BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS INC
S-1/A, 1996-02-13
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS
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   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 12, 1996
    
 
                                                       REGISTRATION NO. 33-65125
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                              -------------------
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 2
                                       TO
                                    FORM S-1
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                              -------------------
    
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
             (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                               <C>                               <C>
            FLORIDA                             2834                           59-1513162
  (State or Other Jurisdiction      (Primary Standard Industrial            (I.R.S. Employer
        of Incorporation            Classification Code Number)           Identification No.)
        or Organization)
</TABLE>
 
                                ONE URBAN CENTRE
                                   SUITE 550
                            4830 WEST KENNEDY BLVD.
                              TAMPA, FLORIDA 33609
                                 (813) 286-4401
         (Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including
            Area Code, of Registrant's Principal Executive Offices)
                              -------------------
 
                              MR. JAMES R. MURPHY
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
                                ONE URBAN CENTRE
                                   SUITE 550
                            4830 WEST KENNEDY BLVD.
                              TAMPA, FLORIDA 33609
                                 (813) 286-4401
               (Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone
               Number, Including Area Code, of Agent For Service)
                              -------------------
 
                                   COPIES TO:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                     <C>                            <C>
         MARK S. HIRSCH, ESQ.                BRUCE A. RICH, ESQ.           BARRY B. FEINER, ESQ.
 PARKER CHAPIN FLATTAU & KLIMPL, LLP          REID & PRIEST LLP        745 FIFTH AVENUE, SUITE 1701
     1211 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS             40 WEST 57TH STREET         NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10151
       NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10036           NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019       TELEPHONE: (212) 223-1856
      TELEPHONE: (212) 704-6105           TELEPHONE: (212) 603-6780      TELECOPY: (212) 688-3043
       TELECOPY: (212) 704-6288           TELECOPY: (212) 603-2298
</TABLE>
 
                              -------------------
 
    APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
 
    If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box.  /X/
 
    If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering.  / / ______________
 
    If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering.  / / ______________
 
    If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box.  / /
 
                 (Facing page continued on the following page)
<PAGE>
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
[CAPTION]
   
<TABLE>
=======================================================================================================
                                                     PROPOSED           PROPOSED
          TITLE OF                                    MAXIMUM            MAXIMUM
        EACH CLASS OF              AMOUNT            OFFERING           AGGREGATE
        SECURITIES TO               TO BE              PRICE            OFFERING           AMOUNT OF
        BE REGISTERED            REGISTERED       PER SECURITY(1)       PRICE(1)       REGISTRATION FEE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>                <C>                <C>                <C>
Units(2).....................   6,900 Units(3)        $1,000           $6,900,000           $1,380
Debentures included in the
  Units...................... 6,900 Debentures(3)
Redeemable Class A Warrants       6,900,000
  included in the Units......     Warrants(3)
Common Stock, $.02 par
  value(4)(5)................ 3,942,857 Shares(3)      $1.75(6)        $6,900,000           $1,380
Common Stock, $.02 par value
  and Class B Warrants(5)(7). 6,900,000 Shares(3)        $3.00         $20,700,000          $4,140
Common Stock, $.02 par
  value(5)(8)................ 3,450,000 Shares(3)        $5.00         $17,250,000          $3,450
Underwriter Warrants.........    600 Warrants            $.001            $0.60               $0
Underwriter's Units(9).......      600 Units            $1,200          $720,000             $144
Debentures included in the
  Units......................   600 Debentures
Redeemable Class A Warrants
  included in the Units......  600,000 Warrants
Common Stock, $.02 par
  value(5)(10)                 342,857 Shares          $1.75(6)         $600,000             $120
Common Stock, $.02 par value
  and Class B Warrants(5)(11)   600,000 Shares           $3.00         $1,800,000            $360
Common Stock, $.02 par
  value(5)(12)...............   300,000 Shares           $5.00         $1,500,000            $300
Common Stock, $.02 par
  value(13)..................   491,250 Shares           $2.44         $1,198,650            $240
Common Stock, $.02 par
  value(14)..................   102,250 Shares           $2.38          $243,355              $84
Total........................                                                             $11,598(15)
=======================================================================================================
</TABLE>
    
 (1) Calculated solely on the basis of the proposed offering price of the Units
     in accordance with Rule 457(i).
 (2) An aggregate of 6,000 $1,000 Principal Amount Convertible Senior
     Subordinated Debentures Due February   , 2006 and 6,000,000 Class A
     Redeemable Warrants each to purchase one share of Common Stock and one
     Class B Redeemable Warrant will be offered in 6,000 Units, each Unit to
     consist of one Debenture and 1,000 Class A Redeemable Warrants.
 (3) Includes 900 additional Units which the Underwriter has the option to
     purchase to cover over-allotments.
 (4) Issuable upon conversion of the Debentures contained in the Units.
   
 (5) Pursuant to Rule 416 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as
     amended, this Registration Statement covers such indeterminable additional
     shares of Common Stock as may become issuable as a result of conversion
     price adjustment with respect to the Debentures resulting from application
     of the formula pursuant to which such conversion price is to be determined
     or any future anti-dilution adjustment in accordance with the terms of the
     Debentures and the Redeemable Warrants as described in the Prospectus.
    
   
 (6) Calculated on the basis of 80% of $2.1875 per share, the closing price of
     the Common Stock on the American Stock Exchange on February 7, 1996.
    
   
 (7) Issuable upon exercise of the Class A Redeemable Warrants contained in the
     Units.
    
   
 (8) Issuable upon exercise of the Class B Redeemable Warrants contained in the
     Class A Redeemable Warrants.
    
   
 (9) Issuable upon exercise of the Underwriter Warrants.
    
   
(10) Issuable upon conversion of the Debentures included in the Units issuable
     upon exercise of the Underwriter Warrants.
    
   
(11) Issuable upon exercise of the Class A Redeemable Warrants included in the
     Units issuable upon exercise of the Underwriter Warrants.
    
   
(12) Issuable upon exercise of the Class B Redeemable Warrants contained in the
     Class A Redeemable Warrants included in the Units issuable upon exercise of
     the Underwriter Warrants.
    
   
(13) Shares of Common Stock to be sold by Selling Stockholders. Calculated on
     the basis of a share price of $2.44 per share, the closing price of the
     Common Stock on the American Stock Exchange on December 14, 1995.
    
   
(14) Shares of Common Stock to be sold by Selling Stockholders. Calculated on
     the basis of a share price of $2.38 per share, the closing price of the
     Common Stock on the American Stock Exchange on January 26, 1996.
    
   
(15) Already paid.
    
================================================================================
 
    THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
================================================================================
<PAGE>
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
                   PURSUANT TO ITEM 501(B) OF REGULATION S-K
           REFERENCING ITEMS IN PART I OF FORM S-1 TO THE PROSPECTUS
 
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                   ITEM OF FORM S-1                          LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS
                   ----------------                          ----------------------
<C>   <S>                                          <C>
  1.  Forepart of the RegistrationStatement and
      Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus.....  Facing Sheet of Registration Statement;
                                                   Cross Reference Sheet; Outside Front Cover
                                                     Page of Prospectus
  2.  Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages
      of Prospectus..............................  Available Information; Outside Back Cover
                                                     Page of Prospectus
  3.  Summary Information, Risk Factors and Ratio
      of Earnings to Fixed Charges...............  Prospectus Summary; Risk Factors
  4.  Use of Proceeds............................  Use of Proceeds
  5.  Determination of Offering Price............  Underwriting
  6.  Dilution...................................  *
  7.  Selling Security Holders...................  Selling Shareholders and Plan of
                                                   Distribution (alternate pages for Selling
                                                     Shareholder Prospectus)
  8.  Plan of Distribution.......................  Underwriting; Selling Shareholders and Plan
                                                     of Distribution (alternate pages for
                                                     Selling Shareholder Prospectus)
  9.  Description of Securities to be
      Registered.................................  Description of Securities; Description of
                                                     Debentures; Certain Federal Income Tax
                                                     Considerations
 10.  Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.....  *
 11.  Information With Respect to the
      Registrant.................................  Business; Selected Financial Data;
                                                     Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                                                     Financial Condition and Results of
                                                     Operations; Legal Proceedings;
                                                     Management; Principal Stockholders
 12.  Disclosure of Commission Position on
        Indemnification for Securities Act
      Liabilities................................  *
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
* Item is omitted because it is inapplicable or answer is negative.
<PAGE>
   
                 Subject to Completion, Dated February 12, 1996
    
 
PROSPECTUS
 
 [LOGO]
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
 
                                  6,000 Units
           Each Consisting of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) Principal
   Amount 12% Convertible Senior Subordinated Debenture Due February   , 2006
                                      and
               1,000 Class A Redeemable Warrants each to Purchase
          One Share of Common Stock and One Class B Redeemable Warrant
                              -------------------
 
   The Debentures, which are unsecured, are convertible prior to maturity,
unless previously redeemed, at any time commencing twelve months after the date
hereof (the "Anniversary Date") or immediately following a notice of redemption
(as discussed below), into shares of the common stock of Bentley
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., formerly Belmac Corporation (the "Company"), par value
$.02 per share (the "Common Stock"), at a conversion price per share of the
lesser of $2.50 or 80% of the average closing price of the Common Stock on the
American Stock Exchange for the 20 consecutive trading days immediately
preceding the Anniversary Date or earlier upon a notice of redemption. Interest
is payable quarterly. Commencing six months after the date hereof, the Company
may, on 30 days prior written notice redeem the Debentures, in whole or in part,
if the closing price of the Common Stock on the American Stock Exchange for each
of the 20 consecutive trading days immediately preceding the record date for
redemption equals or exceeds $7.00 per share. The redemption price will be 105%
of the principal amount of the Debentures or $1,050 per Debenture plus accrued
interest through the date of redemption and the conversion price per share
during the period following the notice of redemption, if prior to the
Anniversary Date, will be the lesser of $2.50 or 80% of the average closing
price of the Common Stock on the American Stock Exchange for the 20 consecutive
trading days immediately preceding the record date for redemption. See
"Description of Debentures."
 
   
   Each Class A Redeemable Warrant entitles the holder, for a period of three
years from the date hereof but not prior to the Separation Date (as hereinafter
defined), to purchase one share of Common Stock and one Class B Redeemable
Warrant at a price of $3.00 per share. On or after the Separation Date on 30
days prior written notice, the Company may redeem all of the Class A Redeemable
Warrants for $.05 per Warrant if the per share closing price for the underlying
Common Stock on the American Stock Exchange for each of the 20 consecutive
trading days immediately preceding the record date for redemption equals or
exceeds 150% of the then exercise price. Two Class B Redeemable Warrants,
together, entitle a holder, for a period of five years from the date hereof, to
purchase one share of Common Stock at a price of $5.00 per share. On or after
the Separation Date, on 30 days prior written notice, the Company may redeem all
of the Class B Redeemable Warrants for $.05 per Warrant if the per share closing
price for the underlying Common Stock on the American Stock Exchange for each of
the 20 consecutive trading days immediately preceding the record date for
redemption equals or exceeds 130% of the then exercise price. See "Description
of Securities-- Redeemable Warrants."
    
 
   
   The conversion price of the Debentures and the exercise price of the
Redeemable Warrants are subject to adjustment under certain circumstances. The
Debentures and the Redeemable Warrants may not be detached for six months after
the date hereof without the prior written consent of Coleman and Company
Securities, Inc. (the "Underwriter") after which the Debentures and the
Redeemable Warrants shall be separately transferable (the "Separation Date"). Of
the Unit purchase price of $1,000, for financial reporting purposes the
consideration allocated to the Debenture is $722, to the conversion discount
feature of the Debenture is $224 and to the 1,000 Class A Warrants is $54,
and for federal income tax purposes (including original issue discount) the
consideration allocated to the Debenture is $931 and to the 1,000 Class A 
Warrants is $69. None of the Unit purchase price is allocated to the Class B 
Warrants.
    
 
   Concurrently with this offering (the "Offering"), the Company is registering
593,500 shares of Common Stock for concurrent or future sales by certain
shareholders of the Company. See "Concurrent Offering."
 
   
   Prior to this Offering there has been no public market for the Units,
Debentures or Redeemable Warrants and there is no assurance that one will
develop. The Units, Debentures and Class A Redeemable Warrants have been 
approved for listing on the American Stock Exchange and the Pacific Stock
Exchange under the symbols "BNTU,""BNTD" and "BNTA."  Once a sufficient number 
of Class B Redeemable Warrants are outstanding, it is anticipated that they will
be listed on the American Stock Exchange and the Pacific Stock Exchange under 
the symbol "BNTB". If such listings are not maintained, the market for such 
securities may be limited. See "Prospectus Summary--The Offering," and "Risk 
Factors--No Assurance of Public Market."
    
 
   
   The Company's Common Stock is traded on the American Stock Exchange under the
symbol "BNT." The last reported sale price of the Company's Common Stock on the
American Stock Exchange on February 8, 1996 was $2.125 per share. See "Price
Range of Common Stock and Dividend Policy." The Company's Common Stock has been
approved for listing on the Pacific Stock Exchange.
    
                              -------------------
THESE SECURITIES INVOLVE A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK AND PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS
   SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE FACTORS SPECIFIED UNDER THE CAPTION "RISK
    FACTORS" LOCATED ON PAGE 9 OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
                              -------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
       EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
          COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
              ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
                 REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
                                   OFFENSE.
                              -------------------
 
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                          PRICE       UNDERWRITING DISCOUNTS    PROCEEDS TO THE
                                                        TO PUBLIC       AND COMMISSIONS(1)        COMPANY(2)
                                                        ----------    ----------------------    ---------------
<S>                                                     <C>           <C>                       <C>
Per Unit.............................................   $    1,000           $    100             $       900
Total(3).............................................   $6,000,000           $600,000             $ 5,400,000
</TABLE>
 
(1) Does not include additional compensation to the Underwriter in the form of a
    non-accountable expense allowance. The Company has agreed to indemnify the
    Underwriter against certain civil liabilities including liabilities under
    the Securities Act of 1933. See "Underwriting."
(2) Before deducting expenses of this Offering, estimated at $250,000, which are
    payable by the Company.
   
(3) The Company has granted the Underwriter an option exercisable for a period
    of 30 days from the date hereof to purchase up to an additional 900 Units to
    cover over-allotments, if any. Unless otherwise indicated, the information
    contained in this Prospectus assumes that this option will not be exercised.
    If all of the Units covered by the option are sold to the Underwriter, the
    total Price to Public, Underwriting Discounts and Commissions and Proceeds
    to the Company will be $6,900,000, $690,000 and $6,210,000, respectively.
    See "Underwriting."
    
                              -------------------
 
   The Units, Debentures and Warrants are offered subject to prior sale, when,
as and if issued to and accepted by the Underwriter, subject to approval of
certain legal matters by counsel for the Underwriter, and subject to certain
other conditions. The Underwriter reserves the right to withdraw, cancel or
modify the Offering and to reject any order, in whole or in part. It is expected
that delivery of the Units will be made in New York, New York against payment
therefor on or about February   , 1996.
                              -------------------
                      COLEMAN AND COMPANY SECURITIES, INC.
               The date of this Prospectus is February   , 1996.
<PAGE>
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
<PAGE>
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
    The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), and, in accordance therewith,
files reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy statements and other
information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the following Regional Offices of the Commission:
Northeast Regional Office, 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York
10048; and Midwest Regional Office, Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street,
Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511. Copies of such material may be
obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Such reports, proxy
statements and other information can also be inspected at the offices of the
American Stock Exchange, 86 Trinity Place, New York, New York 10006 on which the
Company's Common Stock is listed.
 
    This Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the Form
S-1 Registration Statement (No. 33-65125) (the "Registration Statement") of
which this Prospectus is a part, including exhibits relating thereto, which has
been filed with the Commission in Washington, D.C. Statements contained in this
Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document are not
necessarily complete and in each instance reference is hereby made to the copy
of the contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement for a full statement of the provisions thereof, and each such
statement in this Prospectus is qualified in all respects by such reference.
Copies of the Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto may be obtained,
upon payment of the fee prescribed by the Commission, or may be examined without
charge, at the office of the Commission.
 
    The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom a copy of
this Prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of any such
person, a copy of any document incorporated by reference in this Prospectus
(other than exhibits unless such exhibits are expressly incorporated by
reference in such documents). Requests should be directed to Bentley
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., One Urban Centre, Suite 550, 4830 West Kennedy Boulevard,
Tampa, Florida 33609, (813) 286-4401, Attention: Michael D. Price, Chief
Financial Officer.
 
    IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITER MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE UNITS AND THE
UNDERLYING SECURITIES AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE
OPEN MARKET. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
    The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the detailed
information and consolidated financial statements (including the notes thereto)
appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. Unless otherwise indicated, the
information in this Prospectus is based on the assumption that the Underwriter's
option to purchase Units from the Company to cover over-allotments is not
exercised and that all share and per share information has been adjusted to give
retroactive effect to a one-for-ten reverse stock split of the Company's Common
Stock effected on July 25, 1995 and an increase in the number of authorized
shares of Common Stock from 5,000,000 to 20,000,000 effected on January 1, 1996.
As used in this Prospectus, the terms "Company" and "Bentley" refer to Bentley
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. unless otherwise indicated by the context.
 
THE COMPANY
 
    The Company is an international pharmaceutical and health care company
engaged primarily in the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of
pharmaceutical products in France and Spain, with limited distribution of health
care products and research and development activities in the United States. The
Company's operations in France consist of the brokerage of fine chemicals and
the marketing of the drug Ceredase, manufactured by Genzyme Corporation and used
in the treatment of Gaucher's Disease, under contracts of limited duration with
Genzyme Corporation, the most recent of which terminates on March 31, 1996. In
Spain, the Company manufactures, packages and distributes both its own and other
companies' pharmaceutical products and has recently begun to emphasize the
manufacture of pharmaceuticals under contract. In the United States, the Company
markets disposable linens to emergency health services which are manufactured
under contract. The percentage of the Company's total revenues for the nine
months ended September 30, 1995 which are attributable to its operations in
France, Spain and the United States are approximately 82%, 17% and 1%,
respectively. Limited research and development activities are conducted both in
the United States and Europe and the Company has several products under
development. The Company's chemical and pharmaceutical operations in France and
Spain are a result of its 1991 acquisition of Chimos S.A. and the establishment
of a pharmaceutical subsidiary in France, Laboratoires Belmac S.A. (these two
entities in France have since been merged into one entity named and referred to
herein as Chimos/LBF S.A.) and the 1992 acquisition of Rimafar S.A.
(subsequently renamed and referred to herein as Laboratorios Belmac S.A.),
respectively.
 
    The strategic focus of the Company has shifted in response to the evolution
of the global health care environment. The Company has moved from a research and
development-oriented pharmaceutical company, developing products from the
chemistry laboratory through marketing, to a company seeking to acquire
late-stage development compounds that can be marketed within one or two years,
and currently marketed products. As a result of this transition, the Company has
decreased its research and development expenses dramatically over the past few
years as well as implemented cost-cutting measures throughout the Company's
operations. The Company emphasizes product distribution in France and Spain,
strategic alliances and product acquisitions, which management of the Company
expects will move the Company closer to profitability in the near future.
 
    Throughout its history, the Company has experienced negative cash flows from
operations, which have been reduced in the past three years as a result of the
shift in the Company's strategic focus. The Company has funded its operations
primarily from financing activities and the sale of rights to certain of its
pharmaceutical products. In October 1995 the Company completed private
placements of debt and equity securities, of which $1,770,000 of the debt must
be repaid from the proceeds of this Offering. A portion of the proceeds of this
Offering will be utilized for such payment.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
    The address and telephone number of the Company's principal executive
offices are 4830 West Kennedy Boulevard, One Urban Centre, Suite 550, Tampa,
Florida 33609, (813) 286-4401. The Company was organized under the laws of the
State of Florida in February 1974.
 
CONCURRENT OFFERING
 
    Concurrent with the Offering hereby, the Company has registered for
concurrent or future sale by certain selling shareholders 593,500 shares of
Common Stock pursuant to a separate prospectus. 240,000 of such shares are
issuable upon conversion of notes sold in a private placement conducted by the
Company in October 1995, to the extent such notes have been converted to Common
Stock prior to their repayment upon application of a portion of the proceeds of
this Offering. The notes were issued in two private placements in October 1995.
In the first placement, the Company received proceeds of $720,000 for the
issuance of 120,000 shares of Common Stock and 12% convertible promissory notes
in an aggregate principal amount of $720,000 due on the earlier of July 31, 1996
or the closing of this Offering. In the second placement, the Company received
proceeds of $1,050,000 for the issuance of 131,250 shares of Common Stock and
12% convertible promissory notes in an aggregate principal amount of $1,050,000
due on the earlier of September 30, 1996 or the closing of this Offering. See
"Use of Proceeds," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources--Private Placements,"
and "Underwriting--Private Placements." 102,250 of such shares of Common Stock
have been registered upon exercise of various "piggy back" registration rights
granted to Baytree Associates, Inc. and Martin E. Janis & Co., Inc. See
"Concurrent Offering."
 
RISK FACTORS
 
    Investment in the Company involves certain risks.Risk factors include, among
others, the following: (i) the Company has a history of operating losses and
accumulated operating deficits; (ii) the Company has a negative cash flow from
operating activities and may not be able to fund current operations; (iii) the
Company is engaged in an extremely competitive business with many well
recognized and financed companies; and (iv) these matters may indicate that
there is substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going
concern. See "Risk Factors."
 
USE OF PROCEEDS
 
    It is anticipated that the net proceeds of this Offering will be used for
retirement of debt, possible acquisitions, research and development and working
capital.
 
THE OFFERING
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                     <C>
Securities Offered by the Company.....  6,000 Units
Offering Price per Unit...............  $1,000
Units Comprising 12% Convertible
  Senior Subordinated $1,000 Principal
  Amount Unsecured Ten Year Debenture
  due February   , 2006...............  6,000
Class A Redeemable Warrants...........  6,000,000
Class B Redeemable Warrants...........  6,000,000
Allocation of Consideration...........  Of the Unit purchase price of $1,000, for financial
                                        reporting purposes the consideration allocated to the 
                                        Debenture is $722, to the conversion discount feature 
                                        of the Debenture is $224 and to the 1,000 Class A 
                                        Warrants is $54, and for federal income tax purposes
                                        (including original issue discount) the consideration
                                        allocated to the Debenture is $931 and to the 1,000 
                                        Class A Warrants is $69. No consideration has been 
                                        allocated to the Class B Warrants.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                     <C>
Debenture Interest Payment Dates......  Quarterly on January 1, April 1, July 1, and
                                        October 1, commencing April 1, 1996.

Debenture Covenants...................  Restrictions on cash dividends and other cash
                                        distributions to stockholders as well as
                                        limitations on certain dealings with its officers
                                        and directors under certain circumstances.

Debenture Conversion Rights...........  Commencing twelve months after the date hereof or
                                        earlier upon a notice of redemption (as discussed
                                        below) at the lesser of $2.50 per share of Common
                                        Stock or 80% of the average closing price of the
                                        Common Stock on the American Stock Exchange for the
                                        20 consecutive trading days immediately preceding
                                        the first anniversary of the issuance of the
                                        Debentures. See "Risk Factors-- Discount on
                                        Conversion of Debentures."

Debenture Redemption..................  Commencing six months after the date hereof, the
                                        Company may, on 30 days prior written notice,
                                        redeem the Debentures, in whole or in part, if the
                                        closing price of the Common Stock on the American
                                        Stock Exchange for each of the 20 consecutive
                                        trading days immediately preceding the record date
                                        for redemption equals or exceeds $7.00 per share.
                                        The redemption price will be 105% plus accrued
                                        interest through the date of redemption. If the
                                        redemption date is prior to the Anniversary Date,
                                        the conversion price per share during the period
                                        following the notice of redemption will be the
                                        lesser of $2.50 or 80% of the average closing price
                                        of the Common Stock on the American Stock Exchange
                                        for the 20 consecutive trading days immediately
                                        preceding the record date for redemption.

Debenture Subordination; No Sinking
Fund, Other Security or Guarantees....  Subordinated to all Senior Debt, as defined in the
                                        Indenture, which as of September 30, 1995
                                        aggregated $1,220,000. Senior or pari passu with
                                        all other series of debentures. Debenture holders
                                        may recover less ratably than holders of Senior
                                        Debt. The Debentures will not be secured by a
                                        sinking fund or otherwise and will not be
                                        guaranteed. The Indenture does not limit the amount
                                        the Company may borrow. The Indenture prohibits
                                        subsidiaries of the Company from placing any
                                        limitations on paying their profits or making loans
                                        to the Company.

Debenture Original Issue Discount.....  Interest on Debentures is taxable as ordinary
                                        income when received or accrued. A portion of
                                        original issue discount must be included in income
                                        each year regardless of the cash payment of such
                                        interest at an effective interest rate of 13.3%.
                                        See "Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations--The
                                        Debentures."

Redeemable Warrant Exercise Rights....  For Class A Redeemable Warrants, for three years
                                        from the date hereof but not prior to the
                                        Separation Date at $3.00 per share, subject to
                                        change under certain conditions. For Class B
                                        Redeemable Warrants, for five years from the date
                                        hereof at $5.00 per share, subject to change under
                                        certain conditions. See "Risk Factors--
                                        Determination of Warrant Exercise Price."
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                     <C>
Redeemable Warrant Redemption.........  On or after the Separation Date, the Company may,
                                        on 30 days prior written notice redeem all of the
                                        Class A or Class B Redeemable Warrants for $.05 per
                                        Warrant if the per share closing price of the
                                        underlying Common Stock on the American Stock
                                        Exchange for each of the 20 consecutive trading
                                        days immediately preceding the record date for
                                        redemption equals or exceeds 150% or 130%,
                                        respectively, of the then respective exercise
                                        prices.
Estimated Net Proceeds to the Company
  (1).................................  $4,970,000
Percentage of Proceeds to be Used to
  Repay Indebtedness..................  35.6%
Percentage of Proceeds to be Used to
  Repay Related Party Debt............  None
Affiliate Participation...............  The aggregate of all purchases by the Company's
                                        officers, directors or affiliates in this Offering
                                        shall not exceed 5% of the Offering.
Common Stock Outstanding Prior to the
  Offering............................  3,330,472
Common Stock Outstanding After the
  Offering(2).........................  3,330,472
Trading Symbol
  for Common Stock....................  BNT
  for Units...........................  BNTU
  for Debentures......................  BNTD
  for Class A Redeemable Warrants.....  BNTA
  for Class B Redeemable
    Warrants(3).......................  BNTB
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
(1) After deducting $1,030,000 for underwriting discounts and the other expenses
    of this Offering payable by the Company, including the non-accountable
    expense allowance payable to the Underwriter. See "Use of Proceeds" and
    "Underwriting."
 
(2) Excludes (i) an aggregate of 14,210,000 shares of Common Stock reserved for
    issuance upon conversion or exercise of the securities issuable in the
    Offering (including the Underwriter's overallotment option), consisting of
    2,760,000 shares issuable upon conversion of the Debentures (which would be
    increased to 3,689,840 shares, if the average closing price of the Common
    Stock during the twenty-day period prior to the Anniversary Date was equal
    to $2.34, the average closing price of the Common Stock during the
    twenty-day period ended January 26, 1996), 10,350,000 shares of Common Stock
    issuable upon exercise of the Redeemable Warrants and 1,140,000 shares of
    Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the securities underlying the
    warrants granted by the Company to the Underwriter (the "Underwriter
    Warrants") to purchase 600 Units (or such number of shares of Common Stock
    into which such Units are convertible) at a price of $.001 per Underwriter
    Warrant; (ii) 576,841 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon
    exercise of outstanding stock purchase warrants; (iii) 260,542 shares of
    Common Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of stock options; (iv)
    240,000 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon conversion of
    certain notes payable issued in a private placement in October 1995 (see
    "Concurrent Offering"); (v) 14,960 shares of Common Stock reserved for
    issuance upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock or upon conversion
    of 9% Convertible Debentures due 2016 into which the Series A Preferred
    Stock is exchangeable; and (vi) 3,183 shares of Common Stock reserved for
    issuance to current or former members of the Board of Directors of the
    Company and others as compensation. See Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated
    Financial Statements, "Management--Executive Compensation," "Principal
    Stockholders," "Description of Debentures--Conversion" and "Description of
    Securities--Redeemable Warrants."
 
   
(3) The Class B Redeemable Warrants will not be listed on the American Stock
    Exchange or the Pacific Stock Exchange until a sufficient number of Class 
    A Redeemable Warrants have been exercised.
    
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
                   SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
    The summary consolidated financial information for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1992, the six month period ended December 31, 1992, the fiscal years
ended December 31, 1993 and 1994 and the nine month period ended September 30,
1995 set forth below is derived from and should be read in conjunction with the
Company's consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes appearing
elsewhere in this Prospectus. The data for the nine month period ended September
30, 1994 are derived from and qualified by reference to the Company's
consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere herein and, in the opinion
of management of the Company, includes all adjustments that are of a normal
recurring nature and necessary for a fair presentation. The statement of
operations data for the nine month periods ended September 30, 1994 and 1995 are
not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.
 
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA
 
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                  FOR THE SIX         FOR THE              FOR THE
                                  FOR THE YEAR    MONTHS ENDED       YEAR ENDED       NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                 ENDED JUNE 30,   DECEMBER 31,      DECEMBER 31,        SEPTEMBER 30,
                                 --------------   ------------   ------------------   -----------------
<S>                              <C>              <C>            <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>
                                      1992            1992         1993      1994      1994      1995
                                 --------------   ------------   --------   -------   -------   -------
Net Sales......................     $ 13,138        $  9,708     $ 19,849   $26,284   $19,676   $23,583
Cost of Sales..................        8,871           5,899       15,100    21,464    15,940    19,523
Operating Expenses.............       14,758          23,493(1)    14,722(2)  9,050     7,413     6,265
Operating Income (Loss)........      (10,491)        (19,684)      (9,973)   (4,230)   (3,677)   (2,205)
Other (Income) Expense, Net....          320            (153)         263      (652)(3)   (26)     (686)(3)
Net Income (Loss)..............      (10,811)        (19,531)     (10,236)   (3,578)   (3,651)   (1,519)
Net Income (Loss) Per Common
  Share........................       (11.12)         (16.60)       (6.32)    (1.56)    (1.67)     (.55)
Weighted Average Shares of
  Common Stock Outstanding.....          997           1,203        1,655     2,395     2,257     2,978
</TABLE>
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA
 
   
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                         DECEMBER 31,          SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
                                                      ------------------    -------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                       1993       1994      ACTUAL     AS ADJUSTED(4)
                                                      -------    -------    -------    --------------
Working Capital....................................   $ 2,043    $ 1,928    $ 1,779       $  8,277
Non-Current Assets.................................     5,937      5,644      5,960          7,275
Total Assets.......................................    16,160     16,332     16,170         21,983
Non-Current Liabilities less Current Portion.......     2,821        336        500          4,832
Redeemable Preferred Stock.........................     2,218      2,256      2,374          2,374
Common Stockholders' Equity........................     2,941      4,980      4,865          6,346
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
 
    Earnings are inadequate to cover fixed charges. The resultant deficiency was
$2,493,000, $2,476,000, $10,468,000, $19,531,000, $10,236,000, $3,578,000, and
$1,519,000 for the years ended June 30, 1990, 1991, and 1992, for the six month
period ended December 31, 1992, for the years ended December 31, 1993 and 1994,
and for the nine month period ended September 30, 1995, respectively.
 
   
    If the Debentures included in this Offering had been outstanding since
January 1, 1994, the result would have been an increase in the Company's net
loss of approximately $887,000 and $665,000 for the year ended December 31, 1994
and for the nine month period ended September 30, 1995, respectively.
Consequently, on a pro forma basis, the resultant deficiency, for the year ended
December 31, 1994 and for the nine month period ended September 30, 1995, would
have been $4,465,000 and $2,184,000, respectively. See "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and
Capital Resources."
    
 
- ------------
 
(1) The Company changed its fiscal year end to December 31 effective December
    31, 1992 and sold its French marketing rights to Amodex(R) on January 20,
    1993. The six months ended December 31, 1992 include other non-recurring
    charges totaling $9,321,000. See Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
    Statements.
 
(2) Includes $2,241,000 related to the write-off of capitalized costs with
    respect to the sachet formulation of Biolid(R) and related costs and
    $1,000,000 related to settlement of litigation. See Notes 8 and 12 of Notes
    to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
   
(3) The Company sold its Spanish marketing rights to its ciprofloxacin
    antibiotic, Belmacina(R), in 1994 and included the gain thereon
    (approximately $884,000) in Other (Income) Expense, Net in the year ended
    December 31, 1994 and recorded the anticipated gain on sale of the related
    trademark of $380,000 as deferred revenue as of December 31, 1994. Such
    deferred revenue was recognized as income in the nine month period ended
    September 30, 1995. See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
    Statements.
    
 
(4) Adjusted to give effect to the receipt of proceeds from private placements
    in October 1995 and the sale of the 6,000 Units offered hereby and the use
    of the estimated net proceeds thereof. See "Use of Proceeds."
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    The securities offered hereby are speculative and involve a substantial
degree of risk. Prior to making an investment decision, prospective investors
should give careful consideration to, among other items, the following factors:
 
FINANCIAL RISKS
 
    HISTORY OF OPERATING LOSSES; ACCUMULATED DEFICIT; UNCERTAINTY OF FUTURE
FINANCIAL RESULTS. As of September 30, 1995, the Company had a cumulative
deficit of approximately $63,441,000. The Company has realized significant
losses in the past and could have quarterly and annual losses in the future. The
Company has not generated any profits from operations. The Company has realized
quarter to quarter fluctuations in its results in the past and, although such
fluctuations have been minimal in recent quarters, they may be significant in
the future. Consequently, the Company may continue to operate at a loss for the
foreseeable future and there can be no assurance that the Company's business
will operate on a profitable basis. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
    NEGATIVE CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES. The Company is experiencing
negative cash flow from operations resulting in the need to fund ongoing
operations from financing activities. In October 1995 the Company completed two
private placements resulting in net proceeds to the Company of approximately
$1,590,000, all of which is being used for working capital purposes. A
substantial portion of the proceeds of this Offering will be used to repay the
debt incurred in the private placements to the extent such debt has not been
converted to equity by the holders thereof. See "Use of Proceeds," "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources--Private Placements" and "Concurrent
Offering." The future existence and profitability of the Company is dependent
upon its ability to obtain additional funds such as the net proceeds of this
Offering to finance operations and expand operations in an effort to achieve
profitability from operations. No assurance can be given that the Company's
business will ultimately generate sufficient revenue to fund the Company's
operations on a continuing basis. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
    LIMITED REVENUES. Although the Company was founded in 1974, it has only
generated revenue from product-related sales since August 1991. The Company has
used cash from financing activities to fund its operations. The Company has made
progress toward commercialization of specific products and has commenced
commercialization of others. The Company is now generating revenues from sales
of products of its subsidiaries Chimos/LBF, S.A., a company based in France
which distributes specialty pharmaceutical products and chemicals in France
("Chimos"), and Laboratorios Belmac, S.A., a pharmaceutical manufacturer located
in Spain ("Laboratorios Belmac"). Chimos and Laboratorios Belmac were acquired
by the Company in August 1991 and February 1992, respectively. Substantial
amounts of time and financial and other resources will be required to complete
the development and clinical testing of the Company's products currently under
development. Although over the last several months the Company has continued its
existing limited research and development program, due to its limited cash
resources, it has suspended additional research and development activities
during such period pending the selection of strategic partners for development
and marketing. There is no assurance that the Company will receive additional
funding necessary to continue research and development activities or that it
will otherwise succeed in developing any additional products with commercially
valuable applications.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
    ADDITIONAL FINANCING REQUIREMENTS. The Company believes that its emphasis on
product distribution in France and Spain, strategic alliances and product
acquisitions together with careful management of its research and development
activities and the net proceeds from this Offering, should provide sufficient
liquidity to enable it to conduct its existing operations through the end of
1996, of which there can be no assurance. However, the Company's pharmaceutical
products being developed and which may be developed will require the investment
of substantial additional time as well as financial and other resources in order
to become commercially successful. Following the development period, the
Company's products will generally be required to go through lengthy governmental
approval processes, including extensive clinical testing, followed by market
development. The Company's operating revenues and cash resources may not be
sufficient over the next several years for the commercialization by itself of
any of the products currently in development. Consequently, the Company may
require additional licensees or partners and/or additional financing. There can
be no assurance, however, that the Company can conclude such commercial
arrangements or obtain additional capital when needed on acceptable terms, if at
all. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
    INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT. The report of the Company's independent
auditors with respect to the audited consolidated financial statements of the
Company included elsewhere herein expresses an unqualified opinion that includes
an explanatory paragraph referring to the Company's recurring losses from
operations as well as negative operating cash flows, which raise substantial
doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and the
notes thereto and the Report of Independent Auditors included herein.
 
    POSSIBLE RESTRICTION ON ABILITY TO UTILIZE NET OPERATING LOSS CARRY FORWARDS
RESULTING FROM CHANGE IN EQUITY OWNERSHIP. At December 31, 1994 and September
30, 1995, the Company had net operating loss ("NOL") carry forwards of
approximately $34,000,000 and $35,000,000, respectively, available to offset
United States taxable income. The NOL carry forwards will expire in tax years
1996 through 2010. The amount of these loss carry forwards which can be used to
reduce future taxable income, if any, may be reduced by, among other things,
future changes in the ownership of the Company's Common Stock. Internal Revenue
Code Section 382 would limit the amount of future taxable income, if any, that
could be offset by the NOL carry forwards if, at any time, the percentage of the
stock of the Company owned by one or more 5% shareholders increases by more than
50% over the lowest percent of the Company's stock owned by such shareholders
during the preceding three year period. The Company's subsidiaries in France and
Spain have NOL carry forwards of approximately $14,000,000 and $3,000,000,
respectively. These will expire in various years ending in 1999. See Note 13 of
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
BUSINESS RISKS
 
    NO ASSURANCE OF SUCCESSFUL AND TIMELY DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PRODUCTS. Although
the Company has a limited number of products in various stages of development,
including pre-clinical testing and clinical trials, the Company has not yet
substantially marketed any of these products other than Biolid(R) (the Company's
macrolide antibiotic) in France, the marketing of which has since been
suspended. During a periodic review of the dossier of Biolid by France's
Ministry of Health in 1993 which was completed shortly after the Company had
negotiated the sale of its rights to the sachet formulation of Biolid in France,
the Ministry required the suspension of marketing of Biolid pending provision by
the Company of additional clinical data regarding the mechanisms for the
comparatively enhanced absorption of the Biolid sachet. The suspension was
unrelated to safety or efficacy issues, but has not been lifted since the
Company has not had sufficient resources to conduct the study required. See
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
   
"Risks Inherent in Pharmaceutical Development; Dependency on Regulatory 
Approvals" below, "Business--Products under Development--Biolid(R)" and Notes 
4 and 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. There can be no 
assurance that the Company will be able to develop large scale production of any
particular product for clinical trials or eventual commercial production. The 
marketing of certain of the Company's products could be adversely affected by 
delays in developing large-scale production processes, developing or acquiring 
production facilities or obtaining regulatory approval for such processes or 
facilities.
    

    RISKS INHERENT IN PHARMACEUTICAL DEVELOPMENT; DEPENDENCE ON REGULATORY
APPROVALS. The process of creating, scaling-up, manufacturing and marketing any
new human pharmaceutical product is inherently risky. There can be no assurance
that any drug under development will be safe and effective. Moreover,
pharmaceutical products are subject to significant regulation. Any human
pharmaceutical product developed by the Company would require clearance by
Spain's Ministry of Health for sales in Spain, France's Ministry of Health for
sales in France, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") for sales in the
United States and similar agencies in other countries. The process of obtaining
these approvals is costly and time-consuming, and there can be no assurance that
such approvals will be granted. In general, only a small percentage of new
pharmaceutical products achieve commercial success. Such governmental regulation
may prevent or substantially delay the marketing of the Company's products and
may cause the Company to undertake costly procedures with respect to its
research and development and clinical testing operations which may furnish a
competitive advantage to more substantially capitalized companies which compete
with the Company. In addition, the Company is required, in connection with its
activities, to comply with good manufacturing practices (GMPs) and local, state
and federal regulations. Non-compliance with these regulations could have a
material adverse effect on the Company and/or prevent the commercialization of
the Company's products. See "Business--Regulation."
 
   
    DEPENDENCY ON OTHERS; POSSIBLE DISCONTINUATION OF CERTAIN MARKETING
ACTIVITIES. The Company relies on outside contractors for manufacturing of the
products it distributes in France, including Ceredase, a drug used in the
treatment of Gaucher's Disease, which currently represents approximately 60% of
the Company's revenues. The Company also relies on sales of Ceredase and other
products by Chimos to Pharmacie Centrale des Hopitaux. Sales to Pharmacie 
Centrale des Hospitaux accounted for approximately 30% and 26% of the Company's
sales for the year ended December 31, 1994 and for the nine months ended 
September 30, 1995, respectively. Chimos, a distributor authorized by France's 
Ministry of Health, distributes Ceredase pursuant to an agreement of limited 
duration with Genzyme Corporation, the manufacturer of Ceredase. The most 
recent extension of this agreement terminates on March 31, 1996. There can be 
no assurance that the relationship between Genzyme and Chimos will continue. 
The Company continues to assess the importance of Ceredase to its operation 
since, notwithstanding the relative significance of its sales volume, its 
gross margins as a percentage of sales are minimal. A termination of the 
Company's marketing of Ceredase would likely reduce the Company's net income 
by approximately $300,000 annually; however, due to the extended payment terms 
granted to customers for this product, termination would have little short-term
effect on cash receipts from the sale of Ceredase as receivables from prior 
sales to such customers would continue to be collected. Accordingly, management
of the Company expects that such a termination would have a positive short-term
effect on the Company's cash flow resulting from the elimination of costs of 
purchasing Ceredase from Genzyme for distribution (approximately $4.0 million 
over the first four to six months following termination) while receivables 
from prior sales continue to be collected. See "Business--Product 
Lines--Pharmaceutical Marketing and Sales in France."
    
 
    UNCERTAINTY OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRICING, PROFITABILITY AND RELATED
MATTERS. The levels of revenues and profitability of pharmaceutical companies
may be affected by the continuing efforts of governmental and third party payers
to contain or reduce the costs of health care through various means. For
example, in certain foreign markets, including Spain and France, pricing or
profitability of prescription
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
pharmaceuticals is subject to government control. In the United States, there
have been, and the Company expects that there will continue to be, a number of
federal and state proposals to implement similar government control. While the
Company cannot predict whether any such legislative or regulatory proposals will
be adopted, the adoption of such proposals could have a material adverse effect
on the Company's business, financial condition and profitability. In addition,
sales of prescription pharmaceuticals are dependent in part on the availability
of reimbursement to the consumer from third party payers, such as government and
private insurance plans. Third party payers are increasingly challenging the
prices charged for medical products and services. If the Company succeeds in
bringing one or more products to the market, there can be no assurance that
these products will be considered cost effective and that reimbursement to the
consumer will be available or will be sufficient to allow the Company to sell
its products on a competitive basis. See "Business--Sales and Marketing."
 
    UNPREDICTABILITY OF PATENT PROTECTION; PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGY. The Company
has filed numerous patent applications and has been granted a number of patents.
However, there can be no assurance that its pending applications will be issued
as patents or that any of its issued patents will afford adequate protection to
the Company or its licensees. Other private and public entities have also filed
applications for, or have been issued, patents and are expected to obtain
patents and other proprietary rights to technology which may be harmful to the
commercialization of the Company's products. The ultimate scope and validity of
patents which are now owned by or may be granted to third parties in the future,
the extent to which the Company may wish or be required to acquire rights under
such patents, and the cost or availability of such rights cannot be determined
by the Company at this time. In addition, the Company also relies on unpatented
proprietary technology in the development and commercialization of its products.
There is no assurance that others may not independently develop the same or
similar technology or obtain access to the Company's proprietary technology.
 
    The Company also relies upon trade secrets, unpatented proprietary know-how
and continuing technological innovations to develop its competitive position.
All of the Company's employees with access to the Company's proprietary
information have entered into confidentiality agreements and have agreed to
assign to the Company any inventions relating to the Company's business made by
them while in the Company's employ. However, there can be no assurance that
others may not acquire or independently develop similar technology or, if
patents in all major countries are not issued with respect to the Company's
products, that the Company will be able to maintain information pertinent to
such research as proprietary technology or trade secrets.
 
    RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE. The pharmaceutical industry has undergone rapid
and significant technological change. The Company expects the technology to
continue to develop rapidly, and the Company's success will depend significantly
on its ability to maintain a competitive position. The Company has recently
shifted its strategic focus so that it does not rely on research and development
of pharmaceuticals from concept through marketing. Instead, it seeks to acquire
late-stage development compounds that can be marketed within one or two years
and currently-marketed products. Rapid technological development may result in
actual and proposed products or processes becoming obsolete before the Company
recoups a significant portion of related research and development, acquisition
and commercialization costs. See "Business--Products Under Development."
 
    COMPETITION. The Company is in competition with other pharmaceutical
companies, biotechnology firms and chemical companies, many of which have
substantially greater financial, marketing and human resources than those of the
Company (including, in some cases, substantially greater experience in clinical
testing, production and marketing of pharmaceutical products). The Company also
experiences competition in the development of its products and processes from
individual scientists, hospitals, universities and other research institutions
and, in some instances, competes with others in acquiring technology from these
sources. See "Business--Competition."
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
    UNCERTAINTY OF ORPHAN DRUG DESIGNATION. An Orphan Drug is a product or
products used to treat a rare disease or condition, which, as defined under
United States law, is a disease or condition that affects populations of less
than 200,000 individuals or, if victims of a disease number more than 200,000,
the sponsor establishes that it does not realistically anticipate its product
sales will be sufficient to recover its costs. If a product is designated an
Orphan Drug, then the sponsor is entitled to receive certain incentives to
undertake the development and marketing of the product. In Spain, Orphan Drugs
are given a preference in the pharmaceutical review process by Spain's Ministry
of Health if it can be shown that the product is an important therapeutic agent
and there is unequivocal data supporting its efficacy. The Ministry of Health
has the authority to require pharmaceutical manufacturers to continue to produce
products which are Orphan Drugs regardless of their commercial potential. As
required by the Ministry of Health, Laboratorios Belmac currently manufactures
and distributes one Orphan Drug, Anacalcit, which is used in the treatment of
nephrolithiasis. In France, Orphan Drug status is granted by France's Ministry
of Health. Chimos does not currently own in its portfolio any Orphan Drugs, but
does act as a distributor for other companies who have Orphan Drug status in
France, such as Ceredase, an Orphan Drug produced by Genzyme Corporation. The
Company does not currently market any Orphan Drugs in the United States. See
"Business--Regulation."
 
   
    ATTRACTION AND RETENTION OF KEY PERSONNEL. The Company believes that it has
been able to attract skilled and experienced management and scientific
personnel. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company will continue to
attract and retain personnel of high caliber. Since 1992, five individuals have
served as the Company's chief executive officer. This instability in the
Company's management in the recent past has hampered the Company's growth. While
the Company believes that it has assembled an effective management team, the
loss of several individuals who are considered key management or scientific
personnel of the Company could have an adverse impact on the Company. Although
all discoveries and research of each employee made during employment remain the
property of the Company, the Company has not entered into noncompetition
agreements with its key employees and such employees would therefore be able to
leave and compete with the Company.
    
 
    RISK OF PRODUCT LIABILITY. The Company faces an inherent business risk of
exposure to product liability claims in the event that the use of its technology
or prospective products is alleged to have resulted in adverse effects. While
the Company has taken, and will continue to take, what it believes are
appropriate precautions, there can be no assurance that it will avoid
significant liability exposure. The Company maintains product liability
insurance in the amount of $5 million. However, there is no assurance that this
coverage will be adequate in terms and scope to protect the Company in the event
of a product liability claim. In connection with the Company's clinical testing
activities, the Company may, in the ordinary course of business, be subject to
substantial claims by, and liability to, subjects who participate in its
studies.
 
    BROAD DISCRETION IN APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS. Approximately $1,700,000
(34.2%) of the estimated net proceeds from this Offering has been allocated to
working capital. Accordingly, the Company's management will have broad
discretion as to the application of such proceeds.
 
    RISK OF DOING BUSINESS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES. Nearly all of the
Company's revenues during 1994 and the first nine months of 1995 have been
generated outside the United States, from the Company's subsidiaries in France
and Spain. There are risks in operation outside the United States, including,
among others, the difficulty of administering businesses abroad, exposure to
foreign currency fluctuations and devaluations or restrictions on money
supplies, foreign and domestic export law and regulations, taxation, tariffs,
import quotas and restrictions and other political and economic events beyond
the Company's control. The Company has not experienced any material effects of
these risks as of yet, however there can be no assurance that they will not have
such an effect in the future.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
    CERTAIN FLORIDA LEGISLATION. The State of Florida has enacted legislation
that may deter or frustrate takeovers of Florida corporations. The Florida
Control Share Act generally provides that shares acquired in excess of certain
specified thresholds will not possess any voting rights unless such voting
rights are approved by a majority vote of a corporation's disinterested
shareholders. The Florida Affiliated Transactions Act generally requires
supermajority approval by disinterested shareholders of certain specified
transactions between a public corporation and holders of more than 10% of the
outstanding voting shares of the corporation (or their affiliates). Florida law
also authorizes the Company to indemnify the Company's directors, officers,
employees and agents. The Company has adopted a by-law with such an indemnity.
 
MARKET RISKS
 
    RISK OF LOSS OF ENTIRE INVESTMENT. Because of the Company's history of
losses and negative cash flow from operations as well as the other risk factors
referred to in this section and elsewhere in this Prospectus, a prospective
investor should not purchase Units unless he is prepared to risk the loss of his
entire investment.
 
   
    NO ASSURANCE OF PUBLIC MARKET. Prior to this Offering, there has been no
public trading market for the Units, the Debentures or the Redeemable Warrants.
Although the Units, Debentures and Class A Redeemable Warrants have been 
approved for listing on the American Stock Exchange and the Pacific Stock
Exchange, there is no assurance that a regular trading market will develop after
this Offering or that, if developed, it will be sustained. Since the Class B 
Redeemable Warrants will not be outstanding until the Class A Redeemable 
Warrants are exercised, they will not be publicly traded until a sufficient 
number are outstanding, thereby limiting the ability of a holder to sell them.
Since the Company will not issue fractional shares, holders will only be 
permitted to trade the Class B Redeemable Warrants in multiples of two.
    
 
   
    If the Units, Debentures or Redeemable Warrants do not remain listed due to
the Company's inability to meet the continued listing requirements, they may be
traded from time to time on the over-the-counter market. As trading volume in
such market is not expected to be high, there can be no assurance that in such
event investors will be able to readily sell such securities.
    
 
    VOLATILITY OF SHARE PRICE. The market price of the Company's shares since
its initial public offering in February 1988 has been volatile. In July 1995 the
Company effected a one-for-ten reverse stock split. As recently as the first
quarter of 1993, the market price of the Company's Common Stock was $63.75
(giving retroactive effect to the reverse stock split). Factors such as
announcements of technological innovations or new commercial products by the
Company or its competitors, the results of clinical testing, patent or
proprietary rights, developments or other matters may have a significant impact
on the market price of the Common Stock. See "Price Range of Common Stock and
Dividend Policy."
 
    POSSIBLE DELISTING OF COMMON STOCK FROM AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE. The Company
currently does not satisfy some of the American Stock Exchange's financial
guidelines for continued listing of its Common Stock. While there can be no
assurance that listing on the American Stock Exchange will be continued,
management of the Company believes that the Company's business prospects are
improving and that the Company will be able to maintain continued listing. See
"Description of Securities-- Listing on AMEX." If the Common Stock were
delisted, an investor could find it more difficult to dispose of or to obtain
accurate quotations as to the price of the Common Stock, the Units, the
Debentures, and the Redeemable Warrants. If the Common Stock is listed on the
Pacific Stock Exchange and then delisted on the American Stock Exchange, it is
likely to be delisted by the Pacific Stock Exchange.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
    AUTHORIZATION OF PREFERRED STOCK. The Company's Articles of Incorporation
authorize the issuance of 2,000,000 shares of "blank check" preferred stock (the
"Preferred Stock") with such designations, rights and preferences as may be
determined from time to time by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, the Board
of Directors is empowered, without shareholder approval, to issue Preferred
Stock with dividend, liquidation, conversion or other rights which could
adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of the Common
Stock. In the event of issuance, the Preferred Stock could be utilized, under
certain circumstances, as a method of discouraging, delaying or preventing a
change of control of the Company. There are currently 60,000 shares of Series A
Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock outstanding. The Company has no current
plans to issue any additional shares of Preferred Stock; however, there can be
no assurance that the Company's Board of Directors will not do so at some time
in the future. See "Description of Securities--Preferred Stock."
 
   
    UNDERWRITER WARRANTS AND OUTSTANDING CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. The Company
will sell to the Underwriter, for nominal consideration, warrants to purchase up
to 600 Units exercisable for a period of four years, commencing one year from
the date hereof, at an exercise price of $1,200 per Unit. The Company currently
has outstanding 837,383 options and warrants to purchase Common Stock at
exercise prices ranging from $2.50 to $177.50. The holders of the Underwriter
Warrants and of the warrants and options are likely to exercise or convert them
at a time when the Company would be able to obtain additional equity capital on
terms more favorable than those provided by such warrants, options and
Underwriter Warrants. The Underwriter Warrants and certain other warrants and
options also grant to the holders certain demand registration rights and "piggy
back" registration rights. These obligations may hinder the Company's ability to
obtain future financing. See "Underwriting."
    
 
   
    DISCOUNT ON CONVERSION OF DEBENTURES. The Debentures are convertible into
Common Stock at a conversion price per share equal to the lesser of $2.50 or 80%
of the market price of the Common Stock during the twenty-day period ending one
year from the date of this Prospectus (or the data of redemption, if earlier). 
This feature has a built in premium for the Debenture holders upon conversion of
the Debentures which remains constant regardless of the market price of the 
Company's securities. A conversion of the Debentures would dilute the interests
of holders of Common Stock and may adversely affect the market price for the 
Common Stock and any other traded securities of the Company.
    
 
    SUBORDINATION OF DEBENTURES. The Debentures are subordinated to all existing
and future Senior Debt (as defined in the Indenture) of the Company and will be
effectively subordinated to all indebtedness and other liabilities of any
subsidiaries of the Company that may subsequently be formed. Moreover, the
Indenture governing the Debentures does not restrict the ability to incur Senior
Debt or other indebtedness by the Company. As a result of such subordination,
Debenture holders will be dependent upon the Company's ability to generate
sufficient revenue from operations to satisfy all of its obligations, including
the Senior Debt and the payments related to the Debentures. Most of the
Company's revenues are derived from its foreign subsidiaries. Any restrictions
on the subsidiaries to make payments to the Company would affect its ability to
pay interest. Moreover, in the event of insolvency of the Company, holders of
Senior Debt will be entitled to be paid in full prior to any payment to the
holders of the Debentures, and other creditors of the Company, including trade
creditors of the Company's subsidiaries, also may recover more, ratably, than
the holders of the Debentures. In addition, an event of default under the
Indenture governing the Debentures may trigger defaults under Senior Debt of the
Company, in which case the holders of such Senior Debt will have the power to
demand payment in full and to be paid prior to any payment to the holders of the
Debentures. In addition, the absence of limitations in the Indenture on the
issuance of Senior Debt could increase the risk that sufficient funds will not
be available to pay holders of the Debentures after payment of amounts due to
the holders of Senior Debt. There can be no assurance that the Company will be
able to service the Debentures in accordance with their terms. In addition, if a
default were to occur, there is no
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
assurance that Debenture holders would be able to obtain repayment of the sums
then due under their Debentures. See "Description of Debentures--Subordination
of Debentures."
 
    CURRENT PROSPECTUS AND STATE SECURITIES LAW QUALIFICATION REQUIRED TO
EXERCISE THE REDEEMABLE WARRANTS. A purchaser of Units will have the right to
exercise the Redeemable Warrants included therein only if a current prospectus
relating to the underlying shares is then in effect and such shares are
qualified for sale or exempt from such qualification under the securities laws
of the state in which he resides. The Company has registered these shares
together with the Units offered hereby, and has qualified them in the states
where it plans to sell the Units unless such qualification has not been
required. It has also filed an undertaking with the Commission to maintain a
current prospectus relating to such shares until the expiration of the Warrants.
However, there is no assurance that it will be able to satisfy this undertaking.
Accordingly, the Warrants may be deprived of any value if a current prospectus
is not kept effective or if such shares are not qualified or exempt in the
states in which exercising Warrant holders reside. See "Description of
Securities--Redeemable Warrants."
 
    POTENTIAL ADVERSE EFFECT OF WARRANT REDEMPTION. The Company may, on 30 days
prior written notice, redeem all of the Class A or Class B Redeemable Warrants
for $.05 per Warrant if the per share closing price of the underlying Common
Stock for each of the 20 consecutive trading days immediately preceding the
record date for redemption equals or exceeds 150% or 130%, respectively, of the
then exercise price. If the Company calls for such redemption, then all of such
class of Redeemable Warrants remaining unexercised at the end of the redemption
period must be redeemed. Accordingly, to the extent that such class of
Redeemable Warrants are redeemed, the Warrant holders will lose their rights to
purchase Common Stock pursuant to such Warrants. Furthermore, the threat of
redemption could force the Warrant holders to exercise the Warrants at a time
when it may be disadvantageous for them to do so, to sell the Warrants at the
then current market price when they might otherwise wish to hold them, or to
accept the redemption price which will be substantially less than the market
value of the Warrants at the time of redemption. See "Description of
Securities--Redeemable Warrants."
 
   
    DETERMINATION OF WARRANT EXERCISE PRICE AND ALLOCATION OF CONSIDERATION. Of
the Unit purchase price of $1,000, for financial reporting purposes the 
consideration allocated to the Debenture is $722, to the conversion discount
feature of the Debenture is $224 and to the 1,000 Class A Warrants is $54, and
for federal income tax purposes (including original issue discount) the
consideration allocated to the Debenture is $931 and to the Class A Warrants is
$69. No consideration is allocated to the Class B Warrants. The exercise price
of each class of Redeemable Warrants was determined by negotiation between the
Company and the Underwriter and bears no relationship to the Company's net
worth, book value, results of operations or any other recognized criteria of
value. Accordingly, there is no assurance that the Warrants will have any value.
    
 
    LACK OF DIVIDENDS; INABILITY TO FUND DIVIDEND PAYMENTS. The Company has not
paid dividends on its Common Stock since its inception and does not intend to
pay any dividends on its Common Stock in the foreseeable future. The holders of
the Company's outstanding Series A Preferred Stock have been entitled to receive
cumulative dividends, payable annually on October 15, since 1992, out of funds
legally available therefor at the rate of $2.25 per year on each share of Series
A Preferred Stock. The Company exercised its right to adjust the conversion
ratio of the Series A Preferred Stock rather than pay the dividend payments due
on October 15, 1992 and 1993 and has not paid dividends of an aggregate of
approximately $270,000 to holders of Series A Preferred Stock which were due on
October 15, 1994 and 1995. These arrearages currently have the effect of
limiting the payment of cash dividends to holders of Common Stock and giving the
Preferred Stockholders, as a class, the right to designate two directors. There
can be no assurance that cash flow from the future operations of the Company
will be sufficient to meet these obligations. Under the terms of the Indenture,
the Company is restricted from paying cash dividends on its capital stock. See
"Price Range of Common Stock and Dividend Policy" and "Description of
Securities--Preferred Stock."
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
    The estimated net proceeds to the Company, after deducting underwriting
commissions and the other expenses of this Offering, will be approximately
$4,970,000 (or $5,960,000 if the Underwriter's over-allotment option is
exercised in full). The Company expects to apply these proceeds approximately as
follows:
 

    APPLICATION                                          AMOUNT      PERCENTAGE
    -----------                                          ------      ----------

Repayment of working capital indebtedness (1).......   $1,770,000        35.6%
Acquisition of complementary products, technologies
and/or businesses (2)...............................    1,000,000        20.1
Research and development (3)........................      500,000        10.1
Working capital.....................................    1,700,000        34.2
                                                       ----------       -----
                                                       $4,970,000       100.0%
                                                       ----------       -----
                                                       ----------       -----

 
        (1) The indebtedness was incurred in October 1995 and bears interest at
    the rate of 12% per annum. Of this amount, $720,000 is due on July 31 and
    $1,050,000 is due on September 30, 1996, or upon consummation of a public
    offering such as the Offering. The debt was incurred for general working
    capital purposes and was incurred in private placements placed by the
    Underwriter. Purchasers of this debt may use their debt to purchase the
    Units offered hereby, causing a reduction in the cash net proceeds to the
    Company and an equivalent reduction in the amount to be repaid to them. To
    the extent any holders of the debt convert their debt to equity prior to the
    date hereof, the proceeds will be reallocated to acquisitions. Concurrent
    with this payment, the Company will pay holders all accrued and unpaid
    interest, which amount is not expected to be material. See "Management's
    Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--
    Liquidity and Capital Resources--Private Placements," "Underwriting--Private
    Placements" and "Concurrent Offering."
 
