofamor Danek at
least with respect to claims brought by plaintiffs implanted with devices
manufactured by Sofamor Danek. Such Cases are being defended by Stuart's
insurance carriers. Regarding those Cases filed by plaintiffs implanted with
other manufacturers' devices, one of Stuart's primary insurance carriers has
notified a representative of the former shareholders of Stuart that it will
withdraw its provision of defense of such Cases and another one of Stuart's
primary insurance carriers has notified a representative of the former
shareholders of Stuart that it has declined to provide a defense for such Cases,
in both instances asserting that such Cases involve only conspiracy and
concerted action claims. The former shareholders of Stuart are contesting the
insurance companies' withdrawal and declination of the defense of such Cases.
The Company and Stuart are also contractually entitled to indemnification by the
former shareholders of Stuart for any liabilities and related expenses incurred
by the Company or Stuart in connection with the foregoing litigation. The
Company believes that Stuart's available insurance coverage together with the
indemnification rights discussed above are adequate to cover any losses should
they occur, and accordingly has accrued no liability therefor. Except as set
forth above, the Company is not aware of any uncertainty as to the availability
and adequacy of such insurance or indemnification, although there can be no
assurance that Sofamor Danek and the former shareholders will have sufficient
financial resources in the future to meet such obligations.


<PAGE>


In addition, as of February 16, 1998, 30 individual lawsuits seeking monetary
damages, in most cases of an unspecified amount, have been filed by multiple
plaintiffs in federal and state courts against the Company, manufacturers, and
other distributors and sellers of natural rubber latex products. These lawsuits
allege injuries ranging from dermatitis and allergic reactions to anaphylactic
shock arising from the use of latex products, principally medical gloves. The
Company may be named as a defendant in additional similar cases in the future.
In the course of its medical supply business, the Company has distributed latex
products, including medical gloves, but it does not, nor has it ever,
manufactured any latex products. The defense costs of these lawsuits are being
paid by the Company's insurers and the Company believes at this time that any
potential liability and future defense costs will also be covered by its
insurance, subject to policy limits and insurer solvency. Since all of these
cases are in early stages of trial preparation, the likelihood of an unfavorable
outcome for the Company or the amount or range of potential loss with respect to
any of these matters cannot be reasonably determined at this time.

The Company is party to a lawsuit claiming failure to meet certain contractual
obligations involving a distribution agreement. The plaintiff is seeking $3.3
million in compensatory damages, and the Company has, in turn, filed a
counterclaim alleging breach of contract. At this time, management believes that
the final outcome of this lawsuit will not materially affect the Company's
financial condition or results of operations.

The Company is party to various other legal actions that are ordinary and
incidental to its business. While the outcome of legal actions cannot be
predicted with certainty, management believes the outcome of these proceedings
will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or
results of operations.

Note 15 - Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
The following table presents condensed consolidating financial information for:
Owens & Minor, Inc.; on a combined basis, the guarantors of Owens & Minor,
Inc.'s Notes (all of the wholly owned subsidiaries of Owens & Minor, Inc. except
for OMF); and OMF, Owens & Minor, Inc.'s only non-guarantor subsidiary of the
Notes. Separate financial statements of the guarantor subsidiaries are not
presented because the guarantors are jointly, severally and unconditionally
liable under the guarantees and the Company believes the condensed consolidating
financial statements are more meaningful in understanding the financial position
of the guarantor subsidiaries.

<PAGE>


Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (1)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(In thousands)
As of and for the year ended                        Owens &         Guarantor
December 31, 1997                                  Minor, Inc.     Subsidiaries       OMF            Eliminations      Consolidated
<S> <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statements of Operations
Net sales                                          $       -          $3,116,798    $         -        $         -    $3,116,798
Cost of goods sold                                         -           2,800,044              -                  -     2,800,044
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross margin                                               -             316,754              -                  -       316,754
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selling, general and administrative expenses               -             234,721            151                  -       234,872
Depreciation and amortization                              -              17,664              -                  -        17,664
Interest expense, net                                   18,422            (2,707)           (12)                 -        15,703
Intercompany interest expense, net                     (15,669)           27,371        (10,421)            (1,281)            -
Discount on accounts receivable securitization               -                10          6,574                  -         6,584
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total expenses                                           2,753           277,059         (3,708)            (1,281)      274,823
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss) before income taxes                       (2,753)           39,695          3,708              1,281        41,931
Income tax provision (benefit)                          (1,129)           16,685          1,517                538        17,611
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss)                                  $    (1,624)       $   23,010    $     2,191        $       743    $   24,320
Dividends on preferred stock                       $     5,175        $        -    $         -        $         -    $    5,175
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) attributable to common stock     $    (6,799)       $   23,010    $     2,191        $       743    $   19,145
=================================================================================================================================

Balance Sheets
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents                          $       505        $       78    $         -        $         -    $      583
Accounts and notes receivable, net                           -           100,336         87,542                  -       187,878
Merchandise inventories                                      -           285,529              -                  -       285,529
Intercompany advances, net                             176,335            68,016              -           (244,351)            -
Other current assets                                         -            25,274              -                  -        25,274
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current assets                                   176,840           479,233         87,542           (244,351)      499,264
Property and equipment, net                                  -            26,628              -                  -        26,628
Goodwill, net                                                -           162,821              -                  -       162,821
Intercompany investment in subsidiaries                299,858            15,001              -           (314,859)            -
Other assets, net                                        6,180            17,670              -                  -        23,850
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets                                       $   482,878        $  701,353    $    87,542        $  (559,210)   $  712,563
=================================================================================================================================
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable                                   $         -        $  224,072    $         -        $         -    $  224,072
Accrued payroll and related liabilities                      -             7,840              -                  -         7,840
Intercompany advances, net                                   -           176,335         68,759           (245,094)            -
Other accrued liabilities                                2,480            30,564            519                  -        33,563
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current liabilities                                2,480           438,811         69,278           (245,094)      265,475
Long-term debt                                         182,550                 -              -                  -       182,550
Accrued pension and retirement plans                         -             5,237              -                  -         5,237
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities                                      185,030           444,048         69,278           (245,094)      453,262
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders' equity
Preferred stock                                        115,000                 -              -                  -       115,000
Common stock                                            64,426                 -              -                  -        64,426
Paid-in capital                                          8,005           299,858         15,001           (314,859)        8,005
Retained earnings                                      110,417           (42,553)         3,263                743        71,870
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total shareholders' equity                             297,848           257,305         18,264           (314,116)      259,301
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity         $   482,878        $  701,353    $    87,542        $  (559,210)   $  712,563
=================================================================================================================================

</TABLE>

(1) Certain amounts in the 1996 condensed consolidating financial statements
have been reclassified to conform to the 1997 presentation.


Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (1)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


(In thousands)
For the year ended                                           Owens &       Guarantor
December 31, 1997                                           Minor, Inc.   Subsidiaries   OMF        Eliminations      Consolidated
<S> <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statements of Cash Flows
Operating Activities
Net income (loss)                                      $    (1,624) $     23,010     $     2,191     $      743        $   24,320
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash
  provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization                                    -        17,664               -              -            17,664
Provision for losses on accounts and notes receivable            -           124             144              -               268
Provision for LIFO reserve                                       -         2,414               -              -             2,414
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts and notes receivable                                    -       (12,591)        (28,312)             -           (40,903)
Merchandise inventories                                          -        (6,104)              -              -            (6,104)
Accounts payable                                                 -         4,714               -              -             4,714
Net change in other current assets
    and current liabilities                                    147         4,667            (203)             -             4,611
Other, net                                                   1,411           158             212           (743)            1,038
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash provided by (used for) operating activities               (66)       34,056         (25,968)             -             8,022
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investing Activities
Additions to property and equipment                              -        (7,495)              -              -            (7,495)
Additions to computer software                                   -        (4,472)              -              -            (4,472)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment                     -         1,851               -              -             1,851
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash provided by (used for) investing activities                 -       (10,116)              -              -           (10,116)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financing Activities
Additions to long-term debt                                 26,026             -               -              -            26,026
Reductions of long-term debt                                     -       (11,049)              -              -           (11,049)
Change in intercompany advances                            (17,596)       (8,372)         25,968              -                 -
Other short-term financing, net                                  -        (4,679)              -              -            (4,679)
Cash dividends paid                                        (10,950)            -               -              -           (10,950)
Exercise of stock options                                    2,586             -               -              -             2,586
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities                66       (24,100)         25,968              -             1,934
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents             -          (160)              -              -              (160)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                 505           238               -              -               743
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period             $       505  $         78     $         -     $        -        $      583
==================================================================================================================================

</TABLE>


(1) Certain amounts in the 1996 condensed consolidating financial statements
have been reclassified to conform to the 1997 presentation.



Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (1)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(In thousands)
As of and for the year ended                         Owens &         Guarantor
December 31, 1996                                  Minor, Inc.     Subsidiaries           OMF          Eliminations   Consolidated
<S> <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statements of Operations
Net sales                                         $        -        $3,019,003          $       -        $       -      $3,019,003
Cost of goods sold                                         -         2,720,613                  -                -       2,720,613
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross margin                                               -           298,390                  -                -         298,390
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selling, general and administrative expenses               -           233,036                668                -         233,704
Depreciation and amortization                              -            16,098                  -                -          16,098
Interest expense, net                                 22,542            (3,588)                 -                -          18,954
Intercompany interest expense, net                   (21,525)           30,046             (7,605)            (916)              -
Discount on accounts receivable securitization             -             1,908              4,613                -           6,521
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total expenses                                         1,017           277,500             (2,324)            (916)        275,277
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss) before income taxes                     (1,017)           20,890              2,324              916          23,113
Income tax provision (benefit)                          (407)            9,312                877              366          10,148
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss)                                 $     (610)       $   11,578          $   1,447        $     550      $   12,965
Dividends on preferred stock                      $    5,175        $        -          $       -        $       -      $    5,175
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) attributable to common stock    $   (5,785)       $   11,578          $   1,447        $     550      $    7,790
===================================================================================================================================

Balance Sheets
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents                         $      505        $      238          $       -        $       -      $      743
Accounts and notes receivable, net                         -            87,869             59,374                -         147,243
Merchandise inventories                                    -           281,839                  -                -         281,839
Intercompany advances, net                           158,738            42,048                  -         (200,786)              -
Other current assets                                       -            25,675                  -                -          25,675
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current assets                                 159,243           437,669             59,374         (200,786)        455,500
Property and equipment, net                                -            29,231                  -                -          29,231
Goodwill, net                                              -           167,366                  -                -         167,366
Intercompany investment in subsidiaries              299,858            15,001                  -         (314,859)              -
Other assets, net                                      6,877            20,527                  -                -          27,404
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets                                      $  465,978        $  669,794          $  59,374        $(515,645)     $  679,501
===================================================================================================================================
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable                                  $        -        $  224,037          $       -        $       -      $  224,037
Accrued payroll and related liabilities                    -             5,001                  -                -           5,001
Intercompany advances, net                                 -           158,739             42,597         (201,336)              -
Other accrued liabilities                              2,588            30,162                722                -          33,472
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current liabilities                              2,588           417,939             43,319         (201,336)        262,510
Long-term debt                                       156,500            11,049                  -                -         167,549
Accrued pension and retirement plans                       -             7,042                  -                -           7,042
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities                                    159,088           436,030             43,319         (201,336)        437,101
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders' equity
Preferred stock                                      115,000                 -                  -                -         115,000
Common stock                                          63,814                 -                  -                -          63,814
Paid-in capital                                        5,086           299,858             15,001         (314,859)          5,086
Retained earnings                                    122,990           (66,094)             1,054              550          58,500
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total shareholders' equity                           306,890           233,764             16,055         (314,309)        242,400
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity        $  465,978        $  669,794          $  59,374        $(515,645)     $  679,501
===================================================================================================================================

</TABLE>


(1) Certain amounts in the 1996 condensed consolidating financial statements
have been reclassified to conform to the 1997 presentation.


Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (1)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


(In thousands)
For the year ended                                           Owens &           Guarantor
December 31, 1996                                           Minor, Inc.       Subsidiaries      OMF      Eliminations  Consolidated
<S> <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statements of Cash Flows
Operating Activities
Net income (loss)                                         $      (610)       $   11,578     $   1,447     $     550    $   12,965
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash
  provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization                                       -            16,098             -             -        16,098
Provision for losses on accounts and notes receivable               -               190           648             -           838
Provision for LIFO reserve                                          -               908             -             -           908
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts and notes receivable                                       -           150,013       (32,856)            -       117,157
Merchandise inventories                                             -            43,633             -             -        43,633
Accounts payable                                                    -            (9,670)            -             -        (9,670)
Net change in other current assets
    and current liabilities                                       582             4,230           213             -         5,025
Other, net                                                        306               589           833          (550)        1,178
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash provided by (used for) operating activities                  278           217,569       (29,715)            -       188,132
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investing Activities
Additions to property and equipment                                 -            (6,242)            -             -        (6,242)
Additions to computer software                                      -            (6,985)            -             -        (6,985)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment                        -             6,865             -             -         6,865
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash provided by (used for) investing activities                    -            (6,362)            -             -        (6,362)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financing Activities
Additions to long-term debt                                   150,000                 -             -             -       150,000
Reductions of long-term debt                                 (314,155)             (722)            -             -      (314,877)
Change in intercompany advances                               173,201          (202,916)       29,715             -             -
Other short-term financing, net                                     -            (7,341)            -             -        (7,341)
Cash dividends paid                                           (10,868)                -             -             -       (10,868)
Exercise of stock options                                       1,844                 -             -             -         1,844
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities                   22          (210,979)       29,715             -      (181,242)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents              300               228             -             -           528
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                    205                10             -             -           215
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                $       505        $      238     $       -     $       -    $      743
==================================================================================================================================

</TABLE>


(1) Certain amounts in the 1996 condensed consolidating financial statements
have been reclassified to conform to the 1997 presentation.


<PAGE>


Note 16 - Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
The following table presents the summarized quarterly financial data for 1997
and 1996:

(In thousands, except per share data)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                                                                                           1997
                                                         -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quarter                                                       1st                 2nd                3rd                4th
- -------                                                  ---------------     --------------     ---------------    ---------------
<S> <C>

Net sales                                                $      749,623      $    776,722       $     785,778      $     804,675

Gross margin                                                     75,102            78,041              78,881             84,730

Net income                                                        4,994             5,770               6,478              7,078

Net income per common share - basic                      $         0.12      $       0.14       $        0.16      $        0.18

Net income per common share - diluted                    $         0.12      $       0.14       $        0.16      $        0.18


                                                                                           1996
                                                         -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quarter                                                       1st                 2nd                3rd                   4th
- -------                                                  ---------------     --------------     -------------         -------------

Net sales                                                $     771,312       $     749,938      $    744,146       $      753,607

Gross margin                                                    74,179              74,511            74,486               75,214

Net income                                                       1,519               2,931             3,750                4,765

Net income per common share - basic                      $        0.01       $        0.05             $0.08       $         0.11

Net income per common share - diluted                    $        0.01       $        0.05             $0.08       $         0.11

</TABLE>




<PAGE>





Independent Auditors' Report



The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Owens & Minor, Inc.:

     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Owens &
Minor, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders' equity, and cash
flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997.
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated
financial statements based on our audits.

     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

     In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Owens &
Minor, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results
of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1997 in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.

/s/ KPMG
- -----------------------------

Richmond, Virginia
February 4, 1998

                                       46


<PAGE>


Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
         Financial Disclosure

There were no changes in or disagreements with accountants on accounting and
financial disclosures during the two-year period ended December 31, 1997.

                                    PART III


Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

The information required for this item is contained in Part I of this Form 10-K
and in the 1998 Proxy Statement under the headings "Nominees for Election to the
Board of Directors", "Members of Board of Directors Continuing in Office" and
"Series B Preferred Stock Director" on pages 5 through 8 and "Compliance with
Section 16(a) Reporting" on page 15, and is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information required under this item is contained in the 1998 Proxy
Statement under the heading "Director Compensation" on page 3, "Summary
Compensation Table" on pages 18 and 19, "Option Grants" on page 19, "1997 Option
Exercises and Year-End Option Values" on page 19 and "Retirement Plans" on pages
19 and 20, "Executive Severance Agreements" on page 24, and is incorporated by
reference herein.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The information required under this item is contained in the 1998 Proxy
Statement under the heading "Stock Ownership by Principal Shareholders and
Management" on pages 16 and 17 and is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

None

                                       47

<PAGE>


Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K
                                                                         Page
                                                                        Numbers

(a)      The following documents are filed as part of this report:

1.       Consolidated Financial Statements:

         Independent Auditors' Report of
         KPMG Peat Marwick LLP                                               46

         Consolidated Statements of Operations
         for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995                22

         Consolidated Balance Sheets as of
         December 31, 1997 and 1996                                          23

         Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
         years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995                        24

         Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
         for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995                25

         Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                     26 - 45

2.       Financial Statement Schedules:

         Independent Auditors' Report of
         KPMG Peat Marwick LLP                                               53

         Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts                     54




         All other schedules are omitted because the related information is
included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto or because
they are not applicable.

3.       Exhibits

(2) Agreement of Exchange dated December 22, 1993, as amended and restated on
March 31, 1994, by and among Stuart Medical, Inc., the Company and certain
shareholders of Stuart Medical, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to the
Company's Proxy Statement/Prospectus dated April 6, 1994, Annex III)**

(3) (a) Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company
(incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K,
Exhibit 3(a), for the year ended December 31, 1994)

         (b)      Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company

<PAGE>


(4) (a) Indenture dated as of May 29, 1996 among the Company, as Issuer, Owens &
Minor Medical, Inc., National Medical Supply Corporation, Owens & Minor West,
Inc., Koley's Medical Supply, Inc., Lyons Physician Supply Company, A. Kuhlman &
Co., Stuart Medical, Inc., as Guarantors, and Crestar Bank, as Trustee
(incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q, Exhibit 4(a), for the quarter ended June 30, 1996)

         (b) Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated as of May 10, 1994
between the Company and Wachovia Bank of North Carolina, N.A., Rights Agent
(incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q, Exhibit 4, for the quarter ended June 30, 1995)