        (2) The Company intends to seek to acquire products, technologies and/or
    businesses which complement the Company's current activities, are consistent
    with the Company's strategic focus and contribute toward making the Company
    profitable.
 
        (3) Includes additional work to complete the clinical trials of the
    tablet formulation of Biolid. See "Business --Products under
    Development--Biolid."
 
    The foregoing represents the Company's best estimate of its allocation of
the proceeds of this Offering based upon its current plans and certain
assumptions regarding general economic and industry conditions, market factors
and the Company's future revenues and expenditures. If any of these factors
change, the Company may find it necessary or advisable to reallocate some of the
proceeds within the above-described categories or to use portions thereof for
other purposes. Management believes that the net proceeds of this Offering,
together with any internally generated funds, should be sufficient to finance
the Company's intended level of operations as set forth herein through the end
of 1996. There can be no assurance that additional funds will not be required
earlier than anticipated or that the Company will be able to obtain such funds,
if at all, on a basis deemed acceptable to it. The Company currently has no
commitments to obtain any such financing. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital
Resources."
 
    The proceeds, if any, from the exercise of the Underwriter's over-allotment
option and the Redeemable Warrants will be used for the acquisition of
complementary products, technologies and/or businesses, and/or general working
capital purposes.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
                PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND POLICY
 
    On July 31, 1990, the Company's Common Stock began trading on the American
Stock Exchange. It is traded under the symbol BNT. The following table sets
forth the high and low sales prices for the Common Stock as reported on the
American Stock Exchange for the Company's last two fiscal years ended December
31, 1993 and December 31, 1994, respectively, and for the interim period
indicated. All prices for the period prior to July 25, 1995 have been restated
to reflect the one-for-ten reverse stock split.
 
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                 HIGH SALES PRICE    LOW SALES PRICE
                                                 ----------------    ---------------
<S>                                              <C>                 <C>
1994
  First Quarter...............................        $28.75             $ 16.25
  Second Quarter..............................         18.75                9.38
  Third Quarter...............................         11.88               10.63
  Fourth Quarter..............................          9.38                5.00
1995
  First Quarter...............................          7.50                3.13
  Second Quarter..............................          9.38                3.75
  Third Quarter...............................          8.63                4.13
  Fourth Quarter..............................          4.63                2.06
   
1996
  First Quarter (through February 8, 1996)....          2.75                2.06
    
</TABLE>
 
    As of January 26, 1996 there were 2,270 holders of record of the Common
Stock. The closing price of the Company's Common Stock on January 26, 1996 was
$2.38 per share.
 
DIVIDEND POLICY
 
    The Company has never paid any dividends on its Common Stock. The current
policy of the Board of Directors is to retain earnings to finance the operation
of the Company's business. Accordingly, it is anticipated that no cash dividends
will be paid to the holders of the Common Stock in the foreseeable future. Under
the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock, the Company is restricted from paying
dividends on its Common Stock so long as there are arrearages on dividend
payments on the Series A Preferred Stock. There currently are such arrearages.
Under the terms of the Debentures, the Company is subject to certain
restrictions which prohibit the payment of cash dividends.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
    The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company at
September 30, 1995 and as adjusted to give effect to the sale of the Units
offered hereby and the application of the estimated net proceeds (in thousands
except share data):
   
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                                    AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
                                                                   ---------------------------
<S>                                                                <C>          <C>
                                                                   ACTUAL       AS ADJUSTED(1)
                                                                   -------      --------------
 
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                <C>          <C>
Accounts payable and accrued expenses...........................   $ 7,211         $  7,211
Short-term borrowings...........................................     1,216            1,216
Current portion of long-term debt...............................         4                4
Non-current liabilities, less current portion...................       500              500
12% Convertible Debentures......................................     --               4,332(2)
                                                                   -------      --------------
  Total non-current liabilities.................................       500            4,832
Redeemable preferred stock, $1.00 par value; authorized
  2,000,000 shares; Series A issued and outstanding 70,000
    shares......................................................     2,374            2,374
Common Stockholders' Equity:
  Common Stock, $.02 par value; authorized 5,000,000 shares(3);
    issued and outstanding 2,978,000 shares(4)..................        60               65
  Stock Purchase Warrants.......................................     --                 324
  Paid in capital in excess of par value........................    69,009           70,737
  Stock subscriptions receivable................................      (105)            (105)
  Retained earnings (deficit)...................................   (63,441)         (64,017)
  Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment............      (658)            (658)
                                                                   -------      --------------
    Total Common Stockholder's Equity...........................     4,865            6,346
                                                                   -------      --------------
    Total Liabilities and Capitalization........................   $16,170         $ 21,983
                                                                   -------      --------------
                                                                   -------      --------------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
(1) Adjustments include the effect of accounting for receipt of proceeds from
    private placements in October 1995 and the application of the proceeds from
    this Offering to pay the debt incurred in such private placements.
   
(2) An allocation of the proceeds between the Debentures, the conversion
    discount feature and the Redeemable Warrants has been made on the basis of
    their estimated respective market values. The Debentures are reflected net
    of a discount of $1,668,000. The face value of each Debenture is $1,000 and
    the effective interest rate is estimated to be 18.1%. Should the Debenture
    Holders elect to convert their Debentures into shares of Common Stock, they
    may do so at a discount to the market price. Such discount, estimated to be
    $1,344,000, will be recognized over the life of the Debentures as a
    component of financing cost and has been considered in the determination of
    the effective interest rate. Such allocations will be reviewed and adjusted
    as necessary to reflect market values on the date of issuance.
    
(3) Effective January 1, 1996, the Company increased its authorized shares of
    Common Stock from 5,000,000 to 20,000,000.
(4) Excludes (i) an aggregate of 14,210,000 shares of Common Stock reserved for
    issuance upon conversion or exercise of the securities issuable in the
    Offering (including the Underwriter's overallotment option), consisting of
    2,760,000 shares issuable upon conversion of the Debentures (which would be
    increased to 3,689,840 shares, if the average closing price of the Common
    Stock during the twenty-day period prior to the Anniversary Date was equal
    to $2.34, the average closing price of the Common Stock during the
    twenty-day period ended January 26, 1996), 10,350,000 shares of Common Stock
    issuable upon exercise of the Redeemable Warrants and 1,140,000 shares of
    Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the securities underlying the
    Underwriter Warrants; (ii) 576,841 shares of Common Stock reserved for
    issuance upon exercise of outstanding stock purchase warrants; (iii) 260,542
    shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of stock options;
    (iv) 240,000 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon conversion of
    certain notes payable issued in a private placement in October 1995 (see
    "Concurrent Offering"); (v) 14,960 shares of Common Stock reserved for
    issuance upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock or upon conversion
    of 9% Convertible Debentures due 2016 into which the Series A Preferred
    Stock is exchangeable; (vi) 3,183 shares of Common Stock reserved for
    issuance to current or former members of the Board of Directors of the
    Company and others as compensation; and (vii) 349,500 shares of Common Stock
    issued subsequent to September 30, 1995. See Note 12 of Notes to
    Consolidated Financial Statements, "Management--Executive Compensation,"
    "Principal Stockholders," "Description of Debentures--Conversion" and
    "Description of Securities-- Redeemable Warrants."
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
    The selected consolidated financial information for the fiscal years ended
June 30, 1990, 1991 and 1992, the six month period ended December 31, 1992, the
fiscal years ended December 31, 1993 and 1994 and the nine month period ended
September 30, 1995 set forth below is derived from and should be read in
conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and
accompanying notes appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. The data for the nine
month period ended September 30, 1994 are derived from and qualified by
reference to the Company's consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere
herein and, in the opinion of management of the Company includes all adjustments
that are of a normal recurring nature and necessary for a fair presentation. The
statement of operations data for the nine month period ended September 30, 1994
and 1995 are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.
 
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA

<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                                            FOR THE          FOR THE              FOR THE
                                               FOR THE FISCAL YEAR        SIX MONTHS       FISCAL YEAR          NINE MONTHS
                                                      ENDED                  ENDED            ENDED                ENDED
                                                     JUNE 30              DECEMBER 31      DECEMBER 31,        SEPTEMBER 30,
                                           ----------------------------   -----------   ------------------   -----------------
                                            1990      1991     1992(1)      1992(2)     1993(3)    1994(4)    1994     1995(4)
                                           -------   -------   --------   -----------   --------   -------   -------   -------
<S>                                        <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>
                                                                  (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
Net sales................................  $    21   $ --      $ 13,138    $   9,708    $ 19,849   $26,284   $19,676   $23,583
Cost of sales............................        7     --         8,871        5,899      15,100    21,464    15,940    19,523
                                           -------   -------   --------   -----------   --------   -------   -------   -------
Gross margin.............................       14     --         4,267        3,809       4,749     4,820     3,736     4,060
Operating expenses.......................    2,529     2,506     14,758       23,493      14,722     9,050     7,413     6,265
                                           -------   -------   --------   -----------   --------   -------   -------   -------
Operating income (loss)..................   (2,515)   (2,506)   (10,491)     (19,684)     (9,973)   (4,230)   (3,677)   (2,205)
Other (income) expense...................      (22)      (30)       320         (153)        263      (652)      (26)     (686)
                                           -------   -------   --------   -----------   --------   -------   -------   -------
Net income (loss)........................  $(2,493)  $(2,476)  $(10,811)   $ (19,531)   $(10,236)  $(3,578)  $(3,651)  $(1,519)
                                           -------   -------   --------   -----------   --------   -------   -------   -------
                                           -------   -------   --------   -----------   --------   -------   -------   -------
Net income (loss) per Common Share.......  $ (5.07)  $ (3.56)  $ (11.12)   $  (16.60)   $  (6.32)  $ (1.56)  $ (1.67)  $  (.55)
                                           -------   -------   --------   -----------   --------   -------   -------   -------
                                           -------   -------   --------   -----------   --------   -------   -------   -------
Weighted average number of Common Shares
  outstanding............................      492       695        997        1,203       1,655     2,395     2,257     2,978
                                           -------   -------   --------   -----------   --------   -------   -------   -------
                                           -------   -------   --------   -----------   --------   -------   -------   -------
</TABLE>
 
BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                    AT JUNE 30,                   AT DECEMBER 31,
                                            ---------------------------    -----------------------------    AT SEPTEMBER
                                             1990      1991     1992(1)    1992(2)    1993(3)    1994(4)      30, 1995
                                            ------    ------    -------    -------    -------    -------    ------------
<S>                                         <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                           (IN THOUSANDS)
Working capital (deficiency).............   $1,202    $ (631)   $ 8,449    $(3,842)   $ 2,043    $ 1,928      $  1,779
Non-current assets.......................      596     2,955     18,643     13,497      5,937      5,644         5,960
Total assets.............................    2,216     3,244     38,753     21,953     16,160     16,332        16,170
Long term obligations....................       25        93      2,626      2,349      2,821        336           500
Redeemable Preferred Stock...............     --        --        7,164      7,401      2,218      2,256         2,374
Common Stockholders' equity (deficit)....    1,773     2,231     17,352        (95)     2,941      4,980         4,865
</TABLE>
- ------------
(1) The Company acquired 100% of the shares of Chimos in August 1991 and,
    accordingly, for accounting purposes, was no longer considered in the
    development stage of operations. The Company also acquired 100% of the
    shares of Laboratorios Belmac in February 1992, as well as Amodex(R)
    trademark and licensing rights in France in December 1991. See Notes 3 and 8
    of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
(2) The Company changed its fiscal year end to December 31 effective December
    31, 1992 and sold its marketing rights in France to Amodex(R) on January 20,
    1993. The six months ended December 31, 1992 include other non-recurring
    charges totaling $9,321,000. See Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
    Statements.
 
(3) The year ended December 31, 1993 includes the effects of writing off
    capitalized costs with respect to the sachet formulation of Biolid, its
    noncrystalline form of erythromycin and a charge to earnings for the
    settlement of class action litigation. See Notes 8 and 12 of Notes to
    Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
(4) The Company sold its Spanish marketing rights to its ciprofloxacin
    antibiotic, Belmacina(R), in 1994 and included the gain thereon
    (approximately $884,000) in Other (Income) Expense in the year ended
    December 31, 1994 and recorded the anticipated gain on sale of the related
    trademark of $380,000 as deferred revenue as of December 31, 1994 which was
    recognized in the nine months ended September 30, 1995. Other (Income)
    Expense for the nine months ended September 30, 1995 also includes the
    recognition of income of $360,000 from the commercialization of a certain
    drug provided by the Company's former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
    $533,000 of expense related to the settlement of litigation with the
    Company's former Chief Financial Officer and income of $368,000 due to the
    reversal of an overaccrual for a liability. See Notes 8, 12, 15 and 17 of
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
                                       20
<PAGE>
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                           AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
GENERAL
 
    The Company is an international pharmaceutical and health care company with
its primary focus on the development and marketing of pharmaceutical and health
care products. Substantially all of its revenues have come from its operations
in France and Spain; however, the Company began limited marketing of health care
products in the United States in 1994.
 
    Effective December 31, 1992, the Company changed its fiscal year end from
June 30 to December 31. The Company incurred a net loss of $3,578,000 and
$1,519,000 for the year ended December 31, 1994 and the nine months ended
September 30, 1995, respectively. The Company intends to continue to focus its
efforts on business activities which management believes should result in
operating profits in the future, of which there can be no assurance. To improve
its results, the Company's management will focus on increasing higher margin
pharmaceutical and health care product sales, controlling expenses through its
austerity program, careful prioritization of research and development projects
resulting in continued low overall research and development expenditures, and
potentially acquiring marketable products or profitable companies in the United
States or Europe that are compatible with the Company's strategy for growth. See
"--Liquidity and Capital Resources." Currently, the profit margins for the
products sold by the Company's subsidiary in Spain are significantly higher than
those generated by the Company's subsidiary in France. For business segment
information on the Company's operations outside the United States, see Note 14
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 VERSUS NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
 
    The Company reported revenues of $23,583,000 and a net loss of $1,519,000 or
$.55 per share for the nine months ended September 30, 1995 compared to revenues
of $19,676,000 and a net loss of $3,651,000 or $1.67 per share for the same
period in the prior year.
 
    Sales and Cost of Sales. The 20% increase in revenues is primarily
attributable to an increase in sales by the Company's subsidiary in France,
Chimos/LBF S.A., which distributes specialty pharmaceutical products and fine
chemicals in France. Consolidated gross margins for the nine months ended
September 30, 1995 remained consistent at 19% when compared to the comparable
period of the prior year, excluding the effect of the $423,000 charge to cost of
sales in the third quarter of 1995, representing an increase in the Company's
reserves for slow moving or obsolete inventory in Spain. The Company's
distribution operations in France (Chimos/LBF S.A.) generate relatively low
gross margins as opposed to the Company's Spanish subsidiary, Laboratorios
Belmac S.A., which is experiencing substantially higher margins.
 
    Operating Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were
$5,516,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 1995 compared to $6,428,000
for the same period in the prior year. The 14% decrease is primarily
attributable to cost control measures implemented by the Company. The Company
intends to continue its efforts to control general and administrative expenses
as part of its austerity program in its effort to reach and maintain
profitability.
 
    Research and development expenses were $341,000 for the nine months ended
September 30, 1995 compared to $608,000 for the same period of the prior year.
The 44% decrease reflects the results of a thorough review of all research and
development activities and the establishment of priorities based upon both
technical and commercial criteria. During this period, the Company did not
commence any new research and development programs. The Company intends to
continue to carefully manage its research and development expenditures in the
future in view of its limited resources.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
   
    Other Income/Expense. Interest expense was $215,000 for the nine months
ended September 30, 1995 compared to $140,000 for the same period in the prior
year. The 54% increase reflects interest cost on higher average outstanding
balances on revolving lines of credit, which are used to finance working capital
needs. Other income/expense of $686,000 for the nine months ended September 30,
1995 is primarily comprised of $360,000 related to a settlement of litigation
(see Notes 15 and 17 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) and the
$380,000 gain recognized upon the sale of the Company's Belmacina trademark in
Spain, which was previously reflected in the Company's consolidated financial
statements as deferred revenue as of December 31, 1994. The Company has since
transferred the trademark to the purchaser and collected the balance of the
related receivable in the fourth quarter of 1995. Other income/expense also
includes the effect of a reversal of an overaccrual of a liability related to
the proposed sale of Biolid, which did not occur, in the amount of $368,000.
Also included, is income from the Company's contract manufacturing arrangements
with several pharmaceutical concerns, offset by a charge for cancellation of the
stock subscription receivable and related interest from a former officer of the
Company. One-half of the loss (approximately $37,000) incurred by Maximed
Pharmaceuticals, the Company's partnership with Maximed Corporation, is also
included in other income/expense in the nine months ended September 30, 1995.
Although the Company is in a dispute with, and has filed an action against, its
partner, and has ceased funding the partnership's activities until such dispute
is resolved, appropriate operating costs have been accrued and charged to
operations during the nine months ended September 30, 1995. See "Legal
Proceedings".
    
 
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 VERSUS FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
    The Company reported sales of $26,284,000 and a net loss of $3,578,000 or
$1.56 per share for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994, compared to sales
of $19,849,000 and a net loss of $10,236,000 or $6.32 per share for the prior
year.
 
    Sales and Cost of Sales. The 32% increase in sales is primarily a result of
increased sales by the Company's subsidiary in France, Chimos/LBF. Gross margins
for the year ended December 31, 1994 averaged 18% compared with 24% in the prior
year. The lower margins are primarily a result of the lower gross margins
experienced by Chimos/LBF's distribution operations, whose sales accounted for
approximately 77% of revenues, compared with 68% in the prior year. The lower
gross margins experienced by the Company in France were only partially offset in
Spain, where Laboratorios Belmac is experiencing margins substantially higher
than those in France.
 
   
    Operating Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were
$7,716,000, or 29% of sales, for the year ended December 31, 1994 compared with
$9,170,000, or 46% of sales, for the prior year. The decrease from 46% to 29% of
sales is primarily attributable to adjustments to accruals for tax
contingencies, related primarily to product registration taxes, totalling
$1,645,000, which are no longer considered probable and to cost control measures
implemented by the Company and reduced marketing costs in France due to the
suspension of marketing of Biolid during the fourth quarter of 1993.
Notwithstanding these efforts, selling and marketing costs continue to be
significant and necessary expenses in connection with the Company's plans to
increase market share in Spain. To the extent practical, however, the Company
intends to continue its efforts to control general and administration expenses
as part of its austerity program.
    
 
    Research and development expenses were $759,000 for the year ended December
31, 1994 compared to $1,555,000 in the prior year. The 51% decrease reflects the
results of a thorough review of all research and development activities and the
establishment of priorities based upon both technical and commercial criteria.
During 1994, the Company did not commence any new research and development
programs. It did, however, continue certain programs already in progress,
including a Biolid pharmacokinetics trial. The Company intends to continue to
carefully manage its research and development expenditures in the future in view
of its limited resources.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
    Depreciation and amortization expenses were $575,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1994 compared to $756,000 for the prior year. The 24% decrease is
primarily attributable to the write-off of Drug Licenses and Product Rights as
of December 31, 1993, and the 1994 sale of its Spanish ciprofloxacin antibiotic,
Belmacina(R), resulting in reduced amortization charges.
 
    Other Income/Expense. Other income/expense for the year ended December 31,
1994 included the gain recognized upon the 1994 sale of the Company's Spanish
rights to its ciprofloxacin antibiotic, Belmacina(R), of approximately $884,000.
 
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993 VERSUS TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1992
 
    The Company reported revenues of $19,849,000 and a net loss of $10,236,000
or $6.32 per share for the year ended December 31, 1993, compared to revenues of
$19,217,000 and a net loss of $27,023,000 or $23.70 per share for the same
period in the prior year.
 
    Sales and Cost of Sales. While 1993 revenues increased slightly, their
composition changed significantly. Sharply reduced sales at Laboratoires Belmac
due to its divestiture of Amodex(R) and decreased promotion and the resulting
reduction in sales of its sachet formulation of Biolid were more than offset by
increases in sales generated by Chimos. Gross margins for the year ended
December 31, 1993 averaged 24% compared to 37% in the comparable period of the
prior year. The lower margins were primarily a result of the lower gross margins
experienced by Chimos' distribution operations, whose sales accounted for
approximately 68% of revenues, as compared to 52% in the comparable period of
the prior year and to low gross margin contributions from Laboratoires Belmac's
sales due to the fact that Amodex(R) and Biolid inventories were adjusted
downward to net realizable value as of December 31, 1992. The lower gross
margins experienced by the Company in France were only partially offset in
Spain, where Laboratorios Belmac experienced margins substantially higher than
those in France.
 
    Operating Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were
$9,170,000 for the year ended December 31, 1993 compared to $15,724,000 for the
same period in the prior year. The decrease was primarily attributable to cost
control measures implemented by the Company and reduced marketing costs in
France due to the divestiture of Amodex(R) and the decreased promotion of its
sachet formulation of Biolid.
 
    Research and development expenses were $1,555,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1993 compared to $7,339,000 in the comparable period of the prior
year. The decrease reflected the results of a thorough review of all research
and development activities, and the establishment of priorities based upon both
technical and commercial criteria. Biolid (tablet formulation) was the primary
focus in research and development.
 
    Depreciation and amortization expenses were $756,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1993 compared to $1,497,000 for the same period in the prior year.
The decrease was primarily attributable to the write-down of drug licenses and
product rights and to the divestiture of Amodex(R).
 
    As a result of the decision to withdraw the sachet formulation of Biolid
from the French market, the Company recorded an expense of $2,241,000 in the
fourth quarter of 1993, reflecting the write-off of the capitalized costs with
respect to the sachet formulation of Biolid, Biolid sachet inventories, and
costs associated with refunding certain costs to the potential buyer of these
rights. See "Business--Products--Biolid(R)."
 
    The Company agreed in 1993 to issue to plaintiffs in class action
litigation, shares of its Common Stock with a market value of $1,000,000. The
Company accrued this amount as a non-current liability as of December 31, 1993.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
    Other Income/Expense. The provision for income taxes of $343,000 for the
twelve months ended December 31, 1992 was a result of foreign taxes on profits
generated by Chimos in 1992. Chimos was not eligible to file a consolidated
income tax return with Laboratoires Belmac in France until 1993; therefore, the
Laboratoires Belmac losses were not available to offset Chimos' taxable profits
in 1992. No such provision was required for the year ended December 31, 1993.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
    Total assets decreased from $16,332,000 at December 31, 1994 to $16,170,000
at September 30, 1995, while Common Stockholders' Equity decreased from
$4,980,000 at December 31, 1994 to $4,865,000 at September 30, 1995. The
decrease in Common Stockholders' Equity reflects primarily the loss incurred by
the Company for the period which was partially offset by $562,000 received from
a stock subscription receivable and fluctuation in the exchange rates of
European currencies compared to the U.S. Dollar.
 
    The Company's working capital decreased from $1,928,000 at December 31, 1994
to $1,779,000 at September 30, 1995. Receivables increased from $7,609,000 at
December 31, 1994 to $8,268,000 at September 30, 1995 due primarily to the
continued growth in sales volume at the Company's subsidiary in France,
Chimos/LBF. A significant portion of the Company's trade receivables arise from
sales of pharmaceutical and healthcare products to the French government.
Payment terms for such sales are typically 90 to 100 days. The Company has not
experienced any material delinquent accounts. During the period, the Company
collected approximately $922,000 of the $1,140,000 receivable due at December
31, 1994 from the sale of its ciprofloxacin antibiotic, Belmacina, in Spain.
Inventories decreased from $1,247,000 at December 31, 1994 to $1,000,000 at
September 30, 1995 primarily due to an increase in the Company's reserves for
slow-moving or obsolete inventory in Spain of $423,000. The combined total of
accounts payable and accrued expenses also remained relatively unchanged at
September 30, 1995 as compared to December 31, 1994, decreasing $445,000 or less
than 6%. Short term borrowings increased from $663,000 at December 31, 1994 to
$1,216,000 at September 30, 1995 due to higher balances used for working capital
purposes (primarily the purchase of inventories in France and Spain, and
short-term borrowings used to finance factory renovations in Spain).
 
    Investing activities, including the collection of approximately $922,000
from the 1994 sale of Belmacina, proceeds from the sale of investments available
for sale of $214,000, an investment in the Company's Spanish manufacturing
facilities of approximately $507,000 and in the Belmac/Maximed Partnership (see
"Legal Proceedings") of $13,000, provided net cash of $616,000 during the nine
months ended September 30, 1995. Financing activities (primarily collection of a
stock subscription receivable and proceeds from Short-term borrowings 
provided net proceeds of $925,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 1995.
Operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 1995 required net
cash of $2,422,000.
 
    Total assets increased from $16,160,000 at December 31, 1993 to $16,332,000
at December 31, 1994, while Common Stockholders' Equity increased from
$2,941,000 at December 31, 1993 to $4,980,000 at December 31, 1994. The increase
in Common Stockholders' Equity is primarily a result of net proceeds of
approximately $3,384,000 received from private placements of Common Stock and
warrants and approximately $693,000 received from stock subscriptions
receivable, offset by losses incurred by the Company for the period. Common
Stockholders' Equity also increased by $1,000,000 as a result of the issuance of
the Common Stock to settle a class action litigation.
 
    The Company's working capital was $1,928,000 at December 31, 1994 compared
to $2,043,000 at December 31, 1993. Marketable securities were liquidated during
1994 to satisfy liabilities of the Company. Receivables increased as a result of
the growth in the Company's business as well as including the $1,140,000
receivable from the sale in Spain of its ciprofloxacin antibiotic, Belmacina(R),
which has been received subsequent to year end. Accounts payable increased in
part due to the
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
increased level of business and in part due to the Company's careful management
of its limited liquid resources.
 
    Investing activities provided net cash of $134,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1994, including proceeds from the sale of the Company's
ciprofloxacin antibiotic, Belmacina(R) in Spain, which was sold for $1,556,000
and generated a gain of $884,000. See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements. The Company also sold certain investments during 1994 generating
proceeds of $1,040,000. The Company invested $648,000 in its partnership with
Maximed Corporation (named Maximed Pharmaceuticals) for development of hydrogel
based feminine health care products. Management believes that it is possible to
introduce its first product to the market in 1996 if a dispute with its partner
can be resolved and product development progresses as planned. Investing
activities also included a repayment to Evans Medical S.A. of $793,000 for
amounts due relating to the cancellation of the proposed sale of the marketing
rights to the sachet formulation of Biolid in France in 1993.
 
    Financing activities (primarily receipt of proceeds from private placements
and from stock subscriptions receivable) provided net proceeds of $3,439,000 for
the year ended December 31, 1994, while operating activities for the year ended
December 31, 1994 required net cash of $3,415,000.
 
    The Company continues to experience negative cash flows from operating
activities, and completed private placements of its securities totaling
$1,770,000 during October 1995 in order to fund its operations and is pursuing
this Offering to provide further liquidity. See "--Private Placements" below and
Note 17 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company may seek to
enter into a partnership or other collaborative funding arrangement with respect
to future clinical trials of its products under development. The Company,
however, continues to explore alternative sources for financing its business. In
appropriate situations, that will be strategically determined, the Company may
seek financial assistance from other sources, including contribution by others
to joint ventures and other collaborative or licensing arrangements for the
development, testing, manufacturing and marketing of products and the sale of a
minority interest in, or certain of the assets of, one or more of its
subsidiaries. Management expects that by carefully prioritizing research and
development activities and continuing its austerity program, upon consummation
of this Offering, the Company should have sufficient liquidity to fund
operations through the end of 1996.
 
    Seasonality. In the past, the Company has experienced lower sales in the
fourth calendar quarter of each year. Should the Company begin large sales of a
pharmaceutical product whose sales are seasonal, seasonality of its sales may
become more significant.
 
    Currency. A substantial amount of the Company's business is conducted in
France and Spain and is therefore influenced by the extent to which there are
fluctuations in the dollar's value against such countries' currencies. The
effect of foreign currency fluctuations on long lived assets for the nine months
ended September 30, 1995 and for the year ended December 31, 1994 was an
increase of $443,000 and $289,000, respectively, and the cumulative historical
effect at September 30, 1995 and December 31, 1994 was a decrease of $658,000
and $1,101,000, respectively, as reflected in the Company's Consolidated Balance
Sheets in the "Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity" section. Although exchange
rates fluctuated significantly in recent months, the Company does not believe
that the effect of foreign currency fluctuation is material to the Company's
results of operations as the expenses related to much of the Company's foreign
currency revenues are in the same currency as such revenues. The Company relies
primarily upon financing activities to fund the operations of the Company in the
United States and has not transferred significant amounts into or out of the
United States in the recent past. In the event that the Company is required to
fund United States operations with funds generated in France or Spain, currency
rate fluctuations in the future could have a significant impact on the Company.
However, at the present time, the Company does not anticipate altering its
business plans and practices to compensate for future currency fluctuations.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
    Private Placements. To finance its operations, in October 1995 the Company
conducted two private placements of its securities. In the first placement, the
Company sold to certain purchasers for an aggregate purchase price of $720,000,
120,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock and 12% promissory notes in the
aggregate principal amount of $720,000 (the "Notes") which become payable in
full upon the earlier of July 31, 1996 or the closing of a public offering of
the Company's securities (a "Public Offering"). The Notes are convertible into
shares of Common Stock, at the option of the holders thereof, at a conversion
price of $3.00 per share, for an aggregate of 240,000 shares of Common Stock,
subject to anti-dilution provisions. The Notes are subject to mandatory
conversion at a conversion price of $3.00 per share if no Public Offering is
completed by July 31, 1996.
 
    In the second placement, the Company sold to certain purchasers for an
aggregate purchase price of $1,050,000, 131,250 shares of Common Stock and 12%
promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $1,050,000 (the "A Notes")
which become payable in full upon the earlier of September 30, 1996 or the
completion of a Public Offering. The A Notes are subject to mandatory
conversion, at a conversion price equal to the average closing price for the
Common Stock quoted on the American Stock Exchange for the five trading days
immediately preceding September 30, 1996, if no Public Offering is completed by
September 30, 1996.
 
    As required by the terms of the placements, the Company will utilize a
portion of the proceeds of this Offering to repay the Notes and the A Notes. See
"Use of Proceeds." The Underwriter served as placement agent for the placements.
See "Underwriting--Private Placements." The shares of Common Stock sold in the
placements and the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes
which have been converted prior to the date hereof and, consequently, will not
be repaid, have been registered for resale. See "Concurrent Offering."
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
                                    BUSINESS
 
GENERAL
 
    The Company is an international pharmaceutical and health care company
engaged primarily in the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of
pharmaceutical products in France and Spain, with limited distribution of health
care products and research and development activities in the United States. The
Company's operations in France consist of the brokerage of fine chemicals and
the marketing of the drug Ceredase, manufactured by Genzyme Corporation and used
in the treatment of Gaucher's Disease. In Spain, the Company manufactures,
packages and distributes both its own and other companies' pharmaceutical
products and has recently begun to emphasize the manufacture of pharmaceuticals
under contract. In the United States, the Company markets disposable linens to
emergency health services which are manufactured under contract. The percentage
of the Company's total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 1995
which are attributable to its operations in France, Spain and the United States
are approximately 82%, 17% and 1%, respectively. Limited research and
development activities are conducted both in the United States and Europe and
the Company has several products under development. The Company's chemical and
pharmaceutical operations in France and Spain are a result of its 1991
acquisition of Chimos S.A. and the establishment of a pharmaceutical subsidiary
in France, Laboratoires Belmac S.A. (these two entities in France have since
been merged into one entity named and referred to herein as Chimos/LBF S.A.) and
the 1992 acquisition of Rimafar S.A. (subsequently renamed and referred to
herein as Laboratorios Belmac S.A.), respectively.
 
    The strategic focus of the Company has shifted in response to the evolution
of the global health care environment. The Company has moved from a research and
development-oriented pharmaceutical company, developing products from the
chemistry laboratory through marketing to a company seeking to acquire
late-stage development compounds that can be marketed within one or two years,
and currently marketed products. As a result of this transition, the Company has
decreased its research and development expenses dramatically over the past few
years as well as implemented cost-cutting measures throughout the Company's
operations. The Company emphasizes product distribution in France and Spain,
strategic alliances and product acquisitions, which management of the Company
expects will move the Company closer to profitability in the near future.
 
    The Company's sales by its primary product lines are as follows (in
thousands):
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                                                
                                                              FOR THE                FOR THE
                                                             YEAR ENDED            NINE MONTHS
                                                            DECEMBER 31,        ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                         ------------------    --------------------
                                                          1993       1994       1994       1995
                                                         -------    -------    -------    -------
<S>                                                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Pharmaceutical and consumer health care products......   $19,483    $26,100    $19,560    $23,429
Disposable linen products.............................        56        184        116        154
Other.................................................       310      --         --         --
                                                         -------    -------    -------    -------
      Total...........................................   $19,849    $26,284    $19,676    $23,583
                                                         -------    -------    -------    -------
                                                         -------    -------    -------    -------
</TABLE>
 
PRODUCT LINES
 
    The Company currently manufactures, markets and sells pharmaceutical
products in Spain, distributes pharmaceutical and biotechnology products and
brokers fine chemicals in France, and markets and sells disposable linens in the
United States.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
    PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING AND MARKETING IN SPAIN
 
    Laboratorios Belmac S.A., the Company's subsidiary in Spain ("Laboratorios
Belmac"), manufactures, markets and sells pharmaceutical products whose four
primary categories are cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal and
antibiotic. The Company manufactures over 30 types of pharmaceuticals in its
facility in Zaragoza, Spain both for its own sales and, on occasion, under
contract for others. The manufacturing facility was recently renovated and
brought into full compliance with European Union Good Manufacturing Practices
(GMPs). Among the products Laboratorios Belmac manufactures, each of which is
registered with Spain's Ministry of Health, are:
 
        Controlvas(R). Controlvas, whose generic name is enalapril, is an
    angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor useful in the treatment of
    hypertension and congestive heart failure. Enalapril is marketed in the
    United States by Merck & Company.
 
        Belmazol(R). Belmazol, whose generic name is omeprazole, is used
    primarily for hyperacidity problems related to ulcers and, secondarily, for
    the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Omeprozole is a proton
    pump inhibitor which inhibits the hydrogen/potassium ATPase enzyme system at
    the secretory surface of the gastric parietal cell. Because this enzyme
    system is regarded as an acid pump within the gastric mucosa, it has been
    characterized as a gastric acid pump inhibitor in that it blocks the final
    step of acid production. This compound has been used in combination with
    antibiotics for the treatment of ulcers when it is suspected that
    Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria, is the etiologic agent.
 
        Lopermida(R). Lopermida, whose generic name is loperamide hydrochloride,
    a product launched by the Company in Spain in March 1995, is a compound that
    inhibits gastrointestinal motility and is useful in the treatment of
    diarrheal conditions and colitis. Loperamide hydrochloride is marketed in
    the United States by several drug companies, including McNeil, Proctor &
    Gamble, Novo Pharm and Geneva.
 
        Ergodavur(R), Neurodavur(R) and Neurodavur Plus(R). Ergodavur,
    Neurodavur and Neurodavur Plus are compounds used for the enhancement of
    activity in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
 
        Diflamil(R). Diflamil is an anti-inflammatory analgesic used in the
    treatment of arthritis.
 
        Resorborina(R). Resorborina is a compound that has local anesthetic and
    anti-inflammatory properties for the treatment of pharyngitis and mouth
    infections.
 
        Onico-Fitex(R) and Fitex E(R). Onico-Fitex and Fitex E are compounds
    used to treat local fungal infections, especially around the nails.
 
        Otogen(R). Otogen is a product used for the treatment of ear infections
    and ear pain.
 
        Spirometon(R). Spirometon is a combination of spironolactone and
    bendroflumethazide useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure,
    hypertension and edema. (Spirometon is a diuretic that preserves the body's
    supply of potassium).
 
        Anacalcit(R). Anacalcit is a calcium binding product used for the
    treatment of kidney stones. The Spanish government has specifically
    requested that Laboratorios Belmac continue to manufacture this product, as
    Laboratorios Belmac is the only supplier of this type of product in Spain.
 
        Biolid(R). Biolid is a non-crystalline form of erythromycin with a
    potential for enhanced bioavailability. Plans are underway for developing
    manufacturing capabilities for Biolid in Spain. Laboratorios Belmac will
    perform an additional clinical study in Spain once the production of the
    sachet formulation has been completed and prior to the commencement of
    marketing. See "--Products under Development--Biolid--Spain."
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
        Belmacina(R). Belmacina is a ciprofloxacin antibiotic. The Company sold
    its Spanish marketing rights to Belmacina to CEPA, a Spanish company, in
    1994 for 200 million Spanish Pesetas (approximately $1,556,000) and the
    related trademark to CEPA for 50 million Spanish Pesetas (approximately
    $380,000) in 1995. The Company maintains the right to manufacture and export
    this product. Belmacina was acquired by the Company in September 1992 for
    approximately $577,000. The gain on sale of the marketing rights
    (approximately $884,000) was included in the Company's income for the year
    ended December 31, 1994. The Company recorded the gain on the sale of the
    related trademark (approximately $380,000) as deferred revenue in its
    consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1994, and
    recognized such revenue in 1995. See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated
    Financial Statements.
 
        Rimafungol(R). Rimafungol is the Company's form of cyclopiroxolamine, a
    broad-spectrum antifungal product for treating fungal infections of the skin
    and vagina.
 
        Rofanten(R). Rofanten is the Company's formulation of naproxen sodium,
    an anti-inflammatory/analgesic.
 
        Generic Antibiotics. Laboratorios Belmac produces directly or by
    contract to others, various other types of generic antibiotics for which
    patent protection no longer exists, such as amoxicillin, ampicillin
    (Bactosone Retard(R)) and injectable forms of penicillin.
 
    Controlvas and Belmazol, together, represent approximately 70% of the sales
of Laboratorios Belmac.
 
    As the Spanish government did not provide any patent protection for
pharmaceutical products until 1992, the Company, while owning the right to
manufacture the drugs described above as well as other pharmaceuticals, will
often be one of several companies which has the right to manufacture and sell
substantially similar products. The Spanish regulatory authorities specify the
amounts each company can charge for its products. Therefore, the Company's
competitors may sell similar products at the same, higher or lower prices. Many
of these competitors are larger, better capitalized and have more developed
sales networks than the Company.
 
    The Company maintains an internal marketing and sales staff of approximately
54, including 32 employees and 22 independent sales representatives working on
commission in Spain to market the pharmaceuticals it produces. The Company's
sales force competes by emphasizing highly individualized customer service.
 
    In 1995, the Company commenced the export of pharmaceuticals manufactured by
Laboratorios Belmac outside Spain through local distributors, particularly in
Eastern Europe and South America.
 
    CONTRACT MANUFACTURING. Since Laboratorios Belmac currently utilizes less
than 100% of its plant capacity to manufacture its own products, Laboratorios
Belmac has begun to act as a contract manufacturer of pharmaceuticals owned by
other companies such as Rhone-Poulenc's subsidiary Natterman S.A., Ciba Geigy's
subsidiary Zyma, Fournier, Italpharmaco, Beijing Pharmaceutical, Instituto
Llorente and Laboratorios Juventus, S.A. Other contracts are contemplated in the
near future. The Company manufactures these pharmaceuticals to its customers'
specifications, packaging them with the customers labels. Occasionally, to
assure product uniformity and quality, employees of these customers will work at
the Company's manufacturing facility.
 
    As a result of Spain's entry into the European Union, Spain implemented new
pharmaceutical manufacturing standards and the Company was required to modify
its facility to comply with these regulations. Such renovations were
accomplished by Laboratorios Belmac without interruption of sales or
distribution. After an inspection, in July 1995 the operating parts of the
facility were determined to be in compliance with European Good Manufacturing
Practices ("GMPs") by Spain's Ministry of Health.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
    PHARMACEUTICAL MARKETING AND SALES IN FRANCE
 
    Chimos/LBF S.A., the Company's subsidiary in France ("Chimos"), is engaged
in the import and distribution of specialty pharmaceutical products to hospitals
and others in France. Chimos concentrates on the sale of "orphan drugs" (drugs
used for the treatment of rare diseases). The Company markets, throughout
France, over 26 pharmaceutical products from Europe and the United States.
 
   
    Among the products Chimos currently markets is Ceredase, a drug used in the
treatment of Gaucher's Disease. Chimos has been marketing Ceredase in France
since the drug became available, approximately five years ago. Chimos is able to
market these drugs because it has been authorized as a distributor by France's
Ministry of Health. The primary customer of Chimos is Pharmacie Centrale des
Hopitaux, which purchases Ceredase from Chimos. Since Ceredase treats a rare
disease, this hospital buys and controls distribution of this product to other
hospitals in France. Ceredase is manufactured by Genzyme Corporation of Boston,
Massachusetts, which contracts with Chimos to distribute it in France. The
contracts with Genzyme have recently had limited terms; the most recent
three-month extension terminates on March 31, 1996. There can be no assurance
that Chimos will continue to market Ceredase or that the relationship between
Chimos and Genzyme will continue. The Company continues to assess the importance
of Ceredase to its operation because, notwithstanding the relative significance
of its sales volume, its gross margins as a percentage of sales are minimal.
    
 
    Chimos, as one of the authorized distributors of Orphan Drugs in France, is
occasionally contacted by manufacturers of such products outside of France to
act as their distributor. In addition, the Company from time to time supplies
Chimos with a list of Orphan Drugs approved by the FDA in the United States and
Chimos contacts their manufacturers to seek becoming their distributor in
France.
 
    CHEMICAL BROKERAGE. Chimos is engaged in the import and supply in France of
approximately 39 fine chemicals, such as furosemide, phenobarbital and
trihexyphenidyl HCl, used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, from countries
such as Japan, Taiwan, China, Pakistan and several European countries. The
brokerage of fine chemicals by Chimos provides a necessary link between the
manufacturer and end-user. The manufacturer produces the chemicals to meet
product specifications and provides a certificate of analysis as to the purity
of the chemicals. The products are provided to the end-user, which generally
verifies the analysis with its own quality control procedures. Chimos generally
acts as agent for the manufacturer, arranging for shipping, import and customs
documentation, invoicing and collection of payments. Chimos also acts on
occasion on behalf of the end-user, which requests that Chimos source a
particular product from one of its sources or conduct a world-wide search for
the product.
 
    MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION OF DISPOSABLE LINENS IN THE UNITED STATES
 
    The Company markets and distributes disposable linen products to the
emergency health care industry in the United States through Belmac Healthcare
Corporation, one of the Company's U.S. subsidiaries ("Healthcare"). These
disposable linens include products such as blankets, sheets and pillowcases.
Customers for these products include distributors to entities which are engaged
in the provision of emergency health care services, such as emergency rooms and
ambulance services, located primarily in the southwestern and northeastern
regions of the United States.
 
    Healthcare receives orders for these products at the Company's headquarters
in Tampa, Florida. Healthcare subcontracts the manufacturing of the disposable
linens in accordance with Healthcare's specifications. The raw materials for
these products are provided by Healthcare and stored with one of the
manufacturers until needed. Once produced, the products are shipped directly to
the customer from the manufacturer or held in inventory in anticipation of
customer demand.
 
    The supply of disposable linens to health care providers in the United
States is a highly competitive business. Large companies with significantly
greater resources than the Company, such as Kimberly-
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
Clark Corporation, Minnesota Mining & Mfg. Co., Johnson & Johnson, Owens & Minor
Inc., General Medical Corp. and Baxter International Inc., dominate the market.
The Company concentrates its marketing on the emergency services segment of the
health care market, an area which demands greater individual attention.
Healthcare believes that it competes on the basis of customer service.
 
    Healthcare advertises this service nationwide through several mediums, such
as print advertisements, trade shows and direct mail (sales brochures). Sales
from disposable linens increased from $56,000 in 1993 to $184,000 in 1994 and to
$154,000 during the first nine months of 1995. The manufacture and sale of
disposable linens is subject to regulation by the FDA. The FDA monitors the
composition and labeling of health care products, such as disposable linens.
 
PRODUCTS UNDER DEVELOPMENT
 
    Although the Company significantly reduced its research and development
activities when it implemented its austerity program in 1993, the Company has
maintained its rights to a number of selected products. There can be no
assurance that the Company will have the resources to bring any of these
products to market or, if such resources are available, that the products can be
successfully developed, manufactured or marketed.
 
    Due to the expense and time commitment required to bring a pharmaceutical
product to market, the Company is seeking co-marketing, licensing and
promotional arrangements and other collaborations with other international or
national pharmaceutical companies. Generally, management believes that the
Company can compete more effectively in certain markets through collaborative
arrangements with companies that have an established presence in a particular
geographic area and greater resources than those of the Company. The Company is
currently seeking partners to assist in the further development and marketing of
Biolid and Alphanon(R).
 
    BIOLID(R)
 
    Biolid is a non-crystalline form of erythromycin with a potential for
enhanced bioavailability (quantity absorbed in blood over time compared to dose
received). Initially, Biolid was produced in Europe in a sachet formulation,
which is a powder formulation contained in a packet, which is mixed with water
prior to oral administration. This formulation for drugs is more popular in
Europe than in the United States, necessitating the Company's development of a
tablet formulation for marketing in the United States. The Company was granted a
United States patent for Biolid in June 1992. An international patent
application covering ten additional countries was granted in January 1994.
Regulatory approval is pending in Mexico. Regulatory approval was recently
received in Spain and an Investigational New Drug Application ("IND") is on file
with the FDA.
 
    Initial Sachet Formulation Studies. Five double blind clinical studies of
Biolid, using its sachet formulation, were completed in 1992 in a total of 612
patients in France, Germany, Belgium and Holland. Four studies used
roxithromycin (Rulid, Hoescht-Roussel) as a reference drug, and Biolid showed
equal efficacy and tolerance in both lower and upper respiratory tract
infections in three of the four studies. In the fifth study, Biolid was compared
to a third generation oral cephalosporin, cefpodoxime (Cefodox,
Hoescht-Roussel), in upper respiratory tract infections, and again, equal
efficacy and tolerance were observed.
 
    France. The Company began marketing the sachet formulation of Biolid in
France in 1992 after its approval by France's Ministry of Health. During a
periodic review of the dossier of Biolid by the Ministry in 1993 which was
completed shortly after the Company had negotiated the sale of the Company's
rights to the sachet formulation in France, the Ministry required the suspension
of marketing of Biolid pending the provision by the Company of additional
clinical data regarding the mechanisms for the comparatively enhanced absorption
of the Biolid sachet. This suspension was
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
unrelated to its safety or efficacy issues. The sale of the rights to Biolid did
not occur. The Company believes that once the additional technical information
requested has been provided to the French regulators, the regulators should
agree to the continued marketing of the sachet formulation. However, due to the
cost of such a study, at this time the Company will not fund additional clinical
studies of the sachet formulation in France without a collaborative partner. The
Company believes that the likelihood of obtaining a partner in France is
currently remote. See Notes 4 and 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements.
 
    Spain. The Company received approval by Spain's Ministry of Health in 1994
for marketing the sachet formulation of Biolid in Spain at a price lower than
that requested by the Company. In 1995, the Ministry approved a higher price
level, pending delivery of the results of a further clinical study demonstrating
enhanced bioavailability of Biolid. In addition, once the initial production of
a quantity of Biolid has been produced by Laboratorios Belmac in Spain, which
will be done using raw materials supplied to Laboratorios Belmac from Chimos,
Laboratorios Belmac will use the same clinical study to demonstrate that the
manufacturing process used in Spain is substantially similar to that which was
successfully used in France and that the formulation produced in Spain yields a
final product which meets all regulatory standards. The Company currently
expects that the clinical study will be performed in two phases. First, a pilot
study of six persons will be performed and then, if the results of the pilot
study are positive, a larger population will be tested in compliance with the
requirements of the Ministry. There can be no assurance that either the pilot
study or, if the pilot study is successful, the full study will demonstrate
either enhanced bioavailability or substantial similarity. Management of the
Company does not have sufficient data to be able to accurately predict the
outcome of these studies at this time. These studies would be funded by the
operations of Laboratorios Belmac and a portion of the proceeds of this
Offering.
 
    United States. The Company has determined to direct its marketing efforts
for Biolid in the United States to the twice-a-day tablet formulation rather
than the sachet formulation. The Company has performed several pilot studies
between 1992 and 1994, the most recent of which indicated that the tablet, given
with a high fat meal, had bioavailability which was approximately 25% better
when compared on a milligram for milligram basis with a competitive U.S. tablet
of erythromycin. These results did not achieve the same level of bioavailability
as the initial studies of the sachet formulation. Because of wide variations in
the data, an additional study with a larger number of subjects will be required
to definitively determine the relative bioavailability of the tablet formulation
as compared to standard erythromycin. A study plan was reviewed by the FDA.
There can be no assurance that this study will demonstrate enhanced
bioavailability. Management of the Company does not have sufficient data to be
able to accurately predict the outcome of the studies at this time. A portion of
the proceeds of this Offering may be used to fund this study. Should this study
be successful, the Company intends to seek collaborative partners to assist in
further development and marketing of this product.
 
    ALPHANON(R)
 
    Alphanon, the Company's original product, was designed for the systemic
treatment of hemorrhoids. The drug was originally developed as a liquid
formulation for intra-navel transdermal application. A double blind placebo
controlled study conducted in France in the late 1980's in 220 patients
demonstrated that Alphanon was effective in the treatment of hemorrhoids and
hemorrhoidal bleeding. This study was not conducted in complete compliance with
Good Clinical Practices.
 
    A transdermal patch, a more convenient formulation, has been developed with
ALZA Corporation, and an IND is on file with the FDA. The Company satisfactorily
completed a Phase I clinical study in December 1992 and is evaluating its
alternatives which include continuing development, co-development or
divestiture. The Company has discontinued all sales and marketing efforts as
well as further research and development related to Alphanon pending a decision
regarding such alternatives.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
    OTHER PRODUCTS
 
    Azaquinone Analogues. The development of the original azaquinone compound
was discontinued by the Company in 1994, however, numerous analogues were
synthesized by the Company as part of the development process. Initial in vitro
screening showed promising activity against Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC).
The Company plans to continue limited additional research on these analogues.
The Kuzell Institute in San Francisco, California, under a grant from the
National Institutes of Health, is currently conducting research into the
efficacy of azaquinone. Should the results of this testing show that an
azaquinone analogue has enough unique qualities to distinguish it from other
similar products, the Company plans to apply for a patent, and ultimately sell
the rights to this compound.
 
    Phenantramine Analogue. Phenantramine analogue is a pre-clinical stage
antimalarial which has shown effectiveness against sensitive and resistant
strains of Plasmodium falciparum. It is currently being reviewed for possible
co-development by an unrelated third party. The Company is planning no
additional in-house research and development activity at this time with respect
to this compound.
 
    PARTNERSHIP VENTURE
 
   
    In March 1994 the Company formed a partnership, through Healthcare's
wholly-owned subsidiary, Belmac Hygiene, Inc., with a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Maximed Corporation, which is headquartered in New York City, and planned to
market, through this partnership, a range of hydrogel based feminine health care
products, including a contraceptive, an antiseptic, an antifungal and an
antibacterial. In December 1994, the Company commenced litigation against its
partner claiming interference in the management of the partnership and
misrepresentation under the Partnership Agreement. On January 12, 1996 the Court
ruled that the Company's reliance on its partner's misrepresentation was not
justified and that the Company had performed its obligations under the agreement
with its partner. Accordingly, the Company's claims as well as the counterclaims
of its partner were dismissed. Pending resolution of this dispute, the
partnership is not actively engaged in the development of any products. The
Company believes that while introduction of the first product, a contraceptive,
is possible in 1996, such introduction is dependent upon a prompt and favorable
resolution of the Company's dispute with its partner which would include the
receipt by the Company of the rights to such products. See "Legal Proceedings."
    
 
SOURCES AND AVAILABILITY OF RAW MATERIALS
 
    The Company purchases, in the ordinary course of business, necessary raw
materials and supplies essential to the Company's operations from numerous
suppliers. There have been no availability problems or supply shortages nor are
any anticipated.
 
PATENTS, TRADEMARKS, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS
 
    Although few of the products currently being sold by the Company are
protected by patents owned by the Company, the Company believes that patent and
trademark protection of the results of the Company's research and development
efforts will be an essential component to the future success of the Company.
Accordingly, where possible, patents and trademarks will be sought and obtained
in the United States and in all countries of principal market interest to the
Company.
 
    Patents for Biolid were granted in the U.S. in June 1992 and in the
following European countries in January 1994: Austria, Belgium, Italy,
Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, U.K., Germany and France. A
patent for Biolid in Venezuela was granted in September 1995. A U.S. patent for
Phenantramine was granted in October 1993. Trademarks for Biolid are currently
registered in France, Ireland, Portugal, Sweden and the U.K. Alphanon trademarks
are currently registered in the U.S. and Australia.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
    In addition, Laboratorios Belmac owns 50 trademarks for pharmaceutical
products and one patent for enalapril (which expires in 2005) which were granted
by Spain's Bureau of Patents and Trademarks. In Spain, patents expire after 20
years and trademarks expire after 10 years, but can be renewed. All prescription
pharmaceutical products marketed by Laboratorios Belmac in Spain have been
registered with and approved by Spain's Ministry of Health. To register a
pharmaceutical with the Ministry requires the submission of a registration
dossier which includes all pre-clinical, clinical and manufacturing information.
The registration process generally takes approximately two years. There can be
no assurance that a competitor has not or will not submit additional
registrations for products substantially similar to those marketed by
Laboratorios Belmac.
 
COMPETITION
 
    All of the Company's current and future products face competition both from
existing drugs and products and from new drugs and products being developed by
others. This competition potentially includes national and multi-national
pharmaceutical and health care companies of all sizes. Many of these other
pharmaceutical and health care concerns have greater financial resources,
technical staffs and manufacturing and marketing capabilities than the Company.
Acceptance by hospitals, physicians and patients is crucial to the success of a
pharmaceutical or health care product.
 
    The Company competes primarily in France and Spain, which are large,
developed population centers in Europe with populations of approximately
58,000,000 and 39,000,000 people, respectively. In addition, since both
countries are members of the European Union, the Company expects to be able to
target the European Union's larger population of approximately 442,000,000 as
integration eliminates the barriers between countries.
 
    Laboratorios Belmac competes with both large multinational companies and
local companies which produce most of the products Laboratorios Belmac
manufactures on the basis of service and its concentration on select product
lines. For example, there are currently 23 companies which market and sell
omeprazole, such as Schering-Plough, S.A. Similarly, 20 companies currently sell
enalapril, with Merck, Sharp & Dome de Espana, S.A. being the product leader.
Others of the products sold by Laboratorios Belmac, such as Onico-Fitex, are
more unusual and have fewer competitors. The contract manufacturing performed by
Laboratorios Belmac has a number of competitors, including Tadec Meiji Farma,
Bama Geve, ReigJofre, Aristegui, and Fournier, S.A.
 
    Chimos, as a distributor and broker of fine chemicals, pharmaceutical
intermediates and biotechnology products, competes with numerous multinational
companies as well as companies in France, resulting in low product margins
despite high volume. Competition in the supply and distribution of
pharmaceutical intermediates is particularly strong from a large number of small
companies located in Italy, India, Pakistan and China. Certain large
multinational companies also compete in the distribution of fine chemicals
including Abbott Laboratories--Chemicals Division, The UpJohn Co. and Bayer A.G.
The biotechnology industry is currently less competitive as many of such
products are Orphan Drugs with low volumes.
 
CUSTOMERS
 
    The incidence of certain infectious diseases which occur at various times in
different areas of the world affects the demand for the Company's antibiotic
products when they are marketed in each area. Orders for the Company's products
are generally filled on a current basis, and no order backlog existed at
September 30, 1995 or December 31, 1994. Sales of approximately $6,024,000 and
$8,000,000 to Pharmacie Centrale des Hopitaux accounted for approximately 26%
and 30%, of the Company's sales for the nine months ended September 30, 1995 and
for the year ended December 31, 1994, respectively. The Company expects that the
loss of this customer would have a material short-term adverse effect on the
Company's business. No material portion of the Company's business is subject to
renegotiation of profits or termination of contracts at the election of any
governmental authority.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
 
    In addition to various executive and administrative functions, the Tampa,
Florida headquarters of the Company serves as a site for limited research and
development activities. Research and development activities have also been
performed, under contract, by various universities and consulting research
laboratories. The Company has a research and development portfolio of four
pharmaceutical products, with a primary focus on anti-infectives. See
"--Products under Development." These products are protected by two patents and
one patent application in the United States. Patent and patent applications have
also been filed in other countries of marketing interest to the Company. INDs
are on file with the FDA for the macrolide antibiotic, Biolid, and the
transdermal anti-hemorrhoidal patch, Alphanon.
 
    The Company spent $341,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 1995,
$759,000 in the year ended December 31, 1994, $1,555,000 in the year ended
December 31, 1993, $3,599,000 in the six months ended December 31, 1992, and
$5,168,000 in the year ended June 30, 1992 on research and development to
discover and develop new products and processes and to improve existing products
and processes. Expenditures were concentrated in the development of products for
the treatment of infectious diseases. These decreases are a result of a thorough
review of research and development activities with the establishment of
priorities based on both technical and commercial criteria. The Company intends
to continue to carefully manage such expenditures in view of its limited
resources. A portion of the proceeds of this Offering is intended to be used for
further research and development activities. See "Use of Proceeds."
 
    Laboratorios Belmac is engaged in limited research of drug delivery systems
("DDS"), such as sustained release and time release formulations, through a
collaborative venture with a customer. Laboratorios Belmac plans to commence
clinical studies of the drug Cisapride, a motility product used for the
treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, in collaboration with another entity
and a study of the sachet formulation of Biolid in the next year.
 
REGULATION
 
    The development, manufacture, sale, and distribution of the Company's
products are subject to comprehensive government regulation, and the general
trend is toward more stringent regulation. Government regulation, which includes
detailed inspection of and controls over research laboratory procedures,
clinical investigations, and manufacturing, marketing, and distribution
practices by various federal, state, and local agencies, substantially increases
the time, difficulty and cost incurred in obtaining and maintaining the approval
to market newly developed and existing products.
 
    United States. The steps required before a pharmaceutical agent may be
marketed in the United States include (i) preclinical laboratory and animal
tests, (ii) the submission to the FDA of an IND, which must become effective
before human clinical trials may commence, (iii) adequate and well-controlled
human clinical trials to establish the safety and efficacy of the drug, (iv) the
submission of New Drug Application ("NDA") to the FDA, and (v) the FDA approval
of the NDA prior to any commercial sale or shipment of the drug. In addition to
obtaining FDA approval for each product, each domestic drug manufacturing
establishment must be registered with the FDA. Domestic manufacturing
establishments are subject to biennial inspections by the FDA and must comply
with current GMPs for drugs. To supply products for use in the United States,
foreign manufacturing establishments must comply with GMPs and are subject to
periodic inspection by the FDA or by regulatory authorities in such countries
under reciprocal agreements with the FDA.
 
    Clinical trials are typically conducted in three sequential phases that may
overlap. In Phase I, the initial introduction of the pharmaceutical into healthy
human volunteers, the emphasis is on testing for safety (adverse effects),
dosage tolerance, metabolism, excretion and clinical pharmacology. Phase II
involves studies in a limited patient population to determine the efficacy of
the pharmaceutical for specific targeted indications, to determine dosage
tolerance and optimal dosage and to identify possible adverse side effects and
safety risks. Once a compound is found to be effective and to have an acceptable
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
safety profile in Phase II evaluations, Phase III trials are undertaken to
evaluate clinical efficacy further and to further test for safety within an
expanded patient population at multiple clinical study sites. The FDA reviews
both the clinical plans and the results of the trials and may discontinue the
trials at any time if there are significant safety issues.
 
    The results of the preclinical and clinical trials are submitted to the FDA
in the form of a NDA for marketing approval. The approval process is affected by
a number of factors, including the severity of the disease, the availability of
alternative treatments and the risks and benefits demonstrated in clinical
trials. Additional animal studies or clinical trials may be requested during the
FDA review process and may delay marketing approval. After FDA approval for the
initial indications, further clinical trials would be necessary to gain approval
for the use of the product for any additional indications. The FDA may also
require post-marketing testing to monitor for adverse effects, which can involve
significant expense.
 
    Under the Orphan Drug Act, the FDA may designate a product or products as
having Orphan Drug status to treat a "rare disease or condition," which is a
disease or condition that affects populations of less than 200,000 individuals
in the United States or, if victims of a disease number more than 200,000, the
sponsor establishes that it does not realistically anticipate its product sales
will be sufficient to recover its costs. If a product is designated an Orphan
Drug, then the sponsor is entitled to recover its costs and the sponsor is
entitled to receive certain incentives to undertake the development and
marketing of the product, including limited tax credits and high-priority FDA
review of an NDA. In addition, the sponsor that obtains the first marketing
approval for a designated Orphan Drug for a given indication is eligible to
receive marketing exclusivity for a period of seven years.
 
    Spain. As a manufacturer in Spain, which is a member of the European Union,
Laboratorios Belmac is subject to the regulations enacted by the European Union.
Prior to Spain's entry into the European Union in 1993, the pharmaceutical
regulations in Spain were less stringent and Laboratorios Belmac, along with all
Spanish companies, have had to modify their procedures to adapt to the new
regulations, which are nearly identical to the regulations promulgated by the
United States Food & Drug Administration discussed above. In general, these
regulations are consistent with the FDA and require a manufacturer of a proposed
pharmaceutical to show efficacy and safety. The development process in Spain
goes through the same phases (e.g. I, II, III) as in the United States to assure
their safety and efficacy. A dossier on each pharmaceutical is prepared which
takes approximately two years for review by the Ministry of Health. They then
can only be sold to the public with a prescription from a medical doctor.
 
    As most of the pharmaceuticals Laboratorios Belmac produces are subject to
this regulatory process, its business can be materially affected by any change
in existing regulations. Currently, Laboratorios Belmac has submitted two
products for regulatory review by the Spanish Ministry of Health, cisapride and
diclofenac, which will be marketed once approved. In addition, Laboratorios
Belmac markets 14 products and has two products which have been approved and are
in pre-marketing stages.
 
    France. Most of the activities of Chimos are not regulated by France's
Ministry of Health, since pharmaceuticals in France are regulated at the level
of the manufacturer, as they produce the products, and pharmacists, as they
distribute the products to the public. Chimos' distribution activities are not
regulated. Chimos has had one regulatory submission at the Ministry of Health
for Biolid. See "--Products under Development--Biolid."
 
    General. Continuing studies of the utilization, safety, and efficacy of
health care products and their components are being conducted by industry,
government agencies, and others. Such studies, which employ increasingly
sophisticated methods and techniques, can call into question the utilization,
safety, and efficacy of previously marketed products and in some cases have
resulted, and may in the future result, in the discontinuance of such products
and give rise to claims for damages from persons
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
who believe they have been injured as a result of their use. The Company has
product liability insurance for such potential claims, however, no such claims
have ever been asserted against the Company.
 
    The cost of human health care continues to be a subject of investigation and
action by governmental agencies, legislative bodies, and private organizations.
In the United States, most states have enacted generic substitution legislation
requiring or permitting a dispensing pharmacist to substitute a different
manufacturer's version of a drug for the one prescribed. Federal and state
governments continue their efforts to reduce costs of subsidized heath care
programs, including restrictions on amounts agencies will reimburse for the use
of products. Efforts to reduce health care costs are also being made in the
private sector. Health care providers have responded by instituting various cost
reduction and containment measures of their own. It is not possible to predict
the extent to which the Company or the health care industry in general might be
affected by the matters discussed above.
 
    Many countries, directly or indirectly through reimbursement limitations,
control the selling price of certain health care products. Furthermore, many
developing countries limit the importation of raw materials and finished
products. In western Europe, efforts are under way by the European Union to
harmonize technical standards for many products, including drugs and medical
devices, and to make more uniform the requirements for marketing approval from
the various ministries of health.
 
    Although the Company recently began marketing disposable linen products in
the United States, the majority of the Company's sales are in France and Spain.
International operations are subject to certain additional risks inherent in
conducting business outside the United States, including price and currency
exchange controls, changes in currency exchange rates, limitations on foreign
participation in local enterprise, expropriation, nationalization, and other
governmental action.
 
    To the best of its knowledge, the Company is presently in substantial
compliance with all existing applicable environmental laws and does not
anticipate that such compliance will have a material effect on its future
capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position with respect to any of
its operations.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
    The Company and its subsidiaries employ approximately 83 people, 9 of whom
are employed in the United States, 5 in France and 69 in Spain as of January 30,
1996. Of such employees, approximately 29 are principally engaged in
manufacturing activities, 34 in sales and marketing, 2 in research and
development and 18 in management and administration. In general, the Company
considers its relations with its employees to be good.
 
FACILITIES
 
    UNITED STATES
 
    The Company's corporate headquarters are located in Tampa, Florida where the
Company leases approximately 14,000 square feet of office space, which leases
expire in 1998.
 
    SPAIN
 
    Manufacturing is performed at the Company's facilities in Zaragoza, Spain.
These facilities have been renovated recently to comply with the requirements
for good manufacturing practices (GMPs). The facilities, which are owned by the
Company, consist of approximately 45,000 square feet located in a prime
industrial park and seated on sufficient acreage that would allow for future
expansion. The manufacturing facility is capable of producing tablets, capsules,
suppositories, creams, ointments, lotions, liquids and sachets, as well as
microgranulated and microencapsulated products. The facility also includes
analytical chemistry, quality control and quality assurance laboratories. The
GMPs certification allows the Company to undertake contract manufacturing for a
number of international pharmaceutical companies either engaged in or
contemplating emergence into the Spanish market. The
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
Company's administrative offices in Spain are located in Madrid in approximately
3,000 square feet of newly renovated, leased offices which leases expire in
1998.
 
    FRANCE
 
    Chimos is located in Paris, France in leased office space of approximately
2,000 square feet which leases expire in 1998. Manufacturing is contracted out
to SPNE, a semiprivate/government organization, outside of Paris.
 
                               LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
   
    Belmac Hygiene, Inc. ("Hygiene"), a subsidiary of the Company, filed an
action on December 9, 1994 in the United States District Court for the Southern
District of New York against Medstar, Inc. ("Medstar"), Maximed, Inc.
("Maximed") and Robert S. Cohen. The defendants are Hygiene's partners (or such
partner's control persons) in the Company's partnership with Maximed (the
"Partnership"), which was formed for the development and ultimate sale of
Maximed's intra-vaginal controlled release products. The action sought (i) to
enjoin the defendants from interfering with the management of the Partnership by
Hygiene's representatives, and (ii) to recover damages as a result of
defendants' misrepresentations and breach of warranty in the Partnership
agreement. The defendants filed a counterclaim against Hygiene. Medstar also
filed a separate action on May 4, 1995 in the United States District Court for
the Southern District of New York against the Company alleging that Hygiene
failed to fund the Partnership and seeking $10,000,000 from the Company pursuant
to its guaranty of Hygiene's obligations. The issues were tried, without a jury,
on August 21 through 23, 1995. Thereafter, post-trial briefs and proposed
findings of fact and conclusions of law were submitted, and argument was heard
on October 25, 1995. On January 12, 1996, the Court ruled that the Company's
reliance on defendants' misrepresentation was not justified and that the Company
had performed its obligations under the Partnership agreement. Accordingly, the
Court rendered its decision dismissing all claims and counter-claims asserted by
the parties. The Company is assessing its options as to a possible appeal to the
decision.
    
 
    Michael M. Harshbarger, a former member of the Company's Board of Directors
and its former President and Chief Executive Officer, filed a suit against the
Company in November 1993 in the Circuit Court of the Thirteenth Judicial
Circuit, State of Florida, Hillsborough County Civil Division alleging wrongful
termination. The plaintiff is seeking monetary damages in excess of $1,400,000.
The Company views his claim as meritless and intends to vigorously oppose it.
The Company has filed a counterclaim against Harshbarger for wrongful conversion
and civil theft, fraud and deceit, and breach of contract, seeking the return of
corporate assets removed by Harshbarger and for restitution related to expenses
of a personal nature that he charged to the Company's accounts. The Company is
currently amending its counterclaim to include breach of fiduciary duty. The
Company is seeking damages from Harshbarger relating to its counterclaim in
excess of $1,000,000.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND KEY MANAGERS
 
    The directors, executive officers and key managers of the Company are as
follows:
 
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                                                          CLASS
                                                           POSITIONS WITH                  OF
  NAME                                   AGE                THE COMPANY                 DIRECTOR*
  ----                                   ---               -------------                ---------
<S>                                      <C>   <C>                                      <C>
James R. Murphy.......................   45    Chairman, President, Chief Executive
                                               Officer and Director                        III
Robert M. Stote, M.D..................   56    Senior Vice President, Chief Science
                                               Officer and Director                        III
Michael D. Price......................   38    Vice President, Chief Financial
                                               Officer, Treasurer, Secretary and
                                               Director                                     II
Randolph W. Arnegger..................   51    Director                                     II
Charles L. Bolling....................   72    Director                                     II
Doris E. Wardell......................   56    Director                                      I
Denis Nicolas.........................   75    President of Chimos
Clemente Gonzalez Azpeitia............   55    General Manager of Laboratorios Belmac
Jose M. Esteve Serrano................   59    Controller of Laboratorios Belmac
</TABLE>
 
    Set forth below is a biographical description of each executive officer,
director and key employee of the Company:
 
    JAMES R. MURPHY became President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company
on September 7, 1994 and was named Chief Executive Officer effective January 1,
1995 and became Chairman of the Board on June 9, 1995. Prior to rejoining the
Company, Mr. Murphy served as Vice President of Business Development at
MacroChem Corporation, a publicly owned pharmaceutical company, from March 1993
through September 1994. From September 1992 until March 1993, Mr. Murphy served
as a Consultant to the pharmaceutical industry with his primary efforts directed
toward product licensing. Prior thereto, Mr. Murphy served as Director-Worldwide
Business Development and Strategic Planning of the Company from December 1991 to
September 1992. Mr. Murphy previously spent 14 years in basic pharmaceutical
research and product development with SmithKline Corporation and in business
development with contract research laboratories. Mr. Murphy received a B.A. in
Biology from Millersville University. He has been a Director of the Company
since 1993.
 
    ROBERT M. STOTE, M.D. became Senior Vice President and Chief Science Officer
of the Company in March 1992. Prior to joining Bentley Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,
Dr. Stote was employed for 20 years by SmithKline Beecham Corporation serving as
Senior Vice President and Medical Director, Worldwide Medical Affairs from 1989
to 1992, and Vice President-Clinical Pharmacology-Worldwide from 1987 to 1989.
From 1984 to 1987 Dr. Stote was Vice President-Phase I Clinical Research, North
America. Dr. Stote was Chief of Nephrology at Presbyterian Medical Center of
Philadelphia from 1972 to 1989 and was Clinical Professor of Medicine at the
University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Stote received a B.S. in Pharmacy from the
Albany College of Pharmacy, an M.D. from Albany Medical College and is Board
Certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology. He was a Fellow in Nephrology and
Internal Medicine at the Mayo Clinic and is currently a Fellow of the American
College of Physicians. He has been a Director of the Company since 1993.
 
    MICHAEL D. PRICE became Chief Financial Officer, Vice President/Treasurer
and Secretary of the Company in October 1993, April 1993 and November 1992,
respectively. He has served the Company
 
- ------------
* The Company's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and By-laws
  provide for a classified Board of Directors. The Board is divided into three
  classes designated Class I, Class II and Class III, with terms expiring at the
  1997, 1998 and 1996 annual meeting of stockholders, respectively.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
in other capacities since March 1992. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Price
was employed as a financial and management consultant with Carr Financial Group
in Tampa, Florida from March 1990 to March 1992. Prior thereto, he was employed
as Vice President of Finance with Premiere Group, Inc., a real estate developer
in Tampa, Florida from June 1988 to February 1990. Prior thereto, Mr. Price was
employed by Price Waterhouse in Tampa, Florida from January 1982 to June 1988
where his last position with that firm was as an Audit Manager. Mr. Price
received a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting
from Auburn University and an M.B.A. from Florida State University. Mr. Price is
a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Florida. He has been a Director of
the Company since January 1995.
 
    RANDOLPH W. ARNEGGER is the President of Vantage Point Marketing, a
developer and producer of continuing medical education programs, medically
oriented direct mail programs, and medical convention programs, a position he
has held since 1986. Prior thereto, Mr. Arnegger served as Vice President of
Account Services for Curtin & Pease/Peneco, a national direct mail firm, and
Vice President for Pro Clinica, a medical advertising agency in New York. He has
been a Director of the Company since 1994.
 
    CHARLES L. BOLLING served from 1968 to 1973 as Vice President of Product
Management and Promotion (U.S.), from 1973 to 1977 as Vice President of
Commercial Development and from 1977 to 1986 as Director of Business Development
(International) at Smith Kline & French Laboratories. Mr. Bolling has been
retired since 1986. He has been a Director of the Company since 1991.
 
    DORIS E. WARDELL has been Assistant Professor/Clinical Services Coordinator
at the University of Utah College of Nursing since April 1994, and was
previously involved in Integrated Care special projects at Allegheny General
Hospital, serving as Acting Vice President of Nursing at Allegheny General
Hospital from September 1992 to June 1994 and Assistant Vice President of
Nursing from December 1989 to September 1992. Prior thereto, Mrs. Wardell served
as Vice President of Administration at Beaver Medical Center from April 1987 to
November 1989. From March 1980 to April 1987, she was employed by Chestnut Hill
Hospital as Vice President of Nursing and Director of Nursing Services from
August 1978 to March 1980. She has been a Director of the Company since 1994.
 
    DENIS NICOLAS has been the President of Chimos since he was one of its
founders in 1964. Mr. Nicolas' expertise is in the sourcing of fine chemicals
and pharmaceutical raw materials from manufacturers around the world.
 
    CLEMENTE GONZALEZ AZPEITIA has been the General Manager of Laboratorios
Belmac since 1993. From 1987 through 1992, Mr. Gonzalez was a business director
and then a sales director of CEPA, a pharmaceutical company in Spain. From 1969
to 1987, he was employed by the Berenguer-Beneyto Laboratory, first as head of
the research department and later as director of medicine and director of
marketing. Mr. Gonzalez received a medical degree from the University of Madrid.
 
    JOSE M. ESTEVE SERRANO has been the Controller of Laboratorios Belmac since
April 1995. From 1986 through that time he was the financial director of Auto
Suture Espana S.A., the subsidiary in Spain of U.S. Surgical Corporation. From
1983 through 1986, Mr. Esteve was the Controller of Det Norske Veritas Spain, a
shipping services group in Madrid with headquarters in Norway. Prior thereto he
held a number of financial positions in businesses and banks in New York and
Madrid. Mr. Esteve has M.A. degrees in Law and in Economics from the University
of Madrid and an M.B.A. from New York University.
 
    The Company is currently in arrears on two annual dividend payments on its
Series A Preferred Stock and therefore, the holders of the Series A Preferred
Stock have the right, as a class, to elect two additional members of the
Company's Board of Directors. As of the date hereof, the holders have not
exercised such right.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
    The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee.
The Audit Committee recommends to the Board of Directors the appointment of
independent accountants to audit the Company's consolidated financial
statements, reviews the Company's internal control procedures and advises the
Company on tax and other matters connected with the growth of the Company. The
Audit Committee also reviews with management the annual audit and other work
performed by the independent accountants. The Company's Compensation Committee
administers the Company's 1991 Stock Option Plan and reviews and recommends to
the Board of Directors the nature and amount of compensation to be paid to the
Company's executive officers. The Audit Committee consists of Messrs. Arnegger,
Bolling and Price. The Compensation Committee consists of Mrs. Wardell and
Messrs. Arnegger and Bolling.
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
    The following table sets forth the total compensation paid or accrued by the
Company to or for the account of the current Chief Executive Officer and each
person who served as Chief Executive Officer during 1994, and the executive
officers at December 31, 1994 whose total cash compensation for the year ended
December 31, 1994 exceeded $100,000.
 
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                   ANNUAL COMPENSATION                       LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
                                            --------------------------------             -------------------------------
                                                                                                 AWARDS          PAYOUTS
                                                                                         ----------------------  -------
                                                                                                     SECURITIES  
                                                                               OTHER    RESTRICTED  UNDERLYING   LTIP      ALL
                                                                               ANNUAL     STOCK      OPTIONS/   PAYOUTS   OTHER
   NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION                 YEAR(1)    SALARY($)  BONUS($)  COMP($)   AWARDS($)    SARS(#)      ($)    COMP(2)
   ---------------------------                -------    ---------  --------  --------  ----------  ----------  -------  -------
<S>                                          <C>          <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>         <C>      <C>
James R. Murphy(3).......................... Y/E12/31/94    $55,903    $--       $--          $685      --         $--    $12,000
Chairman, President and Chief Executive
 Officer
Robert M. Stote, M.D. (4)................... Y/E12/31/94    200,000     --      27,000      --          --         --       --
Senior Vice President and Chief Science      Y/E12/31/93    211,538     --                  --        2,375      20,000     --
 Officer                                      Six months                                                --
                                                   ended                --                  --                     --       --
                                                12/31/92    100,000                         --          --       15,000     --
                                             Y/E 6/30/92     66,667
Michael D. Price(5)......................... Y/E12/31/94    100,000     --        --            --         --      --       --
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer,     Y/E12/31/93     90,525     --        --         2,375      9,000      --       --
 Treasurer and Secretary
Ranald Stewart, Jr.(6)...................... Y/E12/31/94     --         --      162,000    157,500     20,000      --       --
Former Chairman of the Board, Former Chief   Y/E12/31/93     --         --      106,200      4,500     20,000      --       --
 Executive Officer and Director
Donald E. Boultbee(7)....................... Y/E12/31/94    166,667     --        --        333            --      --       --
Former President and Former Chief Executive  Y/E12/31/93     83,333     --        --        --         10,000      --       --
 Officer
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
(1) The Company changed its fiscal year from June 30 to December 31 commencing
    with the six month transition period ended December 31, 1992.
 
(2) The value of perquisites provided to the named executive officers did not
    exceed 10% of total compensation in any case.
 
(3) Mr. Murphy, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, has been
    employed by the Company since September 1994. Mr. Murphy's annual salary is
    currently $225,000. During the year ended December 31, 1994, Mr. Murphy was
    reimbursed $12,000 for costs related to his relocation upon accepting
    employment with the Company. During the nine months ended September 30,
    1995, Mr. Murphy was awarded stock options to purchase 50,000 shares of
    Common Stock at $3.75 per share, 50% of which vest on June 12, 1996 and the
    balance of which vest on June 12, 1997. During the year ended December 31,
    1994, Mr. Murphy was awarded stock options to purchase 2,000 shares of
    Common Stock at $11.25 per share upon his election to the Board of Directors
    on June 9, 1994. Of these options, 1,000 options vested on June 9, 1995 and
    the remaining
 
                                         (Footnotes continued on following page)
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
(Footnotes continued from preceding page)

    1,000 options are scheduled to vest on June 9, 1996. Compensation for
    services rendered in other capacities prior to becoming an executive officer
    of the Company is excluded. Prior to becoming an executive officer, in his
    capacity as an outside Director, Mr. Murphy was awarded 137 shares of Common
    Stock for services rendered in 1994 as a Committee Member of the Board of
    Directors.
 
(4) Dr. Stote, Senior Vice President and Chief Science Officer, has been
    employed by the Company since March 1992. Dr. Stote's annual salary is
    currently $215,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 1995, Dr.
    Stote was awarded stock options to purchase 37,500 shares of Common Stock at
    $3.75 per share, 50% of which vest on June 12, 1996 and the balance of which
    vest on June 12, 1997. During the year ended December 31, 1993, Dr. Stote
    was awarded stock options to purchase 20,000 shares of Common Stock at
    $20.00 per share, all of which are fully vested. Also during the year ended
    December 31, 1993, Dr. Stote was awarded 100 shares of the Company's
    restricted Common Stock. During the year ended June 30, 1992, Dr. Stote was
    awarded stock options to purchase 15,000 shares of Common Stock at $142.50
    per share, as to which 11,250 have vested and 3,750 are scheduled to vest on
    March 2, 1996. Dr. Stote was reimbursed $22,340 during the six months ended
    December 31, 1992 and $14,854 during the year ended December 31, 1993 for
    costs related to his relocation upon accepting employment with the Company.
 
(5) Mr. Price, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, and Secretary
    has been employed by the Company since March 1992. Mr. Price's annual salary
    is currently $115,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 1995, Mr.
    Price was awarded stock options to purchase 22,500 shares of Common Stock at
    $3.75 per share, 50% of which vest on June 12, 1996 and the balance of which
    vest on June 12, 1997. During the year ended December 31, 1993, Mr. Price
    was awarded stock options to purchase 9,000 shares of Common Stock at $20.00
    per share, all of which are fully vested. Also during the year ended
    December 31, 1993, Mr. Price was awarded 100 shares of the Company's
    restricted Common Stock. During the year ended June 30, 1992, Mr. Price was
    awarded stock options to purchase 1,000 shares of Common Stock at $145.00
    per share, all of which are fully vested. Compensation for services rendered
    in other capacities prior to becoming an executive officer of the Company is
    excluded.
 
(6) Mr. Stewart was a Director of the Company from 1986 to June 1995 and served
    as Chairman of the Board from February 26, 1993 until December 31, 1994. He
    served in the capacity of interim Chief Executive Officer during the period
    July 15, 1993 through September 1, 1993 (the date Mr. Boultbee was engaged
    as President and Chief Executive Officer) and from September 1, 1994 (the
    date of Mr. Boultbee's resignation) through December 31, 1994 (the date that
    Mr. Murphy was named Chief Executive Officer). Mr. Stewart received a
    Chairman's fee of $162,000 in 1994 and also received 6,000 shares of Common
    Stock as compensation for services rendered in 1993. Mr. Stewart was also
    awarded an additional 6,000 shares of Common Stock in December 1995 as
    compensation for serving as Chairman in 1994. Mr. Stewart was also granted
    stock options in 1994 to purchase 20,000 shares of Common Stock at $5.63 per
    share. Mr. Stewart received a Chairman's fee of $106,200 in 1993. During the
    year ended December 31, 1993, Mr. Stewart was granted stock options to
    purchase 20,000 shares of Common Stock at $20.00 per share. In 1994, Mr.
    Stewart also received a grant of 200 shares of Common Stock, as compensation
    for serving on a Committee of the Company's Board of Directors. Outside
    Director's fees prior to becoming an executive officer of the Company are
    excluded.
 
(7) Mr. Boultbee served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company
    from September 1, 1993 through August 31, 1994 at an annual salary of
    $250,000 and as a Director from April 1994 through December 31, 1994. Mr.
    Boultbee was granted stock options in 1993 to purchase 10,000 shares of
    Common Stock at $19.38 per share which options expired unexercised. Mr.
    Boultbee was awarded 67 shares of Common Stock for services rendered in 1994
    as a Committee Member of the Board of Directors.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
 
    The following table sets forth the details of options granted to the
individuals listed in the Summary Compensation table during the year ended
December 31, 1994. No stock appreciation rights have been granted to date.
 
             OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
 
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                                                               POTENTIAL
                                                                                              REALIZABLE
                                                                                               VALUE AT
                                                                                                ASSUMED
                                                                                             ANNUAL RATES
                                                     INDIVIDUAL GRANTS                         OF STOCK
                                            -----------------------------------                  PRICE
                                            NUMBER OF    % OF TOTAL                          APPRECIATION
                                            SECURITIES  OPTIONS/SARS  EXERCISE                FOR OPTION
                                            UNDERLYING   GRANTED TO    OR BASE                   TERMS
                                             OPTIONS    EMPLOYEES IN    PRICE    EXPIRATION  -------------
    NAME                                    GRANTED(#)  FISCAL YEAR   ($/SHARE)     DATE     5%($)  10%($)
    ----                                    ----------  ------------  ---------  ----------  -----  ------
<S>                                         <C>         <C>           <C>        <C>         <C>    <C>
James R. Murphy(1).........................    2,000         6.0%      $ 11.25     06/09/04   --    $2,258
Robert M. Stote, M.D.......................    --          --            --          --       --      --
Michael D. Price...........................    --          --            --          --       --      --
Ranald Stewart, Jr.(2).....................   20,000        59.5%         5.63     12/31/94   --      --
                                               3,000         9.0%        11.25     06/09/04   --     3,387
Donald E. Boultbee.........................    --          --            --          --       --      --
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
(1) Mr. Murphy was granted ten-year options in 1994 to purchase 2,000 shares of
    Common Stock at $11.25 per share under the 1991 Stock Option Plan (see Stock
    Option Plans), upon his election as an outside Director in June 1994 (prior
    to becoming an executive officer). The options were granted at their fair
    market value ($11.25) on the date of grant. Of these options, 1,000 options
    vested on June 9, 1995 and the remaining 1,000 options are scheduled to vest
    on June 9, 1996.
 
(2) Mr. Stewart was granted ten-year options in 1994 to purchase 20,000 shares
    of Common Stock at $5.63 per share under the 1991 Stock Option Plan (see
    "Stock Option Plans"). The options were granted at their fair market value
    ($5.63) on the date of grant. Mr. Stewart was also granted ten-year options
    to purchase 3,000 shares of Common Stock at $11.25 per share under the 1991
    Stock Option Plan upon his election as an outside Director in June 1994
    (prior to becoming an executive officer). The options were granted at their
    fair market value ($11.25) on the date of grant and expired unexercised.
 
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION
VALUES
 
    The following table sets forth certain information concerning the number of
shares of Common Stock acquired upon the exercise of stock options during the
year ended December 31, 1994 by, and the number and value at December 31, 1994
of shares of Common Stock subject to unexercised options held by, the
individuals listed in the Summary Compensation Table.
 
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                                             NUMBER OF
                                                                            SECURITIES            VALUE OF
                                                                            UNDERLYING           UNEXERCISED
                                                                            UNEXERCISED         IN-THE-MONEY
                                                                          OPTIONS/SARS AT      OPTIONS/SARS AT
                                                                         FY-END (# SHARES)       FY-END ($)
                                          SHARES                         -----------------    -----------------
                                         ACQUIRED           VALUE          EXERCISABLE/         EXERCISABLE/
    NAME                              ON EXERCISE (#)    REALIZED ($)      UNEXERCISABLE      UNEXERCISABLE (1)
    ----                              ---------------    ------------    -----------------    -----------------
<S>                                   <C>                <C>             <C>                  <C>
James R. Murphy....................         --                --           1,000 / 2,000          -0- / -0-
Robert M. Stote, M.D...............         --                --          21,250 / 13,750         -0- / -0-
Michael D. Price...................         --                --           5,500 / 4,500          -0- / -0-
Ranald Stewart, Jr.................         --                --           5,200 / 2,000          -0- / -0-
Donald E. Boultbee.................         --                --             -0- / -0-            -0- / -0-
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
(1) Represents the closing price of the Company's Common Stock on the American
    Stock Exchange on December 30, 1994 minus the respective exercise prices.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
REMUNERATION OF CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS
 
    The Company pays non-employee Director fees equal to $12,000 per year for
attendance at meetings and reimburses expenses incurred in attending meetings.
Total non-employee Director fee payments during the year ended December 31, 1994
were $44,000 and expenses incurred by non-employee Directors in attending
meetings which were reimbursed by the Company totaled $5,060. Total Chairman's
fee paid to or accrued for the benefit of Ranald Stewart, Jr., former Chairman
of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company during the year ended
December 31, 1994 was $162,000. Mr. Stewart, in his capacity as Chairman, was
also issued 6,000 shares of Common Stock in 1994, with a fair market value of
$127,500 for services provided in 1993 and has been awarded an additional 6,000
shares of Common Stock in 1995 with a fair market value of $33,750 for services
provided in 1994. During 1994, Mr. Stewart also received options to purchase
20,000 shares of Common Stock. In addition, options to purchase 1,000 shares of
Common Stock are automatically granted to each non-employee Director upon his or
her election or reelection to the Board for each year of the term for which he
or she is elected. The options vest as to 1,000 shares at the end of each year
of such term. During the year ended December 31, 1994, the Company granted to
the individuals who served as non-employee Directors during such fiscal year,
options to purchase an aggregate of 8,800 shares of Common Stock in recognition
of such services. The options which were granted pursuant to the 1991 Stock
Option Plan, are exercisable for ten years (commencing one year from the date of
the grant) at exercise prices ranging from $6.88 to $11.25 per share
(representing the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant).
 
    Non-employee Directors who serve on committees of the Company's Board of
Directors are awarded 200 shares of Common Stock annually. During the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1994, no such shares of Common Stock were granted to
non-employee Directors; however, 817 shares were granted in 1995 to such
individuals for services rendered during 1994.


EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

    Mr. James R. Murphy, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive
Officer, entered into an employment agreement with the Company dated as of June
12, 1995 providing for an initial term which expires on June 12, 1998. Under the
terms of this agreement, Mr. Murphy's annual base salary is $225,000. The
agreement with Mr. Murphy also provides for bonuses at the recommendation and
discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors and
a severance payment equal to two years salary and immediate vesting of all
outstanding stock options upon termination following a change in control of the
Company. Pursuant to the agreement, if terminated without cause, Mr. Murphy will
be entitled to a severance payment equal to one year salary and immediate
vesting of all outstanding stock options.
 
    Dr. Robert M. Stote, Senior Vice President and Chief Science Officer,
entered into an employment agreement with the Company dated as of June 12, 1995
providing for an initial term which expires on June 12, 1998. Under the terms of
this agreement, Dr. Stote's annual base salary is $215,000. The agreement with
Dr. Stote also provides for bonuses at the recommendation and discretion of the
Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors and a severance
payment equal to two years salary and immediate vesting of all outstanding stock
options upon termination following a change in control of the Company. Pursuant
to the agreement, if terminated without cause, Dr. Stote will be entitled to a
severance payment equal to one year salary and immediate vesting of all
outstanding stock options.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
    Mr. Michael D. Price, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and
Secretary, entered into an employment agreement with the Company dated as of
June 12, 1995 providing for an initial term which expires on June 12, 1998.
Under the terms of this agreement, Mr. Price's annual base salary is $115,000.
The agreement with Mr. Price also provides for bonuses at the recommendation and
discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors and
a severance payment equal to two years salary and immediate vesting of all
outstanding stock options upon termination following a change in control of the
Company. Pursuant to the agreement, if terminated without cause, Mr. Price will
be entitled to a severance payment equal to one year salary and immediate
vesting of all outstanding stock options.
 
STOCK OPTION PLANS
 
    The Company's Incentive Stock Option Plan and Non-Qualified Stock Option
Plan (the "Plans") were terminated by the Board of Directors pursuant to their
provisions on September 30, 1991. Although outstanding options were not affected
by such termination, options may no longer be granted thereunder. Options
granted under the Incentive Stock Option Plan to purchase shares of Common Stock
are intended to qualify as "incentive stock options" under Section 422A (now
Section 422) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
Participation in the Plans was limited to employees and Directors of the Company
selected by the Compensation Committee, which determined the number of shares
subject to any option, the option exercise price per share which could not be
less than 98% (in the case of the Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan) or 100% (in
the case of the Incentive Stock Option Plan) of the fair market value of the
Common Stock on the date of grant and the time period (which could not exceed
ten years from the date of grant) within which, and the conditions under which,
all or portions of each option could be exercised.


1991 STOCK OPTION PLAN

    The Company's 1991 Stock Option Plan (the "1991 Plan") permits the grant of
up to an aggregate of 240,000 shares of Common Stock to promote the interests of
the Company in attracting and retaining employees (including officers) and
experienced and knowledgeable non-employee Directors for the Company and its
subsidiaries, by enabling them to acquire or increase a proprietary interest in
the Company, to benefit from appreciation in the value of the Company's Common
Stock and, thus, participate in the long-term growth of the Company. The 1991
Plan replaced the Plans (see "--Stock Option Plans") which terminated as to
future grants on September 30, 1991.
 
    The 1991 Plan is administered by a committee of the Board of Directors of
not less than two Directors, each of whom must be "disinterested persons" within
the meaning of regulations promulgated by the Commission. The Board of Directors
has designated the Compensation Committee of the Board consisting of Mrs.
Wardell and Messrs. Arnegger and Bolling to administer the 1991 Plan. The
Compensation Committee has the authority under the 1991 Plan to determine the
terms of options granted under the 1991 Plan, including, among other things, the
individuals who shall receive options, the times when they shall receive them,
whether an incentive stock option and/or non-qualified option shall be granted,
the number of shares to be subject to each option, and the date or dates each
option shall become exercisable.
 
    No options may be granted under the 1991 Plan after September 30, 2001. The
Board may amend, suspend or terminate the 1991 Plan or any portion thereof at
any time and from time to time in such respects as it deems necessary or
advisable (including without limitation to conform with applicable law or the
regulations or rulings thereunder), but may not without the approval of the
Company's shareholders make any alteration or amendment thereof which would (i)
change the class of those eligible to receive options, (ii) increase the maximum
number of shares for which options may be granted (except for anti-dilution
adjustments) or (iii) materially increase the benefits to participants under the
1991 Plan.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
    During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994, options to purchase 2,000,
23,000, and 28,600 shares of Common Stock, were granted to Mr. Murphy, Mr.
Stewart and all Executive Officers as a group, respectively. The options were
granted at prices ranging from $5.63 to $11.25, representing the fair market
value of the Common Stock on the dates of grant. The average exercise prices of
the options granted to Mr. Murphy, Mr. Stewart and all Executive Officers as a
group were $11.25, $6.38, and $7.20, respectively. Expiration dates of these
options range from June 9, 2004 to October 31, 2005.
 
    Also during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994, options to purchase
3,600 and 5,000 shares of Common Stock were granted to non-employee Directors of
the Company and to employees of the Company who are not executive officers,
respectively. Options granted to non-employee Directors were granted at prices
ranging from $6.88 to $11.25 per share, representing the fair market value on
the date of grant and expiration dates ranging from June 9, 2004 to October 31,
2005. Options granted to employees of the Company who are not Executive Officers
were granted at $5.00 per share, representing the fair market value of the
Common Stock on the date of grant. The expiration date of these options is
December 12, 2004.
 
    As of December 1, 1995, although no options had been exercised, options to
purchase 194,100 shares held by 11 optionees were outstanding at a weighted
average per share exercise price of $28.39 and 45,900 shares are available for
future grants under the 1991 Plan.
 
401(K) RETIREMENT PLAN
 
    The Company sponsors a 401(k) retirement plan (the "401(k) Plan") under
which eligible employees may contribute, on a pre-tax basis, between 1% to 15%
of their respective total annual income from the Company, subject to maximum
aggregate annual contribution imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended. All full-time employees who have worked for the Company for at least
six months are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan. All employee
contributions are allocated to the employee's individual account and are
invested in various investment options as directed by the employee. Cash
contributions are fully vested and nonforfeitable. The Company has elected to
make its first matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan for the 1995 fiscal
year in the amount of $19,000.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
                             PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
 
    The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 1995 as to (i)
each person (including any "group" as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of
the 1934 Act) who is known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of more
than five percent of the Company's Common Stock, its only class of voting
securities; (ii) each director; (iii) each executive officer named in the
Summary Compensation Table and (iv) the shares of the Company's Common Stock
beneficially owned by all current executive officers and directors of the
Company as a group.
 
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                                     NUMBER OF SHARES
NAME AND ADDRESS                                                       SHARES OWNED
(WHERE APPLICABLE)                                                        BEFORE         PERCENTAGE
OF BENEFICIAL OWNER                                                    OFFERING(1)        OF CLASS
- -------------------                                                  ----------------    ----------
<S>                                                                  <C>                 <C>
Shulmit Pritziker.................................................        453,020(2)        13.01%
50 Broad Street
New York, New York 10004

Ilya Margulis.....................................................        427,300(3)        12.53%
50 Broad Street
New York, New York 10004

Light Associates..................................................        200,594(4)         6.02%
1031 Rosewood Way
Alameda, California 94501

Susquehanna Capital Group.........................................        177,843(5)         5.12%
42 Read's Way
New Castle, Delaware 19720

James R. Murphy...................................................          2,587(6)          *
Chairman of the Board,
President, Chief Executive
Officer and Director

Robert M. Stote, M.D..............................................         35,300(7)         1.05%
Senior Vice President, Chief
Science Officer and Director

Michael D. Price..................................................         10,403(8)          *
Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer, Treasurer,
Secretary and Director

Randolph W. Arnegger..............................................          1,013(9)          *
Director

Charles L. Bolling................................................          4,800(10)         *
Director

Doris E. Wardell..................................................          1,112(11)         *
Director

Ranald Stewart, Jr................................................         59,175(12)        1.75%
Former Chairman of the Board, Former
Chief Executive Officer, and Former Director

Donald E. Boultbee................................................             66             *
Former President, Former Chief
Executive Officer and Former Director
All current executive officers and directors as a group (6                 51,615(13)        1.53%
  persons)........................................................
</TABLE>

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

  * Less than one percent.

 (1) A person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of securities that can be
     acquired by such person within 60 days from the date of this Prospectus
     upon the exercise of options, warrants and convertible securities. Each
     beneficial owner's percentage ownership is determined by assuming that
     options, warrants and convertible securities that are held by such person
     (but not those held
 
                                         (Footnotes continued on following page)
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
(Footnotes continued from preceding page)

     by any other person) and which are exercisable within 60 days of this
     Prospectus have been exercised. Except as otherwise indicated, all shares
     are beneficially owned, and sole investment and voting power is held, by
     the persons named.
 
 (2) Includes 150,904 shares of Common Stock which Shulmit Pritziker has the
     right to acquire pursuant to presently exercisable stock purchase warrants.
 
 (3) Includes 79,100 shares which Ilya Margulis has the right to acquire
     pursuant to presently exercisable stock purchase warrants.
 
 (4) As reported in the Light Associates Schedule 13-D (Amendment No. 5) dated
     December 15, 1995.
 
 (5) Includes 143,343 shares which Susquehanna Capital Group has the right to
     acquire pursuant to presently exercisable stock purchase warrants and
     34,500 shares of Common Stock which the Company believes continue to be
     beneficially owned by Susquehanna Capital Group.
 
 (6) Includes 2,000 shares of Common Stock which Mr. Murphy has the right to
     acquire pursuant to presently exercisable stock options.
 
 (7) Includes 35,000 shares of Common Stock which Dr. Stote has the right to
     acquire pursuant to presently exercisable stock options.
 
 (8) Includes 101 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Price's sons as to which
     Mr. Price disclaims beneficial ownership. Also includes 10,000 shares of
     Common Stock which Mr. Price has the right to acquire pursuant to presently
     exercisable stock options.
 
 (9) Includes 600 shares of Common Stock which Mr. Arnegger has the right to
     acquire pursuant to presently exercisable stock options.
 
(10) Includes 100 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Bolling's wife as to which
     Mr. Bolling disclaims beneficial ownership. Includes 4,000 shares of Common
     Stock which Mr. Bolling has the right to acquire pursuant to presently
     exercisable stock options.
 
(11) Includes 1,000 shares of Common Stock which Mrs. Wardell has the right to
     acquire pursuant to presently exercisable stock options.
 
(12) Includes 4,775 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Stewart's wife, as to
     which Mr. Stewart disclaims beneficial ownership. Also includes 42,200
     shares of Common Stock which Mr. Stewart has the right to acquire pursuant
     to presently exercisable stock options.
 
(13) Includes 50,600 shares of Common Stock which certain of such Executive
     Officers and Directors have the right to acquire pursuant to presently
     exercisable stock options.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
                           DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
 
COMMON STOCK
 
    The Company is authorized to issue 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par
value $.02 per share. The holders of Common Stock are entitled to cast one vote
for each share held at all stockholder meetings for all purposes, including the
election of directors, and to share equally on a per share basis in such
dividends as may be declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally
available therefor. Upon liquidation or dissolution, each outstanding share of
Common Stock will be entitled to share equally in the assets of the Company
legally available for distribution to stockholders, after the payment of all
debts and other liabilities and any payments due to holders of shares of
Preferred Stock.
 
    No holder of Common Stock has a preemptive or preferential right to purchase
or subscribe for any unissued or additional authorized stock or any securities
of the Company convertible into shares of its Common Stock.
 
    The Common Stock does not have cumulative voting rights which means that the
holders of more than 50% of the Common Stock voting for the election of
directors can elect 100% of the directors of the Company if they choose to do
so. The By-Laws of the Company require that a majority of the issued and
outstanding shares of the Company be represented to constitute a quorum and
transact business at a stockholders' meeting.
 
    In accordance with the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the
Company, as amended, the Board of Directors of the Company is divided into three
classes, with the classes as nearly equal in number as possible. The term of
each class of directors is three years, with the term of one class expiring each
year in rotation. The consent of the holders of 66 2/3% of all outstanding
shares is required to fill a vacancy on the Board of Directors created by death
or resignation or to remove a director, and then only for cause. These
provisions are designed to provide continuity of directors. In addition, a vote
of 66 2/3% of all outstanding shares is required to approve a merger, a sale of
substantially all of the Company's assets and similar transactions, or to amend
any provision of the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation relating to
officers and directors.
 
    The Company effected a one-for-ten reverse stock split on July 25, 1995
which decreased the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 50,000,000
to 5,000,000 without any change in the par value.
 
    The stockholders of the Company approved a proposal to amend the Company's
Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Common
Stock from 5,000,000 to 20,000,000 at a Special Meeting of Stockholders held on
December 8, 1995. An amendment to the Company's Articles of Incorporation
increasing its authorized shares was filed with the Department of State of the
State of Florida and became effective on January 1, 1996. The additional
15,000,000 shares are part of the existing class of Common Stock and have the
same rights and privileges as the shares of Common Stock presently issued and
outstanding.
 
UNITS
 
   
    The Debentures and the Redeemable Warrants offered hereby are offered in
Units. Each Unit consists of a One Thousand Dollar ($1,000) principal amount 12%
Convertible Senior Subordinated Debenture Due February   , 2006 and 1,000 Class
A Redeemable Warrants, each to purchase one share of Common Stock and one Class
B Redeemable Warrant. Of the Unit purchase price of $1,000, for financial 
reporting purposes the consideration allocated to the Debenture is $722, to the
conversion discount feature of the Debenture is $224 and to the 1,000 Class A 
Warrants is $54, and for federal income tax purposes (including original issue
discount) the consideration allocated to the Debenture is $931 and to the 1,000
Class A Warrants is $69.  No consideration has been allocated to the Class B 
Warrants. The Debentures and Class A Redeemable Warrants may not be detached for
six months after the date hereof without the prior written consent of the
Underwriter, after which all of the
    
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
   
Debentures and the Class A Redeemable Warrants will be separately transferable
(the "Separation Date"). See "Description of Debentures."
    
 
REDEEMABLE WARRANTS
 
    The Redeemable Warrants will be issued in registered form under, governed
by, and subject to the terms of a warrant agreement (the "Warrant Agreement")
between the Company and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company of New York,
as warrant agent (the "Warrant Agent"). The following statements are brief
summaries of what management believes are all of the material provisions of the
Warrant Agreement and are subject to the detailed provisions thereof, to which
reference is made for a complete statement of such provisions. Copies of the
Warrant Agreement may be obtained from the Company or the Warrant Agent and have
been filed with the Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of
which this Prospectus forms a part. See "Available Information."
 
   
    Class A Redeemable Warrants. The Company has authorized the issuance of
7,500,000 Class A Redeemable Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 6,900,000
shares of Common Stock and 6,900,000 Class B Redeemable Warrants (including
900,000 shares of Common Stock and 900,000 Class B Redeemable Warrants
underlying the Class A Redeemable Warrants comprising part of the Units issuable
pursuant to the Underwriter's over-allotment option) and 600,000 shares of
Common Stock and 600,000 Class B Redeemable Warrants underlying the Class A
Redeemable Warrants comprising part of the Units issuable pursuant to the
Underwriter Warrants and has reserved an equivalent number of shares of Common
Stock for issuance upon exercise of such Warrants. Each Class A Redeemable
Warrant entitles the registered holder thereof to purchase, at any time for a
period of three years from the date of this Prospectus but not prior to the
Separation Date, one share of Common Stock and one Class B Redeemable Warrant at
a price of $3.00 per share. The Warrant exercise price and the number of shares
issuable upon exercise of the Class A Redeemable Warrants are subject to
adjustment as described below.
    
 
   
    The Class A Redeemable Warrants are subject to redemption by the Company, on
or after the Separation Date, upon not less than 30 days prior written notice at
$.05 per Redeemable Warrant if the closing price of the underlying Common Stock
on the American Stock Exchange for each of the 20 consecutive trading days
within 10 days immediately preceding the record date for redemption equals or
exceeds 150% of the then exercise price. Warrant holders will have the right to
exercise their Warrants until the close of business on the date fixed for
redemption. If any of the Redeemable Warrants are redeemed, then all of such
Warrants remaining unexercised at the end of the redemption period must be
redeemed.
    
 
   
    Class B Redeemable Warrants. The Company has authorized the issuance of
7,500,000 Class B Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 3,750,000 shares of
Common Stock (including 450,000 shares of Common Stock underlying the Class B
Redeemable Warrants comprising part of the Units issuable pursuant to the
Underwriter's over-allotment option) and 300,000 shares of Common Stock
underlying the Class B Redeemable Warrants comprising part of the Units issuable
pursuant to the Underwriter Warrants and has reserved an equivalent number of
shares of Common Stock for issuance upon exercise of such Warrants. Two Class B
Redeemable Warrants entitle the registered holder thereof for a period of five
years from the date hereof to purchase one share of Common Stock at an exercise
price of $5.00 per share. The Warrant exercise price and the number of shares
issuable upon exercise of the Class B Redeemable Warrants are subject to
adjustments as described below. Holders will only be permitted to exercise or
trade Class B Warrants in multiples of two.
    
 
   
    The Class B Redeemable Warrants are subject to redemption by the Company, on
or after the Separation Date, upon not less than 30 days prior written notice at
$.05 per Redeemable Warrant if the closing price of the underlying Common Stock
on the American Stock Exchange for each of the 20 consecutive trading days
within 10 days immediately preceding the record date for redemption equals or
    
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
exceeds 130% of the then exercise price. Warrant holders will have the right to
exercise their Warrants until the close of business on the date fixed for
redemption. If any of the Redeemable Warrants are redeemed, then all of such
Warrants remaining unexercised at the end of the redemption period must be
redeemed.
 
    Class A and Class B Redeemable Warrants. The Redeemable Warrants contain
provisions that protect the holders thereof against dilution by adjustment of
the exercise price and the number of shares issuable upon exercise in certain
events including, but not limited to, stock dividends, stock splits,
reclassifications, mergers, or a sale of substantially all of the Company's
assets. The Company does not intend to issue fractional shares of Common Stock.
Therefore, holders must exercise two Class B Redeemable Warrants simultaneously.
A Warrant holder will not possess any rights as a stockholder of the Company.
The shares of Common Stock, when issued upon the exercise of the Redeemable
Warrants in accordance with the terms thereof, will be fully paid and
non-assessable.
 
   
    The Redeemable Warrants will be exchangeable and transferable on the books
of the Company at the principal office of the Warrant Agent. Each Class A
Redeemable Warrant or two Class B Redeemable Warrants may be exercised upon
surrender of a Warrant certificate after the Separation Date and on or prior 
to the close of business on February       , 1999 or February       , 2001, 
respectively (or earlier redemption date thereof), after which the Redeemable 
Warrants become wholly void and of no value, at the offices of the Warrant 
Agent with the form of "Election to Purchase" on the reverse side of the 
Warrant certificate completed and executed as indicated, accompanied by 
payment of the full exercise price (by cash, or by bank check, certified check 
or money order payable to the order of the Warrant Agent) for the number of 
Redeemable Warrants being exercised.
    
 
    Upon receipt of duly exercised Redeemable Warrants and payment of the
exercise price, the Company shall issue and cause to be delivered to, or upon
the written order of, the exercising Warrant holder, certificates representing
the number of shares of Common Stock so purchased. If less than all of the
Redeemable Warrants evidenced by a Warrant certificate are exercised, a new
Warrant certificate representing the remaining number of Redeemable Warrants
will be issued to the Warrant holder by the Warrant Agent. No amendment
adversely affecting the rights of the holders of the Redeemable Warrants may be
made without the approval of the holders of a majority of the then outstanding
Redeemable Warrants.


PREFERRED STOCK

    The Company is authorized to issue an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of
Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value. The Preferred Stock may be issued in series
from time to time with such designations, rights, preferences and limitations,
including but not limited to dividend rates and conversion features, as the
Board of Directors may determine. Accordingly, Preferred Stock may be issued
having dividend and liquidation preferences over the Common Stock without the
consent of the Common Stockholders. In addition, the ability of the Board to
issue Preferred Stock could also be used by the Company as a means of resisting
a change of control of the Company and, therefore, could be considered an
"anti-takeover" device.
 
    During the year ended June 30, 1992, the Company issued 290,000 shares of $1
par value Series A Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the "Series A
Preferred Stock") and 340,000 shares of $1 par value Series B Convertible
Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the "Series B Preferred Stock") at $25 per share.
The issuance of these shares provided aggregate proceeds to the Company of
$15,750,000. All shares of the Series B Preferred Stock have been converted.
Since the Series A Preferred Stock meets the definition of Mandatorily
Redeemable Preferred Stock, it has been excluded from the Common Stockholders'
Equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of September 30, 1995 and
December 31, 1994, 220,000 shares of the Series A Preferred Stock had been
converted into 48,100 shares of Common Stock.
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
    The shares of Series A Preferred Stock are convertible at the option of the
holders into Common Stock at any time prior to the close of business on the date
fixed for redemption or exchange, at an initial conversion price of $115.00 per
share (at an initial conversion rate of approximately .21739 shares of Common
Stock). The conversion rates were adjusted by the Company, in lieu of paying
cumulative dividends of 9% per annum due in 1992 and 1993 to .25808. The Company
has not paid the holders the dividends due in 1994 or 1995. The dividend payment
date for Series A Preferred Stock is October 15. See Note 11 of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
    The Series A Preferred Stock has a liquidation preference equal to $25.00
per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends up to the liquidation date. The
Series A Preferred Stock are redeemable for cash at the option of the Company.
The Preferred Stock is also redeemable for cash at the option of the holder upon
certain major stock acquisitions or business combinations at $25.00 per share,
plus accrued and unpaid dividends through the redemption dates. The holders of
Preferred Stock have no voting rights except as required by applicable law and
except that if the equivalent of two full annual cash dividends shall be accrued
and unpaid, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock have the right, as a
class, to elect two additional members of the Company's Board of Directors. As
of the date hereof, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock are owed two
years arrears of dividends, aggregating approximately $270,000, but have not
exercised their right to appoint such directors.
 
    The Series A Preferred Stock is exchangeable in whole, but not in part, at
the option of the Company on any dividend payment date beginning October 15,
1993, for 9% Convertible Subordinated Debentures of the Company due 2016.
Holders of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to $25 principal amount of
Debentures for each share of Series A Preferred Stock. The Series A Preferred
Stock is recorded at redemption value, which is $25.00 per share plus cumulative
dividends of 9% per annum. The following table summarizes activity of the Series
A Preferred Stock:
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                                                   SERIES A
                                                                               -----------------
                                                                               SHARES    AMOUNTS
                                                                               ------    -------
                                                                                (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                            <C>       <C>
Balance at June 30, 1992....................................................      74     $1,882
  Converted to Common Stock.................................................    --         --
  Accretion of discount and accrual of 9% dividends.........................    --          116
                                                                               ------    -------
Balance at December 31, 1992................................................      74      1,998
  Converted to Common Stock.................................................    --         --
  Accretion of discount and accrual of 9% dividends.........................    --          220
                                                                               ------    -------
Balance at December 31, 1993................................................      74      2,218
  Converted to Common Stock.................................................      (4)      (128)
  Accrual of 9% dividends...................................................    --          166
                                                                               ------    -------
Balance at December 31, 1994................................................      70      2,256
  Accrual of 9% dividends...................................................    --          118
                                                                               ------    -------
Balance at September 30, 1995...............................................      70     $2,374
                                                                               ------    -------
                                                                               ------    -------
</TABLE>
 
CERTAIN FLORIDA LEGISLATION
 
    The State of Florida has enacted legislation that may deter or frustrate
takeovers of Florida corporations. The Florida Control Share Act generally
provides that shares acquired in excess of certain specified thresholds will not
possess any voting rights unless such voting rights are approved by a majority
vote of a corporation's disinterested shareholders. The Florida Affiliated
Transactions Act generally requires supermajority approval by disinterested
shareholders of certain specified transactions between a public corporation and
holders of more than 10% of the outstanding voting shares of the
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
corporation (or their affiliates). Florida law also authorizes the Company to
indemnify the Company's directors, officers, employees and agents.


LISTING ON THE AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE

    The Company currently does not satisfy some of the American Stock Exchange's
financial guidelines for continued listing of its Common Stock. While there can
be no assurance that listing on the American Stock Exchange will be continued,
management of the Company believes that its business prospects are improving and
that it will be able to maintain continued listing. If the Common Stock were
delisted, an investor could find it more difficult to dispose of or to obtain
accurate quotations as to the price of the Common Stock. If the Common Stock is
listed on the Pacific Stock Exchange and then delisted on the American Stock
Exchange, it is likely to be delisted by the Pacific Stock Exchange.


TRANSFER AGENT, REGISTRAR AND WARRANT AGENT

    The Transfer Agent and Registrar for the Common Stock and the Warrant Agent
for the Redeemable Warrants and the Transfer Agent and Registrar for the Units,
Redeemable Warrants and Debentures is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company,
40 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005.
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
                           DESCRIPTION OF DEBENTURES
 
GENERAL
 
    The Debentures will be issued under an indenture (the "Indenture") to be
dated as of February   , 1996, between the Company and American Stock Transfer &
Trust Company (the "Trustee"). A copy of the Indenture is filed as an exhibit to
the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part. See "Available
Information." Neither the Indenture, the Trustee nor the Debentures will be
subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. Accordingly,
Debenture holders will not have the protections of that Act available to them.
The following summaries of what management believes are all of the material
provisions of the Indenture do not purport to be complete and are subject to and
qualified in their entirety by reference to all of the provisions of the
Indenture, including the definitions therein of certain terms. Whenever
particular provisions or defined terms of the Indenture are referred to, such
provisions or defined terms are incorporated herein by reference. Parenthetical
references set forth in this section are to sections in the Indenture or to
paragraphs in the form of Debenture which is appended to the Indenture as
Exhibit A.
 
    The Debentures will (i) be limited to $7,500,000 aggregate principal amount
(including the $900,000 over-allotment option granted to the Underwriter and
$600,000 of Units issuable upon exercise of the Underwriter Warrants) (Debenture
paragraph 4); (ii) be unsecured obligations of the Company (Debenture paragraph
4); (iii) mature on February   , 2006 (Face of Debenture); and (iv) bear
interest from the date of delivery at the rate per annum set forth on the cover
page of this Prospectus, payable quarterly on January 1, April 1, July 1 and
October 1 each year, commencing April 1, 1996, to the holders of record, with
certain exceptions, at the close of business on the 15th day of the month
preceding the payment date (Debenture paragraphs 1 and 2). Principal (and
premium, if any) and interest are to be payable and the Debentures will be
exchangeable and convertible and transfers thereof will be registrable at the
offices or agencies of the Company maintained for such purposes in the Borough
of Manhattan, City and State of New York, initially to the Trustee/American
Stock Transfer & Trust Company, 40 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005,
provided that payment of interest may be made at the option of the Company by
check mailed to the address of the person entitled thereto as it appears in the
Debenture register (Debenture paragraphs 2 and 3).
 
    The Debentures will be issued only in fully registered form in denominations
of $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof. The Debentures are exchangeable and
transfers thereof will be registrable without charge therefor, but the Company
may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover tax or other governmental
charge payable in connection therewith (Debenture paragraph 9).


CONVERSION

   
    The holders of the Debentures will be entitled at any time commencing at the
earlier of (i) twelve months after the date hereof or (ii) upon the Company
sending a notice of redemption, or (iii) such earlier date as may be designated
by the Company and the Underwriter, and from time to time up to the close of
business on February   , 2006, subject to prior redemption, to convert the
Debentures or portions thereof (which are $1,000 or integral multiples thereof)
into shares of the Company's Common Stock at an initial conversion price, which
is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances as set forth below, of the
lesser of $2.50 per share or 80% of the average closing price on the American
Stock Exchange for the 20 consecutive trading days immediately preceding the
first anniversary of the issuance of the Debentures or the giving of the notice
of redemption, as applicable. (Debenture paragraph 7). No adjustment will be
made on conversion of any Debenture for interest accrued thereon or for
dividends on any Common Stock issued other than dividends payable in Common
Stock or Convertible Securities (as defined in the Indenture) (Article X:
Section 10.02). The Company is not required to issue fractional interests in the
Common Stock upon conversion of the Debentures and, in lieu thereof, will round
any fractional share up to the next highest share (Article X: Section 10.03). In
the case of Debentures called for redemption, conversion rights will expire at
the close of business on the business day prior to the redemption date (Article
X: Section 10.02).
    
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
   
    The conversion price is subject to downward adjustment in the event that the
Company issues shares of Common Stock (including shares issuable pursuant to a
stock dividend) and the per share consideration received by the Company upon
issuance of the Common Stock is less than the current conversion price (Article
X: Section 10.06). In case of a stock split or reverse stock split, a stock
dividend, a reclassification, the current conversion price shall be
proportionately decreased or increased (Article X: Section 10.05). No adjustment
in the current conversion price will be required unless such adjustment would
require a change of at least $.05; provided, however, that any adjustment that
would otherwise be required to be paid shall be carried forward and taken into
account in any subsequent adjustment (Article X: Section 10.8).
    
 
   
    The Company may reduce the conversion price by any amount, without
limitation, for any period of time if the period is at least 20 consecutive
trading days. Upon such reduction, the Company shall mail a notice thereof to
Debenture holders and publish an announcement of the notice (Article X: Section
10.13). The Company may consider reducing the conversion price if it was
experiencing difficulty servicing the debt represented by the Debentures and the
price of its Common Stock had declined subsequent to the Offering. Under such
circumstances, a reduction in the conversion price would be intended to provide
the holders with additional incentive to convert their Debentures thereby
reducing the Company's debt obligations.
    
 
   
    In the event of a merger or consolidation of the Company with another
corporation, a capital reorganization or reclassification of the Company's
capital stock, or sale of all or substantially all of the Company's assets that
is effected in such a way that holders of the Common Stock are entitled to
receive stock, securities or assets (including, without limitation, cash) with
respect to or in exchange for Common Stock, then the holders of the outstanding
Debentures shall from such point onward have the right thereafter to convert
each such Debenture into the kind and amount of stock, securities or assets
received by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock into which such
Debentures might have been converted immediately prior to such transaction
(Article X: Section 10.15).
    
 
    It should be noted that, in the event of such a transaction, no subsequent
adjustment of the current conversion price is required. Thus, for example, if
the Company were to engage in a merger in which Common Stockholders received
cash in an amount less than the then current conversion price, exercise of the
conversion right would result in the Debenture holder receiving less than the
principal amount of such Debenture.
 
    The shares of Common Stock, when issued upon the conversion of the
Debentures in accordance with the terms thereof, will be fully paid and
non-assessable.
 
   
DISCOUNT ON CONVERSION OF DEBENTURES
    
 
   
    The Debentures are convertible into Common Stock at a conversion price per
share equal to the lesser of $2.50 or 80% of the market price of the Common
Stock during the twenty-day period ending one year (or upon redemption, if
earlier) from the date of this Prospectus. Due to the Company's history of
operating losses, the uncertainties regarding its future financial results and
the other risks associated with holding long term debt of the Company,
management determined that additional incentives were necessary in order to
assure marketability of the Offering. Accordingly, the conversion price was
established in a manner that provides a built-in premium for Debenture holders
upon conversion of the Debentures which remains constant regardless of the
market price of the Common Stock.
    