         (c) Credit Agreement dated as of September 15, 1997 by and among the
Company, certain of its subsidiaries, the various banks and lending institutions
identified on the signature pages thereto, NationsBank, N.A., as agent, Bank of
America NT and SA and Crestar Bank, as co-agents, and NationsBank, N.A., as
administrative agent (incorporated herein by reference to the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Exhibit 4, for the quarter ended September 30,
1997)

 (10) (a) Owens & Minor, Inc. Annual Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by
reference to the Company's definitive Proxy Statement dated March 25, 1991)*

         (b)      Owens & Minor,  Inc.  Management  Equity  Ownership  Program
(incorporated  herein by reference to the  Company's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q, Exhibit 10(a), for the quarter ended September  30, 1997)*

         (c) 1985 Stock Option Plan as amended on January 27, 1987 (incorporated
herein by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, Exhibit 10(f),
for the year ended December 31, 1987)*

         (d) Owens & Minor, Inc. Pension Plan, as amended and restated effective
January 1, 1994 (Pension Plan) (incorporated herein by reference to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, Exhibit 10(c), for the year ended December
31, 1996)*

         (e) Amendment No. 1 to Pension Plan (incorporated herein by reference
to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, Exhibit 10(d), for the year ended
December 31, 1996)*

         (f) Owens & Minor, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan dated
July 1, 1991 (SERP) (incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K, Exhibit 10(i), for the year ended December 31, 1991)*

         (g) First Amendment to SERP, effective July 30, 1996 (incorporated
herein by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Exhibit
10(e), for the quarter ended September 30, 1996)*

         (h) Owens & Minor, Inc. Executive Severance Agreements (incorporated
herein by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, Exhibit 10(j),
for the year ended December 31, 1991)*

         (i) Agreement dated May 1, 1991 by and between Owens & Minor, Inc. and
W. Frank Fife (incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K, Exhibit 10(m), for the year ended December 31, 1992)*

<PAGE>



         (j) Owens & Minor, Inc. 1993 Stock Option Plan (incorporated herein by
reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, Exhibit 10(k), for the
year ended December 31, 1993)*

         (k) Amended and Restated Owens & Minor, Inc. 1993 Directors'
Compensation Plan (Directors' Plan) (incorporated herein by reference to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, Exhibit 10(k), for the year ended December
31, 1996)*

         (l) The forms of agreement with directors entered into pursuant to (i)
the Stock Option Program, (ii) the Deferred Fee Program and (iii) the Stock
Purchase Program of the Directors' Plan (incorporated herein by reference to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Exhibit (10), for the quarter ended
March 31, 1996)*

         (m) Form of Enhanced Authorized Distribution Agency Agreement dated as
of August 20, 1997 between VHA, Inc. and Owens & Minor (incorporated herein by
reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10(d), for the
quarter ended September 30, 1997)***

         (n) Amended and Restated Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of May
28, 1996 among Owens & Minor Medical, Inc., the Company and O&M Funding Corp.
(incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q, Exhibit 10(a), for the quarter ended June 30, 1996)

         (o) Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of May
28, 1996 among O&M Funding Corp., Owens & Minor Medical, Inc., the Company,
Receivables Capital Corporation and Bank of America National Trust and Savings
Association, as Administrator (incorporated herein by reference to the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10(b), for the quarter ended June 30,
1996)

         (p) First Amendment dated as of October 17, 1997 to the Amended and
Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement among O&M Funding Corp., Owens & Minor
Medical, Inc., the Company, Receivables Capital Corporation and Bank of America
National Trust and Savings Association (incorporated herein by reference to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10(b), for the quarter ended
September 30, 1997)

         (q) Amended and Restated Parallel Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of
May 28, 1996 among O&M Funding Corp., Owens & Minor Medical, Inc., the Company,
the Parallel Purchasers from time to time party thereto and Bank of America
National Trust and Savings Association, as Administrative Agent (incorporated
herein by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Exhibit
10(c), for the quarter ended June 30, 1996)

         (r) First Amendment dated as of October 17, 1997 to the Amended and
Restated Parallel Asset Purchase Agreement among O&M Funding Corp., Owens &
Minor Medical, Inc., the Company, Parallel Purchasers and Bank of America
National Trust and Savings Association (incorporated herein by reference to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10(c), for the quarter ended
September 30, 1997)

(11)     Calculation of Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share
         Information related to this item is in Part II, Item 8, Notes to
         Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 11 - Net Income (Loss) per
         Common Share.

<PAGE>


(21)     Subsidiaries of Registrant

(23)     Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent auditors


* A management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed
as an exhibit to this Form 10-K.

** The schedules to this Agreement have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2)
of Regulation S-K. The Company hereby undertakes to file supplementally with the
Commission upon request a copy of the omitted schedules.

*** The Company has requested confidential treatment by the Commission of
certain portions of this Agreement, which portions have been omitted and filed
separately with the Commission.

(b)      Reports on Form 8-K

         There were no reports filed on Form 8-K during the fourth quarter of
1997.



<PAGE>






                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                              OWENS & MINOR, INC.

                           By /s/ G. Gilmer Minor, III
                              ------------------------
                              G. Gilmer Minor, III
                             Chairman, President and
                             Chief Executive Officer

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dated indicated:

/s/ G. Gilmer Minor, III                          /s/ James B. Farinholt, Jr.
- ---------------------------------------           ---------------------------
G. Gilmer Minor, III                              James B. Farinholt, Jr.
Chairman, President and Chief Executive           Director
Officer and Director (Principal Executive
Officer)                                          /s/ C. G. Grefenstette
                                                  ----------------------
                                                  C. G. Grefenstette
/s/ Ann Greer Rector                              Director
- ---------------------
Ann Greer Rector                                  /s/ Vernard W. Henley
Senior Vice President and Chief                   ---------------------
Financial Officer (Principal Financial            Vernard W. Henley
Officer)                                          Director

/s/ Olwen B. Cape                                 /s/ E. Morgan Massey
- -----------------                                 ---------------------
Olwen B. Cape                                     E. Morgan Massey
Vice President and Controller (Principal          Director
Accounting Officer)

/s/ Henry A. Berling                              /s/ James E. Rogers
- --------------------                              --------------------
Henry A. Berling                                  James E. Rogers
Executive Vice President,                         Director
Partnership Development and Director

/s/ Josiah Bunting, III                           /s/ James E. Ukrop
- -----------------------                           -------------------
Josiah Bunting, III                               James E. Ukrop
Director                                          Director

/s/ R. E. Cabell, Jr.                             /s/ Anne Marie Whittemore
- ---------------------                             --------------------------
R. E. Cabell, Jr.                                 Anne Marie Whittemore
Director                                          Director

Each of the above signatures is affixed as of March 23, 1998.

<PAGE>







                         Independent Auditors' Report on
                          Financial Statement Schedule


The Board of Directors
Owens & Minor, Inc.:

 Over date of February 4, 1998, we reported on the consolidated balance sheets
 of Owens & Minor, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and
 the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders'
 equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
 December 31, 1997. In connection with our audits of the aforementioned
 consolidated financial statements, we also audited the related financial
 statement schedule included on page 54 of this annual report on Form 10-K. This
 financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company's management.
 Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this financial statement
 schedule based on our audits.

 In our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation
 to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents
 fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.


 /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
- ------------------------
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Richmond, Virginia
February 4, 1998

<PAGE>



                                                                   Schedule II

                      Owens & Minor, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                        Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

(In thousands)
  Additions

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>                                               Charged to
                           Balance at           ---------------------                                 Balance
                            Beginning         Costs and           Other                               at End
              Year            of Year          Expenses          Accounts*        Deductions*         of Year
              ----         ----------         ---------        -----------        -----------        ----------
<S> <C>

Allowance for doubtful accounts deducted
  from accounts and notes receivable in
  the Consolidated Balance Sheets

              1997             $6,495          $  268          $       -              $ 451           $ 6,312

              1996              6,010             838                  -                353             6,495

              1995              5,340             827                  -                157             6,010

</TABLE>





*  Uncollectible accounts written off.


<PAGE>





                                   Form 10-K
                                 Exhibit Index

Exhibit #
- ---------


 3 (b)      Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company

21          Subsidiaries of Registrant

23          Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent auditors

27          Financial Data Schedule






                                                                   Exhibit 3(b)
                              AMENDED AND RESTATED

                                     BYLAWS
                                       OF
                              OWENS & MINOR, INC.


                                    ARTICLE I

                            Meetings of Shareholders


            1.1 Places of Meetings. All meetings of the shareholders shall be
held at such place, either within or without the Commonwealth of Virginia, as
from time to time may be fixed by the Board of Directors.

            1.2 Annual Meetings. The annual meeting of the shareholders, for the
election of Directors and transaction of such other business as may come before
the meeting, shall be held in each year on the fourth Tuesday in April, at 11:00
a.m., or on such other business day that is not earlier than the first day of
March and not later than the last day of April, or at such other time, as shall
be fixed by the Board of Directors.

            1.3 Special Meetings. A special meeting of the shareholders for any
purpose or purposes may be called at any time by the Chairman of the Board, the
President, or by a majority of the Board of Directors. At a special meeting no
business shall be transacted and no corporate action shall be taken other than
that stated in the notice of the meeting.

            1.4 Notice of Meetings. Written or printed notice stating the place,
day and hour of every meeting of the shareholders and, in case of a special
meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be
mailed not less than ten nor more than sixty days before the date of the meeting
to each shareholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting, at his address
which appears in the share transfer books of the Corporation. Such further
notice shall be given as may be required by law, but meetings may be held
without notice if all the shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting are
present in person or by proxy or if notice is waived in writing by those not
present, either before or after the meeting.

            1.5 Quorum. Any number of shareholders together holding at least a
majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote with
respect to the business to be transacted, who shall be present in person or
represented by proxy at any meeting duly called, shall constitute a quorum for
the transaction of business. If less than a quorum shall be in attendance at the
time for which a meeting shall have been called, the meeting may be adjourned
from time to time by a majority of the shareholders present or represented by
proxy without notice other than by announcement at the meeting.

            1.6 Voting. At any meeting of the shareholders each shareholder of a
class entitled to vote on any matter coming before the meeting shall, as to such
matter, have one vote, in person or by proxy, for each share of capital stock of
such class standing in his name on the books of the Corporation on the date, not
more than seventy days prior to such meeting, fixed by the Board of Directors as
the record date for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to vote.
Every proxy shall be in writing, dated and signed by the shareholder entitled to
vote or his duly authorized attorney-in-fact.

<PAGE>


            1.7 Inspectors. An appropriate number of inspectors for any meeting
of shareholders may be appointed by the Chairman of such meeting. Inspectors so
appointed will open and close the polls, will receive and take charge of proxies
and ballots, and will decide all questions as to the qualifications of voters,
validity of proxies and ballots, and the number of votes properly cast.


                                   ARTICLE II

                                   Directors
                                   ---------


            2.1 General Powers. The property, affairs and business of the
Corporation shall be managed under the direction of the Board of Directors, and,
except as otherwise expressly provided by law, the Articles of Incorporation or
these Bylaws, all of the powers of the Corporation shall be vested in such
Board.

            2.2 Number of Directors. The number of Directors constituting the
Board of Directors shall be ten (10). The Directors shall be divided into three
(3) classes, each class to be as nearly equal in number as possible.

            2.3      Election and Removal of Directors; Quorum.

                     (a)     At each annual  meeting of  shareholders,  (i) the
number of Directors  equal to the number in the class whose term expires at the
time of such meeting shall be elected to hold office until the third succeeding
annual meeting and until their successors are elected, and (ii) any other
vacancies then existing shall be filled.

                     (b)     Any  Director may be removed from office at a
meeting  called  expressly  for that purpose by the vote of shareholders holding
not less than a majority of the shares entitled to vote at an election of
Directors.

                     (c)     Any  vacancy  occurring  in the  Board  of
Directors  may be  filled  by the affirmative vote of the majority of the
remaining Directors though less than a quorum of the

Board, and the term of office of any Director so elected shall expire at the
next shareholders' meeting at which directors are elected.

                     (d)     A  majority  of  the  number  of  Directors   fixed
by  these  Bylaws  shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
The act of a majority of Directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is
present shall be the act of the Board of Directors. Less than a quorum may
adjourn any meeting.