 
SUBORDINATION OF DEBENTURES
 
    The payment of the principal of (and premiums, if any) and interest on the
Debentures will be subordinated in right of payment to the extent set forth in
the Indenture to the prior payment in full of the principal of (and premiums, if
any) and interest on all Senior Debt of the Company (Article XI: Section 11.01).
Senior Debt is defined to include indebtedness for money borrowed outstanding on
the day of execution of the Indenture or thereafter, created for money borrowed
from banks, or other traditional long-term institutional lenders such as
insurance companies and pension funds, unless in the instrument creating or
evidencing such indebtedness it is provided that such Debt is not senior in
right
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
of payment to the Debentures (Article XI: Section 11.02(c)). At September 30,
1995, Senior Debt aggregated $1,220,000. The Company expects from time to time
to make additional borrowings which will constitute Senior Debt.
 
    The Company is not limited in the amount of additional indebtedness,
including Senior Debt, which it can create, incur, assume or guarantee.
Accordingly, the Debenture holders are not protected against highly leveraged or
other transactions involving the Company that may adversely affect them.
However, any additional indebtedness, other than Senior Debt, may not be senior
to the priority of the Debentures (Article XI: Section 11.13).
 
    Upon any payment or distribution of the Company's assets to creditors on any
dissolution, winding up, total or partial liquidation, reorganization or
readjustment of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, or bankruptcy,
insolvency, receivership or other proceedings all principal of (and premiums, if
any) and interest due upon all Senior Debt must be paid in full before the
Debenture holders or the Trustee are entitled to receive or retain any assets so
paid or distributed in respect of the Debentures (Article XI: Section 11.03).


COVENANTS

    The Company may not declare or pay any cash dividends or make any
distributions to holders of the capital stock, other than dividends or
distributions payable in such capital stock. The Company may not purchase,
redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value any shares of its capital stock
or warrants or rights to acquire such stock if, at the time of such declaration,
payment, distribution, purchase, redemption, other acquisition or retirement, an
Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing (Article IV: Section
4.04).
 
    The Company may not (i) sell or lease any property or render any service to,
make any investment in, purchase any property or borrow any money from, or make
any payment for any service rendered by an Affiliate unless the Board of
Directors determines in good faith that the terms of such transaction are at
least as favorable to the Company as those which could be obtained in a similar
transaction with an independent third party; (ii) make any payment to any of its
officers, directors or employees, or agreement to do so, unless the Board of
Directors determines in good faith that the amount to be paid, or to be agreed
to be paid, for such service bears a reasonable relationship to the value of
such services to the Company; or (iii) make any sale to an Affiliate of any
capital stock or other securities or obligations of an Affiliate at a cash sale
price less than the original cost thereof to the Company or such Affiliate, as
the same may have been reduced from time to time by cash dividends or interest
payments thereon or payments of principal thereof received by the Company or
such Affiliate plus interest on such investment, as the same may have been
reduced from time to time at a rate not less than the rate borne by the
Debentures, but in no event less than current fair market value. (Article IV:
Section 4.05).
 
    The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any of
its subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer
to exist or become effective any encumbrance or restriction on the ability of
any such subsidiary to (i) pay dividends or make any other distributions on its
capital stock or any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its
profits owned by, or pay any indebtedness owed to, the Company or a subsidiary
of the Company, or (ii) make loans or advances to the Company or a subsidiary of
the Company, or (iii) transfer any of its properties or assets to the Company
(Article IV: Section 4.04).
 
    The Company is required to file with the Trustee copies of the reports it
files with the Commission and to provide to holders copies of all documents
furnished to stockholders of the Company (Article IV: Section 4.02). It is also
required to deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal
year, an Officers' Certificate stating whether or not the signers know of any
Default that occurred during the fiscal year. If they do, the Certificate shall
describe the Default and its status (Article IV: Section 4.03).
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
REDEMPTION
    Commencing six months after the date hereof, the Company may, on at least 30
days prior written notice redeem the Debentures, in whole or in part, if the
closing price of the Common Stock on the American Stock Exchange (or other
principal trading market) for each of the 20 consecutive trading days
immediately preceding the record date for redemption equals or exceeds $7.00 per
share, as initially constituted. The redemption price will be 105% of the
principal amount of the Debentures plus accrued interest through the date of
redemption (Article III).
 
MODIFICATION OF THE INDENTURE
   
    With the consent of the holders of not less than 60% in principal amount of
outstanding Debentures, the Company and the Trustee may enter into an indenture
or indentures supplemental to the Indenture for the purpose of adding any
provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any provisions of the
Indenture or modifying in any manner the rights of the Debenture holders under
the Indenture, provided that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the
consent of the Debenture holders affected (a) reduce the rate of, or change the
time of payment of, interest on any Debenture; (b) reduce the principal (or
premium on), or change the fixed maturity of any Debenture; (c) impair the right
to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment when due; (d) reduce
the above stated percentage of outstanding Debentures; (e) alter the provisions
of the Indenture so as to adversely affect the terms of conversion of the
Debentures into Common Stock; or (f) make any change in the subordination of the
Debentures in a manner that is materially adverse to the Holders (Article IX:
Section 9.02).
    
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT, NOTICE AND WAIVER
   
    Events of Default are defined in the Indenture as being (a) a default for 20
days in payment of any interest installment when due, and default in payment of
principal (or premium, if any) when due; (b) a default for 60 days after written
notice to the Company by the Trustee or by the holders of 25% in principal
amount of the outstanding Debentures in the performance of any other covenant of
the Company in the Indenture; (c) a default by the Company or any Subsidiary on
indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount of at least $500,000; (d) the
entering of a final judgment or judgments for the payment of at least $500,000
against the Company or any Subsidiary which remains unpaid and unstayed for a
period of 30 days after the date on which the right to appeal has expired; and
(e) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization of the Company
(Article VI: Section 6.01). If an Event of Default shall occur and be
continuing, either the Trustee or the holders of 25% in principal amount of the
outstanding Debentures may declare the principal of all of the Debentures to be
due and payable (Article VI: Section 6.02).
    
 
    The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Debentures
may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any
remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any power of trust conferred on
the Trustee (Article VI: Section 6.05). The right of a Debenture holder to
institute a proceeding with respect to the Indenture is subject to certain
conditions precedent, including the provision of notice and indemnification for
the Trustee (Article VI; Section 6.06). The holders of a majority in principal
amount of the outstanding Debentures may, on behalf of the Debenture holders,
waive any past default and its consequences under the Indenture, except a
default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on
any Debenture or a default in respect of the conversion right of Debenture
holders (Article VI: Section 6.04).
 
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF THE INDENTURE
    The Company may terminate its obligations under the Indenture at any time by
delivering all outstanding Debentures to the Trustee for cancellation. After all
the Debentures have been called for redemption or mature in one year, the
Company may terminate all of its obligations under the Indenture, other than its
obligations to pay the principal of and interest on the Debentures and certain
other obligations, at any time, by depositing with the Trustee money or
non-callable U.S. Government obligations sufficient to pay all remaining
indebtedness on the Debentures (Article VIII).
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE
    A holder may transfer or exchange Debentures in accordance with the
Indenture. The Registrar may require a holder, among other things, to furnish
appropriate endorsements and transfer documents, and to pay any taxes and fees
required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Registrar is not required to
transfer or exchange any Debenture selected for redemption. Also, the Registrar
is not required to transfer or exchange any Debenture for a period of 15 days
before a selection of Debentures to be redeemed. The registered holder of a
Debenture may be treated as the owner of it for all purposes.
 
COMMUNICATIONS AMONG HOLDERS
   
    Three or more Debenture holders who have owned their Debentures for at least
six months may request the Trustee to send copies of a proxy or other
communications to the other holders, upon payment by the requesting holders of
the reasonable expenses of such mailing and the Trustee determining that the
mailing would not be contrary to the best interests of all the holders nor in
violation of applicable law. (Article XII: Section 12.02).
    
 
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
    The Indenture contains certain limitations on the rights of the Trustee,
should it become a creditor of the Company, to obtain payment of claims in
certain cases, or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such
claim as security or otherwise. The Trustee will be permitted to engage in other
transactions; however, if it acquires any conflicting interest (as defined) it
must eliminate such conflict or resign.
 
    The holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding
Debentures will have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee.
The Indenture provides that in case an Event of Default shall occur (which shall
not be cured), the Trustee will be required, in the exercise of its power, to
use the degree of care of a prudent man in the conduct of his own affairs.
Subject to such provisions, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise
any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request of any of the
holders of the Debentures, unless they shall have offered to the Trustee
security and indemnity satisfactory to it.

CONSENT TO SERVICE
    The Indenture provides that the Company will irrevocably designate the
Trustee as its authorized agent for service of process in any legal action or
proceeding arising out of or relating to the Indenture or the Debentures brought
in any Federal court or court of the State of New York and will irrevocably
submit to such jurisdiction.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
    Anyone who receives this Prospectus may obtain a copy of the Indenture
without charge by writing to the Secretary of the Company, Bentley
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 4830 West Kennedy Boulevard, One Urban Centre, Suite 550,
Tampa, Florida 33609.

GOVERNING LAW
    The Indenture and Debentures will be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to such State's
conflicts of laws principles.
 
                                       58
<PAGE>
                   CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
 
   
    The following discussion summarizes certain federal income tax consequences
to purchasers of the Units. This discussion is based on provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the applicable Treasury
Regulations promulgated or proposed thereunder, positions of the Internal
Revenue Service ("IRS") and existing judicial decisions as of the date hereof,
all of which are subject to change at any time. Moreover, the effect of any such
change may be retroactive as well as prospective. Further, there can be no
assurance that the IRS will not take a contrary view to that set forth herein
which may be upheld by a court. No ruling from the IRS or opinion of counsel has
been or will be sought as to any of the matters discussed below. This summary of
certain U.S. federal tax consequences is based upon the advice of Parker Chapin
Flattau & Klimpl, LLP, counsel to the Company.
    
 
   
    This summary is for general information purposes only and applies only to
the initial purchasers who hold the Units (and each of its components and the
underlying Common Stock) as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of
the Code. It does not purport to address all tax consequences that may be
relevant to particular investors (including, for example, foreign persons,
financial institutions, broker-dealers, insurance companies, tax-exempt
organizations and persons in special situations). In addition, the discussion
does not address any aspect of state, local or foreign taxation or other federal
taxes.
    
 
    PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE UNITS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS
CONCERNING THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF ACQUIRING, OWNING OR
DISPOSING OF THE UNITS, THE DEBENTURES, THE WARRANTS AND THE UNDERLYING COMMON
STOCK, AS WELL AS THE APPLICATION OF STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN INCOME AND OTHER
TAX LAWS.
 
THE UNITS
   

    Each Unit is comprised of a $1,000 Principal Amount 12% Convertible Senior
Debenture due February 14, 2006 and 1,000 Class A Redeemable Warrants, each to
purchase one share of Common Stock and one Class B Redeemable Warrant. Two Class
B Warrants may be exercised to purchase one additional share of Common Stock.
    
 
   
    The issue price of a Unit is equal to the initial offering price to the
public (excluding sales to bond houses, brokers and others acting in the
capacity as underwriters, placement agents or wholesalers) at which a
substantial amount of Units are sold. Such amount must then be allocated between
the Debenture and the Warrants in accordance with their relative fair market
values on the issue date. For federal income tax purposes (including original 
issue discount) the Company intends to allocate the $1,000 purchase
price for each Unit $931 to the Debenture and $69 to the Class A Warrants, based
on an independent appraisal. Because of different rules and considerations, this
is different than the allocation required for financial accounting purposes
which is $722 to the Debenture, $224 to the conversion discount feature of the 
Debenture and $54 to the 1,000 Class A Warrants.  No assurance can be given, 
however, that the IRS will not challenge the Company's determination.
    
 
    The Company's allocation of the issue price of the Units is binding on a
holder, unless he discloses the use of a different allocation on the applicable
form attached to his federal income tax return for the year in which the
acquisition occurs. A holder who uses a different allocation than the Company
should consult with his tax advisors as to the consequences of such allocation,
including the effect of having acquired the Debenture for more or less than its
issue price.
 
THE DEBENTURES
 
   
    The stated interest on the Debenture will be taxable as ordinary income when
received or accrued by the holder in accordance with his method of accounting.
In addition, a portion of the $69 of original
    
                                       59
<PAGE>
issue discount ("OID") with respect to the Debenture must be included in gross
income each year based on an economic accrual of interest, even if the holder
has not received a cash payment in respect of such OID. The amount of OID
required to be included in gross income increases the holder's basis in the
Debenture. Proposed legislation, however, would defer the Company's ability to
deduct the OID until it is paid.
 
   
    The OID with respect to a Debenture is equal to the excess, if any, of its
stated redemption price at maturity ($1,000) over the issue price of the
Debenture ($931), since it will exceed the de minimis exception allowed where
the OID would otherwise be less than 1/4% of the stated redemption price at
maturity multiplied by the number of full years to maturity of the Debentures.
Such amount could be increased if the IRS successfully challenges the allocation
of the Unit issue price.
    
 
   
    Upon the sale, exchange or redemption of a Debenture, the holder will
recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on
such sale, exchange or redemption and his tax basis in the Debenture. Such gain
or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the Debenture was held for
more than one year. Net capital gains of individuals are generally taxed at
lower rates than ordinary income. Proposed legislation would make such rates
even more favorable for both individuals and corporations. On the other hand,
there are limitations on the deductibility of capital losses.
    
 
    Conversion of a Debenture (other than with respect to any accrued but unpaid
interest) into Common Stock pursuant to its terms is not taxable. The holder's
basis and holding period for the Common Stock will include his basis and holding
period in the Debenture.
 
THE WARRANTS
 
    Upon a sale or exchange of a Warrant (including the receipt of cash in lieu
of a fractional share of Common Stock upon exercise of a Warrant), a holder will
recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount
realized upon the sale or exchange and the holder's basis in the Warrant (as
determined above). Such gain or loss will be long-term if, at the time of the
sale or exchange, the Warrant was held for more than one year. Adjustments to
the exercise price or conversion ratio, or the failure to make adjustments, may
result in the receipt of a constructive dividend by the holder.
 
    Upon the exercise of a Warrant, a holder's tax basis in the interest
acquired upon such exercise will be equal to his tax basis in the Warrant plus
the exercise price of the Warrant. In the case of the exercise of a Class A
Warrant, such basis must be allocated between the Common Stock and the Class B
Warrant received in proportion to their relative fair market values. His holding
period with respect to such interest will commence on the date of exercise. If a
Warrant expires without being exercised, the holder will have a capital loss
equal to his tax basis in the Warrant as if the Warrant had been sold on such
date for no consideration.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
   
    Distributions paid with respect to shares of Common Stock will be includible
in the gross income of the holder as ordinary income to the extent such
distributions are paid out of the Company's current or accumulated earnings and
profits (as computed for detail income tax purposes). To the extent that a
distribution exceeds such earnings and profits, it will be treated as a
non-taxable return of capital in an amount up to the holder's tax basis in such
Common Stock (which reduces such basis), and a distribution in excess of such
tax basis is taxed as a capital gain from the sale of the Common Stock.
Dividends received by a corporate holder are generally eligible for the
dividends received deduction, subject to the limitations under Section 1059 of
the Code relating to extraordinary dividends. Proposed legislation would reduce
the amount of the available dividends received deduction and place additional
limitations on it.
    
 
                                       60
<PAGE>
    Upon the sale or exchange of the Common Stock, a holder will recognize
capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on such
sale or exchange and the holder's tax basis in the Common Stock. Such gain or
loss will be long-term if the Common Stock was held for more than one year. An
even more favorable tax rate may be available if the Common Stock sold qualifies
as "qualified small business stock" under Section 1202 of the Code.
 
BACKUP WITHHOLDING
 
    A holder may be subject to backup withholding at the rate of 31% of the
interest paid on a Debenture, the dividends on the Common Stock and the proceeds
from the sale, exchange or redemption of a Unit, Debenture, Warrant or Common
Stock, unless (a) the holder is a corporation or other exempt recipient and,
when required, demonstrates such fact or (b) provides, when required, his
taxpayer identification number to the payor, certifies that he is not subject to
backup withholding and otherwise complies with the backup withholding rules.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax; any amount so withheld is
creditable against the holder's federal income tax liability. Failure to furnish
the holder's taxpayer identification number may also subject the holder to a
penalty.
 
                      REQUIREMENT FOR CURRENT REGISTRATION
 
    The Company is required to have a current registration statement on file
with the Commission and to effect appropriate qualifications, except where
exemptions therefrom are available, under the laws and regulations of the states
in which the holders of the Redeemable Warrants reside in order to comply with
applicable laws in connection with the exercise of the Redeemable Warrants and
the resale of the Common Stock issued upon such exercise. The Company,
therefore, will be required to file post effective amendments to its
Registration Statement when subsequent events require such amendments in order
to continue the registration of the Common Stock underlying the Redeemable
Warrants and to take appropriate action under state securities laws. There can
be no assurance that the Company will be able to keep its Registration Statement
current or to effect appropriate action under applicable state securities laws,
the failure of which may cause the exercise of the Redeemable Warrants and
resale or other disposition of the underlying Common Stock to be effected under
circumstances which do not comply with applicable securities laws. See "Risk
Factors--Current Prospectus and State Securities Law Qualification Required to
Exercise the Redeemable Warrants."
 
                                       61
<PAGE>
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
    Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement
between the Company and the Underwriter (the "Underwriting Agreement"), Coleman
and Company Securities, Inc. (the "Underwriter"), has agreed to purchase from
the Company, and the Company has agreed to sell to the Underwriter, 6,000 Units,
at the initial offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions
set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus.
 
    The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the Underwriter
to pay for and accept delivery of the Units are subject to certain conditions
precedent, and that the Underwriter will purchase all of the Units if any of
such Units are purchased.
 
   
    The Underwriter has advised the Company that it proposes initially to offer
the Units directly to the public at the initial public offering price set forth
on the cover page of this Prospectus and to certain dealers at such price less a
concession not in excess of $50.00 per Unit. The Underwriter may allow, and such
dealers may reallow, a concession not in excess of $20.00 per Unit to certain
other dealers. After the initial public offering, the public offering price,
concession and re-allowance may be changed.
    
 
   
    The Company has granted to the Underwriter an option exercisable during the
30-day period after the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to an aggregate
of 900 additional Units at the initial public offering price set forth on the
cover page of the Prospectus, less the underwriting discounts and commissions
set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus. The Underwriter may exercise
this option only to cover over-allotments, if any, made in connection with the
sale of the Units offered hereby.
    
 
    The Company has agreed to pay to the Underwriter a non-accountable expense
allowance equal to 3% of the gross proceeds of this Offering, $50,000 of which
has already been paid to cover some of the underwriting costs and due diligence
expenses related to this Offering.
 
    The Company has agreed to permit the Underwriter to have an observer attend
the meetings of the Company's Board of Directors for a period of three years
from the date hereof.
 
    The Company and the Underwriter have agreed to indemnify each other against,
or to contribute to losses arising out of, certain civil liabilities in
connection with this Offering, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
 
    Prior to this Offering there has been no public trading market for the
Company's Units, Debentures or Warrants. The initial public offering price of
the Units, and the terms of the Debentures and Warrants have been determined by
negotiation between the Company and the Underwriter. The factors considered in
determining the initial public offering price and such terms, in addition to
prevailing market conditions, were the history of and prospects for the industry
in which the Company competes, the market for the Company's Common Stock, an
assessment of the Company's management, the prospects of the Company, and the
demand for similar securities of comparable companies.
 
    At the request of the Company, the Underwriter has reserved during the
period of the Offering up to 5% of the Units offered hereby for sale at the
public offering price to certain officers and other employees of the Company and
to certain other persons designated by the Company who are directly related to
the conduct of the Company's business. The number of Units available for sale to
the general public will be reduced to the extent these persons purchase reserved
Units. Any reserved Units not so purchased will be offered by the Underwriter to
the general public on the same terms as the other Units offered by this
Prospectus.
 
    The foregoing includes a summary of the principal terms of the Underwriting
Agreement and does not purport to be complete. Reference is made to the copy of
the Underwriting Agreement that is on file as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement of which this Prospectus is a part.
 
                                       62
<PAGE>
UNDERWRITER WARRANTS
 
    The Company has agreed to sell to the Underwriter or its designees, for a
nominal consideration, the Underwriter Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 600
Units. The Units subject to the Underwriter Warrants will be in all respects
identical to Units offered to the public hereby except that the Underwriter
Warrants will be exercisable for a four-year period commencing one year after
their issuance at an exercise price equal to $1,200 per Unit. Pursuant to the
terms of the Underwriting Agreement, the Company is registering the shares of
Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Debentures and upon exercise of the
Redeemable Warrants each as included in the Units issuable upon conversion of
the Underwriter Warrants in the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus
is a part. For the life of the Underwriter Warrants the holders thereof are
given the opportunity to profit from a rise in the market price of the Common
Stock, which may result in a dilution of the interests of other stockholders.

PRIVATE PLACEMENTS

    In October 1995 the Underwriter served as placement agent for the issuance
and sale by the Company to certain purchasers in two private placements for an
aggregate purchase price of $1,770,000. The Underwriter received placement fees
of $177,000. Mr. Barry Blank, a representative of the Underwriter, participated
in placing the private placements and purchased Common Stock and Notes
aggregating $240,000 in the placements.
 
    In the first placement, the Company sold to certain purchasers for an
aggregate purchase price of $720,000, 120,000 shares of the Company's Common
Stock and 12% promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $720,000
(the "Notes") which become payable in full upon the earlier of July 31, 1996 or
the closing of a public offering of the Company's securities (a "Public
Offering"). The Notes are convertible into shares of Common Stock, at the option
of the holders thereof, at a conversion price of $3.00 per share for an
aggregate of 240,000 shares of Common Stock, subject to anti-dilution
provisions. The Notes are subject to mandatory conversion at a conversion price
of $3.00 per share if no Public Offering is completed by July 31, 1996.
 
    In the second placement, the Company sold to certain purchasers for an
aggregate purchase price of $1,050,000, 131,250 shares of Common Stock and 12%
promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $1,050,000 (the "A Notes")
which become payable in full upon the earlier of September 30, 1996 or the
completion of a Public Offering. The A Notes are subject to mandatory
conversion, at a conversion price equal to the average closing price for the
Common Stock quoted on the American Stock Exchange for the five trading days
immediately preceding September 30, 1996, if no Public Offering is completed by
September 30, 1996. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources--Private
Placements."
 
    Purchasers of notes in the private placements who have not converted prior
to the date hereof may use their notes to purchase the Units offered hereby, so
long as they notify the Company of such intent in accordance with the notice
provisions set forth in their notes. Such exchange will be made based on
converting the outstanding principal balance of the notes for an equivalent
principal amount of Debentures, based on the price to public set forth on the
cover page of this Prospectus. Holders of the notes must deliver such notes to
the Underwriter for cancellation by the Company prior to the issuance of
Debentures. The Underwriter will receive commissions from such purchasers both
for the private placement, as stated in the immediately preceding paragraphs,
and from the purchase of the Units, in the amount stated on the cover page of
this Prospectus.
 
                                       63
<PAGE>
                              CONCURRENT OFFERING
 
    Concurrently with this Offering, the Company is registering 593,500 shares
of Common Stock for concurrent or future sales by certain selling shareholders.
Of such shares of Common Stock, 491,250 were issued either in connection with
private placements conducted by the Company in October 1995 or are issuable upon
conversion of notes sold in one of such placements (to the extent such notes are
converted to Common Stock prior to the application of a portion of the proceeds
of this Offering to repay such notes). See "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital
Resources--Private Placements" and "Underwriting--Private Placements." Of such
shares of Common Stock, 102,250 have been registered upon exercise of various
"piggy back" registration rights granted to Baytree Associates, Inc. and Martin
E. Janis & Co., Inc. in connection with their subscriptions of such shares.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
    The legality of the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for the
Company by Parker Chapin Flattau & Klimpl, LLP, 1211 Avenue of the Americas, New
York, New York 10036. Reid & Priest LLP, 40 West 57th Street, New York, New York
10019 has acted as counsel for the Underwriter in connection with this Offering.
Parker Chapin Flattau & Klimpl, LLP has represented the Underwriter in
connection with other transactions.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
    On June 6, 1994, Price Waterhouse declined to stand for re-election as the
Company's independent public accountant. There was no adverse opinion or
disclaimer of opinion, or modification as to uncertainty, audit scope or
accounting principles contained in the reports of Price Waterhouse for the
fiscal years ended June 30, 1992 and December 31, 1993 or the six month
transition period ended December 31, 1992, other than the inclusion in Price
Waterhouse's reports relating to the periods ended December 31, 1992 and 1993 of
a statement as to an uncertainty regarding the ability of the Company to
continue as a going concern.
 
    During the Company's fiscal periods covered by Price Waterhouse's reports
and the subsequent interim period preceding Price Waterhouse's decision not to
stand for re-election on June 6, 1994, there were no disagreements with Price
Waterhouse on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial
statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure which disagreements, if not
resolved to the satisfaction of Price Waterhouse, would have caused Price
Waterhouse to make reference in connection with its report concerning the
Company's financial statements to the subject matter of the disagreements other
than as set forth below.
 
    For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1992, Price Waterhouse reported material
weaknesses indicating that during much of fiscal 1992, European financial
management personnel were not in place, uniform accounting policies and
reporting procedures were not clearly established and certain corporate
documents, such as Board of Directors meeting minutes, contractual agreements
and documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, were not
contemporaneously available from management and signed copies of such documents
were not readily available. These items were discussed with the Audit Committee
of the Company's Board of Directors and, during the year ended December 31,
1993, were resolved to the satisfaction of Price Waterhouse. The Price
Waterhouse report to the Audit Committee for the year ended December 31, 1993
did not contain any material weaknesses. The Company authorized Price Waterhouse
to respond fully to the inquiries of a successor accountant concerning all
subject matters.
 
                                       64
<PAGE>
    The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company selected
Deloitte & Touche LLP to serve as the Company's independent auditors for the
year ended December 31, 1994 and for the year ending December 31, 1995.
 
    The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 1994 and for the
year then ended, and as of September 30, 1995 and for the nine months then
ended, included in this Prospectus and the related financial statement schedule
as of December 31, 1994 and for the year then ended, and as of September 30,
1995 and for the nine months then ended included elsewhere in the Registration
Statement have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as
stated in their reports appearing herein and elsewhere in the Registration
Statement (which reports express an unqualified opinion and include an
explanatory paragraph referring to the Company's recurring losses from
operations as well as negative operating cash flows which raise substantial
doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern), and have been so
included in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as
experts in accounting and auditing.
 
    The consolidated financial statements with respect to the year ended June
30, 1992, the six months ended December 31, 1992 and the year ended December 31,
1993 included in this Prospectus and the related financial statement schedule
included elsewhere in the Registration Statement have been so included in
reliance on the report (which includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the
Company's ability to continue as a going concern as described in Note 1 of Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements) of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent
accountants, given on authority of said firm as experts in auditing and
accounting.
 
                                       65
<PAGE>
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                                                  PAGE HEREIN
                                                                                  -----------
<S>                                                                               <C>
Independent Auditors' Reports..................................................   F-2 to F-3
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1993 and 1994, and September 30,
  1995.........................................................................       F-4
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended June 30, 1992, for the
  six months ended December 31, 1992, for the years ended December 31, 1993 and
  1994, and for the nine months ended September 30, 1994 (unaudited) and 1995..       F-5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Common Stockholders' Equity for the year
  ended June 30, 1992, for the six months ended December 31, 1992, for the
  years ended December 31, 1993 and 1994, and for the nine months ended
  September 30, 1995...........................................................   F-6 to F-7
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended June 30, 1992, for the
  six months ended December 31, 1992, for the years ended December 31, 1993 and
  1994, and for the nine months ended September 30, 1994 (unaudited) and 1995..    F-8 to F-9
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.....................................       F-10
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of Bentley Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Tampa, Florida
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Bentley
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (formerly Belmac Corporation) and subsidiaries (the
"Company") as of December 31, 1994 and September 30, 1995, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, changes in common stockholders' equity,
and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 1994 and for the nine months
ended September 30, 1995. 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, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 1994
and September 30, 1995, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for
the periods then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
 
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming
that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the
consolidated financial statements, the Company has been experiencing recurring
losses from operations as well as negative operating cash flows. These matters
raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.
Management's plans concerning these matters are also described in Note 1. The
consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might
result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
 
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
Tampa, Florida
December 8, 1995
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
               REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of Bentley Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
 
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and the related
consolidated statements of operations, of changes in common stockholders'
equity, and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of Bentley Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (formerly Belmac
Corporation), and its subsidiaries at December 31, 1993, and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for the year ended June 30, 1992, the six
months ended December 31, 1992, and the year ended December 31, 1993 in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management; our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards which 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,
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed
above. We have not audited the consolidated financial statements of Bentley
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (formerly Belmac Corporation), for any period subsequent
to December 31, 1993.
 
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the
Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the
financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations
that raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.
Management's plans in regard to these matters are described in Note 1. The
financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the
outcome of this uncertainty.

PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP


Tampa, Florida
March 30, 1994
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                      (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                               DECEMBER 31,
                                                           --------------------    SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                             1993        1994          1995
                                                           --------    --------    -------------
<S>                                                        <C>         <C>         <C>
ASSETS
  Current assets:
   Cash and cash equivalents............................   $  1,552    $  1,321      $     580
   Investments available for sale.......................      1,118         215              1
   Receivables..........................................      5,953       7,609          8,268
   Inventories..........................................      1,298       1,247          1,000
   Prepaid expenses and other...........................        302         296            361
                                                           --------    --------    -------------
    Total current assets................................     10,223      10,688         10,210
                                                           --------    --------    -------------
  Fixed assets, net.....................................      3,704       3,618          4,012
  Drug licenses and related costs, net..................      1,474         968            965
  Other non-current assets, net.........................        759       1,058            983
                                                           --------    --------    -------------
                                                           $ 16,160    $ 16,332      $  16,170
                                                           --------    --------    -------------
                                                           --------    --------    -------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable......................................   $  4,466    $  5,374      $   5,067
  Accrued expenses......................................      2,445       2,282          2,144
  Short term borrowings.................................      1,040         663          1,216
  Current portion of long term debt.....................        229          61              4
  Deferred revenue......................................      --            380        --
                                                           --------    --------    -------------
    Total current liabilities...........................      8,180       8,760          8,431
                                                           --------    --------    -------------
  Long term debt........................................         35       --           --
                                                           --------    --------    -------------
  Other non-current liabilities.........................      2,786         336            500
                                                           --------    --------    -------------
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 11, 15 and 16)
 
  Redeemable preferred stock, $1.00 par value,
    authorized 2,000 shares
    Series A, issued and outstanding, 74 shares at
    December 31, 1993, and 70 shares at December 31,
    1994 and September 30, 1995.........................      2,218       2,256          2,374
                                                           --------    --------    -------------
Common Stockholders' Equity:
  Common stock, $.02 par value, authorized 5,000 shares,
    issued and outstanding, 2,070, 2,977 and 2,978 
    shares..............................................         41          60             60
  Stock purchase warrants (to purchase 156, 477 and 574
    shares of common stock).............................
  Paid-in capital in excess of par value................     63,902      69,493         69,009
  Stock subscriptions receivable........................     (1,268)     (1,550)          (105)
  Accumulated deficit...................................    (58,344)    (61,922)       (63,441)
  Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment....     (1,390)     (1,101)          (658)
                                                           --------    --------    -------------
                                                              2,941       4,980          4,865
                                                           --------    --------    -------------
                                                           $ 16,160    $ 16,332      $  16,170
                                                           --------    --------    -------------
                                                           --------    --------    -------------
</TABLE>
 
          The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
              are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                      (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                        FOR THE    FOR THE SIX       FOR THE YEAR          FOR THE NINE
                                          YEAR        MONTHS            ENDED              MONTHS ENDED
                                         ENDED        ENDED          DECEMBER 31,          SEPTEMBER 30,
                                        JUNE 30,   DECEMBER 31,   ------------------   ---------------------
                                          1992         1992         1993      1994        1994        1995
                                        --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
                                                                                       (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                     <C>        <C>            <C>        <C>       <C>           <C>
Sales.................................  $ 13,138     $  9,708     $ 19,849   $26,284     $19,676     $23,583
Cost of sales.........................     8,871        5,899       15,100    21,464      15,940      19,523
                                        --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
Gross margin..........................     4,267        3,809        4,749     4,820       3,736       4,060
                                        --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
Operating expenses:
  Selling, general and
    administrative....................     8,665        9,830        9,170     7,716       6,428       5,516
  Research and development............     5,168        3,599        1,555       759         608         341
  Depreciation and amortization.......       925          743          756       575         377         408
  Write-off of Biolid and related
    costs.............................     --          --            2,241     --         --           --
  Settlement of class action
    litigation........................     --          --            1,000     --         --           --
  Other non-recurring charges.........     --           9,321        --        --         --           --
                                        --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
  Total operating expenses............    14,758       23,493       14,722     9,050       7,413       6,265
                                        --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
Loss from operations..................   (10,491)     (19,684)      (9,973)   (4,230)     (3,677)     (2,205)
Other (income) expenses:
  Interest expense....................       427          205          271       423         140         215
  Interest income.....................      (448)        (256)         (91)     (123)        (44)         (1)
  Other (income) expense..............        (2)        (102)          83      (952)       (122)       (900)
                                        --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
Loss before income taxes..............   (10,468)     (19,531)     (10,236)   (3,578)     (3,651)     (1,519)
Provision for income taxes............       343       --            --        --         --           --
                                        --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
Net loss..............................  $(10,811)    $(19,531)    $(10,236)  $(3,578)    $(3,651)    $(1,519)
                                        --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
                                        --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
Net loss per common share.............   $(11.12)     $(16.60)      $(6.32)   $(1.56)     $(1.67)      $(.55)
                                        --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
                                        --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
Weighted average common shares
  outstanding.........................       997        1,203        1,655     2,395       2,257       2,978
                                        --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
                                        --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
</TABLE>
 
          The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
              are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES
                         IN COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                      (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                           $.02 PAR VALUE
                                            COMMON STOCK     ADDITIONAL                    OTHER
                                           ---------------    PAID-IN     ACCUMULATED      EQUITY
                                           SHARES   AMOUNT    CAPITAL       DEFICIT     TRANSACTIONS    TOTAL
                                           ------   ------   ----------   -----------   ------------   --------
<S>                                        <C>      <C>      <C>          <C>           <C>            <C>
Balance at June 30, 1991.................    751     $ 15     $ 19,252     $ (17,766)     $    730     $  2,231
  Private placement of common stock......     94        2        8,445        --            --            8,447
  Stock subscriptions receivable.........   --       --         --            --              (199)        (199)
  Conversion of redeemable preferred
    stock................................     66        1        8,399        --            --            8,400
  Exercise of stock options..............     42        1        2,056        --            --            2,057
  Conversion of stock purchase
    warrants.............................    203        4        8,109        --            (1,392)       6,721
  Issuance of shares relating to Chimos
    acquisition..........................     10     --            612        --            --              612
  Repurchase of common stock.............     (5)    --           (495)       --            --             (495)
  Accretion/accrual of
    dividends--preferred stock...........   --       --           (277)       --            --             (277)
  Foreign currency translation
    adjustment...........................   --       --         --            --               666          666
  Net loss...............................   --       --         --           (10,811)       --          (10,811)
                                           ------   ------   ----------   -----------   ------------   --------
Balance at June 30, 1992.................  1,161       23       46,101       (28,577)         (195)      17,352
  Private placement of common stock......     81        2        3,862        --            --            3,864
  Stock subscriptions receivable.........   --       --         --            --            (1,700)      (1,700)
  Cancellation of stock subscriptions
    receivable...........................   --       --         --            --               426          426
  Conversion of redeemable preferred
    stock................................      1     --            201        --            --              201
  Exercise of stock options..............      1     --             60        --            --               60
  Issuance of common stock as
    compensation.........................     17     --            960        --            --              960
  Other equity transactions..............   --       --            135        --            --              135
  Accretion/accrual of
    dividends--preferred stock...........   --       --           (439)       --            --             (439)
  Foreign currency translation
    adjustment...........................   --       --         --            --            (1,423)      (1,423)
  Net loss...............................   --       --         --           (19,531)       --          (19,531)
                                           ------   ------   ----------   -----------   ------------   --------
Balance at December 31, 1992.............  1,261       25       50,880       (48,108)       (2,892)         (95)
                                           ------   ------   ----------   -----------   ------------   --------
</TABLE>
 
                                                                     (Continued)
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES
                   IN COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONCLUDED)

                      (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                           $.02 PAR VALUE
                                            COMMON STOCK     ADDITIONAL                    OTHER
                                           ---------------    PAID-IN     ACCUMULATED      EQUITY
                                           SHARES   AMOUNT    CAPITAL       DEFICIT     TRANSACTIONS    TOTAL
                                           ------   ------   ----------   -----------   ------------   --------
<S>                                        <C>      <C>      <C>          <C>           <C>            <C>
Balance at December 31, 1992.............  1,261     $ 25     $ 50,880     $ (48,108)     $ (2,892)    $    (95)
  Private placement of common stock......    733       15        7,370        --            --            7,385
  Stock subscription receivable..........   --       --         --            --              (856)        (856)
  Stock subscription received............   --       --         --            --             1,700        1,700
  Conversion of redeemable preferred
    stock................................     36        1        5,401        --            --            5,402
  Conversion of stock purchase
    warrants.............................      9     --             97        --            --               97
  Conversion of minority interest--
    Pharmacin Corp.......................     10     --         --            --            --            --
  Stock issued for termination
    compensation.........................     15     --            330        --            --              330
  Miscellaneous..........................      6     --             44        --            --               44
  Accretion/accrual of
    dividends--preferred stock...........   --       --           (220)       --            --             (220)
  Foreign currency translation
    adjustment...........................   --       --         --            --              (610)        (610)
  Net loss...............................   --       --         --           (10,236)       --          (10,236)
                                           ------   ------   ----------   -----------   ------------   --------
Balance at December 31, 1993.............  2,070       41       63,902       (58,344)       (2,658)       2,941
  Conversion of stock purchase
    warrants.............................      2     --             34        --            --               34
  Private placement of common stock,
    net..................................    826       17        4,776        --            --            4,793
  Stock subscriptions receivable.........   --       --         --            --            (1,596)      (1,596)
  Stock subscriptions received...........   --       --         --            --               693          693
  Conversion of redeemable preferred
    stock................................      1     --            129        --            --              129
  Repurchase of common stock.............    (41)      (1)        (620)       --               621        --
  Sale of treasury stock.................     42        1          294        --            --              295
  Issuance of common stock as
    compensation.........................      7     --            146        --            --              146
  Issuance of common stock to settle
    litigation...........................     70        2          998        --            --            1,000
  Accrual of dividends--preferred
    stock................................   --       --           (166)       --            --             (166)
  Foreign currency translation
    adjustment...........................   --       --         --            --               289          289
  Net loss...............................   --       --         --            (3,578)       --           (3,578)
                                           ------   ------   ----------   -----------   ------------   --------
Balance at December 31, 1994.............  2,977       60       69,493       (61,922)       (2,651)       4,980
  Stock subscription received............   --       --         --            --               562          562
  Stock subscription
    revaluation/cancellation.............   --       --           (351)       --               883          532
  Common stock issued as compensation....      1     --              3        --            --                3
  Accrual of dividends--preferred
    stock................................   --       --           (118)       --            --             (118)
  Miscellaneous..........................   --       --            (18)       --            --              (18)
  Foreign currency translation
    adjustment...........................   --       --         --            --               443          443
  Net loss...............................   --       --         --            (1,519)       --           (1,519)
                                           ------   ------   ----------   -----------   ------------   --------
Balance at September 30, 1995............  2,978     $ 60     $ 69,009     $ (63,441)     $   (763)    $  4,865
                                           ------   ------   ----------   -----------   ------------   --------
                                           ------   ------   ----------   -----------   ------------   --------
</TABLE>
 
          The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
              are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                         FOR THE
                                           YEAR      SIX MONTHS         FOR THE             FOR THE NINE
                                          ENDED        ENDED           YEAR ENDED           MONTHS ENDED
                                         JUNE 30,   DECEMBER 31,      DECEMBER 31,          SEPTEMBER 30,
                                         --------   ------------   ------------------   ---------------------
                                           1992         1992         1993      1994        1994        1995
                                         --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
                                                                                        (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                      <C>        <C>            <C>        <C>       <C>           <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net loss.............................  $(10,811)    $(19,531)    $(10,236)  $(3,578)    $(3,651)    $(1,519)
  Adjustments to reconcile net loss to
    net cash used in operating
    activities:
    Depreciation and amortization......       925          743          756       575         377         408
    Gain on sale of Belmacina(R).......     --          --            --         (884)     --            (380)
    Other non-cash items...............       (72)         (50)         (10)      108         120         117
    Write-off of Biolid(R) and related
      costs............................     --          --            --        --         --           --
    Settlement of class action
      litigation.......................     --          --            1,000     --         --           --
    Stock issued as compensation.......     --          --              375       146      --           --
    Other non-recurring charges........     --           9,321        --        --         --           --
    Cancellation of Stock subscription
      receivable.......................     --          --            --        --         --             533
    Research and development charges...     --             250        --        --         --           --
    (Increase) decrease in assets and
      increase (decrease) in
      liabilities net of effects of
      acquisitions:
    Receivables........................    (5,561)       2,886       (2,160)      124       1,361      (1,007)
    Inventories........................    (2,815)         930        1,066       154        (698)        199
    Prepaid expenses and other current
      assets...........................      (444)         279          (10)       20        (114)        (44)
    Other assets.......................      (811)        (165)         286       349         210          66
    Accounts payable and accrued
      expenses.........................     5,086          743       (2,936)      228         386        (795)
    Other liabilities..................     --          --            --         (657)     --           --
                                         --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
        Net cash (used in) operating
          activities...................   (14,503)      (4,594)      (9,628)   (3,415)     (2,009)     (2,422)
                                         --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Proceeds from sale of Belmacina(R)...     --          --            --          651         778         922
  Proceeds from sale of investments....     1,924        4,533          555     1,040         720         214
  Purchase of investments..............    (5,479)      (1,510)      (1,118)     (116)       (116)      --
  Net change in fixed assets...........      (795)        (296)        (133)    --         --            (507)
  Investment in partnership............     --          --            --         (648)       (605)        (13)
  (Repayment to) received from Evans...     --          --              532      (793)       (793)      --
  Proceeds from sale of Amodex(R)
    rights.............................     --          --            3,260     --         --           --
  Pharmaceutical license
    acquisitions.......................    (5,500)        (459)       --        --         --           --
  Chimos acquisition, net of cash
    acquired...........................      (312)      --            --        --         --           --
  Other investments....................     --             (30)         (20)    --         --           --
  Laboratorios Belmac acquisition, net
    of cash acquired...................    (2,759)      --            --        --         --           --
                                         --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
    Net cash provided by (used in)
      investing activities.............   (12,921)      (2,238)       3,076       134         (16)        616
                                         --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
</TABLE>
 
                                                                     (Continued)
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
               CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONCLUDED)
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                         FOR THE
                                           YEAR      SIX MONTHS         FOR THE             FOR THE NINE
                                          ENDED        ENDED           YEAR ENDED           MONTHS ENDED
                                         JUNE 30,   DECEMBER 31,      DECEMBER 31,          SEPTEMBER 30,
                                         --------   ------------   ------------------   ---------------------
                                           1992         1992         1993      1994        1994        1995
                                         --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
                                                                                        (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                      <C>        <C>            <C>        <C>       <C>           <C>
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Net increase (decrease) in short-term
    borrowings.........................  $    242     $   (858)    $    391   $  (397)    $  (242)    $   501
  Proceeds from private placement:
    Preferred stock....................    15,750       --            --        --         --           --
    Common stock.......................    10,120        2,386        8,711     3,761       2,903
  Offering costs of private
    placement..........................    (2,136)        (217)      (2,096)     (377)       (287)        (56)
  Collection of stock subscription
    receivable.........................     --          --            1,700       693         457         562
  Proceeds from exercise of stock
    options............................     2,057           60        --        --         --           --
  Proceeds from exercise of stock
    warrants...........................     6,522       --               97        34          34       --
  Other equity transactions............     --             135        --        --         --           --
  Repayments of long term debt.........    (1,228)      (1,632)        (221)     (203)       (153)        (57)
  Payments on capital leases...........       (36)         (45)         (81)      (72)        (55)        (25)
                                         --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
      Net cash provided by (used in)
        financing activities...........    31,291         (171)       8,501     3,439       2,657         925
                                         --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
Effect of exchange rate changes on
  cash.................................      (425)        (536)        (997)     (389)         (9)        140
                                         --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and
  cash equivalents.....................     3,442       (3,063)         952      (231)        623        (741)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
  of period............................       221        3,663          600     1,552       1,552       1,321
                                         --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
  period...............................  $  3,663     $    600     $  1,552   $ 1,321     $ 2,175     $   580
                                         --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
                                         --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
The Registrant paid cash during the period for (in thousands):
            Interest...................  $    267     $    186     $    309   $   263     $   172     $   220
                                         --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
                                         --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
            Taxes......................  $    285     $    428     $      0   $     6     $     6       --
                                         --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
                                         --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
The Registrant has issued Common Stock in exchange for services, rights or in
settlement of litigation as follows (in thousands):
            Shares Issued..............     --              17           38        99           7           1
                                         --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
                                         --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
            Amount.....................     --        $    960     $    820   $ 1,290     $   146     $     3
                                         --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
                                         --------   ------------   --------   -------   -----------   -------
</TABLE>
 
               The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Statements
              are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE 1--HISTORY AND OPERATIONS
 
    Bentley Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (formerly Belmac Corporation) (the "Company")
is an international pharmaceutical and health care company engaged primarily in
the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of pharmaceutical products in
France and Spain, with limited distribution of health care products and research
and development activities in the United States. The Company's operations in
France consist of the import and distribution of fine chemicals and the
marketing of specialty pharmaceutical products. In Spain, the Company
manufactures, packages and distributes both its own and other companies'
pharmaceutical products. In the United States, the Company markets disposable
linens to emergency health services which are manufactured under contract.
 
    The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a
going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the
satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. As shown in the
consolidated financial statements, the Company has incurred significant net
losses as well as negative operating cash flows for all periods presented. These
losses, although decreasing, and other factors may indicate that the Company may
be unable to continue as a going concern.
 
    The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments
relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or
the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the
Company be unable to continue as a going concern. The Company's continuation as
a going concern is dependent upon its ability to generate sufficient cash flow
to meet its obligations on a timely basis, to obtain additional financing as may
be required, and ultimately to attain profitable operations and positive cash
flows. Management has developed a comprehensive strategic plan which focuses on
short-term profitability and goals and includes plans to achieve continued
profitability on an ongoing basis. Additionally, management is exploring various
financing alternatives, including a public offering of its debt and/or equity
securities. Management plans include careful prioritization of research and
development activities and continuation of an austerity program that it
implemented in early 1993. Additionally, management is considering possible
joint ventures or other third party relationships for the continuing
development, licensing and marketing of certain drugs currently under
development.
 
NOTE 2--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
CHANGE IN YEAR END
 
    Effective December 31, 1992 the Company changed its fiscal year end from
June 30 to December 31.
 
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
 
    The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: B.O.G. International Finance, Inc., Belmac
Jamaica, Ltd., Belmac Healthcare Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary
Belmac Hygiene, Inc., Chimos/LBF S.A. (formerly known as the separate entities
of Laboratoires Belmac S.A. and Chimos S.A.) and its wholly owned subsidiary
Laboratorios Belmac S.A., and Belmac Holdings, Inc. (formerly known as Pharmacin
Holdings, Inc.), and its wholly owned subsidiary, Belmac A. I., Inc. (formerly
known as Pharmacin Corp.). Belmac Hygiene, Inc. entered into a 50/50 partnership
with Maximed Corporation of New York in March 1994. Belmac Hygiene's
participation in the partnership is accounted for using the equity method. All
significant intercompany balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The
financial position and
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 2--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES--(CONTINUED)
results of operations of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are measured using
local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of foreign
subsidiaries are translated at the rate of exchange in effect at the end of the
period. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for
the period. Foreign currency translation gains and losses not impacting cash
flows are credited to or charged against Stockholders' Equity. Foreign currency
translation gains and losses arising from cash transactions are credited to or
charged against current earnings.
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
    The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities
of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents for purposes of
the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Investments in securities which do not meet the definition of cash equivalents
are classified as investments available for sale in the Consolidated Balance
Sheets. A bank overdraft of approximately $30,000 at December 31, 1993 is
included in accounts payable as of that date and restricted cash of
approximately $300,000 at December 31, 1993 is included in investments available
for sale as of that date as well.
 
INVESTMENTS AVAILABLE FOR SALE
 
    Investments available for sale are reported at approximate market value.
 
INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, cost being determined
on the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method.
 
FIXED ASSETS
 
    Fixed assets are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the
straight-line method over the following estimated economic lives of the assets:

                                                                        YEARS
                                                                        -----
Buildings............................................................     30
Equipment............................................................    5-7
Furniture and fixtures...............................................    5-7
Other................................................................      5


    Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the life of the respective 
lease.
 
    Expenditures for replacements and improvements that significantly add to
productive capacity or extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized, while
expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged against operations as
incurred. When assets are sold or retired, the cost of the asset and the related
accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is
recognized currently.


DRUG LICENSES AND RELATED COSTS

    Drug licenses and related costs incurred in connection with obtaining or
acquiring licenses, patents, and other proprietary rights related to the
Company's commercially developed products are capitalized. Capitalized drug
licenses and related costs are being amortized on a straight-line basis over
fifteen years
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

NOTE 2--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES--(CONTINUED)
from the dates of acquisition. Costs of acquiring pharmaceuticals requiring
further development are expensed as purchased research and development. Carrying
values of such assets are reviewed annually by the Company and are adjusted for
any diminution in value.

 
INVESTMENT IN PARTNERSHIP
 
    Belmac Hygiene, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company entered into
a 50/50 partnership in March 1994 with Maximed Corporation ("Maximed") to
develop and market feminine healthcare products. Maximed contributed the
hydrogel-based technology and the Company, through its subsidiary, is
responsible for providing financing and funding of the partnership's activities.
The investment in the partnership is accounted for using the equity method.
 
    Belmac Hygiene, Inc. has become involved in a dispute with Maximed and filed
suit in December 1994 against Maximed (See Note 15). In the opinion of
management, the carrying value of its investment in the partnership, accounted
for using the equity method, of $501,000 and $513,000 as of December 31, 1994
and September 30, 1995, respectively, is not impaired and no reserve is
considered necessary.

 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
 
    Research and development costs are expensed when incurred.

 
AMORTIZATION OF GOODWILL
 
    Costs of investments in purchased companies in excess of the underlying fair
value of net identifiable assets at date of acquisition are recorded as goodwill
and included in other non-current assets which is amortized over fifteen years
on a straight line basis. Carrying values of such assets are reviewed annually
by the Company and are adjusted for any diminution in value.

 
REVENUE RECOGNITION
 
    Sales of products are recognized by the Company when the products are
shipped to customers. The Company allows sales returns in certain situations,
but does not reserve for returns and allowances based upon the Company's
favorable historical experience.

 
INCOME TAXES
 
    In February 1992, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 "Accounting for Income Taxes" (SFAS
109). SFAS 109 mandates the liability method in accounting for the effects of
income taxes for financial reporting purposes. The Company adopted SFAS 109
effective January 1, 1993. This statement did not have a material impact on the
Company's consolidated financial statements as a result of establishing a
valuation allowance equal to the deferred tax asset arising primarily from its
net operating loss carryforwards.

 
NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE
 
    Primary loss per common share is computed by dividing the net loss (less
accretion of discount and accrued dividends on mandatorily redeemable preferred
stock) by the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
during each period. Common Stock equivalents were not included in the
calculation of primary loss per share as they were determined to be
antidilutive.
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 2--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES--(CONTINUED)

    The Company effected a one-for-ten reverse split of its Common Stock on July
25, 1995 as a result of an amendment to its Articles of Incorporation which was
approved by the stockholders at the Company's Annual Stockholders Meeting held
on June 9, 1995. All information with respect to per share data and number of
common shares has been retroactively adjusted to give effect to the reverse
stock split.


NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

    In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121, "Accounting for the
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of"
("FAS 121") effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1995. FAS
121 requires that long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles to be
held and used by an entity be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes
in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be
recoverable. Management believes that the adoption of FAS 121 will not have a
material impact on the financial condition or the results of operations of the
Company.
 
    In October 1995, FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("FAS 123") effective for
transactions entered into after December 15, 1995. FAS 123 provides alternatives
for the methods used by entities to record compensation expense associated with
its stock-based compensation plans. Additionally, FAS 123 provides further
guidance on the disclosure requirements relating to stock-based compensation
plans. Management believes that the adoption of FAS 123 will not have a material
impact on the financial condition or the results of operations of the Company.

 
UNAUDITED PERIOD
 
    Amounts reported for the nine-month period ended September 30, 1994 are
unaudited and in the opinion of management of the Company include all
adjustments that are of a normal recurring nature and necessary for a fair
presentation.
 
NOTE 3--ACQUISITIONS
 
CHIMOS S.A.
 
    In August 1991, the Company, through its 100% owned subsidiary, Laboratoires
Belmac S.A., purchased all of the outstanding shares of Chimos S.A., ("Chimos"),
a company with executive offices in Paris, France. The acquisition price
consisted of 3,000,000 French Francs (approximately $500,000) plus 10,000 shares
of the Company's Common Stock (approximate value of $613,000). This acquisition
has been accounted for by the purchase method and the excess of purchase price
over the fair market value of net assets acquired has been recorded as goodwill
(approximately $548,000) and included in other non-current assets. These two
entities were merged in 1994 into one surviving entity known as Chimos/LBF S.A.
Chimos/LBF S.A. is engaged in the distribution of specialty pharmaceutical
products and fine chemicals to pharmacies and hospitals in France.

 
RIMAFAR S.A.
 
    In February 1992, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary,
Laboratoires Belmac S.A., consummated the acquisition of all of the outstanding
shares of Rimafar S.A. (currently known as
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 3--ACQUISITIONS--(CONTINUED)

Laboratorios Belmac S.A.), a Spanish corporation. The Company paid a cash
purchase price of approximately $3,100,000 (including costs associated with the
acquisition) for 100% of the shares.
 
    This acquisition was accounted for by the purchase method and the excess of
purchase price over the tangible net assets acquired was assigned to nine
different Spanish drug licenses held by the Company (See Note 8).

 
PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
    The following pro forma Statement of Operations reflects the effect on the
Company's 1992 operations, as if the above described acquisitions had occurred
at the beginning of the Company's fiscal year ended June 30, 1992:
 
                                                PRO FORMA COMBINED (UNAUDITED)
                                                ------------------------------
Net sales....................................            $ 17,249,000
Net loss.....................................            $(11,145,000)
Loss per Common Share........................            $     (11.40)
 
    The above pro forma financial information relating to Chimos and
Laboratorios Belmac is presented in accordance with accounting rules relating to
business acquisitions and is not necessarily indicative either of the results of
operations that would have occurred had the acquisitions been effective at the
beginning of the fiscal year indicated or of future results of operations of the
combined companies.
 
NOTE 4--OTHER NON-RECURRING CHARGES
 
    The aggregate amount of other non-recurring charges for the period ended
December 31, 1992 of $9,321,000 relates primarily to a 1992 realignment of the
Company and its products in the United States and in Europe by its management as
outlined below.

 
MANAGEMENT
 
    On February 26, 1993, Jean-Francois Rossignol resigned as Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company. The Company agreed to forgive $271,000 of a
note receivable from Dr. Rossignol at the time of his resignation, the cost of
which has been included in the period ended December 31, 1992.
 
    The Company decided in December 1992 to realign its pharmaceutical
operations in France by implementing a more cost effective marketing strategy
utilizing an outside marketing firm during certain times of the year in place of
its internal French management and sales force. Severance costs associated with
the displacement of the French employees totaling approximately $1,054,000 were
included in the period ended December 31, 1992.
 
    As part of the realignment of French operations, the Company decided to
relocate its French offices from Sophia Antipolis to Paris. In conjunction with
this decision the Company wrote-off certain leasehold improvements and other
assets and expensed certain lease and other commitments aggregating $2,108,000
which was included in the period ended December 31, 1992.
 
    On November 23, 1992 Michael M. Harshbarger was appointed President and
Chief Operating Officer of the Company. Under the terms of Harshbarger's
employment agreement 10,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock were granted to
him on December 16, 1992. The market value of the shares on the date of grant of
$575,000 was included in the period ended December 31, 1992.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 4--OTHER NON-RECURRING CHARGES--(CONTINUED)
    As an incentive to its employees in Spain, the Company's Board of Directors
on December 29, 1992 approved the issuance of 7,000 shares of Common Stock to
the employees of Laboratorios Belmac, resulting in a charge of $385,000 based on
the market price of the Company's Common Stock on the date of grant. These costs
were also included in the period ended December 31, 1992.

PRODUCTS

    In January 1993, the Company sold its product rights and inventory of
Amodex(R) to a third party. Charges of $3,574,000 and $212,000 representing the
write-down of drug licenses and inventory, respectively, to net-realizable value
were included in the period ended December 31, 1992.
 
    The Company decided to discontinue marketing its Biolid(R) infant and
pediatric formulations in France due to lower than expected sales volume and low
gross margins. Additionally, it was determined that excessive quantities of the
adult formulation of Biolid(R) existed, recognizing the Company's restructured
marketing efforts. Accordingly, inventory write-offs relating to Biolid(R)
totaling approximately $630,000 were reflected in the period ended December 31,
1992. The Company wrote-off certain capitalized costs related to the sachet
formulation of Biolid(R) as of December 31, 1993 (See Note 8).
 
    The Company has decided to focus its product development efforts for
Alphanon(R) on a transdermal patch delivery system and accordingly $243,000 of
deferred product costs relating to the intra-navel transdermal technology were
written off in 1992. The inability to collect receivables for Alphanon(R) sales
amounting to $162,000 from a major customer outside the United States was
indicative of the limited market opportunity for the product in its
navel-transdermal delivery form. Accordingly, the Company also wrote-off
approximately $107,000 of inventory relating to Alphanon(R).

NOTE 5--RECEIVABLES

Receivables consist of the following (in Thousands):

<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 ----------------    SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                  1993      1994         1995
                                                                 ------    ------    -------------
<S>                                                              <C>       <C>       <C>
Trade receivables.............................................   $5,163    $6,360       $ 7,479
Sale of Belmacina(R) (Note 8).................................     --       1,140           243
Other (Notes 8 and 15)........................................      840       233           645
                                                                 ------    ------    -------------
                                                                  6,003     7,733         8,367
Less--allowance for doubtful accounts.........................      (50)     (124)          (99)
                                                                 ------    ------    -------------
                                                                 $5,953    $7,609       $ 8,268
                                                                 ------    ------    -------------
                                                                 ------    ------    -------------
</TABLE>

NOTE 6--INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of the following (in Thousands):
 
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 ----------------    SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                  1993      1994         1995
                                                                 ------    ------    -------------
<S>                                                              <C>       <C>       <C>
Raw materials.................................................   $  553    $  149       $   217
Work in progress..............................................        3         3             1
Finished goods................................................      742     1,343         1,453
                                                                 ------    ------    -------------
                                                                  1,298     1,495         1,671
Less--allowance for slow-moving or obsolete inventory.........     --        (248)         (671)
                                                                 ------    ------    -------------
                                                                 $1,298    $1,247       $ 1,000
                                                                 ------    ------    -------------
                                                                 ------    ------    -------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 7--FIXED ASSETS
 
Fixed assets consist of the following (in Thousands):
 
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 ----------------    SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                  1993      1994         1995
                                                                 ------    ------    -------------
<S>                                                              <C>       <C>       <C>
Land..........................................................   $1,033    $1,121       $ 1,195
Buildings.....................................................    1,667     1,810         2,477
Equipment.....................................................      845       916           964
Furniture and fixtures........................................      603       675           653
Leasehold improvements........................................      302       340           335
Equipment under capital lease.................................      181       221           138
                                                                 ------    ------    -------------
                                                                  4,631     5,083         5,762
Less-accumulated depreciation.................................     (927)   (1,465)       (1,750)
                                                                 ------    ------    -------------
                                                                 $3,704    $3,618       $ 4,012
                                                                 ------    ------    -------------
                                                                 ------    ------    -------------
</TABLE>
 
    Depreciation expense was $287,000, $173,000, $489,000, $434,000, $258,000
(unaudited) and $290,000 for the year ended June 30, 1992, for the six months
ended December 31, 1992, for the years ended December 31, 1993 and 1994, and for
the nine months ended September 30, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
NOTE 8--DRUG LICENSES AND RELATED COSTS, NET
 
Drug licenses and related costs consist of the following (in Thousands):
 
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 ----------------    SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                  1993      1994         1995
                                                                 ------    ------    -------------
<S>                                                              <C>       <C>       <C>
Laboratorios Belmac's portfolio (Note 3)......................   $1,721    $1,259       $ 1,342
Less--accumulated amortization................................     (247)     (291)         (377)
                                                                 ------    ------    -------------
                                                                 $1,474    $  968       $   965
                                                                 ------    ------    -------------
                                                                 ------    ------    -------------
</TABLE>
 
    In September 1992, the Company, through its Spanish subsidiary Laboratorios
Belmac, acquired the Spanish license and product rights to Belmacina(R), a
ciprofloxacin antibiotic, for approximately $577,000. The Company sold its
Spanish license and product rights to Ciprofloxacin in 1994 for approximately
$1,556,000 and sold the related trademark for approximately $380,000 in 1995.
The Company received approximately $651,000 in cash, net of transaction costs
and a receivable of approximately $1,140,000, which includes amounts related to
the sale of the trademark. The gain on sale of the license and product rights of
approximately $884,000 was included in Other Income for the year ended December
31, 1994 and the gain on the sale of the related trademark was recorded as a
receivable and as deferred revenue as of December 31, 1994. The Company
recognized the gain on the sale of the related trademark upon the transfer of
the trademark to the buyer in 1995.
 
    In December 1991, the Company, through its wholly-owned French subsidiary
Laboratoires Belmac S.A., acquired certain inventory and all French product
rights of Amodex(R). Amodex(R) is an amoxicillin-based antibiotic that has been
registered with the Ministry of Health in France and has been granted regulatory
approval for marketing in France. Pursuant to this agreement, Laboratoires
Belmac S.A. agreed to pay approximately $6,800,000, of which $5,500,000 was paid
at consummation and approximately $1,300,000 was agreed to be payable in three
installments in December 1993, 1994
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 8--DRUG LICENSES AND RELATED COSTS, NET--(CONTINUED)

and 1995. Subsequent to June 30, 1992, Laboratoires Belmac S.A. renegotiated the
terms of the agreement whereby one payment of approximately $882,000 was made in
lieu of the three installment payments. The related intangible asset and debt
were adjusted at June 30, 1992 to reflect the revised agreement.
 
    In January 1993 the Company sold all of its French product rights and
inventory of Amodex(R) to a third party. At December 31, 1992 the cost
associated with the Amodex(R) product rights was reduced to $3,260,000 to
reflect its net realizable value (See Note 4).
 
    In September 1993 the Company entered into an agreement to sell its rights
to the Biolid(R) sachet formulation in France and related inventories to Evans
Medical S.A. for approximately $2,245,000. The Company received approximately
$950,000 cash upon execution of the agreement including approximately $350,000
for promotion and marketing of the product. The Company recorded a receivable of
approximately $1,550,000 as of September 30, 1993, representing the balance of
the purchase price which was due upon transfer of the French AMM (license to
market the product) to Evans. This transaction was subject to approval, by a
French regulatory authority, of the transfer of the French AMM to Evans. The
French regulatory authority subsequently requested additional information prior
to approving this transfer and requested marketing of Biolid(R) be suspended
pending the additional data. The Company discontinued marketing this product,
which is a sachet formulation.
 
    As a result of the regulatory action, the Company entered into an agreement
with Evans in March 1994 which canceled the previous sales agreement and the
Company agreed to refund approximately $532,000 deposited by Evans and an
additional $175,000 of the promotional costs paid by Evans. Accordingly, the
Company reversed the sale of the rights to the sachet formulation of Biolid(R)
and removed the previously recorded gain and receivable from its books,
effective December 31, 1993. As a result of the decision to withdraw the sachet
formulation of Biolid(R) from the French market and the subsequent agreement
with Evans, the Company recorded an expense of $2,241,000 in the fourth quarter
of 1993 reflecting the write-off of the sachet formulation of Biolid(R)
intangible asset, the Biolid(R) inventories and the reimbursement of Evans'
promotional costs.
 
    The Company owns all rights, title and interest to Alphanon(R), a camphor
based anti-hemorrhoidal drug. In connection with the acquisition of Alphanon(R),
the Company agreed to pay for the longer of fifteen years from the first
marketing of Alphanon(R) in each country or the life of an Alphanon(R) patent in
each country, a royalty fee of 5% of the gross profit from the manufacture and
sale of the product and 5% of the net royalty payments received from any
licensing agreements of the product. Costs capitalized related to this drug
license included $262,000 for the value of Common Stock issued. In December 1992
the Company wrote-off all remaining unamortized Alphanon(R) license and related
costs reflecting the decision to discontinue further sales and marketing efforts
related to Alphanon(R) pending further development of the transdermal patch
technology (See Note 4).
 
    Amortization expense for drug licenses and related costs was approximately
$553,000, $328,000, $227,000, $102,000, $89,000 (unaudited) and $86,000 for the
year ended June 30, 1992, for the six months ended December 31, 1992, for the
years ended December 31, 1993 and 1994, and for the nine months ended September
30, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 9--ACCRUED EXPENSES
 
Accrued expenses consist of the following (in Thousands):
 
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 ----------------    SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                  1993      1994         1995
                                                                 ------    ------    -------------
<S>                                                              <C>       <C>       <C>
Accrued expenses..............................................   $  774    $1,914       $ 1,669
Accrued payroll and severance benefits (Note 4)...............      964       368           475
Amount due to Evans (Note 8)..................................      707      --          --
                                                                 ------    ------    -------------
                                                                 $2,445    $2,282       $ 2,144
                                                                 ------    ------    -------------
                                                                 ------    ------    -------------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 10--DEBT
 
Short term borrowings consist of the following (in Thousands):
 
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 ----------------    SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                  1993      1994         1995
                                                                 -------    -----    -------------
<S>                                                              <C>        <C>      <C>
Trade receivables discounted (with a Spanish financial
  institution), with recourse, effective interest rate on the
  note is 13.9%...............................................   $   570    $ 463       $   675
Short-term loan (with a French financial institution),
  maturing in January 1994, average interest rate 4.5%........       369     --          --
Short-term loan (with a French financial institution), matured
  on February 2, 1994, interest rate 4.25%....................       101     --          --
Short-term loan (with a French financial institution),
  maturing in January 1995, average interest rate 7.3%........     --         200        --
Short term loan (with a French financial institution) maturing
  in December 1995, average interest rate 11.3%...............     --        --             304
Other.........................................................     --        --             237
                                                                 -------    -----    -------------
  Total Short term borrowings.................................   $ 1,040    $ 663       $ 1,216
                                                                 -------    -----    -------------
                                                                 -------    -----    -------------
</TABLE>
 
Long-term debt consists of the following (in Thousands):
 
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                                     DECEMBER 31,
                                                                    --------------    SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                     1993     1994        1995
                                                                    ------    ----    -------------
<S>                                                                 <C>       <C>     <C>
First mortgage loan, principal and interest of $35 quarterly
  through February 1995, collateralized by land and buildings in
  Spain. Interest is based on the Madrid Interbank Offering Rate
  (MIBOR*) plus 1.45%............................................   $  175    $37        --$
Capital lease obligations, relating to various equipment used by
  the Company....................................................       89     24            4
                                                                    ------    ----         ---
                                                                       264     61            4
Less current portion.............................................     (229)   (61)          (4)
                                                                    ------    ----         ---
  Total long-term debt...........................................   $   35    $ 0          $ 0
                                                                    ------    ----         ---
                                                                    ------    ----         ---
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
* MIBOR at December 31, 1993 and 1994, and September 30, 1995 was 9.5%, 8.65%
  and 9.35%, respectively.
 
    The weighted average interest rate on borrowings outstanding at December 31,
1994 and September 30, 1995 was 8.57% and 10.5%, respectively.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 11--REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK
 
    During the year ended June 30, 1992, the Company issued 290,000 shares of $1
par value Series A Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the "Series A
Preferred Stock") and 340,000 shares of $1 par value Series B Convertible
Exchangeable Preferred Stock ("the Series B Preferred Stock") at $25 per share.
The issuance of these shares provided aggregate proceeds to the Company of
$15,750,000. Since the Series A and B Preferred Stock meet the definition of
Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock, it has been excluded from the Common
Stockholders' Equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December
31, 1994 and September 30, 1995, 220,000 shares of the Series A Preferred Stock
and all shares of the Series B Preferred Stock had been converted into 56,100
and 48,100 shares, respectively, of Common Stock.
 
    The shares of Series A and B Preferred Stock were convertible at the option
of the holders into Common Stock at any time prior to the close of business on
the date fixed for redemption or exchange, at an initial conversion price for
the Series A Preferred Stock of $115.00 per share (at an initial conversion rate
of approximately .21739 shares of Common Stock for each share of Series A
Preferred Stock) and for the Series B Preferred Stock of $160.00 per share (at
an initial conversion rate of .15625 shares of Common Stock for each share of
Series B Preferred Stock). The conversion rates were adjusted by the Company, in
lieu of paying cumulative dividends of 9% per annum to .25828 and .1703 for the
Series A and B Preferred Stock, respectively. The dividend payment date for
Series A Preferred Stock is October 15. The dividend payment date for Series B
Preferred Stock was February 1, 1993.
 
    The Series A Preferred Stock has a liquidation preference equal to $25.00
per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends up to the liquidation date. The
Series A Preferred Stock is redeemable for cash at the option of the Company.
The Preferred Stock is also redeemable for cash at the option of the holder upon
certain major stock acquisitions or business combinations at $25.00 per share,
plus accrued and unpaid dividends through the redemption dates. The holders of
Preferred Stock have no voting rights except as required by applicable law and
except that if the equivalent of two full annual cash dividends shall be accrued
and unpaid, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock shall have the right, as
a class, to elect two additional members of the Company's Board of Directors. As
of the date hereof, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock have not
exercised their right to appoint such directors.
 
    The Series A Preferred Stock is exchangeable in whole, but not in part, at
the option of the Company on any dividend payment date beginning October 15,
1993, for 9% Convertible Subordinated Debentures of the Company due 2016.
Holders of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to $25 principal amount of
Debentures for each share of Series A Preferred Stock.
 
    The Series A Preferred Stock is recorded at redemption value, which is
$25.00 per share plus cumulative dividends of 9% per annum. The following table
summarizes activity of the Series A and B Preferred Stock:
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 11--REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK--(CONTINUED)
(In Thousands)
 
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                                  SERIES A             SERIES B
                                                              -----------------    -----------------
                                                              SHARES    AMOUNTS    SHARES    AMOUNTS
                                                              ------    -------    ------    -------
<S>                                                           <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>
Balance at December 31, 1992...............................      74     $1,998       212     $ 5,403
  Converted to Common Stock................................    --         --        (212)     (5,403)
  Accretion of discount and accrual of 9% dividends........    --          220      --         --
                                                              ------    -------    ------    -------
Balance at December 31, 1993...............................      74      2,218      --         --
  Converted to Common Stock................................      (4)      (128)
  Accrual of 9% dividends..................................    --          166      --         --
                                                              ------    -------    ------    -------
Balance at December 31, 1994...............................      70      2,256      --         --
  Accrual of 9% dividends..................................    --          118      --         --
                                                              ------    -------    ------    -------
Balance at September 30, 1995..............................      70     $2,374      --       $ --
                                                              ------    -------    ------    -------
                                                              ------    -------    ------    -------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 12--COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
    At December 31, 1994 and September 30, 1995 the Company had the following
Common Stock reserved for issuances under various plans and agreements:
 
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                            DECEMBER 31, 1994    SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
                                            -----------------    ------------------
<S>                                         <C>                  <C>
For conversion of Series A Preferred
  Stock (Note 11)........................         18,000                18,000
For stock purchase warrants..............        476,500               574,000
For stock options........................        382,500               260,500
For other................................          7,500                 8,500
                                                --------              --------
                                                 884,500               861,000
                                                --------              --------
                                                --------              --------
</TABLE>
 
    The Company has never paid any dividends on its Common Stock. The current
policy of the Board of Directors is to retain earnings to finance the operation
of the Company's business. Accordingly, it is anticipated that no cash dividends
will be paid to the holders of the Common Stock in the foreseeable future. Under
the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock, the Company is restricted from paying
dividends on its Common Stock so long as there are arrearages on dividend
payments on the Series A Preferred Stock. There currently are such arrearages.
 
STOCK PURCHASE WARRANTS
 
    During the year ended June 30, 1992, stock purchase warrants were converted
into 203,300 shares of the Company's Common Stock at prices ranging from $31.00
to $105.00 per share. Such conversions yielded net proceeds of $6,721,000 to the
Company in the year ended June 30, 1992.
 
    No warrants were converted into shares of the Company's Common Stock in the
six months ended December 31, 1992.
 
    During the year ended December 31, 1993, stock purchase warrants were
converted into 8,700 shares of the Company's Common Stock at prices ranging from
$10.00 to $13.75 per share. Such conversions yielded net proceeds of $97,000 to
the Company in the year ended December 31, 1993.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 12--COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY--(CONTINUED)

    During the year ended December 31, 1994, stock purchase warrants were
converted into 2,500 shares of the Company's Common Stock at $13.75 per share.
Such conversions yielded net proceeds of $34,000 to the Company in the year
ended December 31, 1994.
 
    No warrants were converted into shares of the Company's Common Stock in the
nine months ended September 30, 1995.
 
    At September 30, 1995, there were 574,000 warrants outstanding which were
exercisable at prices ranging from $2.50 to $120.00 per share, of which 241,000
warrants have an exercise price of $2.50 per share. The Warrants expire through
December 1998.


COMMON STOCK TRANSACTIONS

    During the year ended June 30, 1992, the Company issued 94,100 shares of
Common Stock in two private placement transactions with total net proceeds of
$8,447,000 and purchased 5,400 shares of its outstanding Common Stock for
$495,000. Also during the year ended June 30, 1992, 336,000 shares of the
Company's Series A and B Preferred Stock were converted into 65,700 shares of
Common Stock at conversion prices ranging from $115.00 to $160.00 per share.
 
    During the six months ended December 31, 1992, the Company issued 80,600
shares of Common Stock in a private placement transaction, with total net
proceeds of $3,864,000 ($1,700,000 of such proceeds were received subsequent to
December 31, 1992 and were recorded as stock subscriptions receivable in the
Common Stockholders' Equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets at
December 31, 1992). The Company also awarded 17,000 shares of Common Stock to
employees as incentive compensation in the six months ended December 31, 1992
and 8,000 shares of the Company's Series B Preferred Stock were converted into
1,300 shares of Common Stock at the conversion price of $160.00 per share during
this period.
 
    During the year ended December 31, 1993, the Company issued 733,400 shares
of Common Stock in private placement transactions, with total net proceeds of
$7,385,000 ($770,000 of such proceeds were recorded as stock subscriptions
receivable in the Common Stockholders' Equity section of the Consolidated
Balance Sheets). Also, 212,000 shares of the Company's Series B Preferred Stock
were converted into 36,100 shares of Common Stock at the conversion price of
$160.00 per share. The Company also awarded 1,900 shares of Common Stock to
employees as incentive compensation and settled litigation with two former
officers of the Company by issuing to them an aggregate of 14,700 shares of
Common Stock in the year ended December 31, 1993.
 
    During the year ended December 31, 1994, the Company issued 845,800 shares
of Common Stock in private placement transactions, with total net proceeds of
$4,944,000 ($1,596,000 of such proceeds were recorded as stock subscriptions
receivable in the Common Stockholders' Equity section of the Consolidated
Balance Sheets of which approximately $1,193,000 had been received as of
December 8, 1995). Also, 4,000 shares of the Company's Series A Preferred Stock
were converted into 1,100 shares of Common Stock at the conversion price of
$115.00 per share. The Company also awarded 7,000 shares of Common Stock to
Directors as compensation and settled litigation with shareholders of the
Company by issuing to them an aggregate of 70,200 shares of Common Stock in the
year ended December 31, 1994.
 
    During the nine months ended September 30, 1995, the Company issued 817
shares of Common Stock to Directors as compensation.
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 12--COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY--(CONTINUED)

STOCK SUBSCRIPTIONS RECEIVABLE
 
    Stock subscriptions receivable at June 30, 1992 represent amounts owed to
the Company by two former officers of the Company (see explanation below).
Certain receivables from one of the former officers included in the June 30,
1992 balance were forgiven and are included in non-recurring charges for the six
months ended December 31, 1992. (See Notes 4, 15 and 16).
 
    Stock subscriptions receivable at December 31, 1992 included $412,000 owed
to the Company by a former officer of the Company (see explanation below) and
$1,700,000 owed to the Company by a subscriber of 50,000 shares of Common Stock
which were issued in a private placement. The $1,700,000 was received in full in
February 1993.
 
    Stock subscriptions receivable at December 31, 1993 included $498,000 owed
to the Company by a former officer of the Company (see explanation below).
Additionally, amounts owed to the Company by a subscriber of 50,000 shares of
Common Stock which were issued in a private placement total $770,000 and were
included in the December 31, 1993 balance. Of this amount $473,000 was received
in 1994.
 
    Stock subscriptions receivable at December 31, 1994 include an amount owed
to the Company by a former officer and director of the Company for the exercise
of various warrants and options to purchase 6,570 shares of the Company's Common
Stock at prices ranging from $38.10 to $105.00 per share totaling $412,000. The
notes accrued interest at the rate of 8.5% per annum payable through the
issuance of additional promissory notes having the same terms as the
subscriptions receivable. Such accrued interest totaled $121,000 at December 31,
1994. The Company cancelled the promissory notes receivable together with
interest due on such notes aggregating approximately $533,000 in May 1995 as a
result of a jury verdict. See Note 15. Additionally, amounts owed to the Company
by subscribers of shares of Common Stock which were issued in private placements
total $1,017,000 and are included in the December 31, 1994 balance, however,
$561,000 of this balance was collected in the nine months ended September 30,
1995. The remaining subscriptions outstanding relate to a subscription agreement
whereby the subscriber has entered into a subscription agreement with the
Company and delivered promissory notes for the purchase of the shares. The
shares have been issued in the name of the individual but were pledged to the
Company to secure payment for such shares under the promissory notes. The shares
are released from the pledge as they are paid for. Under the terms of the
subscription agreement and the related promissory note, the purchase price for
the stock is set at the closing price for the Company's Common Stock on the date
that the subscriber makes the payment for shares to be delivered and payment is
made to the Company under the promissory notes. The stock subscription
receivable and additional paid in capital were reduced by $350,000 at September
30, 1995 to reflect the current trading price for the Company's Common Stock at
September 30, 1995.
 
STOCK OPTION PLANS
 
    The Company has in effect Stock Option Plans (the "Plans"), pursuant to
which directors, officers, and employees of the Company who contribute
materially to the success and profitability of the Company are eligible to
receive grants of options for the Company's Common Stock. An aggregate of
380,500 shares of Common Stock have been reserved for issuance under the Plans,
of which 166,200 and 214,600 had been granted as of and December 31, 1994 and
September 30, 1995, respectively. Options may be granted for terms not exceeding
ten years from the date of grant except for stock options which are granted to
persons owning more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes
of stock of the Company. For these individuals, options may be granted for terms
not exceeding five years from the date of grant. Options may not be granted at a
price which is less than 100% of the
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

NOTE 12--COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY--(CONTINUED)
fair market value on the date the options are granted (110% in the case of
persons owning more than 10% of the total combined voting power of the Company).
 
    During the year ended June 30, 1992, holders of stock options exercised
options acquiring 41,800 shares of the Company's Common Stock. Such exercises
provided proceeds to the Company of $2,057,000 in the year ended June 30, 1992.
 
    Holders of stock options exercised no options during the year ended December
31, 1993 or 1994, or the nine months ended September 30, 1995; however, they
exercised options during the six months ended December 31, 1992, acquiring 1,100
shares of the Company's Common Stock at prices ranging from $50.00 to $66.88 per
share. Such exercises provided proceeds of $60,000 to the Company in the six
months ended December 31, 1992.
 
    In addition, the Company has granted options and warrants outside of the
Plans in connection with private placements of its securities and as
consideration for various services. These options and warrants have been granted
for terms not exceeding six years from the date of grant. The table below
summarizes all activity for the year ended June 30, 1992, the six months ended
December 31, 1992, the years ended December 31, 1993 and 1994 and the nine
months ended September 30, 1995.
 
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                               NUMBER OF              PRICE
                                                             COMMON SHARES          PER SHARE
                                                             -------------    ---------------------
                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                          <C>              <C>
Outstanding at June 30, 1991..............................         278
  Granted.................................................         142        $100.00   to  $177.50
  Exercised...............................................        (245)       $ 25.00   to  $105.00
  Canceled................................................          (4)       $ 50.00   to  $ 58.75
                                                                 -----
Outstanding at June 30, 1992..............................         171
  Granted.................................................          88        $ 42.00   to  $300.00
  Exercised...............................................          (1)       $ 50.00   to  $ 66.88
  Canceled................................................         (14)       $ 50.00   to  $152.50
                                                                 -----
Outstanding at December 31, 1992..........................         244
  Granted.................................................         171        $ 10.00   to  $ 45.00
  Exercised...............................................          (9)       $ 10.00   to  $ 13.75
  Canceled................................................        (110)       $ 37.50   to  $300.00
                                                                 -----
Outstanding at December 31, 1993..........................         296
  Granted.................................................         359        $  2.50   to  $ 20.00
  Exercised...............................................          (2)       $ 13.75
  Canceled................................................         (10)       $ 13.75   to  $ 71.25
                                                                 -----
Outstanding at December 31, 1994..........................         643
  Granted.................................................         180        $  2.50   to  $  7.50
  Exercised...............................................      --              --
  Canceled................................................         (34)       $ 11.25   to  $177.50
                                                                 -----
Outstanding at September 30, 1995.........................         789
                                                                 -----
                                                                 -----
</TABLE>
 
    Options and warrants outstanding include 574,000 warrants, all of which are
exercisable, and 215,000 options, of which 82,000 are vested and exercisable at
September 30, 1995.
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 13--PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
 
    The Company adopted SFAS 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" effective
January 1, 1993, and began recognizing income tax benefits for net operating
loss carryforwards, credit carryforwards and certain temporary differences for
which tax benefits have not previously been recorded. As a result of the
adoption of SFAS 109, the Company has recognized approximately $18,000,000 as a
deferred tax asset; however, the Company has established a valuation allowance
equal to the full amount of the deferred tax asset, as future operating profits
cannot be assured. The Company expects to recognize the benefit of the asset
when financial reporting and taxable income is generated.
 
    At December 31, 1994 and September 30, 1995, the Company has net operating
loss (the "NOL") carryforwards of approximately $34,000,000 and $35,000,000,
respectively, available to offset future U.S. taxable income. The Company
calculates that its use of the NOL may be limited to approximately $3,000,000
each year as a result of stock option and warrant issuances during prior fiscal
years resulting in an ownership change of more that 50% of the Company's
outstanding equity. If not offset against future taxable income, the NOL
carryforwards will expire in tax years 1996 through 2010.
 
    In addition, Chimos/LBF S.A. and Laboratorios Belmac S.A. have NOL
carryforwards of approximately $14,000,000 and $3,000,000 available to offset
future taxable income for income tax purposes in France and Spain, respectively.
If not offset against taxable income, the NOL carryforwards will expire in
various years ending 1999.
 
    The provision for income taxes of $343,000 for the year ended June 30, 1992
is the result of current French taxes on profits generated by Chimos S.A. in the
year ended June 30, 1992. Chimos was not eligible to file a French consolidated
income tax return with Laboratoires Belmac S.A. until fiscal year 1993.
Therefore, the Laboratoires Belmac losses were not available to offset Chimos'
taxable profits for the year ended June 30, 1992. For the six months ended
December 31, 1992, the years ended December 31, 1993 and 1994 and for the nine
months ended September 30, 1994 and 1995, no income tax provision is recorded
due to domestic losses and the consolidation of Chimos S.A. with Laboratoires
Belmac S.A. and subsequent merger of the two entities for French tax purposes.
 
NOTE 14--BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION ON FOREIGN OPERATIONS
 
    The following is a summary of the results of operations and identifiable
assets of the Company's wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries as of and for the year
ended June 30, 1992, as of and for the six months ended December 31, 1992, and
as of and for the years ended December 31, 1993 and 1994 and for the nine months
ended September 30, 1994 and 1995.
 
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                                       (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                  YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1992
                                                        --------------------------------------------
                                                        FRANCE     SPAIN      U.S.      CONSOLIDATED
                                                        -------    ------    -------    ------------

<S>                                                     <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>
Revenue..............................................   $10,891    $2,247    $ --         $ 13,138
Net loss.............................................    (5,168)     (189)    (5,454)      (10,811)
Identifiable assets..................................    26,452     7,781      4,520        38,753
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                                      (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                            SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1992
                                                      ----------------------------------------------
                                                       FRANCE      SPAIN      U.S.      CONSOLIDATED
                                                      --------    -------    -------    ------------

<S>                                                   <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>
Revenue............................................   $  7,738    $ 1,970    $ --         $  9,708
Net loss...........................................    (11,808)    (1,228)    (6,495)      (19,531)
Identifiable assets................................     10,793      7,373      3,787        21,953
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 14--BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION ON FOREIGN OPERATIONS--(CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                                       (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993
                                                        --------------------------------------------
                                                        FRANCE     SPAIN      U.S.      CONSOLIDATED
                                                        ------    -------    -------    ------------

<S>                                                     <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
Revenue..............................................   $15,155   $ 4,328    $   366      $ 19,849
Net loss.............................................     (811)    (1,655)    (7,770)      (10,236)
Identifiable assets..................................    7,023      6,873      2,264        16,160
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                                      (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
                                                       ---------------------------------------------
                                                       FRANCE     SPAIN       U.S.      CONSOLIDATED
                                                       -------    ------    --------    ------------

<S>                                                    <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>
Revenue.............................................   $20,257    $5,843    $    184      $ 26,284
Net income (loss)...................................       595      (405)     (3,768)       (3,578)
Identifiable assets.................................     6,476     7,833       2,023        16,332
</TABLE>

<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                                       (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                            NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
                                                                        (UNAUDITED)
                                                        --------------------------------------------
                                                        FRANCE     SPAIN      U.S.      CONSOLIDATED
                                                        -------    ------    -------    ------------

<S>                                                     <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>
Revenue..............................................   $15,499    $4,061    $   116      $ 19,676
Net income (loss)....................................       (65)     (974)    (2,612)       (3,651)
Identifiable assets..................................     7,316     7,404      2,180        16,900
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE><CAPTION>
                                                                       (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                            NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
                                                        --------------------------------------------
                                                        FRANCE     SPAIN      U.S.      CONSOLIDATED
                                                        -------    ------    -------    ------------

<S>                                                     <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>
Revenue..............................................   $19,282    $4,147    $   154      $ 23,583
Net income (loss)....................................     1,103      (352)    (2,270)       (1,519)
Identifiable assets..................................     7,713     7,349      1,108        16,170
</TABLE>
 
    Total liabilities attributable to foreign operations were $11,029,000,
$8,358,000, $8,428,000 and $6,649,000 at December 31, 1992, December 31, 1993,
December 31, 1994 and September 30, 1995, respectively. There were no dividends
from foreign subsidiaries, and net foreign currency gains (losses) reflected in
results of operations for the year ended June 30, 1992, the six months ended
December 31, 1992, the year ended December 31, 1993 and 1994 and the nine months
ended September 30, 1994 and 1995 were approximately $35,000, $40,000,
($133,000), $66,000, $30,000 (unaudited), and $2,000, respectively. Sales in
France for the years ended December 31, 1993 and 1994, and the nine months ended
September 30, 1994 and 1995 include approximately $4,500,000, $8,000,000,
$6,953,000 (unaudited) and $6,024,000, respectively, to Pharmacie Centrale des
Hopitaux. Sales in France for the six months ended December 31, 1992, include
approximately $1,900,000 to Pharmacie Centrale des Hopitaux and $2,500,000 to
Distraphar. Sales in France for the year ended June 30, 1992 include
approximately $3,000,000 and $1,400,000 to Pharmacie Centrale des Hopitaux and
Industrie Chemiche Farmaceutiche Italienne, respectively.
 
NOTE 15--COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
    On July 15, 1993, Michael M. Harshbarger was discharged for cause from the
Company as President and Chief Executive Officer. At the time of his discharge,
Harshbarger owed the Company approximately $121,000 as a result of expenses of a
personal nature which he charged to the Company's accounts and removal of
corporate assets for personal use. Harshbarger has sued the Company for
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 15--COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES--(CONTINUED)

wrongful termination, seeking damages in excess of $1,400,000 and the Company
has countersued for wrongful conversion and civil theft, fraud and deceit, and
breach of contract, in an effort to recover the amounts owed by Harshbarger. The
Company is amending a counterclaim against Harshbarger for breach of fiduciary
duty and is seeking damages in excess of $1,000,000. In the opinion of current
management, the amounts are collectable and this litigation will have no
material effect on the financial position or results of operations of the
Company.
 
    On November 30, 1992, Marc S. Ayers resigned as Chief Financial Officer of
the Company and effective December 17, 1992, resigned as a member of the Board
of Directors. At December 31, 1994 Ayers owed the Company $412,000 plus $121,000
accrued interest under two stock subscription notes receivable, both of which
had matured and remained unpaid. Ayers sued the Company alleging breach of
contract and the Company countersued Ayers. This matter was tried in 1994 and a
jury verdict rendered on August 18, 1994, found in favor of Ayers on one issue
and in favor of the Company on another issue. The judge ordered a new trial on
all issues and no judgement was entered in the case. After a jury trial in May
1995, the jury found no binding contract was made between the Company and Ayers
while awarding Ayers a recovery of approximately $27,000 for consulting services
rendered and cancellation of the promissory notes and interest thereon. The
cancellation of the promissory notes and related interest was charged to
expenses in the nine months ended September 30, 1995.
 
    Belmac Hygiene, Inc. ("Hygiene"), a subsidiary of the Company, filed an
action on December 9, 1994 in the United States District Court for the Southern
District of New York against Medstar, Inc. ("Medstar"), Maximed, Inc.
("Maximed") and Robert S. Cohen. The defendants are Hygiene's partners (or such
partner's control persons) in the Company's partnership with Maximed (the
"Partnership"), which was formed for the development and ultimate sale of
Maximed's intravaginal controlled release products. The action seeks (i) to
enjoin the defendants from interfering with the management of the Partnership by
Hygiene's representatives, and (ii) to recover damages as a result of
defendants' misrepresentations and breach of warranty in the Partnership
agreement. The defendants have filed a counterclaim against Hygiene. Medstar
also filed a separate action on May 4, 1995 in the Untied States District Court
for the Southern District of New York against the Company alleging that Hygiene
failed to fund the Partnership and seeking $10,000,000 from the Company pursuant
to its guaranty of Hygiene's obligations. Management of the Company views both
Medstar's claim and the counterclaim of Medstar, Maximed and Robert S. Cohen to
be frivolous and entirely without merit and is vigorously pursuing the Company's
claims and defending both Medstar's action and the counterclaim. The issues were
tried, without a jury, on August 21-23, 1995. Thereafter, post-trial briefs and
proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law were submitted, and argument
was heard on October 25, 1995. However, a decision has not yet been rendered as
of December 8, 1995.
 
    The Company has determined that it is exposed to certain contingencies with
respect to its operations in Spain totaling approximately $640,000 and has
accrued $120,000 for such contingencies that are considered probable and
included such amount in other non-current liabilities as of September 30, 1995.
 
    The Company is also obligated to pay royalties on sales of the drug
Alphanon(R) (Notes 4 and 8).
 
    The Company is entitled to payments of $360,000 related to the
commercialization of a certain drug provided to Jean-Francois Rossignol, its
former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. On April 8, 1995, Rossignol filed a
Demand for Arbitration seeking to recover unspecified damages for the alleged
breach of a written agreement between Rossignol and the Company dated August 13,
1993. In April 1995, the Company commenced an action against Rossignol, Marc S.
Ayers and Romarc
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 15--COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES--(CONTINUED)

Laboratories, L.C., in the Circuit Court of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit,
State of Florida, Hillsborough County Civil Division seeking, inter alia, a stay
of the arbitration commenced by Rossignol and $360,000 representing the
principal amount of a promissory note issued in connection with the August 13,
1993 agreement and damages. Under the terms of a settlement agreement entered
into on December 6, 1995 (the "Settlement Agreement"), Rossignol agreed to pay
to the Company the full amount of the promissory note in three installments, the
first of which ($160,000) was paid upon execution of the Settlement Agreement
and the remaining two ($100,000 each) are due in January and March 1996,
respectively. Consequently, the Company has included such amounts in Other
(Income) Expense for the nine months ended September 30, 1995.
 
    The Company leases certain of its assets under noncancellable operating
leases. Total charges to operations under operating leases were approximately
$105,000, $204,000, $598,000, $360,000, $347,000 (unaudited) and $318,000, for
the year ended June 30, 1992, for the six months ended December 31, 1992, for
the years ended December 31, 1993 and 1994 and for the nine months ended
September 30, 1994 and 1995, respectively. Future minimum lease payments under
operating leases are as follows:

                               (IN THOUSANDS)
                         PERIOD ENDING, DECEMBER 31
                         --------------------------
         1995...............................................   $ 133
         1996...............................................     419
         1997...............................................     321
         1998...............................................     246
         1999, and thereafter...............................     -0-


NOTE 16--RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
    See Note 12 for stock subscriptions receivable from former officers and Note
15 for additional disclosures related to former officers.
 
    On May 30, 1991 Rossignol exercised options to purchase 11,120 shares of
Common Stock at an average exercise price of $38.30 per share and Ayers
exercised options to purchase 4,674 shares at an exercise price of $45.60 per
share. On September 6, 1991, Ayers exercised options to purchase 1,896 shares of
Common Stock at an exercise price of $105.00 per share. Rossignol and Ayers
exercised their options through the issuance of promissory notes (the "Notes")
in the principal amounts of $426,000 and $412,000, respectively, representing
the aggregate exercise prices for such options. Each of the Notes accrued
interest at the rate of 8.5% per annum which was payable through the issuance of
additional promissory notes having the same terms as the Notes. In November
1992, Rossignol prepaid his note down to $271,000 (including accrued interest)
through the offset of payments from the Company (see additional explanation
below). February 26, 1993, Rossignol resigned as Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board and the Company agreed to forgive $271,000 of his Note
balance (including accrued interest) due to the Company and to release his
Belmac Holdings, Inc. (formerly Pharmacin Holdings, Inc.) stock which was held
as collateral by the Company. This transaction has been included in other
non-recurring charges for the six months ended December 31, 1992. Ayers' notes
and accrued interest were cancelled in May 1995 as a result of litigation and
are included in Other (Income) Expense for the nine months ended September 30,
1995. See Note 15.
 
    Healthcare Capital Investments ("Healthcare"), a registered broker-dealer
which is 80% owned by Harshbarger, a former Director and former President and
Chief Executive Officer of the Company and
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 16--RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS--(CONTINUED)

his wife, has acted as placement agent for the Company on private placements of
the Company's securities. In a $14,250,000 private placement completed in
October 1991 which Healthcare co-managed with Societe Generale Securities
Corporation ("Societe Generale"), Healthcare received a fee of $426,000. In a
$10,620,000 private placement completed in April 1992 which Healthcare also co-
managed with Societe Generale, Healthcare received a fee of $318,600. In
connection with a private placement completed in October 1992, Healthcare
received a fee of $244,500 and four-year warrants to purchase 2,391 shares of
Common Stock at an exercise price of $120.00 per share. In addition, in July
1992 Healthcare was granted five-year options to purchase 15,000 shares of
Common Stock at an exercise price of $116.25 per share for its advisory
services. Healthcare and its affiliates received fees during the year ended
December 31, 1993 totaling $242,000 and four- and five-year warrants to purchase
an aggregate of 9,600 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $22.00 per
share. Fees paid in connection with the above private placements have been
charged to additional-paid-in-capital.
 
    Receivables at December 31, 1994 and September 30, 1995 include
approximately $121,000 owed by Harshbarger. See Note 15.
 
NOTE 17--SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
    Private Placements. To finance its operations, in October 1995 the Company
conducted two private placements of its securities. In the first placement the
Company sold to certain purchasers for an aggregate purchase price of $720,000,
120,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock and 12% promissory notes in the
aggregate principal amount of $720,000 (the "Notes") which become payable in
full upon the earlier of July 31, 1996 or the closing of a public offering of
the Company's securities (a "Public Offering"). The Notes are convertible into
shares of Common Stock, at the option of the holders thereof, at a conversion
price of $3.00 per share, for an aggregate of 240,000 shares of Common Stock,
subject to anti-dilution provisions. The Notes are subject to mandatory
conversion at a conversion price of $3.00 per share if no Public Offering is
completed by July 31, 1996. The effective interest rate on the notes is 83%.
 
    In the second placement, the Company sold to certain purchasers for an
aggregate purchase price of $1,050,000, 131,250 shares of Common Stock and 12%
promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $1,050,000 (the "A Notes")
which become payable in full upon the earlier of September 30, 1996 or the
completion of a Public Offering. The A Notes are subject to mandatory
conversion, at a conversion price equal to the average closing price for the
Common Stock quoted on the American Stock Exchange for the five trading days
immediately preceding September 30, 1996, if no Public Offering is completed by
September 30, 1996. The effective interest rate on the notes is 75%.
 
    Settlement of Litigation. In December 1995, the Company entered into a
Settlement Agreement with Jean Francois Rossignol, Marc S. Ayers and Romark
Laboratories, L.C., whereby all parties agreed to settle all claims relative to
this matter and Rossignol agreed to pay to the Company the full amount of the
$360,000 promissory note dated August 13, 1993 due to the Company in three
installments. The first installment of $160,000 was paid upon execution of the
Settlement Agreement and the remaining two installments of $100,000 each are due
in January and March 1996, respectively. Consequently, the Company has included
such amounts in Other (Income) Expense for the nine months ended September 30,
1995. See Note 15.
 
    Shareholders Meeting. At a Special Meeting of Shareholders held on December
8, 1995, the shareholders of the Company approved proposals to increase the
number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 5,000,000 to 20,000,000 and to
change the name of the Company to Bentley Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>
- ----------------------------------------    ------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------    ------------------------------------

    NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR ANY OTHER
PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION
OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS-                      6,000 UNITS
PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER
MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN 
OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR 
REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON                     [LOGO]
AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY 
OR ANY UNDERWRITER. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES 
NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A                       BENTLEY
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY OF               PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
THESE SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION TO  
ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE 
SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION. 
EXCEPT WHERE OTHERWISE INDICATED, THIS 
PROSPECTUS SPEAKS AS OF THE EFFECTIVE 
DATE OF THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT. 
NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS 
NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER       Each Consisting of One Thousand
ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION                   Dollars 
THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE                      ($1,000) Principal Amount
IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE                        12% Convertible Senior Subordinated
COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF.                             Debenture
                                                     Due February   , 2006
           -------------------                                 and
                                               1,000 Class A Redeemable Warrants
            TABLE OF CONTENTS                      Each to Purchase One Share
                                                      of Common Stock and
                                   PAGE
                                   ----             One Class B Redeemable
Available Information............     2                     Warrant
Prospectus Summary...............     3
Risk Factors.....................     9
Use of Proceeds..................    17         Offering Price $1,000 per Unit
Price Range of Common Stock and
  Dividend Policy................    18
Capitalization...................    19
Selected Financial Data..........    20
Management's Discussion and 
  Analysis of Financial Condition 
  and Results of
  Operations.....................    21                ---------------
Business.........................    27                   PROSPECTUS
Legal Proceedings................    38                ---------------
Management.......................    39
Principal Stockholders...........    47
Description of Securities........    49
Description of Debentures........    54
Certain Federal Income Tax
  Considerations.................    59
Requirement For Current
  Registration...................    61               COLEMAN AND COMPANY
Underwriting.....................    62                 SECURITIES, INC.
Concurrent Offering..............    64
Legal Matters....................    64
Experts..........................    64
Index to Financial Statements....   F-1                February   , 1996

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

<PAGE>
              [Alternate Page for Selling Shareholder Prospectus]
 
                 Subject to Completion, Dated February 12, 1996
PROSPECTUS
[LOGO]
                         BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
 
                         593,500 Shares of Common Stock
                              -------------------
 
   This Prospectus relates to 593,500 shares (the "Selling Shareholders'
Shares") of common stock, par value $.02 per share (the "Common Stock"), of
Bentley Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the "Company"), which are being offered for sale
by certain selling shareholders (the "Selling Shareholders"). The Selling
Shareholders' Shares include (i) 120,000 shares of Common Stock issued by the
Company in an October 1995 private placement (the "First Placement"); (ii)
240,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion, at the option of the
holder thereof, of $720,000 principal amount convertible notes (the "Notes")
issued in the First Placement at a conversion price of $3.00 per share upon 15
days notice to the Company; (iii) 131,250 shares of Common Stock issued by the
Company in a subsequent October 1995 private placement (the "Second Placement");
(iv) 100,000 shares of Common Stock which may be issued by the Company upon
exercise of stock purchase warrants by Baytree Associates, Inc.; and (v) 2,250
shares of Common Stock issued to Martin E. Janis & Co., Inc. in connection with
consulting services rendered. See "Selling Shareholders and Plan of
Distribution." The Company will not receive any of the proceeds from the sales
of the Selling Shareholders' Shares by the Selling Shareholders.
 
   The Selling Shareholders, their pledgees and/or their donees, may be deemed
to be "underwriters" as defined in the Securities Act of 1933. If any
broker-dealers are used by the Selling Shareholders, their pledgees and/or their
donees, any commissions paid to broker-dealers and, if broker-dealers purchase
any Selling Shareholders' Shares as principals, any profits received by such
broker-dealers on the resale of the Selling Shareholders' Shares may be deemed
to be underwriting discounts or commissions under the Securities Act of 1933. In
addition, any profits realized by the Selling Shareholders, their pledgees
and/or their donees, may be deemed to be underwriting commissions. All costs,
expenses and fees in connection with the registration of the Selling
Shareholders' Shares offered by Selling Shareholders will be borne by the
Company. Brokerage commission, if any, attributable to the sale of the Selling
Shareholders' Shares will be borne by the Selling Shareholders, their pledgees
and/or their donees.
 
   The Selling Shareholders' Shares offered by this Prospectus may be sold from
time to time by the Selling Shareholders, their pledgees and/or their donees. No
underwriting arrangements have been entered into by the Selling Shareholders.
The distribution of the Selling Shareholders' Shares by the Selling
Shareholders, their pledgees and/or their donees, may be effected in one or more
transactions that may take place on the American Stock Exchange or the
over-the-counter market, including ordinary broker's transactions,
privately-negotiated transactions or through sales to one or more dealers for
resale of such shares as principals, at market prices prevailing at the time of
sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or negotiated prices.
Usual and customary or specifically negotiated brokerage fees or commissions may
be paid by the Selling Shareholders, their pledgees and/or their donees, in
connection with sales of the Selling Shareholders' Shares.
 
   On the date of this Prospectus, a registration statement under the Securities
Act of 1933 with respect to an underwritten public offering of 6,000 Units
(without giving effect to the over-allotment option (the "Over-allotment
Option") granted to the Underwriters to purchase an additional 900 Units), with
each Unit consisting of one thousand dollar ($1,000) principal amount 12%
convertible senior subordinated debenture due February  , 2006 ("Debentures")
and 1,000 class A redeemable warrants, with each redeemable warrant entitling
the holder to purchase one share of Common Stock and one class B redeemable
warrant (the "Units"), was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange
Commission. The Debentures are convertible into Common Stock at a conversion
price per share of the lesser of $2.50 or 80% of the average closing price of
the Common Stock on the American Stock Exchange for the 20 consecutive trading
days immediately preceding the date twelve months after the date of this
Prospectus (or earlier upon a notice of redemption). Upon conversion of all of
the Debentures, based on the conversion price of $2.50, the Company will issue
2,760,000 shares of Common Stock (which amount may be increased to 3,689,840
shares of Common Stock if the average closing price of the Common Stock during
the twenty-day period used for calculation of the conversion of the Debentures
was equal to $2.34, the average closing price of the Common Stock during the
twenty-day period ended January 26, 1996. 10,350,000 shares of Common Stock
would be issuable upon exercise of the Class A and Class B redeemable warrants.
In connection with the offering of the Units, the Company granted the
Underwriter a warrant to purchase 600 Units (the "Underwriter's Warrant").
1,140,000 shares of Common Stock would be issuable upon exercise of the
securities underlying the Underwriter Warrants.
                              -------------------
 
THESE SECURITIES INVOLVE A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK AND PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS
      SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE FACTORS SPECIFIED UNDER THE CAPTION
                     "RISK FACTORS" LOCATED           
                   ON PAGE 9 OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
                               -------------------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
       EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
           COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON
               THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
                       REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
                               CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                               -------------------
 
               The date of this Prospectus is February   , 1996.
<PAGE>
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
<PAGE>
              [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR SELLING SHAREHOLDER PROSPECTUS]
 
THE OFFERING
 
    This Prospectus relates to the offering of 593,500 shares of Common Stock.
See "Description of Securities" and "Selling Shareholders and Plan of
Distribution."
 
RISK FACTORS
 
    Investment in the Company involves certain risks. Risk factors include,
among others, the following: (i) the Company has a history of operating losses
and accumulated operating deficits; (ii) the Company has a negative cash flow
from operating activities and may not be able to fund current operations; and
(iii) these matters may indicate that there is substantial doubt about the
Company's ability to continue as a going concern. See "Risk Factors."
 
                                       B
<PAGE>
              [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR SELLING SHAREHOLDER PROSPECTUS]
 
                 SELLING SHAREHOLDERS AND PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
    The Company has issued or may issue an aggregate of 593,500 shares of Common
Stock to the Selling Shareholders that are being offered pursuant to this
Prospectus. See "Capitalization" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources."
The Selling Shareholders have advised the Company that sales of the shares of
Common Stock may be effected from time to time by themselves, their pledgees
and/or their donees, in transactions (which may include block transactions) on
the American Stock Exchange, on the over-the-counter market, in negotiated
transactions, through the writing of options on the Common Stock or a
combination of such methods of sale, at fixed prices that may be changed, at
market prices prevailing at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. The
Selling Shareholders, their pledgees and/or their donees, may effect such
transactions by selling Common Stock directly to purchasers or through
broker-dealers that may act as agents or principals. Such broker-dealers may
receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commission from
the Selling Shareholders and/or the purchasers of shares of Common Stock for
whom such broker-dealers may act as agents or to whom they sell as principals,
or both (which compensation as to a particular broker-dealer might be in excess
of customary commissions).
 
    The Selling Shareholders, their pledgees and/or their donees, and any
broker-dealers that act in connection with the sale of the shares of Common
Stock as principals may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of
Section 2(11) of the Securities Act and any commissions received by them and any
profit on the resale of the shares of Common Stock as principals might be deemed
to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. The
Selling Shareholders, their pledgees and/or their donees, may agree to indemnify
any agent, dealer or broker-dealer that participates in transactions involving
sales of the shares of Common Stock against certain liabilities, including
liabilities arising under the Securities Act. The Company will not receive any
proceeds from the sales of the Selling Shareholders' Shares by the Selling
Shareholders. Sales to the Selling Shareholders' Shares by the Selling
Shareholders, or even the potential of such sales, would likely have an adverse
effect on the market price of the Common Stock.
 
    The following table sets forth certain information with respect to persons
for whom the Company is registering the Selling Shareholders' Shares for resale
to the public. The Company will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of
the Selling Shareholders' Shares. Beneficial ownership of the Selling
Shareholders' Shares by such Selling Shareholders after the offering will depend
on the number of Selling Shareholders' Shares sold by each Selling Shareholder.
The Selling Shareholders' Shares offered by the Selling Shareholders are not
being underwritten by the Underwriter.
 
                                       C
<PAGE>
              [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR SELLING SHAREHOLDER PROSPECTUS]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         BENEFICIAL
                                                       BENEFICIAL                         OWNERSHIP
                                                       OWNERSHIP                      AFTER OFFERING IF
                                                   PRIOR TO OFFERING      MAXIMUM      MAXIMUM IS SOLD
                                                   ------------------    AMOUNT TO    -----------------
    SELLING SHAREHOLDER                            AMOUNT     PERCENT     BE SOLD     AMOUNT    PERCENT
    -------------------                            -------    -------    ---------    ------    -------
<S>                                                <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>       <C>
Robert J. Alldredge(1)..........................    15,000      *          15,000        0         0
Thomas G. Babington(1)..........................    30,000      *          30,000        0         0
Barry Blank(1)(3)...............................   120,000     3.52%      120,000        0         0
Violet M. Blank(1)..............................    15,000      *          15,000        0         0
Joseph Giamanco(1)..............................    60,000     1.78%       60,000        0         0
John E. McConnaughy, Jr.(1).....................   120,000     3.52%      120,000        0         0
Khin Aye(2).....................................     7,500      *           7,500        0         0
Wilson Price Barranco Billingsly Keogh Plan,
  John S. Price, Trustee Trustee, FBO Carl A.
  Barranco(2)...................................     3,750      *           3,750        0         0
Wilson Price Barranco Billingsly Keogh Plan,
  John S. Price, Trustee Trustee, FBO William
  Barranco(2)...................................     3,750      *           3,750        0         0
Albert Brod(2)..................................     3,750      *           3,750        0         0
Thomas J. Carroll(2)............................     7,500      *           7,500        0         0
Leo Denslow(2)..................................     7,500      *           7,500        0         0
James H. Friar(2)...............................     7,500      *           7,500        0         0
Barry Friedman(2)...............................     3,750      *           3,750        0         0
John N. Kapoor Trust DTD 9/20/89, John N. Kapoor
  Trustee(2)....................................     7,500      *           7,500        0         0
John Kiser (2)..................................     7,500      *           7,500        0         0
Willard J. Kiser Living Trust DTD 11/1/91(2)....     7,500      *           7,500        0         0
Alec G. Land(2).................................     7,500      *           7,500        0         0
Richard M. Maser(2).............................    15,000      *          15,000        0         0
Robert A. Mignatti(2)...........................     3,750                  3,750        0         0
Kenneth W. Moore(2).............................     7,500      *           7,500        0         0
Sara Parnum(2)..................................     3,750      *           3,750        0         0
Therold W. Perkins Trust U/A/D 7/1/90,
  Therold W. Perkins Trustee(2).................     7,500      *           7,500        0         0
Sam A. Phillips(2)..............................     7,500      *           7,500        0         0
JoAnn Timbanard(2)..............................     3,750      *           3,750        0         0
James R. Washburn(2)............................     7,500      *           7,500        0         0
   
Baytree Associates, Inc.(4).....................   100,000      2.92%     100,000        0         0
    
Martin E. Janis & Co., Inc.(5)..................     2,250      *           2,250        0         0
</TABLE>

 
- ------------
* Less than one percent
 
(1) First Placement
 
(2) Second Placement
 
(3) Mr. Blank is an officer of Coleman & Company Securities, Inc. ("Coleman"),
    the underwriter of the underwritten public offering referred to on the cover
    page of this Prospectus. Coleman acted as the placement agent for the First
    Placement and the Second Placement.
 
(4) Baytree Associates, Inc., which provides financial advisory services to the
    Company, assisted the Company in raising private capital from foreign
    sources during early 1993 and 1994.
 
(5) Martin E. Janis & Co., Inc. provided the Company with investor relations
    services in 1994 and 1995.
 
                                       D
<PAGE>
              [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR SELLING SHAREHOLDER PROSPECTUS]
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
    The legality of the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for the
Company by Parker Chapin Flattau & Klimpl, LLP, 1211 Avenue of the Americas, New
York, New York 10036. Barry B. Feiner, Esq. has acted as counsel for the Selling
Shareholders in connection with this Offering. Parker Chapin Flattau & Klimpl,
LLP and Mr. Feiner have represented Coleman in connection with other
transactions.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
    On June 6, 1994, Price Waterhouse declined to stand for re-election as the
Company's independent public accountant. There was no adverse opinion or
disclaimer of opinion, or modification as to uncertainty, audit scope or
accounting principles contained in the reports of Price Waterhouse for the
fiscal years ended June 30, 1992 and December 31, 1993 or the six month
transition period ended December 31, 1992, other than the inclusion in Price
Waterhouse's reports relating to the periods ended December 31, 1992 and 1993 of
a statement as to an uncertainty regarding the ability of the Company to
continue as a going concern.
 
    During the Company's fiscal periods covered by Price Waterhouse's reports
and the subsequent interim period preceding Price Waterhouse's decision not to
stand for re-election on June 6, 1994, there were no disagreements with Price
Waterhouse on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial
statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure which disagreements, if not
resolved to the satisfaction of Price Waterhouse, would have caused Price
Waterhouse to make reference in connection with its report concerning the
Company's financial statements to the subject matter of the disagreements other
than as set forth below.
 
    For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1992, Price Waterhouse reported material
weaknesses indicating that during much of fiscal 1992, European financial
management personnel were not in place, uniform accounting policies and
reporting procedures were not clearly established and certain corporate
documents, such as Board of Directors meeting minutes, contractual agreements
and documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, were not
contemporaneously available from management and signed copies of such documents
were not readily available. These items were discussed with the Audit Committee
of the Company's Board of Directors and, during the year ended December 31,
1993, were resolved to the satisfaction of Price Waterhouse. The Price
Waterhouse report to the Audit Committee for the year ended December 31, 1993
did not contain any material weaknesses. The Company authorized Price Waterhouse
to respond fully to the inquiries of a successor accountant concerning all
subject matters.
 
    The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company selected
Deloitte & Touche LLP to serve as the Company's independent auditors for the
year ended December 31, 1994 and for the year ending December 31, 1995.
 
    The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 1994 and for the
year then ended, and as of September 30, 1995 and for the nine months then
ended, included in this Prospectus and the related financial statement schedule
as of December 31, 1994 and for the year then ended, and as of September 30,
1995 and for the nine months then ended included elsewhere in the Registration
Statement have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as
stated in their reports appearing herein and elsewhere in the Registration
Statement (which reports express an unqualified opinion and include an
explanatory paragraph referring to the Company's recurring losses from
operations as well as negative operating cash flows which raise substantial
doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern), and have been so
included in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as
experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                                       E
<PAGE>
              [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR SELLING SHAREHOLDER PROSPECTUS]
 
    The consolidated financial statements with respect to the year ended June
30, 1992, the six months ended December 31, 1992 and the year ended December 31,
1993 included in this Prospectus and the related financial statement schedule
included elsewhere in the Registration Statement have been so included in
reliance on the report (which includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the
Company's ability to continue as a going concern as described in Note 1 of Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements) of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent
accountants, given on authority of said firm as experts in auditing and
accounting.
 
                                       F
<PAGE>
              [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR SELLING SHAREHOLDER PROSPECTUS]
- -------------------------------------------    ---------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------    ---------------------------------
 
    NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR ANY OTHER 
PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION 
OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS                        593,500 SHARES
PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER                  OF COMMON STOCK
MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN OR 
MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS 
MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN                        [LOGO]
AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ANY UNDERWRITER. 
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN 
OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER 
TO BUY ANY OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY 
JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS 
UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION. 
EXCEPT WHERE OTHERWISE INDICATED, THIS
PROSPECTUS SPEAKS AS OF THE EFFECTIVE 
DATE OF THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT.
NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS                         BENTLEY
NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER                   PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION 
THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE
AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF.


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

        TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                         PAGE
                                         ----
Available Information..................    2
Prospectus Summary.....................    3
Risk Factors...........................    9
Price Range of Common Stock and
  Dividend Policy......................   18              ---------------
Capitalization.........................   19                 PROSPECTUS
Selected Financial Data................   20              ---------------
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
  Financial Condition and Results of
  Operations...........................   21
Business...............................   27
Management.............................   39
Executive Compensation.................   41
Principal Stockholders.................   47
Description of Securities..............   49
Description of Debentures..............   54
Certain Federal Income Tax
  Considerations.......................   59
Requirement For Current Registration...   61              February   , 1996
Selling Shareholders and Plan of
  Distribution.........................    C
Legal Matters..........................    E
Experts................................  E-F
Index to Financial Statements..........  F-1

- -------------------------------------------    ---------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------    ---------------------------------
<PAGE>
                                    PART II
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
    It is estimated that the following expenses will be incurred in connection
with the proposed offering hereunder. All of such expenses will be borne by the
Registrant.
 
Registration fee--Securities and Exchange Commission............   $ 11,598
Legal fees and expenses.........................................    100,000
Accounting fees and expenses....................................     80,000
Blue sky fees and expenses (including counsel fees).............     10,000
Printing expenses...............................................     35,000
Miscellaneous...................................................   $ 13,402
                                                                   --------
Total...........................................................   $250,000
                                                                   --------
                                                                   --------
 
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
    Section 607.0850 of the Florida 1989 Business Corporation Act is set forth
below:
 
    Sec.607.0850 INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS.
A corporation shall have the power to indemnify any person who was or is a party
to any proceeding (other than an action by, or in the right of, the
corporation), by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer,
employee, or agent of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the
corporation as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise against liability
incurred in connection with such proceeding, including any appeal thereof, if he
acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in, or not
opposed to, the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any
criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct
was unlawful. The termination of any proceeding by judgment, order, settlement,
or conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent shall not, of
itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a
manner which he reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best
interests of the corporation or, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.
 
    A. A corporation shall have power to indemnify any person, who was or is a
party to any proceeding by or in the right of the corporation to procure a
judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that he is or was a director,
officer, employee, or agent of the corporation or is or was serving at the
request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against
expenses and amounts paid in settlement not exceeding, in the judgment of the
board of directors, the estimated expense of litigating the proceeding to
conclusion, actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or
settlement of such proceeding, including any appeal thereof. Such
indemnification shall be authorized if such person acted in good faith and in a
manner he reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interest of
the corporation, except that no indemnification shall be made under this
subsection in respect of any claim, issue, or matter as to which such person
shall have been adjudged to be liable unless, and only to the extent that, the
court in which such proceeding was brought, or any other court of competent
jurisdiction, shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of
liability but in view of all circumstances of the case, such person is fairly
and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which such court shall
deem proper.
 
    B. To the extent that a director, officer, employee or agent of a
corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any
proceeding referred to in subsection (1) or subsection (2), or in
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>
defense of any claim, issue, or matter therein, he shall be indemnified against
expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection therewith.
 
    C. Any indemnification under subsection (1) or subsection (2), unless
pursuant to a determination by a court, shall be made by the corporation only as
authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the
director, officer, employee, or agent is proper in the circumstances because he
has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in subsection (1) or
subsection (2). Such determination shall be made:
 
        (a) By the board of directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting
    of directors who were not parties to such proceeding;
 
        (b) If such a quorum is not obtainable or, even if obtainable, by
    majority vote of a committee duly designated by the board of directors (in
    which directors who are parties may participate) consisting solely of two or
    more directors not at the time parties to the proceeding;
 
        (c) By independent legal counsel:
 
           (1) Selected by the board of directors prescribed in paragraph (a) or
       the committee prescribed in paragraph (b); or
 
           (2) If a quorum of the directors cannot be obtained for paragraph (a)
       and the committee cannot be designated under paragraph (b), selected by
       majority vote of the full board of directors (in which directors who are
       parties may participate); or
 
        (d) By the shareholders by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of
    shareholders who were not parties to such proceeding or, if no such quorum
    is obtainable, by a majority vote of shareholders who were not parties to
    such proceeding.
 
    D. Evaluation of the reasonableness of expenses and authorization of
indemnification shall be made in the same manner as the determination that
indemnification is permissible. However, if the determination of permissibility
is made by independent legal counsel, persons specified by paragraph (4)(c)
shall evaluate the reasonableness of expenses and may authorize indemnification.
 
    E. Expenses incurred by an officer or director in defending a civil or
criminal proceeding may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final
disposition of such proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of
such director or officer to repay such amount if he is ultimately found not to
be entitled to indemnification by the corporation pursuant to this section.
Expenses incurred by other employees and agents may be paid in advance upon such
terms or conditions that the board of directors deems appropriate.
 