            2.4 Meetings of Directors. An annual meeting of the Board of
Directors shall be held as soon as practicable after the adjournment of the
annual meeting of shareholders at such place as the Board may designate. Other
meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at places within or without the
Commonwealth of Virginia and at times fixed by resolution of the Board, or upon
call of the Chairman of the Board, the President or a majority of the Directors.
The Secretary or officer performing the Secretary's duties shall give not less
than twenty-four hours' notice by letter, telegraph or telephone (or in person)
of all meetings of the Board of Directors, provided that notice need not be
given of the annual meeting or of regular meetings held at times and places
fixed by resolution of the Board. Meetings may be held at any time without
notice if all of the Directors are present, or if those not present waive notice
in writing either before or after the meeting. The notice of meetings of the
Board need not state the purpose of the meeting.


<PAGE>

            2.5 Compensation. By resolution of the Board, Directors may be
allowed a fee and expenses for attendance at all meetings, but nothing herein
shall preclude Directors from serving the Corporation in other capacities and
receiving compensation for such other services.

            2.6 Eligibility for Service as a Director. No person shall be
elected or reelected as a Director if at the time of such proposed election or
re-election such person shall have attained the age of 75 years. No person shall
serve as a Director after the annual meeting following his or her seventy-fifth
(75th) birthday; provided that the provisions of this sentence shall not apply
to any person elected as a director for a term beginning prior to January 1,
1993, during such term.

            2.7 Director Emeritus. The Board of Directors may from time to time
elect one or more Directors Emeritus. A Director Emeritus may be named "Chairman
Emeritus" or "Vice Chairman Emeritus" if such person holds the office of
Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries at the
time of retirement as a Director thereof. Each Director Emeritus shall be
elected for a term expiring on the date of the next annual meeting of the Board.
Directors Emeritus may attend meetings of the Board of Directors but shall not
be entitled to vote at such meetings and shall not be considered "directors" for
purposes of these Bylaws or for any other purpose, except that they shall be
entitled to receive notice of all regular and special meetings of the Board of
Directors. Each Director Emeritus shall be paid the same fees as members of the
Board of Directors for attendance at Board meetings.


<PAGE>



                                  ARTICLE III

                                  Committees.
                                  -----------


            3.1 Executive Committee. The Board of Directors, by resolution
adopted by a majority of the number of Directors fixed by these Bylaws, may
elect an Executive Committee which shall consist of not less than three
Directors, including the President. When the Board of Directors is not in
session, the Executive Committee shall have all power vested in the Board of
Directors by law, by the Articles of Incorporation, or by these Bylaws, provided
that the Executive Committee shall not have power to (i) approve or recommend to
shareholders action that the Virginia Stock Corporation Act requires to be
approved by shareholders; (ii) fill vacancies on the Board or on any of its
committees; (iii) amend the Articles of Incorporation pursuant to ss.13.1-706 of
the Virginia Code; (iv) adopt, amend, or repeal the Bylaws; (v) approve a plan
of merger not requiring shareholder approval; (vi) authorize or approve a
distribution, except according to a general formula or method prescribed by the
Board of Directors; or (vii) authorize or approve the issuance or sale or
contract for sale of shares, or determine the designation and relative rights,
preferences, and limitations of a class or series of shares, other than within
limits specifically prescribed by the Board of Directors. The Executive
Committee shall report at the next regular or special meeting of the Board of
Directors all action that the Executive Committee may have taken on behalf of
the Board since the last regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors.

            3.2 Other Committees. The Board of Directors, by resolution adopted
by a majority of the number of Directors fixed by these Bylaws, may establish
such other standing or special committees of the Board as it may deem advisable,
consisting of not less than two Directors; and the members, terms and authority
of such committees shall be as set forth in the resolutions establishing the
same.

            3.3 Meetings. Regular and special meetings of any Committee
established pursuant to this Article may be called and held subject to the same
requirements with respect to time, place and notice as are specified in these
Bylaws for regular and special meetings of the Board of Directors.

            3.4 Quorum and Manner of Acting. A majority of the number of members
of any Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at
such meeting. The action of a majority of those members present at a Committee
meeting at which a quorum is present shall constitute the act of the Committee.

            3.5 Term of Office. Members of any Committee shall be elected as
above provided and shall hold office until their successors are elected by the
Board of Directors or until such Committee is dissolved by the Board of
Directors.


            3.6 Resignation and Removal. Any member of a Committee may resign at
any time by giving written notice of his intention to do so to the President or
the Secretary of the Corporation, or may be removed, with or without cause, at
any time by such vote of the Board of Directors as would suffice for his
election.


<PAGE>

            3.7 Vacancies. Any vacancy occurring in a Committee resulting from
any cause whatever may be filled by a majority of the number of Directors fixed
by these Bylaws.


                                   ARTICLE IV

                                    Officers
                                    --------


            4.1 Election of Officers: Terms. The officers of the Corporation
shall consist of a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer. Other officers,
including a Chairman of the Board, one or more Vice Presidents (whose seniority
and titles, including Executive Vice Presidents and Senior Vice Presidents, may
be specified by the Board of Directors), and assistant and subordinate officers,
may from time to time be elected by the Board of Directors. All officers shall
hold office until the next annual meeting of the Board of Directors and until
their successors are elected. The President shall be chosen from among the
Directors. Any two officers may be combined in the same person as the Board of
Directors may determine.

            4.2 Removal of Officers: Vacancies. Any officer of the Corporation
may be removed summarily with or without cause, at any time, by the Board of
Directors. Vacancies may be filled by the Board of Directors.

            4.3 Duties. The officers of the Corporation shall have such duties
as generally pertain to their offices, respectively, as well as such powers and
duties as are prescribed by law or are hereinafter provided or as from time to
time shall be conferred by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may
require any officer to give such bond for the faithful performance of his duties
as the Board may see fit.