    F. The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided pursuant to this
section are not exclusive, and a corporation may make any other or further
indemnification or advancement of expenses of any of its directors, officers,
employees, or agents, under any bylaw, agreement, vote of shareholders or
disinterested directors, or otherwise, both as to action in his official
capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office.
However, indemnification or advancement of expenses shall not be made to or on
behalf of any director, officer, employee, or agent if a judgment or other final
adjudication establishes that his actions, or omissions to act, were material to
the cause of action so adjudicated and constitute:
 
        (a) A violation of the criminal law, unless the director, officer,
    employee, or agent had reasonable cause to believe his conduct was lawful or
    had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful;
 
        (b) A transaction from which the director, officer, employee, or agent
    derived an improper personal benefit;
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
        (c) In the case of a director, a circumstance under which the liability
    provisions of s. 607.0834 are applicable; or
 
        (d) Willful misconduct or a conscious disregard for the best interests
    of the corporation in a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation to
    procure a judgment in its favor or in a proceeding by or in the right of a
    shareholder.
 
    G. Indemnification and advancement of expenses as provided in this section
shall continue as, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, to a
person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee, or agent and shall
inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, and administrators of such a
person, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified.
 
    H. Unless the corporation's articles of incorporation provide otherwise,
notwithstanding the failure of a corporation to provide indemnification, and
despite any contrary determination of the board or of the shareholders in the
specific case, a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation who is
or was a party to a proceeding may apply for indemnification or advancement of
expenses, or both, to the court conducting the proceeding, to the circuit court,
or to another court of competent jurisdiction. On receipt of an application, the
court, after giving any notice that it considers necessary, may order
indemnification and advancement of expenses, including expenses incurred in
seeking court-ordered indemnification or advancement of expenses, if it
determines that:
 
        (a) The director, officer, employee, or agent is entitled to mandatory
    indemnification under subsection (3), in which case the court shall also
    order the corporation to pay the director reasonable expenses incurred in
    obtaining court-ordered indemnification or advancement of expenses;
 
        (b) The director, officer, employee, or agent is entitled to
    indemnification or advancement of expenses, or both, by virtue of the
    exercise by the corporation of its power pursuant to subsection (7); or
 
        (c) The director, officer, employee, or agent is fairly and reasonably
    entitled to indemnification or advancement of expenses, or both, in view of
    all the relevant circumstances, regardless of whether such person met the
    standard of conduct set forth in subsection (1), subsection (2), or
    subsection (7).
 
    I. For purposes of this section, the term "corporation" includes, in
addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including
any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger, so that
any person who is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of a
constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of a constituent
corporation as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, is in the same position
under this section with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as he
would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate
existence had continued.
 
    J. For purposes of this section:
 
        (a) The term "other enterprises" includes employee benefit plans;
 
        (b) The term "expenses" includes counsel fees, including those for
    appeal;
 
        (c) The term "liability" includes obligations to pay a judgment,
    settlement, penalty, fine (including an excise tax assessed with respect to
    any employee benefit plan), and expenses actually and reasonably incurred
    with respect to a proceeding;
 
        (d) The term "proceeding" includes any threatened, pending, or completed
    action, suit, or other type of proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
    administrative, or investigative and whether formal or informal;
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
        (e) The term "agent" includes a volunteer;
 
        (f) The term "serving at the request of the corporation" includes any
    service as a director, officer, employee, or agent of the corporation that
    imposes duties on such persons, including duties relating to an employee
    benefit plan and its participants or beneficiaries; and
 
        (g) The term "not opposed to the best interest of the corporation"
    describes the actions of a person who acts in good faith and in a manner he
    reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the participants and
    beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan.
 
    K. A corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on
behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of
the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a
director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust, or other enterprise against any liability asserted against him
and incurred by him in any such capacity or arising out of his status as such,
whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify him against
such liability under the provisions of this section.
 
                                   * * * * *
 
    Article IV of the Registrant's By-laws contains provisions for the
indemnification of officers, directors, employees and agents to the fullest
extent permitted by Section 607.0850.
 
    There is in effect a directors and officers liability insurance policy with
Lexington Insurance Company. The policy insures the directors and officers of
the Registrant against loss arising from certain claim or claims made against
such directors or officers by reason of certain wrongful acts. The policy
provides combined limit of liability of $2,000,000 per policy year for both
directors' and officers' liability coverage at an annual premium of $113,400.
 
ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.
 
    A. On December 16, 1992 the Registrant granted to an officer 10,000 shares
of Common Stock in exchange for services rendered. Such grant was made in
reliance on the exemption provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Act").
 
    B. On December 29, 1992 the Registrant granted to 70 employees of the
Registrant in Spain an aggregate of 7,000 shares of Common Stock for services
rendered. Such grant was made in reliance on the exemption provided by Section
4(2) of the Act.
 
    C. On April 1, 1993 the Registrant granted to 19 employees of the Registrant
in Tampa, Florida an aggregate of 1,900 shares of Common Stock for services
rendered. Such grant was made in reliance on the exemption provided by Section
4(2) of the Act.
 
    D. From April 19, 1993 through July 13, 1993 the Registrant conducted a
private placement to investors which are accredited investors as such term is
defined in Regulation D ("Regulation D") promulgated under the Act and to
investors who are not U.S. Persons, as such term is defined in Regulation S
("Regulation S") promulgated under the Act, of 547,335 shares of Common Stock
for aggregate proceeds of $5,725,000 and aggregate commissions and underwriter
discounts of $1,345,000. The placement agents for such sales were Global
Financial, Drake Capital, The Lion Group, Baytree Associates, Healthcare Capital
Group and Euro-Pacific Securities, Inc. Such sales were made in reliance upon
the exemptions provided by Regulation D and Regulation S.
 
    E. On June 14, 1993 and December 31, 1993 the Registrant granted to two
former employees an aggregate of 14,667 shares of Common Stock in settlement of
litigation related to their termination. Such grant was made in reliance on the
exemption provided by Section 4(2) of the Act.
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
    F. On July 22, 1993 the Registrant issued to a former officer and director
10,000 shares of Common Stock upon conversion of such employee s minority
interest in a subsidiary of the Registrant. Such issuance was made in reliance
on the exemption provided by Section 4(2) of the Act.
 
    G. From September 10, 1993 through September 28, 1993 the Registrant
conducted a private placement to investors which are accredited investors as
such term is defined in Regulation D of 66,000 shares of Common Stock for
aggregate proceeds of $841,000 and commissions of $11,000. The placement agent
for such sales was Phillipe Aransaenz. Such sales were made in reliance upon the
exemption provided by Regulation D.
 
    H. On November 23, 1993 the Registrant conducted a private placement to
investors which are not U.S. Persons as such term is defined in Regulation S of
50,000 shares of Common Stock for aggregate proceeds of $618,000. The placement
agents for such sales were Euro-Pacific Securities, Inc. and Pacific
International. Such sales were made in reliance upon the exemption provided by
Regulation S.
 
    I. On November 24, 1993 the Registrant conducted a private placement to
investors which are accredited investors as such term is defined in Regulation D
of 70,000 shares of Common Stock for aggregate proceeds of $1,700,000. The
placement agent for such sales was Healthcare Capital Group, which received
commissions of approximately $102,000. Such sales were made in reliance upon the
exemption provided by Regulation D.
 
    J. From November 24, 1993 through February 4, 1994 the Registrant issued to
two holders of warrants an aggregate of 11,250 shares of Common Stock for
aggregate proceeds of $131,250. Such issuances were made in reliance upon the
exemptions provided by Regulation D and Regulation S.
 
    K. On March 29, 1994 the Registrant conducted a private placement to an
investor who is an accredited investor as such term is defined in Regulation D
of 52,500 shares of Common Stock for aggregate proceeds of $577,000. The
placement agent for such sales was Baytree Associates, which received
commissions of $58,000. Such sale was made in reliance upon the exemption
provided by Regulation D.
 
    L. On April 22, 1994 the Registrant conducted a private placement to an
investor who is not a U.S. Person as such term is defined in Regulation S of
20,000 shares of Common Stock for aggregate proceeds of $150,000. The placement
agent for such sales was Baytree Associates, which received commissions of
$15,000. Such issuance was made in reliance upon the exemption provided by
Regulation S.
 
    M. On May 9, 1994 the Registrant issued to class members settling a class
action proceeding against the Registrant an aggregate of 70,176 shares of Common
Stock with an aggregate market value of $1,000,000. Such sale was made in
reliance on the exemption provided by Section 3(a)(10) of the Act.
 
    N. On June 2, 1994 the Registrant issued to members of the Registrant s
board of directors an aggregate of 7,000 shares of Common Stock for services
rendered. Such sale was made in reliance on the exemption provided by Section
4(2) of the Act.
 
    O. From June 16, 1994 through December 7, 1994 the Registrant conducted a
private placement to investors which are not U.S. Persons as such term is
defined in Regulation S of 723,316 shares of Common Stock for aggregate proceeds
of $3,868,000. The placement agents were Baytree Associates and American
Capital, which recieved commissions of $343,000. Such sales were made in
reliance upon the exemption provided by Regulation S.
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>
    P. On October 14, 1994 the Registrant issued to a consultant 21,818 shares
of Common Stock for consulting services rendered. Such sale was made in reliance
upon the exemption provided by Regulation D.
 
    Q. On December 19, 1994 the Registrant issued upon conversion of outstanding
shares of Series A Preferred Stock 1,152 shares of Common Stock. Such sale was
made in reliance upon the exemption provided by Regulation D.
 
    R. On April 7, 1995 the Registrant issued to members of the Registrant s
board of directors an aggregate of 817 shares of Common Stock for services
rendered. Such sales were made in reliance on the exemption provided by Section
4(2) of the Act.
 
    S. On October 5, 1995 the Registrant conducted a private placement to
investors who are accredited investors as such term is defined in Regulation D
of 12 Units each consisting of a 12% Convertible Subordinated Note and 10,000
shares of Common Stock for aggregate proceeds of $720,000. The placement agent
was Coleman and Company Securities, Inc. received commissions of $72,000. Such
sales were made in reliance upon the exemption provided by Regulation D.
 
    T. On October 11, 1995 the Registrant issued upon conversion of outstanding
shares of Series A Preferred Stock 3,088 shares of Common Stock. Such issuance
was made in reliance upon the exemption provided by Regulation D.
 
    U. On October 26, 1995 the Registrant conducted a private placement to
investors who are accredited investors as such term is defined in Regulation D
of 17.5 Units each consisting of a 12% Convertible Subordinated Note and 7,500
shares of Common Stock (or a proportional share thereof) for aggregate proceeds
of $1,050,000. The placement agent was Coleman and Company Securities, Inc.,
which received commissions of $105,000. Such sales were made in reliance upon
the exemption provided by Regulation D.
 
    V. On December 8, 1995, the Registrant issued to its former Chairman 6,000
shares of Common Stock for services rendered. Such sale was made in reliance on
the exemption provided by Section 4(2) of the Act.
 
    W. On December 8, 1995, the Registrant issued to a consultant 2,250 shares
of Common Stock for consulting services rendered. Such sale was made in reliance
upon the exemption provided by Regulation D.
 
    X. On December 8, 1995, the Registrant issued to a holder of warrants an
aggregate of 90,000 shares of Common Stock for aggregate proceeds of $225,000.
Such issuance was made in reliance upon the exemption provided by Regulation S.
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
 
    (a) Exhibits:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                                        DESCRIPTION
- -------                                       -----------
<S>       <C>
1.1(1)    Underwriting Agreement.
3.1(2)    Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, as amended and restated.
3.2       By-Laws of the Registrant, as amended and restated. (Reference is made to Exhibit
          3.2 to the Registrant's Form 10-K filed June 30, 1989, Commission File No. 1-10581,
          which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
3.3       Amendment to By-Laws of the Registrant. (Reference is made to Exhibit 3.2(a) to the
          Registrant's Amendment No. 1 on Form S-3 to Form S-1 Registration Statement,
          Commission File No. 33-35941, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
4.1       Registrant's Incentive Stock Option Plan. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.3 to the
          Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-18, Commission File No. 33-17201,
          which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
4.2       Registrant's Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.4 to
          the Registrant's Form 10-K filed June 30, 1989, Commission File No. 1-10581, which
          exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
4.3       Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the Registrant's Incentive Stock
          Option Plan. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.6 to the Registrant's Form 10-K filed
          June 30, 1989, Commission File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is incorporated herein by
          reference.)
4.4       Form of Director's Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the Registrant's
          Incentive Stock Option Plan. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.6(a) to the
          Registrant's Form 10-K filed June 30, 1989, Commission File No. 1-10581, which
          exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
4.5       Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the Registrant's Non-Qualified
          Stock Option Plan. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.7(a) to the Registrant's Form
          10-K filed June 30, 1989, Commission File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is
          incorporated herein by reference.)
4.6       Form of Director's Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the Registrant's Non-
          Qualified Stock Option Plan. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.7(a) to the
          Registrant's Form 10-K filed June 30, 1989, Commission File No. 1-10581, which
          exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
4.7       Form of Subscription Agreement between the Registrant and each purchaser in
          connection with the Registrant's October 1991 sales of its $2.25 Convertible
          Exchangeable Preferred Shares, Series A. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.1 to the
          Registrant's Form 8-K filed October 17, 1991, Commission File No. 1-10581, which
          exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
4.8       Indenture relating to the Registrant's 9% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due
          2016 (with the Form of Debenture attached thereto as Exhibit A.) (Reference is made
          to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed October 17, 1991, Commission File
          No. 1-10581, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
4.9       Specimen Certificate of the Registrant's $2.25 Convertible Exchangeable Preferred
          Shares, Series A. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Form 8-K
          filed October 17, 1991, Commission File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is incorporated
          herein by reference.)
4.10      Registrant's 1991 Stock Option Plan. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.6 to the
          Registrant's Form 8-K filed October 17, 1991, Commission File No. 1-10581, which
          exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
4.11      Amendment to Registrant's 1991 Stock Option Plan. (Reference is made to Exhibit
          4.17 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the Transition Period Ended December 31,
          1992, Commission File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is incorporated herein by
          reference.)
4.12      Amendment to Registrant's 1991 Stock Option Plan as approved by the shareholders on
          June 9, 1994. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.16 to the Registrant s Form 10-K for
          the year ended December 31, 1994, Commission File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is
          incorporated herein by reference).
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-7
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                                        DESCRIPTION
- -------                                       -----------
<S>       <C>
4.13      Form of Non-qualified Stock Option Agreement under the Registrant's 1991 Stock
          Option Plan. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.25 to the Registrant's Form 10-K dated
          June 30, 1992, Commission File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is incorporated herein by
          reference.)
4.14      Subscription Agreement between the Registrant and Bodel Inc. dated November 23,
          1993. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.20 to the Registrant's Form 10-K filed
          December 31, 1993, Commission File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is incorporated
          herein by reference.)
4.15      Subscription Agreement between the Registrant and E.C. Morgan, dated May 10, 1993.
          (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
          Form S-3, Commission File No. 33-69946, which exhibit is incorporated herein by
          reference.)
4.16      Form of Subscription Agreement between the Registrant and various subscribers to
          its common stock entered into by each of the Selling Stockholders other than E.C.
          Morgan, Rossignol, Ferraris, and Huguet. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.5 to the
          Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3, Commission File No. 33-69946,
          which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
4.17      Warrants issued by the Registrant to Grant Harshbarger, dated November 11, 1993 and
          November 17, 1993, respectively. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.8 to the
          Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3, Commission File No. 33-69946,
          which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
4.18      Warrants issued by the Registrant to Healthcare Capital Investments, Inc., dated
          November 11, 1993 and November 17, 1993, respectively. (Reference is made to
          Exhibit 4.9 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3, Commission File
          No. 33-69946, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
4.19      Subscription Agreement between the Registrant and Western Slops, Ltd. dated March
          29, 1994. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.29 to the Registrant s Form 10-K for the
          year ended December 31, 1994, Commission File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is
          incorporated herein by reference.)
4.20      Form of Subscription Agreement between the Registrant and various subscribers to
          its Common Stock for the purchase of shares in a 1994 private placement. (Reference
          is made to Exhibit 4.30 to the Registrant s Form 10-K for the year ended December
          31, 1994, Commission File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is incorporated herein by
          reference.)
4.21      Form of Subscription Agreement between the Registrant and various subscribers to
          its Common Stock for the purchase of units in a 1994 private placement. (Reference
          is made to Exhibit 4.31 to the Registrant s Form 10-K for the year ended December
          31, 1994, Commission File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is incorporated herein by
          reference.)
4.22      Subscription Agreement between the Registrant and Shulmit Pritziker dated December
          7, 1994. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.32 to the Registrant s Form 10-K for the
          year ended December 31, 1994, Commission File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is
          incorporated herein by reference.)
4.23(2)   Warrants issued by the Registrant to Baytree Associates, Inc. dated October 18,
          1995.
4.24      Form of Subscription Agreement between the Registrant and various purchasers of
          Units consisting of one note and 10,000 shares of Common Stock in an October 1995
          private placement. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K
          filed November 29, 1995, Commission File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is incorporated
          herein by reference.)
4.25      Form of Note dated September 30, 1995 issued by the Registrant to the purchasers of
          Units in an October 1995 private placement. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.2 to
          the Registrant's Form 8-K filed November 29, 1995, Commission File No. 1-10581,
          which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
4.26      Form of Subscription Agreement between the Registrant and various purchasers of
          Units consisting of one note and 7,500 shares of Common Stock in an October 1995
          private placement. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Form 8-K
          filed November 29, 1995, Commission File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is incorporated
          herein by reference.)
4.27      Form of Note dated October 25, 1995 issued by the Registrant to the purchasers of
          Units in an October 1995 private placement. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.4 to
          the
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-8
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                                        DESCRIPTION
- -------                                       -----------
<S>       <C>
          Registrant's Form 8-K filed November 29, 1995, Commission File No. 1-10581, which
          exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
4.28(1)   Form of Indenture relating to the Registrant s $1,000 Principal Amount 12% Senior
          Convertible Subordinated Debentures due February   , 2006 (with the Form of
          Debenture attached thereto as Exhibit A.)
4.29(1)   Form of Warrant Agreement, including form of Class A and Class B Warrant.
4.30(1)   Form of Underwriter Warrant.
4.31(1)   Form of Unit Certificate.
5.1(2)    Opinion and consent of Parker Chapin Flattau & Klimpl, LLP.
10.1(2)   Employment Agreement dated as of June 12, 1995 between the Registrant and James R.
          Murphy.
10.2(2)   Employment Agreement dated as of June 12, 1995 between the Registrant and Robert M.
          Stote, M.D.
10.3(2)   Employment Agreement dated as of June 12, 1995 between the Registrant and Michael
          D. Price.
10.4      Agreement between the Registrant and Jean-Francois Rossignol dated August 13, 1993.
          (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
          Form S-3, Commission File No. 33-69946, which exhibit is incorporated herein by
          reference.)
10.5      Partnership Agreement dated March 11, 1994 of Belmac/Maximed Partnership (Reference
          is made to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March
          31, 1994, Commission File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is incorporated herein by
          reference.)
10.6      Contract for Sale and Transfer of Belmacina(R) Know-How and Trademark between
          Laboratorios Belmac S.A. and CEPA, together with English Summary. (Reference is
          made to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K dated February 1, 1995, Commission
          File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
12.1(2)   Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges.
21.1      Subsidiaries of the Registrant. (Reference is made to Exhibit 21.1 to the
          Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994, Commission File No.
          1-10581, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
23.1(1)   Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
23.2(1)   Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.
23.3(2)   Consent of Parker Chapin Flattau & Klimpl, LLP. (Included in Exhibit 5.1.)
23.4(1)   Consent of Parker Chapin Flattau & Klimpl, LLP, as tax counsel.
25.1      Power of Attorney. (Included on page II-17 of the initial filing of the
          Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Commission File No. 33-65125.)
</TABLE>
    
- ------------
   
(1) Filed herewith.
 
(2) Previously filed.
 
    (b) Financial Statement Schedules:
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    ITEM      DESCRIPTION                                                             PAGE
    ----      -----------                                                             ----
<S>           <C>                                                                 <C>
              Reports of Independent Auditors' on Financial Statement
              Schedule.........................................................   S-1 and S-2
Schedule II   Valuation and qualifying accounts and reserves...................       S-3
</TABLE>
 
    All other schedules have been omitted because they are inapplicable or are
not required, or the information is included elsewhere in the consolidated
financial statements or notes thereto.
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
 
    (a) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
 
                                      II-9
<PAGE>
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will
be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
    (b) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
 
        (1) that for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
    Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as
    part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained
    in a form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1)
    or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
    registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
        (2) that for the purpose of determining any liability under the
    Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form
    of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to
    the Securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
    time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
        (3) to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made,
    a post-effective amendment to this registration statement;
 
           (A) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
       Securities Act of 1933;
 
           (B) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
       the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
       post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually, or in the
       aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in
       the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase
       or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of
       securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any
       deviation from the low or high and of the estimated maximum offering
       range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the
       Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in
       volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum
       aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration
       Fee" table in the effective registration statement;
 
           (C) to include any material information with respect to the plan of
       distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or
       any material change to such information in the registration statement.
 
        (4) that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
    Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
    to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
    therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to
    be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
        (5) to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
    any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
    termination of the offering.
 
                                     II-10
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Tampa, State of Florida,
on the 12th day of February, 1996.
    
 
                                          BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
 
   
                                          By         /s/ MICHAEL D. PRICE
                                             ...................................
                                             Michael D. Price
                                             Vice President
                                             and Chief Financial Officer
    
 
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the date indicated.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             SIGNATURE                              TITLE                        DATE
             ---------                              -----                        -----
<S>                                  <C>                                   <C>
                 *                   Chairman of the Board, President,
 ...................................  Chief Executive Officer and
          James R. Murphy            Director (Principal Executive         February 12, 1996
                                     Officer)
                 *                   Senior Vice-President, Chief
 ...................................  Science Officer and Director
          Robert M. Stote                                                  February 12, 1996
 
       /s/ MICHAEL D. PRICE          Vice-President, Chief Financial
 ...................................  Officer, Treasurer, Secretary and
         Michael D. Price            Director (Principal Financial and     February 12, 1996
                                     Accounting Officer)
 
                 *                   Director
 ...................................
       Randolph W. Arnegger                                                February 12, 1996
 
                 *                   Director
 ...................................
        Charles L. Bolling                                                 February 12, 1996
 
                 *                   Director
 ...................................
         Doris E. Wardell                                                  February 12, 1996
</TABLE>
    
 
   
*By:   /s/ MICHAEL D. PRICE
 ................................... 
           Michael D. Price
           (attorney-in-fact)
    
 
                                     II-11
<PAGE>
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of Bentley Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Tampa, Florida
 
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Bentley
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (formerly Belmac Corporation) and subsidiaries (the
"Company") as of December 31, 1994 and for the year then ended and as of
September 30, 1995 and for the nine months then ended, and have issued our
report thereon dated December 8, 1995, which report expresses an unqualified
opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph referring to the Company's
recurring losses from operations as well as negative operating cash flows, which
raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern; such
consolidated financial statements and report are included elsewhere in this
Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 33-65125 on Form S-1. Our audit
also included the financial statement schedule as of December 31, 1994 and for
the year then ended, and as of September 30, 1995 and for the nine months then
ended of the Company listed in Item 16. This financial statement schedule is the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion based on our audit. 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.
 
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Tampa, Florida
December 8, 1995
 
                                      S-1
<PAGE>
               REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
                        ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
 
To the Board of Directors
of Bentley Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
 
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements of Bentley Pharmaceuticals,
Inc. (previously Belmac Corporation) referred to in our report dated March 30,
1994 appearing elsewhere in this Registration Statement on Form S-1 also
included an audit of the Financial Statement Schedule listed in Item 16 of this
form. In our opinion, this Financial Statement Schedule presents fairly, in all
material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction
with the related consolidated financial statements.
 
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
Tampa, Florida
March 30, 1994
 
                                      S-2
<PAGE>
                                  SCHEDULE II
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES

                                                            COLUMN C
                                                  -----------------------------
                                    COLUMN B                ADDITIONS
                                  ------------    -----------------------------     COLUMN D        COLUMN E
           COLUMN A                BALANCE AT     CHARGED TO      CHARGED TO       -----------    -------------
- -------------------------------   BEGINNING OF    COSTS AND     OTHER ACCOUNTS-    DEDUCTIONS-     BALANCE AT
          DESCRIPTION                PERIOD        EXPENSES        DESCRIBE         DESCRIBE      END OF PERIOD
- -------------------------------   ------------    ----------    ---------------    -----------    -------------
<S>                               <C>             <C>           <C>                <C>            <C>
Drug licenses and related
  costs:
For the year ended June 30,
  1992.........................     $162,000      $  553,000                                        $ 715,000
For the six months ended
December 31, 1992..............      715,000         328,000                        $ 609,000(a)      434,000
For the year ended December 31,
  1993.........................      434,000         227,000                          414,000(b)      247,000
For the year ended December 31,
  1994.........................      247,000         102,000                           58,000(c)      291,000
For the nine months ended
  September 30, 1994(e)........      247,000          76,000                                          323,000
For the nine months ended
  September 30, 1995...........      291,000          86,000                                          377,000
 
Goodwill:
For the year ended June 30,
  1992.........................            0          48,000                                           48,000
For the six months ended
December 31, 1992..............       48,000          20,000                                           68,000
For the year ended December 31,
  1993.........................       68,000          40,000                                          108,000
For the year ended December 31,
  1994.........................      108,000          40,000                                          148,000
For the nine months ended
  September 30, 1994(e)........      108,000          30,000                                          138,000
For the nine months ended
  September 30, 1995...........      148,000          30,000                                          178,000
 
Reserve for inventory
  obsolescence:
For the year ended December 31,
  1994.........................            0         248,000                                          248,000
For the nine months ended
  September 30, 1995...........      248,000         423,000                                          671,000
 
Other:
For the year ended June 30,
  1992.........................            0         102,000                                          102,000
For the six months ended
  December 31, 1992............      102,000         222,000                          324,000(d)            0
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
(a) Due to the restructuring of the Registrant, capitalized costs relating to
    Alphanon(R) were written off along with the corresponding accumulated
    amortization of approximately $125,000. Also Amodex(R) was written down to
    its net realizable value and the corresponding accumulated amortization of
    approximately $484,000 was written off.
 
(b) Due to the Registrant's sale of its French marketing rights to Amodex(R),
    the drug license and related accumulated amortization of approximately
    $66,000 were removed from the accounts, and includes the effect of exchange
    rate fluctuation. Due to the agreement with Evans dated March 25, 1994,
    whereby the Registrant agreed to return to Evans the 25% deposit and
    one-half of the promotion campaign monies paid and to release from escrow
    the balance of the purchase price, the capitalized costs relating to
    Biolid(R) and the related accumulated amortization of approximately $387,000
    were written off, which includes the effect of exchange rate fluctuation.
 
(c) Due to the Registrant's sale of its Spanish marketing rights to
    Belmacina(R), the drug license and related accumulated amortization of
    approximately $81,000 were removed from the accounts and includes the effect
    of exchange rate fluctuation.
 
(d) Other costs were written off and included in restructuring charges of the
    Registrant for the six months ended December 31, 1992.
 
(e) Unaudited.
 
                                      S-3

<PAGE>
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  SEQUENTIAL PAGE
EXHIBITS                                                                              NUMBER
- -------                                                                           ---------------
<S>       <C>                                                                     <C>
1.1(1)    Underwriting Agreement.
3.1(2)    Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, as amended and restated.
3.2       By-Laws of the Registrant, as amended and restated. (Reference is made to Exhibit
          3.2 to the Registrant's Form 10-K filed June 30, 1989, Commission File No. 1-10581,
          which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
3.3       Amendment to By-Laws of the Registrant. (Reference is made to Exhibit 3.2(a) to the
          Registrant's Amendment No. 1 on Form S-3 to Form S-1 Registration Statement,
          Commission File No. 33-35941, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
4.1       Registrant's Incentive Stock Option Plan. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.3 to the
          Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-18, Commission File No. 33-17201,
          which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
4.2       Registrant's Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.4 to
          the Registrant's Form 10-K filed June 30, 1989, Commission File No. 1-10581, which
          exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
4.3       Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the Registrant's Incentive Stock
          Option Plan. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.6 to the Registrant's Form 10-K filed
          June 30, 1989, Commission File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is incorporated herein by
          reference.)
4.4       Form of Director's Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the Registrant's
          Incentive Stock Option Plan. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.6(a) to the
          Registrant's Form 10-K filed June 30, 1989, Commission File No. 1-10581, which
          exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
4.5       Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the Registrant's Non-Qualified
          Stock Option Plan. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.7(a) to the Registrant's Form
          10-K filed June 30, 1989, Commission File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is
          incorporated herein by reference.)
4.6       Form of Director's Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the Registrant's Non-
          Qualified Stock Option Plan. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.7(a) to the
          Registrant's Form 10-K filed June 30, 1989, Commission File No. 1-10581, which
          exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
4.7       Form of Subscription Agreement between the Registrant and each purchaser in
          connection with the Registrant's October 1991 sales of its $2.25 Convertible
          Exchangeable Preferred Shares, Series A. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.1 to the
          Registrant's Form 8-K filed October 17, 1991, Commission File No. 1-10581, which
          exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
4.8       Indenture relating to the Registrant's 9% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due
          2016 (with the Form of Debenture attached thereto as Exhibit A.) (Reference is made
          to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed October 17, 1991, Commission File
          No. 1-10581, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
4.9       Specimen Certificate of the Registrant's $2.25 Convertible Exchangeable Preferred
          Shares, Series A. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Form 8-K
          filed October 17, 1991, Commission File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is incorporated
          herein by reference.)
4.10      Registrant's 1991 Stock Option Plan. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.6 to the
          Registrant's Form 8-K filed October 17, 1991, Commission File No. 1-10581, which
          exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
4.11      Amendment to Registrant's 1991 Stock Option Plan. (Reference is made to Exhibit
          4.17 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the Transition Period Ended December 31,
          1992, Commission File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is incorporated herein by
          reference.)
4.12      Amendment to Registrant's 1991 Stock Option Plan as approved by the shareholders on
          June 9, 1994. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.16 to the Registrant s Form 10-K for
          the year ended December 31, 1994, Commission File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is
          incorporated herein by reference).
</TABLE>
    
 

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  SEQUENTIAL PAGE
EXHIBITS                                                                              NUMBER
- -------                                                                           ---------------
<S>       <C>                                                                     <C>
4.13      Form of Non-qualified Stock Option Agreement under the Registrant's 1991 Stock
          Option Plan. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.25 to the Registrant's Form 10-K dated
          June 30, 1992, Commission File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is incorporated herein by
          reference.)
4.14      Subscription Agreement between the Registrant and Bodel Inc. dated November 23,
          1993. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.20 to the Registrant's Form 10-K filed
          December 31, 1993, Commission File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is incorporated
          herein by reference.)
4.15      Subscription Agreement between the Registrant and E.C. Morgan, dated May 10, 1993.
          (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
          Form S-3, Commission File No. 33-69946, which exhibit is incorporated herein by
          reference.)
4.16      Form of Subscription Agreement between the Registrant and various subscribers to
          its common stock entered into by each of the Selling Stockholders other than E.C.
          Morgan, Rossignol, Ferraris, and Huguet. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.5 to the
          Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3, Commission File No. 33-69946,
          which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
4.17      Warrants issued by the Registrant to Grant Harshbarger, dated November 11, 1993 and
          November 17, 1993, respectively. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.8 to the
          Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3, Commission File No. 33-69946,
          which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
4.18      Warrants issued by the Registrant to Healthcare Capital Investments, Inc., dated
          November 11, 1993 and November 17, 1993, respectively. (Reference is made to
          Exhibit 4.9 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3, Commission File
          No. 33-69946, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
4.19      Subscription Agreement between the Registrant and Western Slops, Ltd. dated March
          29, 1994. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.29 to the Registrant s Form 10-K for the
          year ended December 31, 1994, Commission File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is
          incorporated herein by reference.)
4.20      Form of Subscription Agreement between the Registrant and various subscribers to
          its Common Stock for the purchase of shares in a 1994 private placement. (Reference
          is made to Exhibit 4.30 to the Registrant s Form 10-K for the year ended December
          31, 1994, Commission File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is incorporated herein by
          reference.)
4.21      Form of Subscription Agreement between the Registrant and various subscribers to
          its Common Stock for the purchase of units in a 1994 private placement. (Reference
          is made to Exhibit 4.31 to the Registrant s Form 10-K for the year ended December
          31, 1994, Commission File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is incorporated herein by
          reference.)
4.22      Subscription Agreement between the Registrant and Shulmit Pritziker dated December
          7, 1994. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.32 to the Registrant s Form 10-K for the
          year ended December 31, 1994, Commission File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is
          incorporated herein by reference.)
4.23(2)   Warrants issued by the Registrant to Baytree Associates, Inc. dated October 18,
          1995.
4.24      Form of Subscription Agreement between the Registrant and various purchasers of
          Units consisting of one note and 10,000 shares of Common Stock in an October 1995
          private placement. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K
          filed November 29, 1995, Commission File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is incorporated
          herein by reference.)
4.25      Form of Note dated September 30, 1995 issued by the Registrant to the purchasers of
          Units in an October 1995 private placement. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.2 to
          the Registrant's Form 8-K filed November 29, 1995, Commission File No. 1-10581,
          which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
4.26      Form of Subscription Agreement between the Registrant and various purchasers of
          Units consisting of one note and 7,500 shares of Common Stock in an October 1995
          private placement. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Form 8-K
          filed November 29, 1995, Commission File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is incorporated
          herein by reference.)
4.27      Form of Note dated October 25, 1995 issued by the Registrant to the purchasers of
          Units in an October 1995 private placement. (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.4 to
          the
</TABLE>
 

<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  SEQUENTIAL PAGE
EXHIBITS                                                                              NUMBER
- -------                                                                           ---------------
<S>       <C>                                                                     <C>
          Registrant's Form 8-K filed November 29, 1995, Commission File No. 1-10581, which
          exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
4.28(1)   Form of Indenture relating to the Registrant s $1,000 Principal Amount 12% Senior
          Convertible Subordinated Debentures due February   , 2006 (with the Form of
          Debenture attached thereto as Exhibit A.)
4.29(1)   Form of Warrant Agreement, including form of Class A and Class B Warrant.
4.30(1)   Form of Underwriter Warrant.
4.31(1)   Form of Unit Certificate.
5.1(2)    Opinion and consent of Parker Chapin Flattau & Klimpl, LLP.
10.1(2)   Employment Agreement dated as of June 12, 1995 between the Registrant and James R.
          Murphy.
10.2(2)   Employment Agreement dated as of June 12, 1995 between the Registrant and Robert M.
          Stote, M.D.
10.3(2)   Employment Agreement dated as of June 12, 1995 between the Registrant and Michael
          D. Price.
10.4      Agreement between the Registrant and Jean-Francois Rossignol dated August 13, 1993.
          (Reference is made to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
          Form S-3, Commission File No. 33-69946, which exhibit is incorporated herein by
          reference.)
10.5      Partnership Agreement dated March 11, 1994 of Belmac/Maximed Partnership (Reference
          is made to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March
          31, 1994, Commission File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is incorporated herein by
          reference.)
10.6      Contract for Sale and Transfer of Belmacina(R) Know-How and Trademark between
          Laboratorios Belmac S.A. and CEPA, together with English Summary. (Reference is
          made to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K dated February 1, 1995, Commission
          File No. 1-10581, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
12.1(2)   Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges.
21.1      Subsidiaries of the Registrant. (Reference is made to Exhibit 21.1 to the
          Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994, Commission File No.
          1-10581, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.)
23.1(1)   Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
23.2(1)   Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.
23.3(2)   Consent of Parker Chapin Flattau & Klimpl, LLP. (Included in Exhibit 5.1.)
23.4(1)   Consent of Parker Chapin Flattau & Klimpl, LLP, as tax counsel.
25.1      Power of Attorney. (Included on page II-17 of the initial filing of the
          Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Commission File No. 33-65125.)
</TABLE>
    
- ------------
(1) Filed herewith.
(2) Previously filed.
(3) To be filed by amendment.





                          BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

                                   6,000 Units

      Each Consisting of one One Thousand Dollar ($1,000) Principal Amount
      12% Convertible Senior Subordinated Debenture Due February ___, 2006
                                       and
         1,000 Class A Redeemable Warrants each to Purchase One Share of
                 Common Stock and One Class B Redeemable Warrant



                             UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT



                                                            ___________ __, 1996


COLEMAN AND COMPANY SECURITIES, INC.
666 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10103

Dear Sirs or Madams:

     Bentley  Pharmaceuticals,  Inc.,  a Florida  corporation  (the  "Company"),
hereby  confirms its agreement  with Coleman and Company  Securities,  Inc. (the
"Underwriter")  for the issuance of the Units  described  herein under the terms
and conditions contained herein.

     The Company  proposes to issue and sell to the  Underwriter an aggregate of
6,000 Units ("Firm  Units"),  each  consisting  of one of the  Company's  $1,000
principal amount 12% Convertible Senior Subordinated Debentures due February __,
2006 (the  "Debentures")  and 1,000 Class A  Redeemable  Warrants  (the "Class A
Warrants")  each  for the  purchase  of one  share  of the  common  stock of the
Company,  par  value  $.02 per  share  (the  "Common  Stock"),  and one  Class B
Redeemable  Warrant  (the  "Class  B  Warrants").  The  Debentures,   which  are
unsecured, are convertible prior to maturity, unless previously redeemed, at any
time commencing twelve months after the date hereof (the "Anniversary  Date") or
immediately following a notice of redemption (as defined in the Prospectus dated
February __,  1996) into shares of the Common  Stock at a  conversion  price per
share of the lesser of $3.00 or 80% of the average  closing  price of the Common
Stock  on the  American  Stock  Exchange  for the 20  consecutive  trading  days
immediately  preceding  the  Anniversary  Date,  or  earlier  upon a  notice  of
redemption.  Interest is payable quarterly. Commencing six months after the date
hereof and with the  Underwriter's  consent,  the Company  may, on 30 days prior
written notice, redeem the Debentures, in whole or in part, if the closing

                                                                        

<PAGE>



price of the Common  Stock on the  American  Stock  Exchange  for each of the 20
consecutive  trading days  immediately  preceding the record date for redemption
equals or exceeds  $7.00 per  share.  The  redemption  price will be 105% of the
principal amount of the Debentures or $1,050 per Debenture plus accrued interest
through the date of redemption. The conversion price per share during the period
following the notice of redemption,  if prior to the  Anniversary  Date, will be
the lesser of $3.00 or 80% of the average  closing  price of the Common Stock on
the American  Stock  Exchange for the 20  consecutive  trading days  immediately
preceding the record date for redemption.

     Each Class A Warrant entitles the holder, at any time for a period of three
years from the date  hereof  but not prior to the  Separation  Date (as  defined
below), to purchase one share of Common Stock and one Class B Warrant at a price
of $3.00 per share.  On or after the  Separation  Date, on 30 days prior written
notice,  the Company may redeem all of the Class A Warrants for $.05 per Warrant
if the per share closing price for the  underlying  Common Stock on the American
Stock Exchange for each of the 20 consecutive trading days immediately preceding
the  record  date for  redemption  equals or exceeds  150% of the then  exercise
price. Two Class B Warrants,  together,  entitle a holder,  for a period of five
years from the date hereof,  to purchase one share of Common Stock at a price of
$5.00 per share.  On or after the  Separation  Date,  on 30 days  prior  written
notice,  the Company may redeem all of the Class B Warrants for $.05 per Warrant
if the per share closing price for the  underlying  Common Stock on the American
Stock Exchange for each of the 20 consecutive trading days immediately preceding
the  record  date for  redemption  equals or exceeds  130% of the then  exercise
price. As used in this Agreement the term  "Warrants"  shall include the Class A
Warrants and the Class B Warrants.

     The  conversion  price of the  Debentures  and the  exercise  prices of the
Warrants are subject to adjustment under certain  circumstances.  The Debentures
and the  Warrants  may not be  detached  for six  months  after the date  hereof
without the prior written consent of the Underwriter  after which the Debentures
and the  Warrants  shall be  separately  transferable  (such date is referred to
herein as the "Separation Date").

     In  addition,  solely for the  purpose  of  covering  over-allotments,  the
Company  proposes to grant to the Underwriter a 30-day option from the effective
date of the  Registration  Statement,  as defined  below,  to purchase up to 900
additional  Units (the  "Option  Units").  As used in this  Agreement,  the term
"Units" shall include the Firm Units and Option Units.

     1.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY.  The Company represents,
warrants to and agrees with the Underwriter that:

            (a)  A registration  statement on Form S-1 (Reg. No.  33-65125) with
respect to the Units,  including a prospectus  subject to  completion,  has been
filed  by  the  Company  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange   Commission  (the
"Commission")  under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), and the
applicable rules and regulations (the "Rules and Regulations"),  and one or more
amendments to that registration statement may have been so filed. Copies of such
registration  statement and of each  amendment  heretofore  filed by the Company
with the Commission

                                      - 2 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



have been delivered to the  Underwriter.  After the execution of this Agreement,
the  Company  will  file  with the  Commission  either  (i) if the  registration
statement,  as it may have been amended,  has been declared by the Commission to
be effective  under the Act, a prospectus in the form most recently  included in
that registration  statement (or, if an amendment thereto shall have been filed,
in such amendment), with such changes or insertions as are required by Rule 430A
under  the Act or  permitted  by Rule  424(b)  under  the  Act,  or (ii) if that
registration  statement,  as it may have been amended,  has not been declared by
the Commission to be effective under the Act, an amendment to that  registration
statement,  including a form of prospectus.  As used in this Agreement, the term
"Registration  Statement" means that registration  statement,  as amended at the
time it was or is declared  effective,  and any amendment thereto that was or is
thereafter  declared  effective,  including all financial schedules and exhibits
thereto and any information  omitted  therefrom  pursuant to Rule 430A under the
Act  and  included  in  the  Prospectus  (as  hereinafter  defined);   the  term
"Preliminary  Prospectus" means each prospectus subject to completion filed with
that registration  statement or any amendment thereto  (including the prospectus
subject to completion,  if any,  included in the  Registration  Statement at the
time it was or is  declared  effective);  and the term  "Prospectus"  means  the
prospectus first filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act
or,  if no  prospectus  is so filed  pursuant  to Rule  424(b),  the  prospectus
included in the Registration  Statement.  The Company has caused to be delivered
to the Underwriter  copies of each  Preliminary  Prospectus and has consented to
the use of those copies for the purposes permitted by the Act.

            (b)  The  Commission  has  not  issued   any  order  preventing   or
suspending the use of any Preliminary  Prospectus or instituted  proceedings for
such purpose. When the Registration  Statement was or is declared effective,  it
(i) contained or will contain all  statements  required to be stated  therein in
accordance  with, and complied or will comply with the  requirements of, the Act
and the Rules and  Regulations  of the  Commission  thereunder  in all  material
respects and (ii) did not or will not include any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to  state  any  material  fact  necessary  to make  the  statements
therein,  in  light  of the  circumstances  under  which  they  were  made,  not
misleading.  When the  Prospectus  and each  amendment or supplement  thereto is
filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) (or, if the Prospectus or such
amendment or  supplement is not required so to be filed,  when the  Registration
Statement  containing such Prospectus or amendment or supplement  thereto was or
is declared  effective) and on the Firm Closing Date and any Option Closing Date
(as each such term is  hereinafter  defined),  the  Prospectus,  as  amended  or
supplemented  at any such time,  (i)  contained or will  contain all  statements
required to be stated  therein in accordance  with,  and complied or will comply
with  the  requirements  of,  the Act  and  the  rules  and  regulations  of the
Commission  thereunder  in all  material  respects  and (ii) did not or will not
include any untrue  statement  of a material  fact or omit to state any material
fact  necessary  in order to make the  statements  therein,  in the light of the
circumstances  under  which  they  were  made,  not  misleading.  The  foregoing
provisions of this paragraph (b) do not apply to statements or omissions made in
any Preliminary Prospectus,  the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or any
amendment or supplement  thereto in reliance upon and in conformity with written
information  furnished to the Company by the  Underwriter  specifically  for use
therein.  The Company has not  distributed  and will not distribute any offering
material in connection with the offering or sale of the

                                      - 3 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



Units other than the Registration  Statement,  any Preliminary  Prospectus,  the
Prospectus or other materials, if any, permitted by the Act.

            (c) The Company has been duly incorporated  and is validly  existing
as a corporation  in good standing under the laws of the state of Florida and is
duly  qualified  to transact  business as a foreign  corporation  and is in good
standing in each jurisdiction, both domestic and foreign, where the ownership or
leasing  of  its  property  or  the  conduct  of  its  business   requires  such
qualification,  except  where the  failure to be so  qualified  would not have a
material adverse effect to the Company.  The Company has all requisite corporate
power and  authority  to own or lease its  property  and  conduct  its  business
described  in  the  Registration  Statement  and  the  Prospectus  (or,  if  the
Prospectus is not in existence, the most recent Preliminary Prospectus).

            (d)  The  Company does not own, directly or indirectly,  any capital
stock of any  corporation,  any interest in any  partnership,  joint  venture or
limited  liability  Company or any other equity interest or participation in any
other  person,  other than as described in Exhibit 21.1 as  incorporated  in the
Registration Statement (each of which, a "Subsidiary"). Each Subsidiary has been
duly chartered and organized and is validly  existing in good standing under the
laws of the jurisdiction of its formation, and has all requisite corporate power
and authority to own or lease its property and conduct its business as described
in the  Registration  Statement and the Prospectus (or, if the Prospectus is not
in existence, the most recent Preliminary  Prospectus).  Each Subsidiary is duly
qualified to transact business as a foreign  corporation and is in good standing
in each jurisdiction,  both domestic or foreign,  where the ownership or leasing
of its  property or the conduct of its  business  requires  such  qualification,
except  where the failure to be so qualified  would not have a material  adverse
effect to the Company.  Complete and correct copies (including translations into
the English language for documents not initially in the English language) of the
certificate of incorporation and the by-laws (or other charter documents) of the
Company and each of its  Subsidiaries,  and all  amendments  thereto,  have been
delivered to the Underwriter,  and no changes therein will be made subsequent to
the date  hereof  and prior to the Firm  Closing  Date or, if later,  the Option
Closing Date.

            (e) The Company has all  requisite corporate  power and authority to
enter into and perform its obligations  under this Agreement.  The execution and
delivery of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary  corporate
action on the part of the Company and this  Agreement has been duly executed and
delivered  by the Company and is a valid and binding  Agreement  of the Company,
enforceable  against the  Company in  accordance  with its terms,  except as the
enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
fraudulent  conveyance,  moratorium and other similar laws affecting  creditors'
rights  generally  and to general  principles of equity  (regardless  of whether
enforcement  is considered  in a proceeding in equity or at law),  and except as
rights to indemnity  and  contribution  under this  Agreement  may be limited by
applicable law or principals of public policy.  The issuance,  offering and sale
by the Company to the Underwriter of the Units pursuant to this  Agreement,  the
compliance  by the  Company  with  the  provisions  of  this  Agreement  and the
consummation of the other transactions contemplated in this Agreement do not (i)
require the consent, approval, authorization, registration  or  qualification of

                                      - 4 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



or with any court or governmental or regulatory  authority,  except such as have
been obtained,  such as may be required under state  securities or blue sky laws
and, if the registration  statement filed with respect to the Units (as amended)
is not effective under the Act as of the time of execution  hereof,  such as may
be required (and shall be obtained as provided in this Agreement) under the Act,
and the  Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange  Act"),  or
(ii) result in the  creation  or  imposition  of any  material  lien,  charge or
encumbrance upon any of the assets of the Company or any  subsidiaries  pursuant
to the  terms or  provisions  of,  or  conflict  with or  result  in a breach or
violation of, or constitute a default under, any material  contract,  indenture,
mortgage,  deed of trust,  loan  agreement,  note,  lease or other  agreement or
instrument  to which the  Company or any  Subsidiary  is a party or by which the
Company or any Subsidiary or any of its respective property is bound or subject,
or the certificate of incorporation (including the statement of designations for
the  outstanding  preferred  stock (the  "Preferred  Stock") of the  Company) or
by-laws of the Company or the charter of any  Subsidiary,  or any statute or any
rule, regulation,  judgment, decree, or order of any court or other governmental
or  regulatory  authority  or any  arbitrator  applicable  to the Company or any
Subsidiary.

            (f)  The Company has an authorized, issued and outstanding capitali-
zation as set forth in the Prospectus under the caption "Capitalization" (or, if
the Prospectus is not in existence, the most recent Preliminary Prospectus). All
of the issued shares of capital  stock of the Company have been duly  authorized
and validly  issued and are fully  paid,  nonassessable  and free of  preemptive
rights.  There are no outstanding  options,  warrants or other rights granted by
the  Company to  purchase  shares of its  Common  Stock or other  securities  or
obligations  convertible into shares of its Common Stock or into debt securities
other than as described in the  Prospectus  (and,  if the  Prospectus  is not in
existence,  the most recent Preliminary  Prospectus).  The Units, Debentures and
Warrants have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part
of the Company and, when issued and delivered to and paid for by the Underwriter
pursuant to this Agreement,  will be validly issued,  fully paid,  nonassessable
and free of preemptive  rights,  and the Debentures and Warrants will constitute
legal,  valid and binding  obligations of the Company  enforceable in accordance
with their respective terms, except as the enforceability thereof may be limited
by bankruptcy,  insolvency,  reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors'
rights  generally or by equitable  principles  relating to the  availability  of
remedies.  The Common Stock issuable upon  conversion of the Debentures and upon
the  exercise  of the  Warrants  has been duly  authorized  and  reserved by the
Company and,  when issued,  as provided for in the  Debentures  or the Warrants,
will be duly and  validly  issued,  fully paid and  nonassessable.  No holder of
outstanding  securities of the Company is entitled as such to any  preemptive or
other right to subscribe for any of the Units. The Company has duly given notice
to all persons  entitled to have securities  registered by the Company under the
Registration  Statement.  The Company has reserved an  aggregate  of  15,305,526
shares of Common Stock for issuance upon exercise or conversion,  as applicable,
of outstanding options, warrants and convertible securities.

            (g)  The  capital  stock  of  the  Company  conforms in all material
respects to the  description  thereof  contained in the  Prospectus  (or, if the
Prospectus is not in existence, the most recent Preliminary Prospectus), and the
descriptions correctly state the material aspects of the

                                      - 5 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



Debentures and Warrants as contemplated by the offering of the Units.  Since the
inception  of the Company in February of 1974,  all  issuances of the equity and
debt securities of the Company were effected pursuant to valid private offerings
exempt from  registration  under the Act or registered  for offer and sale under
the Act. Since January 1, 1994, no compensation  was paid to or on behalf of any
member of the National Association of Securities Dealers,  Inc. ("NASD"), or any
affiliate or employee  thereof,  in connection  with any such private  offering,
except as previously disclosed in writing to the Underwriter.

            (h) No consent, approval, authorization or order of,  or any  filing
or declaration with, any stockholder of the Company or any court or governmental
agency  or  body  is  required  for  the  consummation  by  the  Company  of the
transactions on its part contemplated herein,  except such as have been obtained
under the Act or the Rules and  Regulations  and such as may be  required  under
state  securities  or blue sky laws or the  by-laws  and rules of the NASD,  the
American Stock Exchange or the Pacific Stock Exchange.

            (i) The  consolidated  financial  statements of the Company included
in the  Registration  Statement and the Prospectus (or, if the Prospectus is not
in  existence,  the most  recent  Preliminary  Prospectus)  fairly  present  the
consolidated financial position of the Company as of the dates indicated and the
consolidated  results of  operations  of the Company for the periods  specified.
Such financial  statements  have been prepared in accordance  with United States
generally accepted accounting  principles,  consistently  applied throughout the
periods  involved.  The  selected  financial  data set forth  under the  caption
"Selected  Financial  Data" and the summary  financial  data set forth under the
caption "Prospectus Summary - Summary Consolidated Financial Information" in the
Prospectus  (or,  if the  Prospectus  is  not  in  existence,  the  most  recent
Preliminary  Prospectus)  fairly present,  on the basis stated in the Prospectus
(or such Preliminary  Prospectus),  the information  included therein.  No other
financial  statements  or  schedules  are  required  to be in  the  Registration
Statement.

            (j)  Deloitte  & Touche LLP and Price  Waterhouse LLP (collectively,
the "Accountants"),  each of which has certified certain financial statements of
the Company and  delivered its  respective  report with respect to the financial
statements and schedules as specified and included in the Registration Statement
and the Prospectus  (or, if the Prospectus is not in existence,  the most recent
Preliminary Prospectus),  are independent public accountants with respect to the
Company  as  required  by the Act  and  the  applicable  rules  and  regulations
thereunder. The statements in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (or,
if the Prospectus is not in existence,  the most recent Preliminary  Prospectus)
pursuant to Items 304 and 509 of Regulation S-X of the Rules and Regulations are
true and correct in all material respects.

            (k)  Since the  respective  dates as of which  information  is given
in the  Registration  Statement and the Prospectus (or, if the Prospectus is not
in existence, the most recent Preliminary  Prospectus),  (i) except as otherwise
contemplated therein, there has been no material adverse change in the business,
operations,  condition  (financial  or  otherwise),  results  of  operations  or
prospects of the Company and its Subsidiaries  considered as a whole, whether or
not arising in

                                      - 6 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



the ordinary course of business,  (ii) except as otherwise stated therein, there
have been no transactions  entered into by the Company and its  Subsidiaries and
no commitments made by the Company and its Subsidiaries that, individually or in
the  aggregate,  are material with respect to the Company and its  Subsidiaries,
(iii) except as otherwise  stated  therein,  there has not been any  obligation,
direct or  contingent,  incurred  by the  Company  or its  Subsidiaries,  except
obligations in the ordinary course of business,  (iv) except as otherwise stated
therein,  there has not been any change in the capital stock or  indebtedness of
the  Company,  and (v) there has been no  dividend or  distribution  of any kind
declared,  paid or made by the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries in respect of
any class of its capital stock.

            (l) No  material  legal  or  governmental  proceedings,  domestic or
foreign  (including under any  environmental  laws),  civil,  administrative  or
criminal,  are pending to which the Company or any  Subsidiary  is a party or to
which the property of the Company or any  Subsidiary or any of their  respective
officers is subject and to the Company's  knowledge,  no such  proceedings  have
been threatened  against the Company or any Subsidiary or with respect to any of
its  property,  except  as such are  described  in the  Prospectus  (or,  if the
Prospectus  is not in existence,  the most recent  Preliminary  Prospectus).  No
contract or other  document of the Company or any  Subsidiary  is required to be
described in the  Registration  Statement or the Prospectus or to be filed as an
exhibit to or incorporated in the  Registration  Statement that is not described
therein  (or,  if the  Prospectus  is  not in  existence,  in  the  most  recent
Preliminary Prospectus) or filed as required.

            (m)  Neither the Company nor any  Subsidiary is (i) in  violation of
its certificate of incorporation  (or charter) or by-laws,  (ii) in violation in
any material respect of any law, statute,  regulation,  ordinance,  rule, order,
judgment  or decree of any court or any  governmental  or  regulatory  authority
applicable to the Company or any Subsidiary, or (iii) in default in any material
respect in the performance or observance of any obligation,  agreement, covenant
or condition contained in any material contract,  indenture,  mortgage,  deed of
trust, loan agreement,  note, debenture,  lease or other agreement or instrument
to which the Company or any  Subsidiary  is a party or by which it or any of its
property may be bound or subject.

            (n)  The  Company  and  each Subsidiary  owns  or possesses adequate
rights to use all intellectual property, including all U.S. and foreign patents,
trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights,  inventions, know-how, trade
secrets, proprietary technologies,  processes and substances, or applications or
licenses  therefor,  that are described in the Prospectus (or, if the Prospectus
is not in  existence,  the most recent  Preliminary  Prospectus),  and any other
rights or interests in items of  intellectual  property as are necessary for the
conduct of the  business  now  conducted  or proposed to be  conducted  by it as
described in the Prospectus (or, such Preliminary Prospectus);  and, neither the
Company nor any  Subsidiary is aware of the granting of any patent rights to, or
the filing of  applications  therefor  by,  others,  nor is the  Company nor any
Subsidiary aware of, nor has the Company nor any Subsidiary  received notice of,
infringement  of or conflict with asserted  rights of others with respect to any
of the foregoing.  All such  intellectual  property rights and interests are (i)
valid and enforceable and (ii) to the knowledge of the Company, not being

                                      - 7 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



infringed  by any third  parties in a manner that would have a material  adverse
effect on the Company.

            (o)  The  Company and each Subsidiary  possesses adequate  licenses,
orders,  authorizations,  approvals,  certificates  or  permits  issued  by  the
appropriate  federal,  state,  local or foreign  regulatory  agencies  or bodies
(including  those related to enforcement  of  environmental  laws)  necessary to
conduct  its  business  as  described  in the  Registration  Statement  and  the
Prospectus  (or,  if the  Prospectus  is  not  in  existence,  the  most  recent
Preliminary Prospectus),  and, except as disclosed in the Prospectus (or, if the
Prospectus is not in existence, the most recent Preliminary  Prospectus),  there
are no pending or, to the  knowledge  of the  Company,  threatened,  proceedings
relating  to  the  revocation  or  modification  of  any  such  license,  order,
authorization,  approval,  certificate  or permit  which  would  have a material
adverse effect on the Company.

            (p) The Company and each  Subsidiary has good and  marketable  title
to, or valid and  enforceable  leasehold  estates in, all of the  properties and
assets  reflected  in the  Company's  consolidated  financial  statements  or as
described  in  the  Registration  Statement  and  the  Prospectus  (or,  if  the
Prospectus is not in existence, the most recent Preliminary Prospectus), subject
to no lien,  mortgage,  pledge,  charge or encumbrance  of any material  nature,
except  as  reflected  in  such  financial  statements  or as  described  in the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus (and such Preliminary  Prospectus) and
liens for taxes not yet due and payable,  except where such liens shall not have
a material  adverse  effect upon the  Company.  The Company and each  Subsidiary
occupies its leased properties under valid and enforceable  leases conforming to
the  description  thereof  set  forth  in the  Registration  Statement  and  the
Prospectus (or such Preliminary Prospectus). The agreements to which the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries are parties  described in the Registration  Statement
and the Prospectus  (or, if the Prospectus is not in existence,  the most recent
Preliminary Prospectus) have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the
Company or such Subsidiary, are valid and binding agreements, enforceable by the
Company and its  Subsidiaries  (as  applicable),  except (i) as the  enforcement
thereof may be limited by  applicable  bankruptcy,  insolvency,  reorganization,
fraudulent  conveyance,  moratorium  or similar  laws  relating to or  affecting
creditors'  rights generally or by general  equitable  principles and (ii) as is
otherwise disclosed in the Registration Statement and Prospectus.

            (q)  The  Company  is not subject to registration  as an "investment
Company" under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

            (r)  No  labor  dispute with the  employees of the  Company  or  any
Subsidiary exists, or to the Company's knowledge, is threatened or imminent that
could  result in a  material  adverse  change  in the  condition  (financial  or
otherwise),  business,  prospects,  net worth or  results of  operations  of the
Company or any Subsidiary.

            (s)  The  Company  and  each  of  its  Subsidiaries  has  filed  all
necessary  federal,  state,  local and foreign  income,  franchise  sales,  use,
employee  withholding  and other tax returns  relating to the  operations of the
Company and its Subsidiaries and all taxes shown as due

                                      - 8 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



thereon have been paid;  and the Company has no knowledge of any tax  deficiency
which has been or might be asserted or threatened  against the Company or any of
its  Subsidiaries  which could have a material adverse effect on the Company and
its  Subsidiaries  taken  as a whole  or their  business,  properties,  business
prospects,  condition  (financial or otherwise)  or results of  operations,  and
except to the extent that such any such taxes are being  contested in good faith
by the Company and adequately  reserved  against and other than taxes which have
been accrued on the books of the Company.

            (t)  All material  transactions  between  any  of  the  Company  and
its  Subsidiaries,  on the one hand, and any of the officers,  directors and key
employees of the Company and its  Subsidiaries  have been  accurately  and fully
disclosed in the Prospectus (or, if the Prospectus is not in existence, the most
recent Preliminary Prospectus).