            4.4 Duties of the President. The President shall be the chief
executive officer of the Corporation and shall be primarily responsible for the
implementation of policies of the Board of Directors. He shall have authority
over the general management and direction of the business and operations of the
Corporation and its divisions, if any, subject only to the ultimate authority of
the Board of Directors. He shall be a Director and, except as otherwise provided
in these Bylaws or in the resolutions establishing such committees, he shall be
ex officer a member of all Committees of the Board. In the absence of the
Chairman and the Vice-Chairman of the Board, or if there are no such officers,
the President shall preside at all corporate meetings. He may sign and execute
in the name of the Corporation share certificates, deeds, mortgages, bonds,
contracts or other instruments except in cases where the signing and the
execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by these Bylaws to some other
officer or agent of the Corporation or shall be required by law otherwise to be
signed or executed. In addition, he shall perform all duties incident to the
office of the President and such other duties as from time to time may be
assigned to him by the Board of Directors.


<PAGE>


            4.5 Duties of the Vice Presidents. Each Vice President (which term
includes any Senior Executive Vice President, Executive Vice President and
Senior Vice President), if any, shall have such powers and duties as may from
time to time be assigned to him by the President or the Board of Directors. Any
Vice President may sign and execute in the name of the Corporation deeds,
mortgages, bonds, contracts or other instruments authorized by the Board of
Directors, except where the signing and execution of such documents shall be
expressly delegated by the Board of Directors or the President to some other
officer or agent of the Corporation or shall be required by law or otherwise to
be signed or executed.

            4.6 Duties of the Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have charge of and
be responsible for all funds, securities, receipts and disbursements of the
Corporation, and shall deposit all monies and securities of the Corporation in
such banks and depositories as shall be designated by the Board of Directors. He
shall be responsible (i) for maintaining adequate financial accounts and records
in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices; (ii) for the
preparation of appropriate operating budgets and financial statements; (iii) for
the preparation and filing of all tax returns required by law; and (iv) for the
performance of all duties incident to the office of Treasurer and such other
duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors or
the President. The Treasurer may sign and execute in the name of the Corporation
share certificates, deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts or other instruments,
except in cases where the signing and the execution thereof shall be expressly
delegated by the Board of Directors or by these Bylaws to some other officer or
agent of the Corporation or shall be required by law or otherwise to be signed
or executed.

            4.7 Duties of the Secretary. The Secretary shall act as secretary of
all meetings of the Board of Directors and shareholders of the Corporation. When
requested, he shall also act as secretary of the meetings of the committees of
the Board. He shall keep and preserve the minutes of all such meetings in
permanent books. He shall see that all notices required to be given by the
Corporation are duly given and served; shall have custody of the seal of the
Corporation and shall affix the seal or cause it to be affixed by facsimile or
otherwise to all share certificates of the Corporation and to all documents the
execution of which on behalf of the Corporation under its corporate seal is
required in accordance with law or the provisions of these Bylaws; shall have
custody of all deeds, leases, contracts and other important corporate documents;
shall have charge of the books, records and papers of the Corporation relating
to its organization and management as a Corporation; shall see that all reports,
statements and other documents required by law (except tax returns) are properly
filed; and shall in general perform all the duties incident to the office of
Secretary and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by
the Board of Directors or the President.

            4.8 Compensation. The Board of Directors shall have authority to fix
the compensation of all officers of the Corporation.


<PAGE>



                                   ARTICLE V

                                 Capital Stock
                                 -------------


            5.1 Certificates. The shares of capital stock of the Corporation
shall be evidenced by certificates in forms prescribed by the Board of Directors
and executed in any manner permitted by law and stating thereon the information
required by law. Transfer agents and/or registrars for one or more classes of
shares of the Corporation may be appointed by the Board of Directors and may be
required to countersign certificates representing shares of such class or
classes. If any officer whose signature or facsimile thereof shall have been
used on a share certificate shall for any reason cease to be an officer of the
Corporation and such certificate shall not then have been delivered by the
Corporation, the Board of Directors may nevertheless adopt such certificate and
it may then be issued and delivered as though such person had not ceased to be
an officer of the Corporation.

            5.2 Lost, Destroyed and Mutilated Certificates. Holders of the
shares of the Corporation shall immediately notify the Corporation of any loss,
destruction or mutilation of the certificate therefor, and the Board of
Directors may in its discretion cause one or more new certificates for the same
number of shares in the aggregate to be issued to such shareholder upon the
surrender of the mutilated certificate or upon satisfactory proof of such loss
or destruction, and the deposit of a bond in such form and amount and with such
surety as the Board of Directors may require.

            5.3 Transfer of Shares. The shares of the Corporation shall be
transferable or assignable only on the books of the Corporation by the holder in
person or by attorney on surrender of the certificate for such shares duly
endorsed and, if sought to be transferred by attorney, accompanied by a written
power of attorney to have the same transferred on the books of the Corporation.
The Corporation will recognize, however, the exclusive right of the person
registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends or other
distributions and to vote as such owner. To the extent that any provision of the
Amended and Restated Rights Agreement between the Corporation and Wachovia Bank
of North Carolina, N.A., as Rights Agent, dated as of May __, 1994, is deemed to
constitute a restriction on the transfer of any securities of the Corporation,
including, without limitation, the Rights, as defined therein, such restriction
is hereby authorized by these Bylaws.

            5.4 Fixing Record Date. For the purpose of determining shareholders
entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of shareholders or any
adjournment thereof, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other
distribution, or in order to make a determination of shareholders for any other
proper purpose, the Board of Directors may fix in advance a date as the record
date for any such determination of shareholders, such date in any case to be not
more than seventy days prior to the date on which the particular action,
requiring such determination of shareholders, is to be taken. If no record date
is fixed for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote
at a meeting of shareholders, or shareholders entitled to receive payment of a
dividend or other distribution, the date on which notices of the meeting are
mailed or the date on which the resolution of the Board of Directors declaring
such dividend or other distribution is adopted, as the case may be, shall be the
record date for such determination of shareholders. When a determination of
shareholders entitled to vote at any meeting of shareholders has been made as
provided in this section, such determination shall apply to any adjournment
thereof unless the Board of Directors fixes a new record date, which it shall do
if the meeting is adjourned to a date more than 120 days after the date fixed
for the original meeting.


<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE VI

                            Miscellaneous Provisions
                            ------------------------


            6.1 Seal. The seal of the Corporation shall consist of a circular
design with the words "Owens & Minor, Inc." around the top margin thereof,
"Richmond, Virginia" around the lower margin thereof and the word "Seal" in the
center thereof.