            (u)  The  Company  and  each  Subsidiary  is  insured by insurers of
recognized  financial  responsibility  against such losses and risks and in such
amounts as are prudent and  customary in the  businesses in which it is engaged;
neither the Company nor any Subsidiary  has been refused any material  insurance
coverage sought or applied for, and the Company has no reason to believe that it
will not be able to renew its and each Subsidiary's  existing insurance coverage
as and when such  coverage  expires or to obtain  similar  coverage from similar
insurers as may be  necessary  to continue its business at a cost that would not
materially  and  adversely  affect  the  condition   (financial  or  otherwise),
business,  prospects,  net worth or results of  operations of the Company or any
Subsidiary,  except as described in or contemplated  by the Prospectus  (and, if
the Prospectus is not in existence, the most recent Preliminary Prospectus).

            (v) The  Common  Stock  is  registered  pursuant  to  Section  12(b)
of the  Exchange  Act and is  listed on the  American  Stock  Exchange,  and the
Company  has taken no action  designed  to,  or  likely to have the  effect  of,
terminating  the  registration  of the Common  Stock under the  Exchange  Act or
termination of listing of the Common Stock on the American Stock  Exchange,  nor
has the Company  received any  notification  that the Commission or the American
Stock Exchange is contemplating  terminating such registration or listing except
as set forth in the Prospectus  (or, if the  Prospectus is not in existence,  in
the Preliminary Prospectus). The Units, Debentures and Warrants are eligible for
listing  on the  American  Stock  Exchange,  and  will  be so  listed  as of the
effective date of the Registration Statement.

            (w)  Neither  the  Company nor any of its Subsidiaries,  nor, to the
Company's knowledge, any of their employees,  officers, directors or agents, has
at any time during the last five (5) years (i) made any unlawful contribution to
any candidate for foreign office or failed to disclose fully any contribution in
violation of law, or (ii) made any payment to any federal or state  governmental
officer or official, or other person charged with similar public or quasi-public
duties,  other than  payments  required or  permitted  by the laws of the United
States or any jurisdiction thereof.


                                      - 9 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



            (x) Neither  the  Company  nor any of its officers or directors  has
taken and will take,  directly  or  indirectly,  any action  designed to or that
might reasonably be expected to cause or result in stabilization or manipulation
of the price of the Common Stock to facilitate the sale or resale of the Units.

            (y) The  Company  and each of its Subsidiaries  maintain a system of
internal accounting  controls  sufficient to provide reasonable  assurances that
(i)  transactions  are  executed  in  accordance  with  management's  general or
specific  authorizations,  (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial  statements in conformity with United States  generally
accepted accounting principles and to maintain  accountability for assets, (iii)
access to assets is permitted only in accordance  with  management's  general or
specific  authorization,  and (iv) the  recorded  accountability  for  assets is
compared with existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is
taken with respect to any differences.

            (z)  No  person  has  acted  as  a  finder  in  connection  with the
transactions  contemplated herein and the Company will indemnify the Underwriter
with respect to any claim for finder's fees in connection herewith.  The Company
has no management or financial  consulting  agreements with anyone. No promoter,
officer,  director or  stockholder  of the Company is,  directly or  indirectly,
associated  with an NASD  member,  except as has been  previously  disclosed  in
writing to the Underwriter.

            (aa)  No statement, representation, warranty or covenant made by the
Company in this  Agreement or made in any  certificate  or document  required by
this  Agreement to be delivered  to the  Underwriter  was, or will be when made,
inaccurate, untrue or incorrect.

     2. PURCHASE, SALE AND DELIVERY OF THE UNITS.

            (a) On  the  basis of  the  representations, warranties,  agreements
and covenants  herein  contained and subject to the terms and conditions  herein
set forth,  the  Company  agrees to issue and sell to the  Underwriter,  and the
Underwriter  agrees to purchase  from the Company,  the Firm Units at a purchase
price of $900.00 per Firm Unit.

            (b) One  or  more certificates in definitive form for the Firm Units
that the Underwriter has agreed to purchase hereunder,  and in such denomination
or  denominations  and  registered  in such  name or  names  as the  Underwriter
requests  upon notice to the Company at least 48 hours prior to the Firm Closing
Date,  shall be delivered by or on behalf of the Company to the  Underwriter for
the  account  of  the  Underwriter,  against  payment  by or on  behalf  of  the
Underwriter  of the purchase  price therefor by certified or official bank check
or  checks  drawn  upon or by a New York  Clearing  House  bank and  payable  in
next-day funds to the order of the Company. Such delivery of and payment for the
Firm  Units  shall be made at the  offices  of Reid & Priest  LLP,  40 West 57th
Street,   New   York,   New   York   at   9:30   A.M.,   New   York   time,   on
______________________, 1996 or at such other place, time or date as the Company
and the  Underwriter  may agree  upon,  such time and date of  delivery  against
payment being herein referred to as the "Firm Closing Date." The

                                     - 10 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



Company will make such  certificate or certificates for the Firm Units available
for checking and packaging by the  Underwriter  at the offices in New York,  New
York of the  Company's  transfer  agent and registrar at least 24 hours prior to
the Firm Closing Date.

            (c) For  the  purpose of covering any  over-allotments in connection
with  the  distribution  and  sale of the  Firm  Units  as  contemplated  by the
Prospectus,  the Company hereby grants to the  Underwriter an option to purchase
any or all of the Option  Units.  The  purchase  price to be paid for any of the
Option Units shall be the same price per Unit as the price per Unit for the Firm
Units set forth above in  paragraph  (a) of this  Section 2. The option  granted
hereby may be  exercised  as to all or any part of the Option Units from time to
time within 30 days after the date of the Prospectus.  The Underwriter shall not
be under  any  obligation  to  purchase  any of the  Option  Units  prior to the
exercise of such  option.  The  Underwriter  may from time to time  exercise the
option granted  hereby by giving notice in writing to the Company  setting forth
the  aggregate  number of Option Units to be exercised and the date and time for
delivery of and payment for such Option Units.  Any such delivery date shall not
be later than three  business  days after such  notice of  exercise  and, in any
event,  shall be no earlier  than the Firm Closing  Date.  The time and date set
forth in such notice,  or such other time on such other date as the  Underwriter
and the Company may agree upon, is herein called the "Option  Closing Date" with
respect to such Option Units.  Upon  exercise of the option as provided  herein,
the Company shall become obligated to sell to the  Underwriter,  and, subject to
the  terms and  conditions  herein  set  forth,  the  Underwriter  shall  become
obligated  to  purchase  from the  Company,  the  Option  Units as to which  the
Underwriter is then exercising its respective option. The number of Option Units
may be adjusted to avoid fractional shares. If the option is exercised as to all
or any portion of the Option Units, one or more  certificates in definitive form
for such Option Units, and payment  therefor,  shall be delivered on the related
Option Closing Date in the manner, and upon the terms and conditions,  set forth
in paragraph (b) of this Section 2, except that  reference  therein to the Units
and the Firm Closing Date shall be deemed,  for purposes of this  paragraph (c),
to refer to such Option Units and Option Closing Date, respectively.

     3. OFFERING BY THE UNDERWRITER.  The Underwriter shall offer the Firm Units
for sale to the public upon the terms set forth in the Prospectus. If the option
set forth in Section 2(c) of this Agreement is exercised,  then the  Underwriter
shall offer the Option  Units for sale to the public upon the terms set forth in
the Prospectus.

     4.  COVENANTS OF THE  COMPANY.  The Company  covenants  and agrees with the
Underwriter that:

            (a)  The   Company   will   use   its  best  efforts  to  cause  the
Registration  Statement,  if not  effective  at the  time of  execution  of this
Agreement, to become effective as promptly as possible. If required, the Company
will file the  Prospectus  and any  amendment  or  supplement  thereto  with the
Commission  in the manner and within the time  period  required  by Rule  424(b)
under  the Act.  During  any time  when a  prospectus  relating  to the Units is
required  to be  delivered  under the Act,  the Company (i) will comply with all
requirements imposed upon it by the

                                     - 11 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



Act and the Rules and  Regulations  of the  Commission  thereunder to the extent
necessary  to permit the  continuance  of sales or of  dealings  in the Units in
accordance with the provisions hereof and of the Prospectus,  as then amended or
supplemented,  and (ii)  will not file with the  Commission  any  prospectus  or
amendment  referred  to in the  first  sentence  of  Section  1(a)  hereof,  any
amendment or supplement to such prospectus or any amendment to the  Registration
Statement as to which the Underwriter shall not previously have been advised and
furnished  with a copy for a  reasonable  period of time  prior to the  proposed
filing and as to which filing the Underwriter  shall not have given its consent.
The Company will prepare and file with the  Commission,  in accordance  with the
Rules  and  Regulations  of  the  Commission,   promptly  upon  request  by  the
Underwriter or counsel to the  Underwriter,  any amendments to the  Registration
Statement or amendments or supplements  to the Prospectus  that may be necessary
or  advisable  in  connection  with  the   distribution  of  the  Units  by  the
Underwriter,  and will use its best  efforts to cause any such  amendment to the
Registration Statement to be declared effective by the Commission as promptly as
possible.  The Company will advise the  Underwriter,  promptly  after  receiving
notice  thereof,  of the time when the  Registration  Statement or any amendment
thereto has been filed or declared  effective or the Prospectus or any amendment
or supplement  thereto has been filed and will provide evidence  satisfactory to
the Underwriter of each such filing or effectiveness.

            (b)  The  Company  will  advise  the  Underwriter,   promptly  after
receiving  notice or  obtaining  knowledge  thereof,  of (i) the issuance by the
Commission of any stop order  suspending the  effectiveness  of the Registration
Statement  or any order  preventing  or  suspending  the use of any  Preliminary
Prospectus or the  Prospectus or any amendment or supplement  thereto,  (ii) the
suspension  of the  qualification  of the  Units,  Debentures  or  Warrants  for
offering  or  sale  in  any  jurisdiction,  (iii)  the  institution,  threat  or
contemplation of any proceeding for any such purpose or (iv) any request made by
the  Commission  for  amending  the  Registration  Statement,  for  amending  or
supplementing the Prospectus or for additional information. The Company will use
its best efforts to prevent the issuance of any such stop order and, if any such
stop order is issued, to obtain the withdrawal thereof as promptly as possible.

            (c)  The  Company  will,   in  cooperation   with  counsel   to  the
Underwriter,   arrange  for  the  qualification  of  the  Units  (including  the
Debentures  and Warrants) for offering and sale under the securities or blue sky
laws of such  jurisdictions  as the  Underwriter may designate and will continue
such  qualifications  in effect for as long as may be  necessary to complete the
distribution of the Units;  provided,  however, that in connection therewith the
Company shall not be required to qualify as a foreign  corporation or to execute
a  general  consent  to  service  of  process  in  any  jurisdiction.   In  each
jurisdiction in which the Units, Debentures and Warrants shall have qualified or
are  exempt  from  such  qualification,  the  Company  will  make and file  such
statements  and  reports in each year as are or may be  required  by the laws of
such jurisdiction.

            (d)  If,  at  any  time  when a prospectus  relating to the Units is
required to be  delivered  under the Act,  any event occurs as a result of which
the  Prospectus,  as then  amended or  supplemented,  would  include  any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order
to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which


                                     - 12 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



they were made,  not  misleading,  or if for any other reason it is necessary at
any time to amend or  supplement  the  Prospectus  to comply with the Act or the
Rules or  Regulations of the  Commission  thereunder,  the Company will promptly
notify the Underwriter thereof and, subject to Section 4(a) hereof, will prepare
and file with the  Commission,  at the  Company's  expense,  an amendment to the
Registration  Statement or an amendment or  supplement  to the  Prospectus  that
corrects such statement or omission or effects such compliance.

            (e) The Company will,  without  charge,  provide to the  Underwriter
and to counsel for the Underwriter (i) as many signed copies of the Registration
Statement  originally filed with respect to the Units and each amendment thereto
(in each case  including  exhibits  thereto) as the  Underwriter  may reasonably
request,  (ii) as many conformed copies of such Registration  Statement and each
amendment thereto (in each case without exhibits thereto) as the Underwriter may
reasonably  request and (iii) so long as a  prospectus  relating to the Units is
required  to be  delivered  under the Act,  as many  copies of each  Preliminary
Prospectus  or the  Prospectus  or any  amendment or  supplement  thereto as the
Underwriter may reasonably request.

            (f)  The  Company will apply the net  proceeds  from the sale of the
Units as set forth under "Use of Proceeds" in the Prospectus.

            (g)  If,  at  the  time  that  the  Registration  Statement  becomes
effective,  any information  shall have been omitted  therefrom in reliance upon
Rule 430A  under the Act,  then  immediately  following  the  execution  of this
Agreement,  the Company will  prepare,  and file or transmit for filing with the
Commission  in  accordance  with such Rule 430A and Rule  424(b)  under the Act,
copies of the Prospectus  including the information  omitted in reliance on Rule
430A,  or, if  required by such Rule 430A,  a  post-effective  amendment  to the
Registration  Statement  (including  an  amended  Prospectus),   containing  all
information so omitted.

            (h) The Company  will file with the American  Stock Exchange or such
other exchange on which its securities are listed all documents and notices that
are required, respectively, of companies with securities that are listed on such
Exchanges.  The Company will use its best efforts to cause Units, Debentures and
Class A Warrants to maintain  their listing on the American Stock Exchange under
the  symbols  "BNTU,"  "BNTD" and  "BNTA,"  respectfully.  Additionally,  once a
sufficient number of Class B Warrants are outstanding,  the Company will use its
best efforts to cause, such Warrants to be listed on the American Stock Exchange
under the symbol "BNTB."

            (i) During a period of three years commencing  with the Firm Closing
Date,  the Company will furnish to the  Underwriter,  at the Company's  expense,
copies of (i) all periodic and special reports  furnished to stockholders of the
Company and (ii) all  information,  documents  and reports  filed by the Company
with the Commission.

            (j)  Prior to the  Firm  Closing  Date,  the  Company  will  deliver
to the  Underwriter a reasonably  detailed  budget  covering the period from the
Firm Closing Date to the end

                                     - 13 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



of the Company's first fiscal year following the Firm Closing Date. In addition,
during the next  succeeding  two  fiscal  years,  the  Company  will  supply the
Underwriter, not less than 30 days after the beginning of each fiscal year, with
a budget  for such  fiscal  year.  For each  period  covered  by a budget  to be
supplied to the Underwriter,  the Company will also supply financial  statements
prepared in sufficient detail so as to allow comparison to the budgets.

            (k)  For a period of three  years after  the  effective  date of the
Registration  Statement,  the Company will continue to retain  Deloitte & Touche
LLP or other nationally  recognized  independent  certified  public  accountants
reasonably satisfactory to the Underwriter.

            (l)  The  Company  has  appointed  American  Stock  Transfer & Trust
Company as transfer agent for the Units, Debentures and Warrants and as trustee,
paying agent and conversion  agent for the  Debentures,  subject to the Closing.
The  Company  will not  change  or  terminate  such  appointments  or the  prior
appointment of Chemical  Mellon  Shareholder  Services as the transfer agent and
registrar for the Common Stock for a period of three years from the Firm Closing
Date without  first  obtaining  the written  consent of the  Underwriter,  which
consent shall not be unreasonably  withheld,  except it may substitute  American
Stock  Transfer & Trust  Company as transfer  agent and registrar for the Common
Stock. For a period of five years after the Firm Closing Date, the Company shall
cause the respective  transfer  agents to deliver  promptly to the Underwriter a
duplicate copy of the daily transfer sheets relating to trading,  if any, of the
Units, Debentures, Warrants and Common Stock.

            (m) The Company shall, prior to the Firm Closing Date,  register the
Units, Debentures and Warrants under Section 12 of the Exchange Act.

            (n) The Company shall cause Deloitte & Touche LLP to deliver  to the
Underwriter, on the date the Registration Statement is declared effective and at
the closing(s) hereunder, the letter referred to in Section 6(d).

            (o)  If  at  any  time  after  the  Registration  Statement  becomes
effective  until  the  date  the  Underwriter   advises  the  Company  that  the
distribution  of the Units has been  completed  (which in the absence of express
notice  will be deemed  to be the  Option  Closing  Date or the  termination  or
expiration of the over-allotment  option),  any rumor in any financial market or
any  publication or event shall occur, in each case relating to or affecting the
Company, as a result of which in the opinion of the Underwriter the market price
of the Common Stock has been or is likely to be materially affected  (regardless
of whether such rumor,  publication  or event  necessitates  a supplement  to or
amendment of the  Prospectus),  the Company will,  after written notice from the
Underwriter  advising  the  Company  to the effect  set forth  above,  forthwith
prepare,   consult  with  the  Underwriter   concerning  the  substance  of  and
disseminate a press release or other public statement,  reasonably  satisfactory
to the  Underwriter,  responding to or commenting on such rumor,  publication or
event.


                                     - 14 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



            (p) During the  period of 180 days after the date of this Agreement,
the  Company  will not at any time,  directly  or  indirectly,  take any  action
designed to or that will  constitute,  or that might  reasonably  be expected to
cause or  result  in,  the  stabilization  of the price of the  Common  Stock to
facilitate  the sale or  resale of any of the  Units,  Debentures,  Warrants  or
Common Stock.

            (q) For a period  of three  years  following the Firm  Closing Date,
the  Company  will permit a  representative  of the  Underwriter  to observe the
meetings of the Company's  board of directors.  The Company will  reimburse that
representative for all reasonable expenses incurred in attending board meetings,
including  but not  limited to food,  transportation  and  lodging.  During that
three-year  period,  the  Company  will hold no less than  four  formal  and "in
person"  meetings of its board of directors  each year at which meetings and any
other  meetings  of  the  board  of  directors  during  such  time  period,  the
representative will be invited to attend and minutes shall be taken. The Company
shall provide to such representative copies of all management reports, financial
and  operating  information,  draft and final  minutes of  meetings,  notices of
meetings and other  documents  and  information  as are provided to the board of
directors in connection  with any meeting  thereof or action by written  consent
thereof, concurrently with the delivery of such information and documents to the
directors.

            (r) Prior to the 90th day after the Firm  Closing  Date, the Company
will provide the  Underwriter  and its designees  with five bound volumes of the
transaction documents relating to the Registration  Statement and the closing(s)
hereunder, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Underwriter.

     5. EXPENSES.

            (a)  The  Company shall pay all costs and expenses incident  to  the
performance  of its  obligations  under  this  Agreement,  whether  or  not  the
transactions contemplated hereby are consummated or this Agreement is terminated
pursuant to Section 9 hereof,  including all costs and expenses  incident to (i)
the  preparation,  printing and filing or other  production  of  documents  with
respect to the  transactions,  including any costs of printing the  registration
statement  originally filed with respect to the Units and any amendment thereto,
any  Preliminary  Prospectus  and the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement
thereto, this Agreement,  any selected dealer agreement and any other agreements
and  documents  governing  the  underwriting  arrangements,  and  any  blue  sky
memoranda,  (ii) all  reasonable  and  necessary  arrangements  relating  to the
delivery to the Underwriter of copies of the foregoing documents, (iii) the fees
and  disbursements  of the counsel,  the  accountants  and any other  experts or
advisors retained by the Company, (iv) the preparation, issuance and delivery to
the  Underwriter  of any  certificates  evidencing  the  Units,  Debentures  and
Warrants,  including indenture trustee's,  warrant agent's, transfer agent's and
registrar's  fees or any  transfer  or  other  taxes  payable  thereon,  (v) the
qualification  of the Units,  Debentures and Warrants under state securities and
blue sky laws,  including filing fees and fees and  disbursements of counsel for
the Underwriter  relating thereto (such counsel fees not to exceed $ 15,000) and
any fees and disbursements of local counsel,  if any, retained for such purpose,
(vi) the

                                     - 15 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



filing fees of the Commission,  the NASD, and the American Stock Exchange, (vii)
the  inclusion of the Units,  Debentures,  and  Warrants on the  American  Stock
Exchange  and, if  requested  by the  Underwriter,  in the  Standard  and Poor's
Corporation  Descriptions Manual, (viii) any "road shows" or other meetings with
prospective  investors in the Units,  including  transportation,  accommodation,
meal,  conference  room,  audio-visual  presentation and similar expenses of the
Underwriter or its  representatives  or designees (other than as shall have been
specifically  approved by the  Underwriter  to be paid for by the  Underwriter),
(ix) the  placing  of  "tombstone  advertisements"  in  reasonable  publications
selected by the  Underwriter,  (x) all bank escrow fees and (xi) all postage and
mailing expenses. In addition to the foregoing,  the Company shall reimburse the
Underwriter for its expenses on the basis of a non-accountable expense allowance
in the  amount  of 3% of the  gross  offering  proceeds  to be  received  by the
Company,  $50,000 of which has been paid by the Company to the Underwriter.  The
Underwriter hereby acknowledges receipt of such $50,000, which shall be credited
against the  non-accountable  expense  allowance to be paid by the Company.  The
unpaid  portion of the expense  allowance,  based on the gross proceeds from the
sale of the Firm  Units,  shall  be  deducted  from the  funds to be paid by the
Underwriter  in  payment  for the Firm  Units,  pursuant  to  Section  2 of this
Agreement,  on the Firm Closing  Date.  To the extent any Option Units are sold,
any remaining non-accountable expense allowance based on the gross proceeds from
the sale of the Option Units shall be deducted  from the funds to be paid by the
Underwriter  in payment  for the  Option  Units,  pursuant  to Section 2 of this
Agreement,  on the Option  Closing Date.  The Company  warrants,  represents and
agrees that all such  payments  and  reimbursements  will be promptly  and fully
made.

            (b)  Notwithstanding  any other provision of this Agreement,  if the
Company  determines  not  to  proceed  with  the  offering  of  the  Firm  Units
contemplated  hereby for any reason, or the Underwriter elects to terminate this
Agreement  pursuant to Section 9 hereof, the Company agrees that, in addition to
the Company paying its own expenses as described in subparagraph  (a) above, (i)
the  Company  shall   reimburse  the  Underwriter  for  all  of  its  reasonable
out-of-pocket  legal  expenses  (in addition to blue sky legal fees and expenses
referred  to in  subparagraph  (a)  above),  and (ii) the  Underwriter  shall be
entitled to retain the  non-accountable  expense  allowance  paid by the Company
pursuant to subparagraph (a) above; provided,  however, that the amount retained
pursuant to this clause (ii) shall not exceed the  Underwriter's  expenses on an
accountable  basis to the date of such cancellation and that all unaccounted for
amounts  shall be  refunded to the  Company  (excluding  blue sky legal fees and
expenses  referred to in subparagraph  (a) above).  Such expenses shall include,
but are not to be  limited  to,  any  additional  expenses,  including,  but not
limited to, travel and lodging expenses, postage expenses, duplication expenses,
long-distance  telephone and facsimile expenses,  and other expenses incurred by
the Underwriter in connection with the proposed  offering.  If the Company shall
fail to pay any portion of the expenses set forth herein within five (5) days of
receipt  of a  written  request  therefor,  the  Company  shall be liable to the
Underwriter  for  attorneys'  fees and costs  incurred in the collection of said
amount.

     6.  CONDITIONS OF THE  UNDERWRITER'S  OBLIGATIONS.  The  obligations of the
Underwriter  to purchase  and pay for the Firm Units  shall be  subject,  in the
Underwriter's  sole  discretion,  to the  accuracy  of the  representations  and
warranties of the Company contained herein

                                     - 16 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



as of the date  hereof and as of the Firm  Closing  Date as if made on and as of
the Firm  Closing  Date,  to the  accuracy of the  statements  of the  Company's
officers made  pursuant to the  provisions  hereof,  to the  performance  by the
Company  of  its  covenants  and  agreements  hereunder  and  to  the  following
additional conditions:

            (a) If the Registration Statement,  as heretofore  amended,  has not
been declared  effective as of the time of execution  hereof,  the  Registration
Statement,  as  heretofore  amended or as amended by an amendment  thereto to be
filed prior to the Firm Closing  Date,  shall have been  declared  effective not
later than 11 A.M.,  New York time,  on the date on which the  amendment to such
Registration  Statement  containing  information  regarding  the initial  public
offering  price of the Units has been filed with the  Commission,  or such later
time and date as shall have been consented to by the  Underwriter;  if required,
the  Prospectus  and any amendment or  supplement  thereto shall have been filed
with the  Commission  in the manner and within the time period  required by Rule
424(b)  under  the  Act;  no stop  order  suspending  the  effectiveness  of the
Registration  Statement  shall have been  issued,  and no  proceedings  for that
purpose shall have been  instituted  or  threatened  or, to the knowledge of the
Company or the  Underwriter,  shall be contemplated  by the Commission;  and the
Company shall have complied with any request of the  Commission  for  additional
information (to be included in the  Registration  Statement or the Prospectus or
otherwise).

            (b)  The Underwriter shall have received an opinion,  dated the Firm
Closing Date, of Parker Chapin Flattau & Klimpl, LLP, counsel to the Company, to
the effect that:

                        (1)  The  Company  has  been  duly  incorporated  and is
validly  existing as a corporation  in good standing under the laws of the State
of Florida and is duly qualified to transact  business as a foreign  corporation
and is in good standing under the laws of each other domestic  jurisdiction,  in
which its ownership or leasing of any  properties or the conduct of its business
requires  such  qualification  and where the failure to so qualify  would have a
material  adverse effect on the business of the Company.  Each Subsidiary  which
has been  organized in the United States (the "U.S.  Subsidiary")  has been duly
chartered and  organized and is existing in good standing  under the laws of the
jurisdiction of its formation. To such counsel's knowledge, the Company does not
have any direct or indirect subsidiary other than the companies  incorporated in
Exhibit 21.1. The Company is the sole record and beneficial  owner of all of the
capital stock of each of its Subsidiaries.

                        (2)  The  Company  and  each  U.S.  Subsidiary  has full
corporate  power to own or lease its  property  and conduct its  business as now
being conducted as described in the  Registration  Statement and the Prospectus,
and the Company has full  corporate  power to enter into this  Agreement  and to
carry out all the terms and provisions hereof to be carried out by it.

                        (3) To such counsel's knowledge,  all of the outstanding
shares  of the  Company's  Common  Stock  and  Preferred  Stock  have  been duly
authorized and such shares are validly  issued,  fully paid and non  assessable.
There are no outstanding options, warrants or other

                                     - 17 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



rights  granted by the  Company to purchase  or  convertible  into shares of its
Common Stock or other  securities  of the Company other than as described in the
Prospectus.  The Firm Units have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate
action on the part of the Company and, when issued and delivered to and paid for
by the Underwriter  pursuant to this  Agreement,  the Firm Units will be validly
issued,  fully  paid,  nonassessable  and to such  counsel's  knowledge  free of
preemptive  rights and will conform in all material  respects to the description
thereof in the  Prospectus,  and the  Debentures  and Warrants  will  constitute
legal,  valid and binding  obligations of the Company  enforceable in accordance
with their respective terms, except as the enforceability thereof may be limited
by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,  moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or
similar laws affecting  creditors'  rights generally or by equitable  principles
relating  to the  availability  of  remedies.  The Common  Stock  issuable  upon
conversion of the Debentures and upon the exercise of the Warrants has been duly
authorized and reserved by the Company and, when issued,  as provided for in the
Debentures  or the  Warrants,  will be duly and validly  issued,  fully paid and
nonassessable  and will  conform in all  material  respects  to the  description
thereof in the Prospectus. To such counsel's knowledge, no holder of outstanding
securities  of the Company is entitled as such to any  preemptive or other right
to subscribe for any of the Units; and to such counsel's knowledge, no person is
entitled to have  securities  registered by the Company  under the  Registration
Statement or otherwise under the Act other than as described in the Prospectus.

                        (4)  The  execution  and delivery of this Agreement have
been  duly  authorized  by all  necessary  corporate  action  on the part of the
Company, for which shareholder approval is not required,  and this Agreement has
been duly  executed and  delivered  by the  Company,  and is a valid and binding
agreement of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its
terms,  except as  enforceability  may be  limited  by  bankruptcy,  insolvency,
reorganization,   fraudulent  conveyance,  moratorium  and  other  similar  laws
affecting  creditors'  rights  generally  and to  general  principles  of equity
(regardless of whether enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at
law) and except as rights to indemnity and contribution under this Agreement may
be limited by applicable law or public policy.

                        (5) The authorized, issued and outstanding capital stock
of the Company is as set forth in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.
The statements  set forth under the headings  "Description  of  Debentures"  and
"Description of Securities -- Redeemable Warrants" in the Prospectus, insofar as
those statements purport to summarize the terms of the Firm Units (including the
underlying  Debentures  and Warrants) of the Company,  provide a fair summary of
such  terms.  The  statements  in the  Prospectus,  insofar as those  statements
constitute  matters of law or legal  conclusions,  or summaries of the contracts
and agreements referred to therein,  constitute a fair summary of those matters,
legal conclusions, contracts and agreements and include all material terms
thereof, as applicable.

                        (6)  To  such  counsel's   knowledge,  none  of  (A) the
execution and delivery of this Agreement, (B) the issuance, offering and sale by
the Company to the Underwriter of the Firm Units pursuant to this Agreement, nor
(C) the  compliance by the Company with the other  provisions of this  Agreement
and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby,

                                     - 18 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



(i) requires the consent, approval, authorization, registration or qualification
of or  with  any  stockholder  of the  Company  or  any  court  or  governmental
authority,  except such as have been  obtained  under the Act and such as may be
required  under state  securities  or blue sky laws or the  American and Pacific
Stock Exchanges,  or (ii) conflicts with or results in a breach or violation of,
or constitutes a default under, any material contract, indenture, mortgage, deed
of  trust,  loan  agreement,  note,  debenture,  lease  or  other  agreement  or
instrument  to which the Company or any U.S.  Subsidiary  is a party or by which
the Company or any U.S.  Subsidiary  or any of its property is bound or subject,
or the certificate of incorporation,  including the designation of the Preferred
Stock,  or by-laws of the  Company or of any U.S.  Subsidiary,  or any  material
statute or any judgment, decree, order, rule or regulation of any court or other
governmental  or regulatory  authority known to such counsel which is applicable
to the Company or any U.S. Subsidiary.

                        (7) To such  counsel's  knowledge,  no legal or  govern-
mental proceedings, civil, administrative or criminal, are pending or threatened
to which the Company or any  Subsidiary  is a party or to which the  property of
the Company or any Subsidiary is subject and no contract or other document known
to such counsel is required to be described in the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus or to be filed as an exhibit to the  Registration  Statement  that is
not described therein or filed as required.

                        (8) Counsel has  reviewed all  contracts, instruments or
other documents referred to in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and
such  contracts,  instruments  or  other  documents  are  fairly  summarized  or
disclosed  therein in all material  respects,  and filed as exhibits  thereto as
required, and such counsel does not know of any contracts,  instruments or other
documents required to be so summarized or disclosed or filed which have not been
so summarized or disclosed or filed.

                        (9)  All  descriptions  in  the Prospectus of U.S. laws,
statutes,  licenses,  rules,  regulations and legal and governmental proceedings
are  accurate  in all  material  respects  and fairly  present  the  information
required to be shown in all material respects, and, to such counsel's knowledge,
there is no law, statute,  license,  rule or regulation required to be described
in the  Registration  Statement  and  the  Prospectus  which  is not  accurately
described in all material respects.

                        (10)  The  Company  and each U.S.  Subsidiary  possesses
adequate licenses, orders,  authorizations,  approvals,  certificates or permits
issued by the appropriate federal,  state or local regulatory agencies or bodies
necessary to conduct its  business in the manner  presently  being  conducted as
described  in the  Registration  Statement  and  the  Prospectus,  and,  to such
counsel's knowledge,  there are no pending or threatened proceedings relating to
the  revocation  or  modification  of any such  license,  order,  authorization,
approval,  certificate  or  permit,  except  as  disclosed  in the  Registration
Statement and the Prospectus.

                        (11) The Registration  Statement is effective  under the
Act; any required filing of the Prospectus pursuant to Rule 424(b) has been made
in the manner and within the time period  required by Rule  424(b);  and no stop
order suspending the effectiveness of the

                                     - 19 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



Registration  Statement or any  amendment  thereto has been issued,  and to such
counsel's  knowledge,  no proceedings  for that purpose have been  instituted or
threatened or, are contemplated by the Commission.

                        (12) The  registration  statement  originally filed with
respect to the Firm Units and each amendment thereto and the Prospectus (in each
case, other than the financial  statements and schedules and other financial and
statistical information contained therein, as to which such counsel need express
no  opinion)  comply as to form in all  material  respects  with the  applicable
requirements  of the  Act  and  the  Rules  and  Regulations  of the  Commission
thereunder.

                        (13)  The  Company  is not subject to registration as an
"investment  Company" under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

                        (14)  The  Units,  Debentures  and   Warrants  have been
approved for listing on the American Stock Exchange.

     In addition,  such counsel  shall state that  counsel has  participated  in
conferences  with  officials  and  other  representatives  of the  Company,  the
Underwriter,   Underwriter's   Counsel  and  the  independent  certified  public
accountants  of the  Company,  at which such  conferences  the  contents  of the
Registration  Statement and Prospectus and related matters were  discussed,  and
although they have not verified the accuracy or  completeness  of the statements
contained in the Registration  Statement or the Prospectus,  nothing has come to
the  attention of such counsel which leads them to believe that, at the time the
Registration  Statement became effective and at all times subsequent  thereto up
to and on the Firm  Closing Date and on any later date on which Option Units are
to be  purchased,  as the  case  may  be,  the  Registration  Statement  and any
amendment or supplement thereto (other than the financial  statements  including
supporting  schedules and other  financial and statistical  information  derived
therefrom,  as to which such counsel need  express no  comment),  contained  any
untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading,
or at the Firm  Closing  Date or any later date on which the Option Units are to
be purchased, as the case may be, the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and
any amendment or supplement  thereto (except as aforesaid)  contained any untrue
statement of a material  fact or omitted to state a material  fact  necessary to
make  the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they
were made, not misleading.

     In rendering  any such  opinion,  such  counsel may rely,  as to matters of
fact, to the extent such counsel deem proper,  on  certificates  of  responsible
officers of the Company and public officials,  copies of which certificates will
be  provided  to the  Underwriter,  and, as to matters of the laws of France and
Spain,  as the case may be, shall rely on the opinions of S.C.P.  Deidler-de  la
Robertie and ________________, special counsel to the Company, respectively, and
shall  expressly  authorize  such  reliance,  and counsel to the  Company  shall
expressly  state in their  opinion  that such  counsel's  and the  Underwriter's
reliance upon such opinion is justified.


                                     - 20 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



     References  to the  Registration  Statement  and  the  Prospectus  in  this
paragraph (b) shall  include any amendment or supplement  thereto at the date of
such opinion.

            (c)  The  Underwriter  shall have received the opinion,  dated as of
the Firm Closing Date, of S.C.P. Diedler-de la Robertie,  special counsel to the
Company with respect to French law, and of_____________,  special counsel to the
Company  with  respect to Spanish  law, in form and  substance  satisfactory  to
counsel for the Underwriter to the effect that:

               (i) Each  Subsidiary  listed on  Schedule I thereto was formed in
          France or Spain (as the case maybe),  is a wholly owned  subsidiary of
          the  Company,  has been duly  organized  and is validly  existing as a
          corporation in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its
          organization;  and each has full corporate  power and authority to own
          its   properties   and  conduct  its  business  as  described  in  the
          Registration Statement and Prospectus.

               (ii) No authorization, approval, consent or license of any French
          or  Spanish,  as the case may be,  governmental  or  regulatory  body,
          agency or  instrumentality  is required in connection with the conduct
          of  business  by  the   Subsidiaries,   except  as  described  in  the
          Prospectus.

               (iii) Each  respective  Subsidiary  has  obtained  all  licenses,
          permits and other governmental authorizations necessary to conduct its
          business as described in the  Prospectus;  such licenses,  permits and
          other  governmental  authorizations  obtained  are in full  force  and
          effect,  and each  Subsidiary  is in all material  respects  complying
          therewith.

               (iv) The Company owns all of the  outstanding  securities of each
          respective Subsidiary; all of each Subsidiary's outstanding securities
          have  been  duly  authorized,  are  validly  issued,  fully  paid  and
          non-assessable and have not been issued in violation of the preemptive
          rights of any security holder.

               (v) Each respective  Subsidiary has good and marketable  title to
          its  assets and  properties,  subject  to no lien,  mortgage,  pledge,
          charge or  encumbrance  of any kind,  except  those  reflected  in the
          financial statements included in the Prospectus.

               (vi) Such  counsel  knows of no  pending or  threatened  legal or
          governmental proceedings to which the respective Subsidiary is a party
          which  could  materially  adversely  affect  the  business,  property,
          financial condition or operations of the respective Subsidiary.

               (vii) Such  counsel is familiar  with all  material  contracts or
          other agreements entered into by each respective Subsidiary with other
          companies,

                                     - 21 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



          individuals,  research institutes, academic institutes or governmental
          or  quasi-governmental   agencies  referred  to  in  the  Registration
          Statement and Prospectus,  and all such agreements are valid,  binding
          and enforceable  under the respective  jurisdiction's  law, and to the
          knowledge  of  such  counsel,  is  not  in  default  under  any of the
          agreements;


               (viii)  Neither  respective  Subsidiary  is  in  violation  of or
          default  under its charter or by-laws,  or, to the  knowledge  of such
          counsel, in the performance or observance of any material  obligation,
          agreement,  covenant or condition  contained  in any bond,  debenture,
          note or other evidence of indebtedness or in any contract,  indenture,
          mortgage,  loan agreement,  lease, joint venture or other agreement or
          instrument to which the  respective  Subsidiary is a party or by which
          it or any of its  properties  may be  bound,  or in  violation  of any
          material order, rule,  regulation,  writ,  injunction or decree of any
          government  or  governmental  instrumentality  or  court,  or any  law
          governing the operations of its business.

               (ix)  No  authorization,  approval,  consent  or  license  of any
          governmental or regulatory body, agency or instrumentality is required
          in connection  with the transfer of funds,  the  advancement of funds,
          the making of loans or otherwise  incurring  any  indebtedness  or the
          payment  of  dividends  either  from  the  Company  to the  respective
          Subsidiary or from the respective Subsidiary to the Company.

     References  to the  Registration  Statement  and  the  Prospectus  in  this
paragraph  (c) with  respect to the letter  referred to above shall  include any
amendment or supplement thereto at the date of such letter.

            (d) The Underwriter shall have received from Deloitte & Touche LLP a
letter dated the date the  Registration  Statement is declared  effective  and a
letter dated the Firm Closing Date, in form and  substance  satisfactory  to the
Underwriter, to the effect that (i) they are independent public accountants with
respect to the Company  within the meaning of the Act and the  applicable  Rules
and Regulations;  (ii) in their opinion,  the financial  statements  examined by
them and included in the Registration  Statement and the Prospectus comply as to
form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the
Act and the applicable  Rules and  Regulations;  (iii) based upon procedures set
forth in detail in such letter, nothing has come to their attention which causes
them to believe that (A) the  financial  information  set forth under  "Selected
Financial  Data" in the Prospectus  was not determined on a basis  substantially
consistent  with that  used in  determining  the  corresponding  amounts  in the
financial  statements  included  in  the  Registration  Statement  or  (B)  at a
specified  date not more  than five  days  prior to the date of this  Agreement,
there has been any change in the capital stock of the Company or any increase in
the  long-term  debt of the Company or any  decrease  in working  capital or net
assets as compared  with the amounts  shown in the  September  30, 1995  balance
sheet included in the Registration  Statement or, during the period from October
1, 1995 to a specified date not more than five days prior to the

                                     - 22 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



date of  this  Agreement,  there  were  any  decreases,  as  compared  with  the
corresponding  period in the preceding quarter, in revenues,  or any increase in
certain  specified  expense  items of the Company,  except in all  instances for
changes,  increases  or  decreases  which  the  Registration  Statement  and the
Prospectus  disclose  have  occurred  or may occur;  and (iv) in addition to the
examination referred to in their opinions and the limited procedures referred to
in clause (iii) above, they have carried out certain specified  procedures,  not
constituting  an  audit,  with  respect  to  certain  amounts,  percentages  and
financial  information  which are  included in the  Registration  Statement  and
Prospectus  and which are  specified  by the  Underwriter,  and have  found such
amounts,  percentages  and  financial  information  to be in agreement  with the
relevant  accounting,  financial and other records of the Company  identified in
such letter.

     References  to the  Registration  Statement  and  the  Prospectus  in  this
paragraph  (d) with respect to the letters  referred to above shall  include any
amendment or supplement thereto at the date of such letter.

            (e)  The  Underwriter  shall  have  received  on  the  Firm  Closing
Date a certificate  of the Company,  dated the Firm Closing Date as the case may
be, signed by the Chief  Executive  Officer and Chief  Financial  Officer of the
Company, to the effect that:

               (i) The  representations  and  warranties  of the Company in this
          Agreement are true and correct in all material respects, as if made on
          and as of the Firm Closing  Date,  and the Company has complied in all
          material  respects with all the agreements and covenants and satisfied
          all the  conditions  on its part to be  performed  or  satisfied at or
          prior to the Firm Closing Date.

               (ii)  No  stop  order   suspending  the   effectiveness   of  the
          Registration  Statement  has been issued and no  proceedings  for that
          purpose have been instituted or to the Company's knowledge are pending
          or threatened under the Act.

               (iii) When the Registration Statement became effective and at all
          times subsequent  thereto up to the delivery of such certificate,  the
          Registration  Statement  and the  Prospectus,  and any  amendments  or
          supplements thereto, contained all material information required to be
          included  therein by the Act and the Rules and Regulations  thereunder
          and in all material respects  conformed to the requirements of the Act
          and the Rules and Regulations thereunder,  the Registration Statement,
          and any amendment or supplement thereto,  did not and does not include
          any untrue  statement  of a material  fact or omit to state a material
          fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
          therein  not  misleading,   the  Prospectus,   and  any  amendment  or
          supplement thereto,  did not and does not include any untrue statement
          of a material fact or omit to state a material fact  necessary to make
          the statements  therein, in the light of the circumstances under which
          they were made, not  misleading,  and, since the effective date of the
          Registration Statement, there has occurred no event required to be set
          forth in an amended or supplemented Prospectus

                                     - 23 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



          which has not been so set forth, except that no representation need be
          made  with  respect  to  information  provided  by or on behalf of the
          Underwriter for inclusion in the Prospectus or Registration Statement.

               (iv) Subsequent to the respective  dates as of which  information
          is given in the Registration  Statement and Prospectus,  there has not
          been (a) any material  adverse  change in the condition  (financial or
          otherwise),  operations, business or business prospects of the Company
          and its Subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, (b) any transaction
          that  is  materially  adverse  to the  Company  and  its  Subsidiaries
          considered as one enterprise,  except transactions entered into in the
          ordinary course of business, (c) any obligation, direct or contingent,
          that is material to the Company and its Subsidiaries considered as one
          enterprise,  incurred by the Company or its  Subsidiaries,  except (A)
          obligations  incurred  in the  ordinary  course of  business or (B) as
          disclosed in or  contemplated  by the  Registration  Statement and the
          Prospectus,  (d) any change in the capital stock or material change in
          the outstanding indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
          not incurred in the ordinary  course of business,  (e) any dividend or
          distribution  of any kind declared,  paid or made on the capital stock
          of the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries,  or (f) any loss or damage
          (whether or not  insured) to the property of the Company or any of its
          Subsidiaries which has been sustained or will be sustained which has a
          material  adverse  effect on the condition  (financial or  otherwise),
          operations,  business  or  business  prospects  of the Company and its
          Subsidiaries considered as one enterprise.

               (f) The Units,  Debentures,  Warrants  and Common  Stock shall be
          qualified in such  jurisdictions  as the  Underwriter  may  reasonably
          request pursuant to Section 4(c), and each such qualification shall be
          in effect and not subject to any stop order or other proceeding on the
          Firm Closing Date.

               (g) On or before  the Firm  Closing  Date,  the  Underwriter  and
          counsel  for  the   Underwriter   shall  have  received  such  further
          certificates,   documents  or  other  information  as  they  may  have
          reasonably requested from the Company.

     All opinions,  certificates,  letters and documents  delivered  pursuant to
this  Agreement  will  comply  with  the  provisions  hereof  only if  they  are
reasonably  satisfactory in all material respects to the Underwriter and counsel
for the Underwriter. The Company shall furnish to the Underwriter such conformed
copies of such opinions, certificates,  letters and documents in such quantities
as the Underwriter and counsel for the Underwriter shall reasonably request.

     Except  as  provided  for  in  the  following  paragraph,   the  respective
obligations of the Underwriter to purchase and pay for any Option Units shall be
subject, in its discretion,  to each of the foregoing conditions to purchase the
Units,  except that all  references  to the Firm Units and the Firm Closing Date
shall be deemed to refer to such  Option  Units and the related  Option  Closing
Date, respectively.

                                     - 24 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



     At the Option  Closing Date,  Deloitte & Touche LLP shall have furnished to
the Underwriter a letter,  dated the date of its delivery,  which shall confirm,
on the  basis of a review in  accordance  with the  procedures  set forth in the
letter from  Deloitte & Touche  LLP,  that  nothing has come to their  attention
during the period from the date of the letter  furnished in connection  with the
Firm Closing Date,  referred to in Section 6(d) hereof,  and the Option  Closing
Date which would  require any change in their letter dated the date hereof if it
were  required to be dated and delivered at the Firm Closing Date and the Option
Closing Date.

     7. INDEMNIFICATION AND CONTRIBUTION.

            (a) The Company agrees to indemnify and  hold  harmless  the  Under-
writer and each person, if any, who controls the Underwriter  within the meaning
of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the  Exchange Act from and against any
losses,  claims,  damages,  amounts paid in settlement or liabilities,  joint or
several,  to which the Underwriter or such controlling person may become subject
under the Act, the Exchange Act or  otherwise,  insofar as such losses,  claims,
damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based
upon:

                        (1) any breach of any  representation or warranty of the
Company contained in Section 1 of this Agreement,
                                         
                        (2) any untrue statement or alleged untrue  statement of
any material fact contained in (A) the registration  statement  originally filed
with respect to the Units or any amendment thereto, the Registration  Statement,
any  Preliminary  Prospectus  or the  Prospectus  or any amendment or supplement
thereto or (B) any application or other document, or any amendment or supplement
thereto,  executed by the Company or based upon written information furnished by
or on behalf of the Company  filed in any  jurisdiction  in order to qualify the
Units under the securities or blue sky laws thereof or filed with the Commission
or any securities association or securities exchange (each an "Application"), or

                        (3) the  omission or alleged omission to  state  n  such
registration statement or any amendment thereto, the Registration Statement, any
Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto,
or any Application a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
make the statements therein not misleading, and will reimburse, as incurred, the
Underwriter  and each such  controlling  person for any legal or other  expenses
reasonably  incurred by the Underwriter or such controlling person in connection
with  investigating,  defending against or appearing as a third-party witness in
connection  with any loss,  claim,  damage,  liability,  action,  investigation,
litigation or proceeding; provided, however, that the Company will not be liable
to the Underwriter or any controlling person of the Underwriter in any such case
(or in the case of clause (2) above) to the  extent  that any such loss,  claim,
damage or  liability  arises  out of or is based upon any  untrue  statement  or
alleged  untrue  statement  or  omission  or  alleged  omission  made in (i) any
Preliminary  Prospectus  which  is  corrected  in the  Prospectus  or  (ii)  the
Registration  Statement,  any  Preliminary  Prospectus,  the  Prospectus  or any
amendment  or  supplement  thereto or any  Application  in reliance  upon and in
conformity with written information furnished to the

                                     - 25 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



Company  by  the  Underwriter  specifically  for  use  therein.  This  indemnity
agreement  will be in addition to any liability  which the Company may otherwise
have.  The  Company  will  not,   without  the  prior  written  consent  of  the
Underwriter, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment in any
pending or  threatened  claim,  action,  suit or  proceeding in respect of which
indemnification  may be sought hereunder  (whether or not the Underwriter or any
person who controls any Underwriter  within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act
or Section 20 of the  Exchange  Act is a party to such  claim,  action,  suit or
proceeding),   unless  such  settlement,   compromise  or  consent  includes  an
unconditional  release of the Underwriter and each such controlling  person from
all liability arising out of such claim, action, suit or proceeding.

            (b) The  Underwriter  will  indemnify and hold harmless the Company,
each  of its  directors,  each  of its  officers  who  signed  the  Registration
Statement and each person,  if any, who controls the Company  within the meaning
of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act against,  any losses,
claims,  damages  or  liabilities  to which the  Company  or any such  director,
officer or controlling person may become subject under the Act, the Exchange Act
or otherwise,  but only insofar as such losses,  claims,  damages or liabilities
(or  actions in respect  thereof)  arise out of or are based upon (i) any untrue
statement or alleged  untrue  statement of any  material  fact  contained in the
Registration  Statement,  any  Preliminary  Prospectus or the  Prospectus or any
amendment or supplement thereto, or any Application, or (ii) the omission or the
alleged  omission to state  therein a material fact required to be stated in the
Registration  Statement,  any  Preliminary  Prospectus or the  Prospectus or any
amendment or supplement  thereto,  or any Application,  or necessary to make the
statements  therein not misleading,  in each case to the extent, but only to the
extent,  that such untrue  statement or alleged untrue  statement or omission or
alleged  omission  was made in  reliance  upon and in  conformity  with  written
information  furnished to the Company by the  Underwriter  specifically  for use
therein;  and,  subject to the limitation set forth  immediately  preceding this
clause,  will  reimburse,  as incurred,  any legal or other expenses  reasonably
incurred by the Company or any such director,  officer or controlling  person in
connection  with  investigating  or  defending  any such  loss,  claim,  damage,
liability or any action in respect thereof.  This indemnity agreement will be in
addition to any liability which the Underwriter may otherwise have.

            (c) Promptly  after  receipt  by  an  indemnified  party  under this
Section 7 of notice of the commencement of any action,  such  indemnified  party
will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party
under this Section 7, notify the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof;
but the  omission so to notify the  indemnifying  party will not relieve it from
any liability  which it may have to any  indemnified  party otherwise than under
this  Section 7. In case any such  action is  brought  against  any  indemnified
party, and it notifies the indemnifying party of the commencement  thereof,  the
indemnifying  party will be entitled to  participate  therein and, to the extent
that it may wish, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly  notified,
to assume the defense  thereof,  with counsel  satisfactory to such  indemnified
party; provided, however, that if the defendants in any such action include both
the indemnified party and the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall
have reasonably concluded that there may be one or more legal defenses available
to it and/or other indemnified parties which are different from or additional to

                                     - 26 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



those available to the indemnifying party, the indemnifying party shall not have
the right to direct  the  defense of such  action on behalf of such  indemnified
party or parties and such  indemnified  party or parties shall have the right to
select  separate  counsel to defend  such  action on behalf of such  indemnified
party or parties.  After notice from the indemnifying  party to such indemnified
party of its  election  so to assume the defense  thereof  and  approval by such
indemnified party of counsel  appointed to defend such action,  the indemnifying
party will not be liable to such indemnified  party under this Section 7 for any
legal  or  other  expenses,   other  than  reasonable  costs  of  investigation,
subsequently  incurred by such indemnified  party in connection with the defense
thereof,  unless (i) the indemnified  party shall have employed separate counsel
in  accordance  with the  proviso  to the next  preceding  sentence  or (ii) the
indemnifying  party has authorized the employment of counsel for the indemnified
party at the  expense of the  indemnifying  party.  After such  notice  from the
indemnifying party to such indemnified party, the indemnifying party will not be
liable for the costs and expenses of any  settlement of such action  effected by
such indemnified party without the consent of the indemnifying party.

            (d) In circumstances in which the indemnity  agreement  provided for
in the preceding  paragraphs of this Section 7 is unavailable or insufficient to
hold harmless an indemnified party in respect of any losses,  claims, damages or
liabilities (or actions in respect thereof),  each indemnifying  party, in order
to provide for just and equitable  contribution,  shall contribute to the amount
paid or payable by such  indemnified  party as a result of such losses,  claims,
damages or liabilities (or actions in respect  thereof) in such proportion as is
appropriate to reflect (i) the relative  benefits  received by the  indemnifying
party or parties on the one hand and the indemnified party on the other from the
offering of the Units or (ii) if the allocation provided by the foregoing clause
(i) is not permitted by applicable law, not only such relative benefits but also
the relative fault of the indemnifying  party or parties on the one hand and the
indemnified party on the other in connection with the statements or omissions or
alleged statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or
liabilities   (or  actions  in  respect  thereof  as  well  as  other  equitable
considerations).  The relative  benefits received by the Company on the one hand
and the Underwriter on the other shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as
the total proceeds from the offering (before deducting expenses) received by the
Company bear to the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the
Underwriter.  The relative fault of the parties shall be determined by reference
to,  among other  things,  whether the untrue or alleged  untrue  statement of a
material  fact or the  omission  or alleged  omission  to state a material  fact
relates to information supplied by the Company or the Underwriter,  the parties'
relative intent, knowledge,  access to information and opportunity to correct or
prevent  such  statement  or omission,  and any other  equitable  considerations
appropriate in the circumstances.  The Company and the Underwriter agree that it
would not be equitable if the amount of such contribution were determined by pro
rata or per capita allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not
take into account the equitable considerations referred to in the first sentence
of this paragraph  (d).  Notwithstanding  any other  provision of this paragraph
(d), the Underwriter shall not be obligated to make contributions hereunder that
in the aggregate  exceed the total public  offering price of the Units purchased
by the  Underwriter  under  this  Agreement,  less the  aggregate  amount of any
damages that the  Underwriter  has otherwise  been required to pay in respect of
the same or any substantially similar claim, and no person guilty of

                                     - 27 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



fraudulent  misrepresentation  (within the meaning of Section  11(f) of the Act)
shall be  entitled  to  contribution  from any person who was not guilty of such
fraudulent  misrepresentation.  For purposes of this paragraph (d), each person,
if any, who controls the Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act
or Section 20 of the Exchange Act shall have the same rights to  contribution as
the Underwriter,  and each director of the Company,  each officer of the Company
who signed the Registration  Statement and each person, if any, who controls the
Company  within  the  meaning  of  Section  15 of the Act or  Section  20 of the
Exchange Act, shall have the same rights to contribution as the Company.

     8.  SURVIVAL.  The  respective  representations,   warranties,  agreements,
covenants,  indemnities and other statements of the Company, any of its officers
or directors and the  Underwriter  set forth in this  Agreement or made by or on
behalf of them,  respectively,  pursuant to this Agreement  shall remain in full
force and effect,  regardless of (i) any  investigation  made by or on behalf of
the  Company,  any  of  its  officers  or  directors,  the  Underwriter  or  any
controlling  person  referred  to in  Section 7 hereof or (ii)  delivery  of and
payment for the Units.  The respective  agreements,  covenants,  indemnities and
other statements set forth in Sections 5 and 7 hereof shall remain in full force
and effect, regardless of any termination or cancellation of this Agreement.

     9. TERMINATION.

            (a) This Agreement may be terminated  with respect to the Firm Units
or any Option Units in the sole  discretion of the  Underwriter by notice to the
Company given at or prior to the Firm Closing Date or the related Option Closing
Date, respectively, in the event that:

                        (1)  the  Company  shall  have  failed,  refused or been
unable to perform all  obligations  in all material  respects and satisfy in all
material  respects  all  conditions  on its part to be  performed  or  satisfied
hereunder at or prior thereto, including,  without limitation, any change in the
condition (financial or otherwise),  operations,  business or business prospects
of the Company and its  Subsidiaries  considered as one enterprise from that set
forth in the Registration  Statement or the Prospectus,  which in the reasonable
judgment of the Underwriter, is material and adverse;

                        (2) the  Company or any  Subsidiary  sustains a material
loss by reason of explosion,  strike,  fire, flood,  accident or other calamity,
which, in the sole opinion of the Underwriter,  substantially  affects the value
of  the  properties  of the  Company  and  the  Subsidiaries  considered  as one
enterprise or which materially  interferes with the operation of the business of
the Company and the  Subsidiaries  considered  as one  enterprise  regardless of
whether  such loss shall have been  insured;  there shall have been any material
adverse change,  or any  development  involving a prospective  material  adverse
change (including,  without limitation, a change in management or control of the
Company),  in the business,  operations,  condition  (financial or otherwise) or
business  prospects,  of the  Company  and the  Subsidiaries  considered  as one
enterprise,  except  in  each  case  as  described  in or  contemplated  by  the
Prospectus (exclusive of any amendment or supplement thereto);

                                     - 28 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



                        (3) any  material  action,  suit  or proceeding shall be
threatened,  instituted  or  pending,  at law or in equity,  by or  against  the
Company or any Subsidiary,  by any person or by any federal,  state,  foreign or
other governmental or regulatory commission, board or agency;

                        (4) trading in the Common  Stock or the Units shall have
been suspended by the Commission or the American Stock  Exchange,  or trading in
securities generally on the American Stock Exchange shall have been suspended or
minimum or maximum prices shall have been established on such exchange;

                        (5) a banking  moratorium  shall have been  declared  by
New York or United States authorities; or

                        (6) there shall have been (A) an outbreak of hostilities
between the United  States and any foreign power (or, in the case of any ongoing
hostilities,  a  material  escalation  thereof),  (B) an  outbreak  of any other
insurrection  or armed  conflict  involving  the United  States or (C) any other
calamity  or crisis  or  material  adverse  change in  financial,  political  or
economic conditions, having an effect on the financial markets that, in any case
referred to in this  clause (6), or there shall have been a material  disruption
in the market stabilization of the securities being sold hereunder, which in the
sole  judgment of the  Underwriter  makes it  impracticable  or  inadvisable  to
proceed with the public offering or the delivery of the Firm Units or the Option
Units as contemplated by the Registration Statement

            (b)  Termination  of  this  Agreement  pursuant  to  this  Section 9
shall be without liability of any party to any other party except as provided in
Section 5(b) and Section 7 hereof.

     10. INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY THE UNDERWRITER. The statements set forth under
the heading  "Underwriting" in any Preliminary  Prospectus or the Prospectus (to
the  extent  such  statements  relate to the  Underwriter)  constitute  the only
information  furnished  by the  Underwriter  to the Company for the  purposes of
Sections 1(b) and 7(b) hereof. The Underwriter confirms that such statements (to
such extent) are correct.

     11. NOTICES. All communications  hereunder shall be in writing and, if sent
to the  Underwriter,  shall be  mailed  or  delivered  or  telegraphed  or faxed
(confirmed by letter) to Coleman and Company Securities,  Inc, 666 Fifth Avenue,
New York, New York 10103, Attention:  Corporate Finance Department;  and if sent
to the Company, shall be mailed, delivered or telegraphed or faxed (confirmed by
letter) to the Company at Bentley Pharmaceuticals, Inc., One Urban Centre, Suite
550, 4830 West Kennedy Boulevard,  Tampa, Florida 33609, Attention: Mr. James R.
Murphy, Chairman. Any such notice shall be effective only upon receipt.

     12.  SUCCESSORS.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be
binding upon the Underwriter,  the Company and their  respective  successors and
legal  representatives,  and nothing expressed or mentioned in this Agreement is
intended or shall be construed to give any other

                                     - 29 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



person any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this
Agreement, or any provisions herein contained, this Agreement and all conditions
and provisions  hereof being intended to be and being for the sole and exclusive
benefit of such persons and for the benefit of no other  person  except that (i)
the  indemnities of the Company  contained in Section 7 of this Agreement  shall
also be for the benefit of any person or persons  who  control  the  Underwriter
within the  meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the  Exchange  Act
and (ii) the  indemnities  of the  Underwriter  contained  in  Section 7 of this
Agreement  shall also be for the benefit of the  directors of the  Company,  the
officers  of the  Company who have  signed the  Registration  Statement  and any
person or persons who  control  the Company  within the meaning of Section 15 of
the Act or  Section  20 of the  Exchange  Act.  No  purchaser  of Units from the
Underwriter shall be deemed a successor or assign because of such purchase.

     13. APPLICABLE LAW. The validity and interpretation of this Agreement,  and
the terms and conditions set forth herein, shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York,  without giving effect to any
provisions relating to conflicts of laws.

     14.  INTERPRETATION.  In case  any  provision  in this  Agreement  shall be
invalid, illegal or unenforceable,  the validity,  legality or enforceability of
the remaining  provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired  thereby.
This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement  between the parties hereto as to
the subject matter herein, and cannot be amended or modified except by a writing
executed by the parties hereto.