            6.2 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall end on
such date and shall consist of such accounting periods as may be fixed by the
Board of Directors.

            6.3 Checks, Notes and Drafts. Checks, notes, drafts and other orders
for the payment of money shall be signed by such persons as the Board of
Directors from time to time may authorize. When the Board of Directors so
authorizes, however, the signature of any such person may be a facsimile.

            6.4 Amendment of Bylaws. Unless proscribed by the Articles of
Incorporation, these Bylaws may be amended or altered at any meeting of the
Board of Directors by affirmative vote of a majority of the number of Directors
fixed by these Bylaws. The shareholders entitled to vote in respect of the
election of Directors, however, shall have the power to rescind, amend, alter or
repeal any Bylaws and to enact Bylaws which, if expressly so provided, may not
be amended, altered or repealed by the Board of Directors.

            6.5 Voting of Shares Held. Unless otherwise provided by resolution
of the Board of Directors or of the Executive Committee, if any, the President
may cast the vote which the Corporation may be entitled to cast as a shareholder
or otherwise in any other corporation, any of whose securities may be held by
the Corporation, at meetings of the holders of the shares or other securities of
such other corporation, or to consent in writing to any action by any such other
corporation, or in lieu thereof, from time to time appoint an attorney or
attorneys or agent or agents of the Corporation, in the name and on behalf of
the Corporation, to cast such votes or give such consents. The President shall
instruct any person or persons so appointed as to the manner of casting such
votes or giving such consent and may execute or cause to be executed

on behalf of the Corporation, and under its corporate seal or otherwise, such
written proxies, consents, waivers or other instruments as may be necessary or
proper.

<PAGE>


                                  ARTICLE VII

                                Emergency Bylaws
                                ----------------


            7.1 The Emergency Bylaws provided in this Article VII shall be
operative during any emergency, notwithstanding any different provision in the
preceding Articles of these Bylaws or in the Articles of Incorporation of the
Corporation or in the Virginia Stock Corporation Act (other than those
provisions relating to emergency bylaws). An emergency exists if a quorum of the
Corporation's Board of Directors cannot readily be assembled because of some
catastrophic event. To the extent not inconsistent with these Emergency Bylaws,
the Bylaws provided in the preceding Articles shall remain in effect during such
emergency and upon the termination of such emergency the Emergency Bylaws shall
cease to be operative unless and until another such emergency shall occur.

            7.2      During any such emergency:

                     (a)     Any  meeting of the Board of  Directors  may be
called by any  officer of the Corporation or by any Director. The notice thereof
shall specify the time and place of the meeting. To the extent feasible, notice
shall be given in accord with Section 2.4 above, but notice may be given only to
such of the Directors as it may be feasible to reach at the time, by such means
as may be feasible at the time, including publication or radio, and at a time
less than twenty-four hours before the meeting if deemed necessary by the person
giving notice. Notice shall be similarly given, to the extent feasible, to the
other persons referred to in (b) below.

                     (b)     At any  meeting  of the  Board of  Directors,  a
quorum  shall  consist  of a majority of the number of Directors fixed at the
time by these Bylaws. If the Directors present at any particular meeting shall
be fewer than the number required for such quorum, other persons present as
referred to below, to the number necessary to make up such quorum, shall be
deemed Directors for such particular meeting as determined by the following
provisions and in the following order of priority:

                             (i)  Vice-Presidents  not  already  serving  as
Directors,  in the  order of their seniority of first election to such offices,
or if two or more shall have been first elected to such offices on the same day,
in the order of their seniority in age;

                             (ii) All other officers of the Corporation in the
order of their seniority of first election to such offices, or if two or more
shall have been first elected to such offices on the same day, in the order of
their seniority in age; and


                             (iii) Any other persons that are designated on a
list that shall have been approved by the Board of Directors before the
emergency, such persons to be taken in such order of priority and subject to
such conditions as may be provided in the resolution approving the list.

                     (c)     The Board of  Directors,  during as well as before
any such  emergency,  may provide, and from time to time modify, lines of
succession in the event that during such an emergency any or all officers or
agents of the Corporation shall for any reason be rendered incapable of
discharging their duties.


<PAGE>

                     (d) The Board of Directors, during as well as before any
such emergency, may, effective in the emergency, change the principal office, or
designate several alternative offices, or authorize the officers so to do.

            7.3 No officer, Director or employee shall be liable for action
taken in good faith in accordance with these Emergency Bylaws.

            7.4 These Emergency Bylaws shall be subject to repeal or change by
further action of the Board of Directors or by action of the shareholders,
except that no such repeal or change shall modify the provisions of the next
preceding paragraph with regard to action or inaction prior to the time of such
repeal or change. Any such amendment of these Emergency Bylaws may make any
further or different provision that may be practical and necessary for the
circumstances of the emergency.






                                                                     Exhibit 21



                      Owens & Minor, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                           Subsidiaries of Registrant


Subsidiary                                 State of Incorporation
- ----------                                -----------------------

Owens & Minor Medical, Inc.                       Virginia

National Medical Supply Corporation               Delaware

Owens & Minor West, Inc.                          California

Koley's Medical Supply, Inc.                      Nebraska

Lyons Physician Supply Company                    Ohio

A. Kuhlman & Co.                                  Michigan

Stuart Medical, Inc.                              Pennsylvania

O&M Funding Corp.                                 Virginia








Exhibit 23


                        Consent of Independent Auditors


The Board of Directors
Owens & Minor, Inc.:

We consent to incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Nos.
33-04536, 33-32497, 33-41402, 33-41403, 33-63248 and 33-65606) on Form S-8 and
the Registration Statement (No. 33-44428) on Form S-3 of Owens & Minor, Inc. of
our report dated February 4, 1998, relating to the consolidated balance sheets
of Owens & Minor, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and
the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders'
equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1997. We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the
aforementioned Registration Statements of our report dated February 4, 1998,
relating to the financial statement schedule of Owens & Minor, Inc., which
report appears on page 53 of this Form 10-K.

 /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
- --------------------------
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Richmond,  Virginia
March 23, 1998



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