     15.   COUNTERPARTS.   This  Agreement  may  be  executed  in  two  or  more
counterparts,  each of  which  shall be  deemed  an  original,  but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.


                                     - 30 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



     If the foregoing  correctly sets forth our  understanding,  please indicate
your acceptance thereof in the space provided below for that purpose,  whereupon
this  letter  shall  constitute  an  agreement   binding  the  Company  and  the
Underwriter.

                                                Very truly yours,

                                                BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.


                                                By: /s/ James R. Murphy
                                                    ----------------------------
                                                    Name: James R. Murphy
                                                    Title: Chairman of the Board

The  foregoing  agreement is hereby  confirmed and accepted as of the date first
above written

COLEMAN AND COMPANY SECURITIES, INC.


By:_________________________________
   Name:
   Title:



                                     - 31 -


                          BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.


                                       AND


                     AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY


                                     TRUSTEE





                                    INDENTURE



                           Dated as of February , 1996









                                   $7,500,000










       12% Convertible Senior Subordinated Debentures due February , 2006


                                                                        
                                                               

<PAGE>



                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

Article   Section                 Heading                                   Page
- -------   -------                 -------                                   ----

I                                DEFINITIONS AND RULES
                                 OF CONSTRUCTION                              1

            1.01                 Definitions                                  1
            1.02                 Other Definitions                            3
            1.03                 Rules of Construction                        3

II                               THE SECURITIES                               3

            2.01                 Form and Dating                              3
            2.02                 Execution and  Authentication                3
            2.03                 Registrar, Paying  Agent and
                                   Conversion Agent                           4
            2.04                 Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust          4
            2.05                 Holder Lists                                 5
            2.06                 Transfer and Exchange                        5
            2.07                 Replacement Securities                       5
            2.08                 Outstanding Securities                       5
            2.09                 Treasury Securities                          6
            2.10                 Temporary Securities                         6
            2.11                 Cancellation                                 6
            2.12                 Defaulted Interest                           6

III                              REDEMPTION                                   7

            3.01                 Notices to Trustee                           7
            3.02                 Selection of Securities to be Redeemed       7
            3.03                 Notice of Redemption                         7
            3.04                 Effect of Notice of  Redemption              7
            3.05                 Deposit of Redemption Price                  8
            3.06                 Securities Redeemed in Part                  8

IV                               COVENANTS                                    8

              4.01                 Payment of Securities                      8
              4.02                 SEC Reports                                8
              4.03                 Compliance Certificate                     8

                                                                        
                                        i

<PAGE>



              4.04                 Limitation on Dividends;
                                     Stock  Purchase and
                                     Senior Debt                              9
              4.05                 Certain Transactions With a
                                     Parent and its Affiliates                9
              4.06                 Corporate Existence                       10
              4.07                 Maintenance of Protection                 10
              4.08                 Payment of Taxes and Other
                                     Claims                                  10

V                                  SUCCESSORS                                11

              5.01                 When Company May Merge, etc.              11
              5.02                 Successor Corporation Substituted         11

VI                                 DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES                     12

              6.01                 Events of Default                         12
              6.02                 Acceleration                              13
              6.03                 Other Remedies                            13
              6.04                 Waiver of Past  Defaults                  13
              6.05                 Control by Majority                       13
              6.06                 Limitation on Suits                       13
              6.07                 Rights of Holders to Receive Payment
                                     or Convert Securities                   14
              6.08                 Collection Suit by Trustee                14
              6.09                 Trustee May File Proofs of Claim          14
              6.10                 Priorities                                14
              6.11                 Undertaking for Costs                     15

VII                                TRUSTEE                                   15

              7.01                 Duties of Trustee                         15
              7.02                 Rights of Trustee                         16
              7.03                 Individual Rights of Trustee              16
              7.04                 Trustee's Disclaimer                      16
              7.05                 Notice of Defaults                        16
              7.06                 Reports by Trustee to Holders             17
              7.07                 Compensation and Indemnity                17
              7.08                 Replacement of Trustee                    17
              7.09                 Successor Trustee by Merger, etc.         18
              7.10                 Eligibility; Disqualification             18


                                                                        
                                       ii

<PAGE>



VIII                               DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE                    19

              8.01                 Termination of Company's Obligations      19
              8.02                 Application of Trust Money                19
              8.03                 Repayment to Company                      20

IX                                 AMENDMENTS                                20

              9.01                 Without Consent of Holders                20
              9.02                 With Consent of Holders                   20
              9.03                 Revocation and Effect of Consents         21
              9.04                 Notation on or Exchange of Securities     21
              9.05                 Trustee to Sign Amendments, Etc.          21

X                                  CONVERSION                                21

              10.01                Conversion  Privilege                     21
              10.02                Conversion  Procedure                     22
              10.03                Fractional  Shares                        22
              10.04                Taxes  on Conversion                      22
              10.05                Adjustment for Change in Capital Stock    23
              10.06                Adjustment for Certain Issuances
                                     of Common Stock                         23
              10.07                Current Market Price                      23
              10.08                Minimum Adjustment                        24
              10.09                When Adjustment May Be Deferred           24
              10.10                Number of Shares                          24
              10.11                When No Adjustment Required               25
              10.12                Notice of Adjustment                      25
              10.13                Voluntary Reduction                       25
              10.14                Notice of Certain Transactions            25
              10.15                Reorganization of Company                 26
              10.16                Company Determination Final               26
              10.17                Trustee's Disclaimer                      26

XI                                 SUBORDINATION                             26

              11.01                Agreement  to Subordinate                 26
              11.02                Certain  Definitions                      27
              11.03                Liquidation, Dissolution, Bankruptcy      27
              11.04                Default on Senior Debt                    27
              11.05                Acceleration  of Securities               28
              11.06                When Distribution Must be Paid Over       28

                                                                        
                                       iii

<PAGE>



              11.07                Notice by Company                         28
              11.08                Subrogation                               28
              11.09                Relative Rights                           29
              11.10                Subordination May Not Be Impaired
                                     by Company                              29
              11.11                Distribution or Notice to Representative  29
              11.12                Rights of Trustee and Paying Agent        29
              11.13                Ranking of Securities                     29
              11.14                Application by Trustee of Monies
                                     Deposited with It                       30

XII                                MISCELLANEOUS                             30

              12.01                Notices                                   30
              12.02                Communications by  Holders with
                                     Other Holders                           31
              12.03                Certificate and Opinion as to
                                     Conditions Precedent                    31
              12.04                Statements Required in Certificate
                                     or Opinion                              31
              12.05                Rules by Trustee and Agents               32
              12.06                Legal Holidays                            32
              12.07                No Recourse Against Others                32
              12.08                Duplicate Originals                       32
              12.09                Governing Law                             32
              12.10                Conflict with Trust Indenture Act         33
              12.11                No Adverse Interpretation of
                                     Other Document                          33
SIGNATURES

EXHIBIT A - FORM OF SECURITY

                                                                        
                                       iv

<PAGE>



INDENTURE dated as of February , 1996 between BENTLEY  PHARMACEUTICALS,  INC., a
Florida  corporation  (the  "Company"),  and  AMERICAN  STOCK  TRANSFER  & TRUST
COMPANY, a New York corporation, as trustee (the "Trustee").

Each party  agrees as  follows  for the  benefit of the other  party and for the
equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Company's 12% Convertible Senior
Subordinated Debentures due February ___, 2006 (the "Securities").

                                    ARTICLE I

                      DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION

Section 1.01         DEFINITIONS.

For all purposes of this Indenture,  except as otherwise  expressly  provided or
unless the context otherwise requires:

     "Affiliate"  means  any  person  directly  or  indirectly   controlling  or
controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Company.

     "Agent"   means  any   Registrar,   Paying  Agent,   Conversion   Agent  or
co-registrar.

     "Board of  Directors"  means the Board of  Directors  of the Company or any
authorized committee of the Board.

     "Board Resolution" means a copy of a resolution  certified by the Secretary
or an Assistant  Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by the Board
of  Directors  and  to be  in  full  force  and  effect  on  the  date  of  such
certification and delivered to the Trustee.

     "Capital  Stock"  means any class of  capital  stock of the  Company  as it
exists on the date of this  Indenture or as it may be  constituted  from time to
time,  and  warrants,  options  and similar  rights to acquire any such  capital
stock.

     "Company" means the party named as such above until a successor replaces it
and thereafter means the successor.

     "Control" (including,  with correlative meanings,  the terms "controlling,"
"controlled by" and "common control"), as used with respect to any person, shall
mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the
direction  of the  management  or policies of such person,  whether  through the
ownership of voting securities or by agreement or otherwise.

     "Default"  means any event  which is, or after  notice or  passage  of time
would be, an Event of Default.

                                                                        
                                        1

<PAGE>



     "Holder" means a person in whose name a Security is registered.

     "Indenture"  means this Indenture as amended or  supplemented  from time to
time.

     "Officer"  means  the  Chairman  of the  Board,  the  President,  any  Vice
President, the Treasurer or the Secretary of the Company.

     "Officers'  Certificate"  means a certificate  signed by two Officers.  See
Sections 12.03 and 12.04.

     "Opinion  of Counsel"  means a written  opinion  from legal  counsel who is
reasonably  acceptable  to the  Trustee.  The  counsel  may be an employee of or
counsel to the Company or the Trustee. See Sections 12.03 and 12.04.

     "person" means any  individual,  corporation,  partnership,  joint venture,
association,  joint-stock company, trust,  unincorporated  organization or other
legal entity or any government or agency or political subdivision thereof.

     "Principal"  of a debt  security  means the  outstanding  principal  of the
security plus the premium, if any, on the security.
          
     "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

     "Securities"  means  the  Securities  described  above  issued  under  this
Indenture.

     "Subsidiary"  means any entity of which at least a majority  of the capital
stock  having  ordinary  voting  power for the  election of  directors  or other
governing body of such entity (other than  securities  having such power only by
reason of the happening of a contingency) shall be owned by the Company
directly or indirectly through one or more of such Subsidiaries.

     "Trading Day" means each Monday,  Tuesday,  Wednesday,  Thursday and Friday
other than any day on which  securities are not traded on the exchange or Nasdaq
system which is the principal market for the Common Stock, as determined
by the Board of Directors of the Company.

     "Trustee" means the party named as such above until a successor replaces it
and thereafter means the successor.

     "Trust  Indenture Act" means,  as of any time,  the Trust  Indenture Act of
1939, or any successor statute, as in effect at such time.

     "Trust Officer" means the Chairman of the Board, the President or any other
officer  or  assistant  officer  of  the  Trustee  assigned  by the  Trustee  to
administer its corporate trust matters.


                                                                        
                                        2

<PAGE>



Section 1.02         OTHER DEFINITIONS.

                    Term                                    Defined  in Section

           "Bankruptcy Law"                                       6.01
           "Common  Stock"                                       10.01
           "Conversion  Agent"                                    2.03
           "Conversion Price"                                     3.03
           "Current Market Price"                                10.07
           "Custodian"                                            6.01
           "Event of  Default"                                    6.01
           "Existing Conversion Price"                           10.06
           "Indebtedness"                                        11.02
           "Legal Holiday"                                       12.06
           "Paying Agent"                                         2.03
           "Registrar"                                            2.03
           "Representative"                                      11.02
           "Senior Debt"                                         11.02
           "U.S. Government  Obligations"                         8.01

Section 1.03         RULES  OF CONSTRUCTION.

Unless the context otherwise requires (i) a term has the meaning assigned to it;
(ii) an accounting term not otherwise  defined has the meaning assigned to it in
accordance  with generally  accepted  accounting  principles in effect as of the
date of this Indenture;  (iii) "or" is not exclusive; (iv) words in the singular
include the plural,  and in the plural include the singular;  and (v) provisions
apply to successive events and transactions.

                                   ARTICLE II

                                 THE SECURITIES


Section 2.01         FORM AND DATING.

The  Securities  shall  be in the  form  of  Exhibit  A,  which  is part of this
Indenture.  The Securities may have notations,  legends or endorsements required
by law, stock  exchange rule or usage.  Each Security shall be dated the date of
its authentication.

Section 2.02         EXECUTION AND AUTHENTICATION

(a)      Two  Officers  shall sign the  Securities  for the Company by manual or
facsimile  signature.  The Company's seal shall be reproduced on the Securities.
If an Officer whose signature is on a Security

                                                                        
                                        3

<PAGE>



is no longer an employee  of the  Company or no longer  holds such office at the
time the Security is authenticated, the Security shall remain valid.

(b)      A  Security  shall  not be  valid  until  authenticated  by the  manual
signature of the Trustee. The Trustee shall authenticate Securities for original
issue in the aggregate principal amount of up to $7,500,000 upon a written order
of the  Company  signed  by two  Officers.  The  aggregate  principal  amount of
Securities outstanding at any time may not exceed that amount except as provided
in Section 2.07.

(c)      The Trustee  may  appoint an  authenticating  agent  acceptable  to the
Company to authenticate  Securities.  An  authenticating  agent may authenticate
Securities  whenever the Trustee may do so. Each  reference in this Indenture to
authentication  by  the  Trustee  includes  authentication  by  such  agent.  An
authenticating agent has the same rights as an Agent to deal with the Company or
an Affiliate.

Section 2.03         REGISTRAR, PAYING AGENT AND CONVERSION AGENT.

The Company shall maintain an office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan,  the
City of New York, where Securities may be presented for registration of transfer
or for exchange (the  "Registrar"),  an office or agency where Securities may be
presented  for  payment  (the  "Paying  Agent")  and an office  or agency  where
Securities  may be  presented  for  conversion  (the  "Conversion  Agent").  The
Registrar  shall keep a register of the  Securities  and of their  transfer  and
exchange.  The  Company  may  appoint  one or  more  co-registrars,  one or more
additional paying agents and one or more additional  conversion agents. The term
"Paying  Agent"  includes any  additional  conversion  agent.  The Company shall
notify  the  Trustee  of the name and  address  of any Agent not a party to this
Indenture. If the Company fails to appoint or maintain a Registrar, Paying Agent
or Conversion  Agent, the Trustee shall act as such. The Trustee shall initially
be appointed as the Registrar,  Paying Agent and  Conversion  Agent and serve as
authenticating  agent.  The Company or any of its subsidiaries may act as Paying
Agent, Conversion Agent or Registrar or Co-registrar.

Section 2.04         PAYING AGENT TO HOLD MONEY IN TRUST.

The Company  shall  require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to agree in
writing  that the Paying  Agent will hold in trust for the benefit of Holders or
the Trustee all money held by the Paying  Agent for the payment of  principal of
or interest on the Securities, and will notify the Trustee of any failure by the
Company in making any such  payment.  If the Company  acts as Paying  Agent,  it
shall  segregate the money and hold it as a separate  trust fund for the benefit
of the  Holders.  The Company at any time may require a Paying  Agent to pay all
money held by it to the  Trustee.  Upon doing so the Paying  Agent shall have no
further liability for the money.


                                                                        
                                        4

<PAGE>



Section 2.05         HOLDER LISTS.

The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the
most recent list  available to it of the names and addresses of Holders.  If the
Trustee is not the  Registrar,  the Company  shall  furnish to the Trustee on or
before  each  interest  payment  date and at such other times as the Trustee may
request in  writing,  a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may
reasonably require of the names and addresses of Holders.

Section 2.06         TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE.

Where Securities are presented to the Registrar or a co-registrar with a request
to register their transfer or to exchange them for an equal principal  amount of
Securities  of other  denominations  the Trustee  shall permit the  Registrar or
co-registrar  to register the transfer or make the exchange if its  requirements
for such  transaction are met.  Securities  issued upon any transfer or exchange
for Securities  will be issued (i) in the same  denominations  as the Securities
transferred  or  exchanged  or (ii) in  denominations  of $1,000 or any integral
multiples  of $1,000 if  necessary  to  effectuate  the  transfer  or  exchange.
Whenever any Securities are surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute,
and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver,  the Securities which the Holder
making the exchange is entitled to receive.  The Company may charge a reasonable
fee for any  registration  of  transfer  or  exchange  but not for any  exchange
pursuant to Section 2.10, 3.06 or 10.02.

Section 2.07         REPLACEMENT SECURITIES.

If the Holder of a Security claims that the Security has been lost, destroyed or
wrongfully  taken, the Company shall issue and the Trustee shall  authenticate a
replacement Security of the like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number
not written previously  outstanding,  if there shall be delivered to the Company
and the  Trustee (i)  evidence to their  satisfaction  of the  ownership  of and
destruction,  loss or  theft  of  such  Security  and  (ii)  an  indemnity  bond
sufficient in the judgment of both parties to protect the Company,  the Trustee,
any Agent or any authenticating agent from any loss which any of them may suffer
if a Security is replaced.  The Company may charge for its expenses in replacing
a Security.  Every  replacement  Security  is an  additional  obligation  of the
Company,  which  obligations  shall not however,  in the  aggregate,  exceed the
aggregate principal amount of $7,500,000.

Section 2.08         OUTSTANDING SECURITIES.

The Securities  outstanding at any time are all the Securities  authenticated by
the  Trustee  except  for  those  canceled  by  it,  those  delivered  to it for
cancellation  and those  described  in this  Section  as not  outstanding.  If a
Security  is  replaced  pursuant to Section  2.07,  it ceases to be  outstanding
unless the Trustee receives proof  satisfactory to it that the replaced Security
is held by a bona fide  purchaser.  If  Securities  are  considered  paid  under
Section  4.01,  they cease to be  outstanding  and  interest  on them  ceases to
accrue.  A Security does not cease to be  outstanding  because the Company or an
Affiliate holds the Security.


                                                                        
                                        5

<PAGE>



Section 2.09         TREASURY SECURITIES.

In  determining  whether  the  Holders  of  the  required  principal  amount  of
Securities have concurred in any direction,  waiver or consent, Securities owned
by the  Company  or an  Affiliate  shall  be  disregarded,  except  that for the
purposes of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any
such direction,  waiver or consent,  only Securities which the Trustee knows are
so owned shall be so disregarded.

Section 2.10         TEMPORARY SECURITIES.

Until definitive Securities are ready for delivery,  the Company may prepare and
the Trustee shall authenticate temporary Securities.  Temporary Securities shall
be  substantially  in the form of definitive  Securities but may have variations
that  the  Company  considers  appropriate  for  temporary  Securities.  Without
unreasonable delay, the Company shall prepare and the Trustee shall authenticate
definitive Securities in exchange for temporary Securities.

Section 2.11         CANCELLATION.

The Company at any time may deliver  Securities to the Trustee for cancellation.
The Registrar,  Paying Agent and  Conversion  Agent shall forward to the Trustee
any  Securities  surrendered  to them for  registration  of transfer,  exchange,
payment or conversion.  The Trustee shall cancel all Securities  surrendered for
registration  of  transfer,  exchange,  payment,   replacement,   conversion  or
cancellation  and shall dispose of canceled  Securities as the Company  directs.
The Company may not issue new Securities to replace  Securities that it has paid
or delivered to the Trustee for  cancellation  or that any Holder has  converted
pursuant to Article X.

Section 2.12         DEFAULTED INTEREST.

If the Company defaults in a payment of interest on the Securities, it shall pay
the  defaulted   interest  in  any  lawful  manner  not  inconsistent  with  the
requirements of any securities  exchange on which such Securities may be listed,
and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after notice given
by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed  payment pursuant to this Section,
such  manner of payment  shall be  declared  practicable  by the  Trustee in its
reasonable  discretion.  It may pay the  defaulted  interest,  plus any interest
payable  on the  defaulted  interest,  to  the  persons  who  are  Holders  on a
subsequent  special  record date.  The Company shall fix the special record date
and payment date. At least 15 days before the special  record date,  the Company
shall mail to Holders a notice that states the special record date, payment date
and amount of interest to be paid.


                                                                        
                                        6

<PAGE>



                                   ARTICLE III

                                   REDEMPTION


Section 3.01         NOTICES TO TRUSTEE.

If the  Company  wants to  redeem  Securities  pursuant  to  Paragraph  5 of the
Securities,  it shall notify the Trustee in writing of the  redemption  date and
the  principal  amount of  Securities to be redeemed at least 30 days before the
redemption  date and not later than 10 days following the  fulfillment of the 20
consecutive trading days condition specified in said Paragraph 5.

Section 3.02         SELECTION OF SECURITIES TO BE REDEEMED.

If less than all the Securities are to be redeemed, the Trustee shall select the
Securities  to be  redeemed  pro  rata or by lot.  The  Trustee  shall  make the
selection  not less than 30 days  before  the  redemption  date from  Securities
outstanding  not  previously  called for  redemption,  and  notify  the  Company
promptly of such  selection.  The Trustee may select for redemption  portions of
the  principal  of  Securities  that  have  denominations  larger  than  $1,000.
Securities  and  portions  of them it  selects  shall be in amounts of $1,000 or
integral  multiples  of  $1,000.  Provisions  of this  Indenture  that  apply to
Securities called for redemption also apply to portions of Securities called for
redemption.

Section 3.03         NOTICE OF REDEMPTION.

At least 30 days but not more than 60 days before a redemption date, the Company
shall mail a notice of  redemption  to each Holder  whose  Securities  are to be
redeemed.  The notice  shall  identify the  Securities  to be redeemed and shall
state (i) the redemption date and redemption price; (ii) if less than all of the
Securities  are to be  redeemed,  the  portion  of the  principal  amount of any
Security to be redeemed in part;  (iii) the  conversion  price (the  "Conversion
Price");  (iv) the name and address of the Paying Agent and  Conversion  Agent ;
(v) that  Securities  called for  redemption may be converted at any time before
the close of  business on the  redemption  date;  (vi) that  Holders who want to
convert  Securities  must  satisfy  the  requirements  in  paragraph  7  of  the
Securities;  (vii) that Securities  called for redemption must be surrendered to
the Paying Agent to collect the  redemption  price;  and (viii) that interest on
Securities  called for  redemption  ceases to accrue on and after the redemption
date. At the Company's request,  the Trustee shall give the notice of redemption
in the Company's name and at its expense.

Section 3.04         EFFECT OF NOTICE OF REDEMPTION.

Once notice of redemption is mailed, Securities called for redemption become due
and payable on the redemption  date at the redemption  price.  Upon surrender to
the Paying Agent,  such Securities shall be paid at the redemption  price,  plus
accrued interest to the redemption date.


                                                                        
                                        7

<PAGE>



Section 3.05         DEPOSIT OF REDEMPTION PRICE.

On or before the  redemption  date,  the Company  shall  deposit with the Paying
Agent money  sufficient to pay the redemption  price of and accrued  interest on
all Securities to be redeemed on that date. The Paying Agent shall return to the
Company any money not required for that purpose.

Section 3.06          SECURITIES REDEEMED IN PART.

Upon surrender of a Security that is redeemed in part, the Company shall execute
and the  Trustee  shall  authenticate  for the  Holder a new  Security  equal in
principal amount to the unredeemed portion of the Security surrendered.


                                   ARTICLE IV

                                    COVENANTS


Section 4.01           PAYMENT OF SECURITIES.

The Company  shall pay the  principal of and interest on the  Securities  on the
dates and in the manner provided in the Securities. Principal and interest shall
be considered  paid on the date due if the Paying Agent holds on that date money
sufficient  to pay all  principal  and interest  then due. The Company shall pay
interest on overdue principal at the interest rate borne by the Securities.  The
Company shall pay interest on overdue  installments of interest at the same rate
to the extent lawful.

Section 4.02            SEC REPORTS.

(a) The Company  shall file with the Trustee  within 15 days after it files them
with the SEC copies of the annual reports and of the information,  documents and
other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the SEC may
by rules and regulations  prescribe)  which the Company is required to file with
the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

(b) The Company, either directly or through the Trustee, shall contemporaneously
provide to all Holders copies of all documents  furnished to stockholders of the
Company and copies of all documents  filed with the Trustee  pursuant to subpart
(a) of this Section 4.02.

Section 4.03            COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE.

The Company shall  deliver to the Trustee  within 120 days after the end of each
fiscal year of the Company an Officers'  Certificate  stating whether or not the
signers, in their capacity as officers of the Company,  know of any Default that
occurred during the fiscal year. If they do, the Certificate  shall describe the
Default and its status. The Certificate need not comply with Section 12.04.


                                                                        
                                        8

<PAGE>



Section 4.04  LIMITATION ON DIVIDENDS; STOCK PURCHASE AND SENIOR DEBT.

(a) The  Company  will not  declare  or pay any cash  dividends  on, or make any
distribution  to the  holders  of, any shares of Capital  Stock of the  Company,
other than dividends or distributions payable in such Capital Stock. Neither the
Company nor any Subsidiary will purchase,  redeem or otherwise acquire or retire
for value any shares of Capital  Stock of the  Company or  warrants or rights to
acquire  such  capital  stock  if,  at the  time of such  declaration,  payment,
distribution, purchase, redemption, other acquisition or retirement, an Event of
Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

(b) The  provisions of this Section 4.04 shall not prevent the retirement of any
shares of the Company's Capital stock in exchange for, or out of the proceeds of
the substantially  concurrent sale (other than to a Subsidiary) of, other shares
if its Capital Stock (other than any preferred  stock which by its terms must be
redeemed by the  Company  prior to the  maturity  date of the  Securities),  and
neither such  retirement  nor the proceeds of any such sale or exchange shall be
included in any computation made under this Section 4.04.

(c) The  Company  will not,  and will not  permit  any of its  Subsidiaries  to,
directly or indirectly,  create or otherwise  cause or suffer to exist or become
effective any encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Subsidiary to (i)
pay  dividends  or make any  other  distribution  to the  Company  or any of its
Subsidiaries  on its  capital  stock or with  respect to any other  interest  or
participation in, or measured by, its profits; (ii) pay any indebtedness owed to
the  Company or any of its  Subsidiaries;  (iii) make loans or  advances  to the
Company or any of its  Subsidiaries;  (iv)  transfer  any of its  properties  or
assets  to  the  Company  or  any of its  Subsidiaries;  or  (v)  guarantee  the
Securities or any renewals or refinancings thereof, except for such encumbrances
or  restrictions  existing  under or by means of (A) existing  indentures  as in
effect on the date of this Indenture; (B) this Indenture and the Securities; (C)
any instrument governing Indebtedness of a Person acquired by the Company at the
time of such acquisition,  which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to
any  Person  other than the Person or the  property  of the Person so  acquired,
provided  that  such  Indebtedness  was not  incurred  in  anticipation  of such
acquisition; and (D) applicable law.

Section 4.05  CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS WITH A PARENT AND ITS AFFILIATES.

The  Company  may  not,  and it may  not  permit  any  Subsidiary,  directly  or
indirectly,  sell (by merger, exchange or otherwise) or lease any property to an
Affiliate,  make any  investment  in, or render any service to an Affiliate,  or
purchase (by merger,  exchange or  otherwise)  or borrow any money from, or make
any  payment for any service  rendered  by an  Affiliate  except (i) any sale or
lease of any property,  or the rendering of any service to an Affiliate,  or any
purchase or lease of any property,  or any payment for any service rendered,  or
the making of any  agreement  to do so, if such  transaction  is effected in the
ordinary course of business and the Board of Directors  determines in good faith
that  the  terms  thereof  are at  least  as  favorable  to the  Company  or its
Subsidiary  as those  which  could be, or could  reasonably  be  expected to be,
obtained  in a  similar  transaction  with  an  entity  other  than  any  of its
Affiliates;  (ii) any  borrowing of money,  or the making of any agreement to do
so, if the Board

                                                                        
                                        9

<PAGE>



of Directors  determines in good faith that the terms of such transaction are at
least as favorable to the Company or its  Subsidiary as those which could be, or
could  reasonably be expected to be, obtained in a similar  transaction  with an
entity other than any of its Affiliates; (iii) any payment by the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries to any of its officers,  directors or employees or agreement
to do so, if the Board of Directors  determines in good faith that the amount to
be paid,  or to be  agreed  to be  paid,  for such  service  bears a  reasonable
relationship to the value of such services to the Company or such Subsidiary; or
(iv) any sale to an  Affiliate  by the  Company or a  Subsidiary  of any capital
stock or other  securities or other  obligations  of an Affiliate at a cash sale
price  not  less  than the  original  cost  thereof  to the  Company  or such an
Affiliate or Subsidiary,  as the same may have been reduced from time to time by
cash  dividends or interest  payments  thereon or payments of principal  thereof
received by the Company or such Subsidiary plus interest on such investment,  as
the same may have  been  reduced  from  time to time at a rate not less than the
rate borne by the  Debentures;  but in no event less than  current  fair  market
value.

Section 4.06            CORPORATE EXISTENCE.

Subject  to  Article  IX,  the  Company  will do or cause to be done all  things
necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence,
rights  (charter and  statutory) and  franchises;  provided,  however,  that the
Company  shall not be required to preserve  any such right or  franchise  if the
Board of Directors  shall determine that the  preservation  thereof is no longer
desirable  in the  conduct  of the  business  of the  Company  and that the loss
thereof is not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.

Section 4.07            MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTIES.

The Company will cause all properties material to the conduct of its business or
the business of any  Subsidiary  to be  maintained  and kept in good  condition,
repair and working  order and supplied  with all  necessary  equipment  and will
cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements,  betterments and
improvements  thereof, all as in the judgment of the Company may be necessary so
that the  business  carried  on in  connection  therewith  may be  properly  and
advantageously  conducted at all times; provided,  however, that nothing in this
Section  shall  prevent  the  Company  from   discontinuing   the  operation  or
maintenance of any such properties if such discontinuance is, in the judgment of
the  Company,  desirable  in the conduct of its  business or the business of any
Subsidiary and not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.

Section 4.08            PAYMENT OF TAXES AND OTHER CLAIMS.

The Company will pay or discharge or caused to be paid or discharged, before the
same shall  become  delinquent,  (i) all  taxes,  assessments  and  governmental
charges levied or imposed upon the Company or any Subsidiary or upon the income,
profits or property of the Company or any Subsidiary, and (ii) all lawful claims
for labor,  materials and supplies which, if unpaid,  might by law become a lien
upon the property of the Company or any Subsidiary;  provided, however, that the
Company  shall  not be  required  to pay or  discharge  or  cause  to be paid or
discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or

                                                                        
                                       10

<PAGE>



claim whose amount,  applicability  or validity is being contested in good faith
by appropriate proceedings.


                                    ARTICLE V

                                   SUCCESSORS

Section 5.01            WHEN COMPANY MAY MERGE, ETC.

The Company shall not consolidate with or merge into (whether or not the Company
is the surviving  corporation),  or convey,  sell,  assign,  transfer,  lease or
otherwise dispose of, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to convey, sell, assign,
transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of, all or substantially all of its and its
Subsidiaries'  properties or assets  (determined on a consolidated basis for the
Company  and  its  Subsidiaries  taken  as a  whole)  in  one  or  more  related
transactions, to another person unless (i) the person is a corporation organized
and existing under the laws of the United States of America,  any State thereof,
or the  District  of  Columbia;  (ii) the  corporation  assumes by  supplemental
indenture  all the  obligations  of the Company  under the  Securities  and this
Indenture,  except that it need not assume the  obligations of the Company as to
conversion  of  Securities  if pursuant to Section  10.15 the Company or another
person enters into a supplemental indenture obligating it to deliver securities,
cash or other assets upon conversion of Securities;  (iii) immediately after the
transaction no Default  exists;  (iv)  immediately  after the  transaction,  the
consolidated net worth of the resulting,  surviving or transferee  person is not
less than that of the Company immediately prior to the transaction;  and (v) the
Company  shall have  delivered  to the Trustee an Officers'  Certificate  and an
Opinion of Counsel,  each of which shall state that such consolidation,  merger,
conveyance or other transfer or lease, and such supplemental indenture, complies
with this Article and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating
to such transaction have been complied with.

Section 5.02            SUCCESSOR CORPORATION SUBSTITUTED.

Upon any consolidation or merger or any conveyance,  sale,  transfer or lease of
the  properties  and  assets of the  Company  substantially  as an  entirety  in
accordance  with  Section  5.01,  the  successor   corporation  formed  by  such
consolidation  or into which the Company is merged or to which such  conveyance,
transfer or lease is made shall  succeed  to, and be  substituted  for,  and may
exercise  every right and power of, the Company  under this  Indenture  with the
same  effect as if such  successor  corporation  had been  named as the  Company
herein,  and  thereafter,  except  in  the  case  of a  lease,  the  predecessor
corporation  shall be  relieved  of all  obligations  and  covenants  under this
Indenture and the Securities.



                                                                        
                                       11

<PAGE>



                                   ARTICLE VI

                              DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES


Section 6.01            EVENTS OF DEFAULT.

(a) An "Event of Default"  occurs if (i) the Company  Defaults in the payment of
interest on any  Security  when the same becomes due and payable and the Default
continues for a period of 20 days;  (ii) the Company  defaults in the payment of
the principal of any Security when the same becomes due and payable at maturity,
upon redemption or otherwise;  (iii) the Company fails to comply with any of its
other  covenants  and  agreements in the  Securities  or this  Indenture and the
Default  continues for the period and after the notice specified below; (iv) the
Company  or  any   Subsidiary   has  a  material  event  of  default  under  the
documentation  for Indebtedness in the payment of any amounts due and payable in
respect of any of its respective Indebtedness (other than the Securities) in the
aggregate  principal  or like  amount of  $500,000  or more or  defaults  in the
payment when due in the principal of,  interest on, or other amounts  payable in
respect  of, or fails to perform or comply with any of its other  agreements  in
respect  of,  any such  Indebtedness  and such  Indebtedness,  shall  have  been
declared to be due and payable immediately, and such acceleration shall not have
been  rescinded or annulled,  or such  Indebtedness  discharged,  within 45 days
after  receipt  of  notice  by the  Company  of such  acceleration;  (v) a final
judgment or final  judgments  for the payment of money are entered by a court of
competent  jurisdiction  against the  Company or any  Subsidiary  which  remains
unpaid and unstayed for a period of 30 days after the date on which the right to
appeal has expired,  provided that the aggregate of all such  judgments  exceeds
$500,000;  (vi) the Company  pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy
Law (A)  commences a voluntary  case,  (B) consents to the entry of an order for
relief against it in an involuntary  case, (C) consents to the  appointment of a
Custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its property,  or (D) makes a
general  assignment  for the  benefit  of its  creditors;  or  (vii) a court  of
competent  jurisdiction  enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that
(A) is for relief  against the Company in an  involuntary  case,  (B) appoints a
Custodian of the Company or for all or substantially all of its property, or (C)
orders the liquidation of the Company,  and the order or decree remains unstayed
and in effect for 90 days.

(b) The term  "Bankruptcy  Law" means Title 11, U.S. Code or any similar Federal
or State law for the relief of debtors. The term "Custodian" means any receiver,
trustee, assignee, liquidator or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.

(c) A Default under clause 6.01 (a) (iii) above is not an Event of Default until
the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Securities
notify the  Company of the  Default  and the  Company  does not cure the Default
within 45 days after receipt of the notice. The notice must specify the Default,
demand that it be remedied  and state that the notice is a "Notice of  Default."
When Default is cured or waived, it ceases to exist.


                                                                        
                                       12

<PAGE>



Section 6.02            ACCELERATION.

If an Event of Default  occurs and is  continuing,  the Trustee by notice to the
Company, or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Securities by
notice to the Company and the Trustee,  may declare the principal of and accrued
interest on all the Securities to be due and payable.  Upon such declaration the
principal  and interest  shall be due and payable  immediately,  anything in the
Securities or this Indenture to the contrary  notwithstanding.  In addition, the
Trustee  shall be required to enforce any remedy set forth herein if an Event of
Default occurs and is  continuing,  upon the request or demand of the Holders of
at least 25% in principal amount of the Securities then outstanding. The Holders
of at least a majority in principal  amount of the  Securities  by notice to the
Trustee may rescind an acceleration and its consequences if the rescission would
not conflict  with any judgment or decree and if all existing  Events of Default
have been cured or waived  except  nonpayment  of principal or interest that has
become due solely because of the acceleration.

Section 6.03            OTHER REMEDIES.

If an Event of Default  occurs and is  continuing,  the  Trustee  may pursue any
available  remedy to collect  the  payment of  principal  of or  interest on the
Securities or to enforce the  performance  of any provision of the Securities or
this  Indenture.  The  Trustee  may  maintain a  proceeding  even if it does not
possess any of the Securities or does not produce any of them in the proceeding.
A delay or  omission  by the  Trustee or any Holder in  exercising  any right or
remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or remedy or
constitute  a waiver of or  acquiescence  in the Event of Default.  No remedy is
exclusive  of any other  remedy.  All  remedies  are  cumulative  to the  extent
permitted by law.

Section 6.04            WAIVER OF PAST DEFAULTS.

The Holders of at least a majority in principal  amount of the  Securities  then
outstanding  by notice to the  Trustee  may waive an  existing  Default  and its
consequences  except a Default in the payment of the principal of or interest in
any Security or a Default under Article X.

Section 6.05            CONTROL BY MAJORITY.

The Holders of at least a majority in principal  amount of the  Securities  then
outstanding  may direct the time,  method and place of conducting any proceeding
for and  remedy  available  to the  Trustee  or  exercising  any  trust or power
conferred on it.  However,  the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction  that
conflicts  with law or this  Indenture,  is unduly  prejudicial to the rights of
another Holder or would involve the Trustee in personal liability.

Section 6.06            LIMITATION  ON SUITS.

(a) A  Holder  may  pursue  a  remedy  with  respect  to this  Indenture  or the
Securities  only if (i) the  Holder  gives to the  Trustee  written  notice of a
continuing Event of Default; (ii) the Holders of at

                                                                        
                                       13

<PAGE>



least 25% in principal  amount of the Securities  make a written  request to the
Trustee to pursue the remedy;  (iii) such Holder or Holders offer to the Trustee
indemnity  satisfactory to the Trustee  against any loss,  liability or expense;
(iv) the Trustee does not comply with the request  within 60 days after  receipt
of the request and the offer of indemnity; and (v) during such 60-day period the
Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Securities do not give
the Trustee a direction inconsistent with the request.

(b) A Holder  may not use this  Indenture  to  prejudice  the  rights of another
Holder or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder.

Section 6.07  RIGHTS  OF HOLDERS  TO RECEIVE PAYMENT OR CONVERT SECURITIES.

(a)  Notwithstanding  any other  provision of this  Indenture,  the right of any
Holder to receive  payment of principal  and interest on the  Securities,  on or
after the respective due dates expressed in the Securities, or to bring suit for
the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective due dates, shall
not be impaired or affected without the consent of the Holder.

(b)  Notwithstanding  any other  provision of this  Indenture,  the right of any
Holder to bring suit for the  enforcement of his right to convert his Securities
shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of the Holder.

Section 6.08            COLLECTION SUIT BY TRUSTEE.

If an Event of Default  specified  in clauses  6.01 (a) (i) or (ii) above occurs
and is  continuing,  the  Trustee  may  recover  judgment in its own name and as
trustee  of an  express  trust  against  the  Company  for the  whole  amount of
principal  and interest  remaining  unpaid and such further  amounts as shall be
sufficient  to cover  the  costs  and  expenses  of  collection,  including  the
reasonable compensation and expenses of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.

Section 6.09            TRUSTEE  MAY FILE PROOFS  OF CLAIM.

The Trustee may file such proofs of claim and other  papers or  documents as may
be  necessary  or  advisable  in order to have the claims of the Trustee and the
Holders  allowed  in any  judicial  proceedings  relative  to the  Company,  its
creditors or its property.

Section 6.10            PRIORITIES.

If the Trustee collects any money pursuant to this Article, it shall pay out the
money in the following order: first to the Trustee for amounts due under Section
7.07;  second to holders of Senior  Debt to the extent  required  by Article XI;
third to Holders for amounts due and unpaid on the  Securities for principal and
interest,  ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the
amounts  due  and  payable  on  the   Securities  for  principal  and  interest,
respectively; and fourth to the Company.

                                                                        
                                       14

<PAGE>



The Trustee  may fix a record  date and payment  date for any payment to Holders
and shall provide the Company with prior written notice of such dates.

Section 6.11            UNDERTAKING FOR COSTS.

In any suit for the  enforcement  of any right or remedy under this Indenture or
in any suit  against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by the Trustee,
a condition  for the  institution  of such suit shall be the giving by any party
litigant  in the suit of an  undertaking  to pay the costs of the suit,  and the
court in its  discretion  may  assess  reasonable  costs,  including  reasonable
attorney's  fees,  against any party litigant in the suit,  having due regard to
the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party  litigant.
This  Section  does  not  apply  to a suit by the  Trustee,  a suit by a  Holder
pursuant  to Section  6.07 or a suit by  Holders  of more than 10% in  principal
amount of the Securities.


                                   ARTICLE VII

                                     TRUSTEE

Section 7.01            DUTIES OF TRUSTEE.

(a) If an Event of Default has occurred  and is  continuing,  the Trustee  shall
exercise  its rights  and  powers  and use the same  degree of care and skill in
their exercise as a prudent man would exercise or use under the circumstances in
the conduct of his own affairs.

(b) Except  during the  continuance  of an Event of Default (i) the Trustee need
perform only those duties that are  specifically set forth in this Indenture and
no others;  and (ii) in the  absence of bad faith on its part,  the  Trustee may
conclusively  rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the
opinions  expressed  therein,  upon  certificates  or opinions  furnished to the
Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture; provided, however,
that the  Trustee  shall  examine the  certificates  and  opinions to  determine
whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture.

(c) The Trustee may not be relieved from liability for its own negligent action,
its own negligent failure to act or its own willful misconduct,  except that (i)
this paragraph does not limit the effect of Paragraph (b) of this Section;  (ii)
the Trustee  shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by
a Trust  Officer,  unless  it is  proved  that  the  Trustee  was  negligent  in
ascertaining the pertinent facts; and (iii) the Trustee shall not be liable with
respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with
a direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.05.

(d) Every  provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is
subject to Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this Section.


                                                                        
                                       15

<PAGE>



(e) The Trustee  may refuse to perform  any duty or exercise  any right or power
unless it receives indemnity  satisfactory to it against any loss,  liability or
expense.

(f) The Trustee  shall not be liable for  interest  on any money  received by it
except as the  Trustee  may agree with the  Company.  Money held in trust by the
Trustee need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by
law.

Section 7.02            RIGHTS  OF TRUSTEE.

(a) The  Trustee  may rely on any  document  believed by it to be genuine and to
have been  signed or  presented  by the  proper  person.  The  Trustee  need not
investigate any fact or matter stated in the document.

(b) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officers'
Certificate  or an Opinion of Counsel.  The Trustee  shall not be liable for any
action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on the Certificate or
Opinion.

(c) The  Trustee  may act through  agents and shall not be  responsible  for the
misconduct or negligence of any agent appointed with due care.

(d) The Trustee  shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in
good faith which it believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers.

Section 7.03            INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS  OF TRUSTEE.

The  Trustee in its  individual  or any other  capacity  may become the owner or
pledgee of Securities  and may  otherwise  deal with the Company or an affiliate
with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee.  Any Agent may do the
same with like rights.

Section 7.04            TRUSTEE'S DISCLAIMER.

The  Trustee  makes no  representation  as to the  validity  or adequacy of this
Indenture or the  Securities,  it shall not be accountable for the Company's use
of the proceeds from the  Securities,  and it shall not be  responsible  for any
statement in the Securities other than its authentication.

Section 7.05            NOTICE  OF DEFAULTS.

If a Default  occurs and is  continuing  and if it is known to the Trustee,  the
Trustee  shall mail to Holders a notice of the  Default  within 90 days after it
occurs. Except in the case of a Default in payment on any Security,  the Trustee
may withhold  the notice if and so long as a committee of its Trust  Officers in
good  faith  determines  that  withholding  the  notice is in the  interests  of
Holders.


                                                                        
                                       16

<PAGE>



Section 7.06            REPORTS BY TRUSTEE TO HOLDERS.

Within 60 days after March 31, 1996,  the Trustee  shall mail to Holders a brief
report dated as of such  reporting  date that  contains the type of  information
required  by Section  313 (a) of the Trust  Indenture  Act,  to the extent  such
report would have been required under Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act.
A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to Holders  shall be filed with
each stock exchange on which the Securities are listed.

Section 7.07            COMPENSATION AND INDEMNITY.

(a)  The  Company  shall  pay  to the  Trustee  from  time  to  time  reasonable
compensation for its services.  The Trustee's  compensation shall not be limited
by any law on compensation  of a trustee of an express trust.  The Company shall
reimburse  the Trustee upon request for all  reasonable  out-of-pocket  expenses
incurred by it. Such expenses  shall  include the  reasonable  compensation  and
out-of-pocket expenses of the Trustee's agents and counsel.

(b) The  Company  shall  indemnify  the Trustee  against  any loss or  liability
incurred by it, except as set forth below.  The Trustee shall notify the Company
promptly  of any claim for which it may seek  indemnity  and the  Company  shall
defend the claim and the Trustee shall cooperate in the process. The Trustee may
have  separate  counsel but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be borne
by the Trustee  unless the Company shall not have promptly  employed  counsel to
assume the defense of the claim,  in which event such fees and expenses shall be
borne by the Company.  The Company shall have the right, in its sole discretion,
to satisfy or settle any claim for which  indemnification has been sought and is
available  hereunder as long as such satisfaction or settlement is at no cost to
the  Trustee.  The  Company  need not pay for any  settlement  made  without its
consent or  reimburse  any expense or  indemnify  against any loss or  liability
incurred by the Trustee through negligence or bad faith.

(c) To secure the Company's  payment  obligations  in this Section,  the Trustee
shall  have a lien  prior to the  Securities  on all money or  property  held or
collected  by the  Trustee,  except  that  held in  trust to pay  principal  and
interest on particular  Securities.  When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders
services  after an Event of Default  specified in clauses 6.01 (a) (vi) or (vii)
occurs,  the  expenses  and the  compensation  for the  services are intended to
constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.

Section 7.08            REPLACEMENT  OF TRUSTEE.

(a) A  resignation  or removal of the  Trustee  and  appointment  of a successor
Trustee shall become effective only upon the successor  Trustee's  acceptance of
appointment as provided in this Section.  The Trustee may resign by so notifying
the Company. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities may
remove the Trustee by so notifying  the Trustee and the Company in writing.  The
Company may remove the Trustee if (i) the Trustee  fails to comply with  Section
7.10; (ii) the Trustee is adjudged a bankrupt or an insolvent;  (iii) a receiver
or public officer takes charge of the

                                                                        
                                       17

<PAGE>



Trustee or its property; (iv) the Trustee becomes incapable of acting; or (v) in
the judgment of the Company,  comparable  services  are  available  from another
entity qualifying under Section 7.10 at a materially lower cost to the Company.

(b) If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office of
Trustee for any reason,  the Company shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee.
Within one year after the  successor  Trustee  takes  office,  the  Holders of a
majority in principal  amount of the Securities may appoint a successor  Trustee
to replace the successor Trustee appointed by the Company.

(c) If a  successor  Trustee  does not take  office  within  60 days  after  the
retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee, the Company or the
Holders of at least l0% in principal  amount of the  Securities may petition any
court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.

(d) If the Trustee  fails to comply with Section  7.10,  any Holder may petition
any court of  competent  jurisdiction  for the  removal of the  Trustee  and the
appointment of a successor Trustee.

A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the
retiring  Trustee and to the Company.  Thereupon,  the resignation or removal of
the retiring  Trustee shall become  effective,  and the successor  Trustee shall
have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture.  The
successor Trustee shall mail a notice of its succession to Holders. The retiring
Trustee  shall  promptly  transfer  all  property  held by it as  Trustee to the
successor Trustee, subject to the lien provided for in Paragraph 7.07 (c).

Section 7.09            SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE  BY MERGER,  ETC.

If the  Trustee  consolidates,  merges or converts  into,  or  transfers  all or
substantially all of its corporate trust business to, another  corporation,  the
successor corporation without any further act shall be the successor Trustee.

Section 7.10            ELIGIBILITY;  DISQUALIFICATION.

This  Indenture  shall  always  have a  Trustee  who  shall  at all  times  be a
corporation  organized and doing business under the laws of the United States or
of any State or Territory or of the District of Columbia which is (i) authorized
under  such  laws to  exercise  corporate  trust  powers,  and (ii)  subject  to
supervision  or  examination  by  Federal,  State,  Territorial,  or District of
Columbia authority. The Trustee shall always have a combined capital and surplus
of at least  $10,000,000 as set forth in its most recent published annual report
of  condition.  If the Trustee  shall have or acquire any  conflicting  interest
within the meaning of the Trust  Indenture  Act, it shall either  eliminate such
conflicting  interest or resign in the manner and in the effect,  and subject to
the  conditions  provided in the Trust  Indenture Act and this  Indenture.  This
Indenture shall never have a Trustee that directly or indirectly  controls or is
directly or  indirectly  controlled  by or is under  direct or  indirect  common
control with the Company.

                                                                        
                                       18

<PAGE>




                                                             ARTICLE VIII

                                                        DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE


Section 8.01            TERMINATION  OF COMPANY'S OBLIGATIONS.

(a) This Indenture  shall  automatically  cease to be of further effect when all
outstanding Securities theretofore  authenticated and issued have been delivered
to the Trustee for cancellation.

(b) The Company may terminate all of its obligations under this Indenture if the
Company irrevocably  deposits in trust with the Trustee money or U.S. Government
Obligations  sufficient  to pay  principal  and  interest on the  Securities  to
maturity  or  redemption,  as the case may be. The  Company may make the deposit
only if Article XI permits it.  However,  the Company's  obligations in Sections
2.03,  2.04,  2.05,  2.06,  2.07,  3.03, 4.01, 7.07, 7.08, 8.02 and 8.03, and in
Article  X,  shall  survive  until the  Securities  are no  longer  outstanding.
Thereafter the Company's obligations in Section 7.07 shall survive.

(c) Upon receipt by the Trustee of an Officers'  Certificate,  each stating that
all conditions  precedent  herein provided for relating to the  satisfaction and
discharge of this  Indenture  have been complied  with, the Trustee upon request
shall  acknowledge in writing the discharge of the Company's  obligations  under
the  Securities  and this  Indenture  except  for  those  surviving  obligations
specified in Paragraph (a) above.

(d) In order to have  money  available  on a payment  date to pay  principal  or
interest on the Securities,  the U.S. Government Obligations shall be payable as
to  principal or interest on or before such payment date in such amounts as will
provide the necessary money. U.S.  Government  Obligations shall not be callable
at the issuer's option.

(e) "U.S. Government  Obligations" means direct obligations of the United States
of  America  for the  payment  of which the full  faith and credit of the United
States of America is pledged.

Section 8.02            APPLICATION OF TRUST MONEY.

The Trustee shall hold in trust money or U.S. Government  Obligations  deposited
with it pursuant to Section 8.01 above.  It shall apply the deposited  money and
the money from U.S.  Government  Obligations  through  the  Paying  Agent and in
accordance  with this  Indenture to the payment of principal and interest on the
Securities. Money and securities so held in trust are not subject to Article XI.



                                                                        
                                       19

<PAGE>



Section 8.03            REPAYMENT  TO COMPANY.

The Trustee and the Paying Agent shall  promptly pay to the Company upon request
any excess  money or  securities  held by them at any time.  The Trustee and the
Paying  Agent shall pay to the Company  upon  request any money held by them for
the payment of principal or interest that remains unclaimed for two years. After
payment to the Company,  Holders  entitled to the money must look to the Company
for payment as general  creditors  unless an applicable  abandoned  property law
designates another person.


                                   ARTICLE IX

                                   AMENDMENTS


Section 9.01            WITHOUT CONSENT OF HOLDERS.

The Company and the Trustee may enter into one or more  indentures  supplemental
hereto in form  satisfactory  to the  Trustee  to amend  this  Indenture  or the
Securities  without the consent of any Holder to (i) cure any ambiguity,  defect
or  inconsistency;  (ii) comply with Sections 5.01 and 10.15;  or (iii) make any
change that does not adversely affect the right of any Holder.

Section 9.02            WITH CONSENT OF HOLDERS.

(a)  The  Company  and  the  Trustee  may  enter  into  one or  more  indentures
supplemental  hereto in form satisfactory to the Trustee to amend this Indenture
or the  Securities  with the  written  consent of the Holders of at least 60% in
principal amount of the Securities.  However, without the consent of each Holder
affected,  an  amendment  under this  Section may not:  (i) reduce the amount of
Securities  whose Holders must consent to an amendment;  (ii) reduce the rate of
or change the time for  payment of interest on any  Security;  (iii)  reduce the
principal  of or  change  the  fixed  maturity  of any  Security;  (iv) make any
Security  payable in money other than that stated in the Security;  (v) make any
change in Sections  6.04 or 6.06 or the second  sentence of Section  9.02;  (vi)
make any change that  adversely  affects the right to convert any  Security;  or
(vii) make any change in Article  XI that  adversely  affects  the rights of any
Holder.

(b) An  amendment  under this  Section  may not make any change  that  adversely
affects  the rights  under  Article XI of any holder of an issue of Senior  Debt
unless the holders of the issue pursuant to its terms consent to the change.

(c) After an amendment under this Section becomes  effective,  the Company shall
mail to Holders a notice briefly describing the amendment.


                                                                        
                                       20

<PAGE>



Section 9.03            REVOCATION AND EFFECT OF CONSENTS.

Until an amendment or waiver becomes effective, a consent to it by a Holder of a
Security is a continuing  consent by the Holder and every subsequent Holder of a
Security or portion of a Security that evidences the same debt as the consenting
Holder's Security,  even if notation of the consent is not made on any Security.
However,  any such Holder or subsequent  Holder may revoke the consent as to his
Security  or  portion  of a  Security  if the  Trustee  receives  the  notice of
revocation  before  the  date the  amendment  or  waiver  becomes  effective  in
accordance with its terms and thereafter binds every Holder.

Section 9.04            NOTATION ON OR EXCHANGE OF SECURITIES.

The Trustee may place an  appropriate  notation  about an amendment or waiver on
any  Security  thereafter  authenticated.   The  Company  in  exchange  for  all
Securities  may issue and the Trustee shall  authenticate  new  Securities  that
reflect the amendment or waiver.

Section 9.05            TRUSTEE  TO SIGN AMENDMENTS, ETC.

The Trustee shall sign any amendment or supplement or waiver authorized pursuant
to this Article if the  amendment  or  supplement  or waiver does not  adversely
affect the rights of the Trustee.  If it does adversely affect the rights of the
Trustee,  the Trustee  may but need not sign it. In signing  such  amendment  or
supplement or waiver the Trustee  shall be entitled to receive,  and (subject to
Article  VII) shall be fully  protected in relying  upon,  an Opinion of Counsel
stating that such  amendment or  supplement or waiver is authorized or permitted
by and complies  with this  Indenture.  The Company may not sign an amendment or
supplement until the Board of Directors approves it.


                                    ARTICLE X

                                   CONVERSION


Section 10.01  CONVERSION PRIVILEGE.

A Holder may convert his  Security  into Common Stock of the Company at any time
during the period stated in Paragraph 7 of the Securities.  "Common Stock" means
Common Stock,  par value $.01 per share, of the Company as it exists on the date
this  Indenture  is  originally  signed.  The  number of shares of Common  Stock
issuable  upon  conversion  of a Security  shall be  determined  by dividing the
principal  amount  converted by the Conversion Price in effect on the conversion
date.  The  initial  Conversion  Price  is  as  stated  in  Paragraph  7 of  the
Securities.  The Conversion Price is subject to adjustment. A Holder may convert
a portion of a Security if the portion is $1,000 or a whole  multiple of $1,000.
Provisions of this  Indenture that apply to conversion of all of a Security also
apply to conversion of a portion of it.

                                                                        
                                       21

<PAGE>



Section 10.02           CONVERSION PROCEDURE.

To convert a Security a Holder must satisfy the  requirements  in Paragraph 7 of
the Securities. The date on which the Holder satisfies all those requirements is
the conversion date. As soon as practical, the Company shall deliver through the
Conversion  Agent a  certificate  for the number of full shares of Common  Stock
issuable upon the  conversion  adjusted to account for any  fractional  share as
provided in Section  10.03 below.  The person in whose name the  certificate  is
registered  shall be  treated  as a  stockholder  of  record  on and  after  the
conversion date. No payment or adjustment will be made for accrued interest on a
converted  Security.  If a Holder  converts  more than one  Security at the same
time, the number of full shares  issuable upon the conversion  shall be based on
the total  principal  amount of the  Securities  converted.  Upon surrender of a
Security  that is  converted in part,  the Trustee  shall  authenticate  for the
Holder a new Security equal in principal  amount to the  unconverted  portion of
the Security  surrendered.  If the last day on which a Security may be converted
is a Legal Holiday in a place where a Conversion Agent is located,  the Security
may be surrendered to that  Conversion  Agent on the next succeeding day that is
not a Legal  Holiday.  The  Company  shall  reserve  out of its  authorized  but
unissued  Common  Stock or its Common  Stock held in treasury  enough  shares of
Common Stock to permit the conversion of the Securities.  The Company shall from
time to time, in accordance with applicable law,  increase the authorized amount
of its  Common  Stock if at any time  the  authorized  amount  of  Common  Stock
remaining unissued shall not permit the conversion of all Securities at the time
outstanding.  All shares of Common Stock which may be issued upon  conversion of
the Securities shall be fully paid and non-assessable. The Company will endeavor
to comply with all securities  laws  regulating the offer and delivery of shares
of Common Stock upon  conversion  of  Securities  and will endeavor to list such
shares on each national  securities  exchange or national  securities  system on
which the Common Stock is then listed.  If the Company calls for the  redemption
of any Securities, such right of conversion shall cease and terminate, as to the
Securities  designated  for  redemption,  at the close of  business  on the date
immediately preceding the redemption date therefor,  unless the Company defaults
in the payment of the redemption price.

Section 10.03           FRACTIONAL SHARES.

The Company will not issue a fractional share of Common Stock upon conversion of
a Security.  Instead the Company will round any fractional  share up to the next
highest share so that if any fraction  exists,  the Company shall issue one full
share for such fractional amount.

Section 10.04           TAXES ON CONVERSION.

If a Holder converts his Security, the Company shall pay any documentary,  stamp
or similar issue or transfer tax due on the issue of shares of Common Stock upon
the conversion.  However, the Holder shall pay any such tax which is due because
the shares are issued in a name other than his.


                                                                        
                                       22

<PAGE>



Section 10.05           ADJUSTMENT FOR CHANGE IN CAPITAL STOCK.

Except as provided in Section 10.15, if the Company shall (i) declare a dividend
on its outstanding  Common Stock in shares of its Capital Stock,  (ii) subdivide
its outstanding Common Stock into a greater number of shares,  (iii) combine its
outstanding  Common  Stock into a smaller  number of  shares,  or (iv) issue any
shares of its Capital Stock by  reclassification  of its Common Stock (including
any such  reclassification in connection with a consolidation or merger in which
the  Company  is the  continuing  corporation),  then  in  each  such  case  the
conversion  privilege and the Conversion  Price in effect  immediately  prior to
such  action  shall be  adjusted  so that the  Holder of a  Security  thereafter
converted  may receive  the number and kind of shares  which he would have owned
immediately  following such action if he had converted the Security  immediately
prior to such action.  Such adjustment shall be made successively  whenever such
event shall occur. The adjustment shall become effective  immediately  after the
record date in the case of a dividend or distribution and immediately  after the
effective date in the case of a subdivision, combination or reclassification. If
after an adjustment a Holder upon  conversion of his Security may receive shares
of two or more classes of Capital Stock of the Company,  the Company's  Board of
Directors  shall  determine,  in good  faith,  the  allocation  of the  adjusted
Conversion  Price between the classes of capital stock.  After such  allocation,
the  conversion  privilege and  Conversion  Price of each class of capital stock
shall  thereafter  be  subject  to  adjustment  on  terms  comparable  to  those
applicable to Common Stock in this Article.

Section 10.06  ADJUSTMENT FOR CERTAIN ISSUANCES OF COMMON STOCK.

If the Company shall at any time or from time to time issue any shares of Common
Stock  (other than shares  issued as a dividend or  distribution  as provided in
Section 10.05 above) for a  consideration  per share less than the lesser of the
Conversion Price in effect on the date of such issue or the Current Market Price
per share of Common Stock, then, forthwith upon such issue, the Conversion Price
in effect  immediately  prior to such action (the "Existing  Conversion  Price")
shall be reduced by dividing  the number of shares so issued by the total number
of shares  outstanding  after such  issuance,  multiplying  the  quotient by the
difference between the Existing  Conversion Price and the price of the shares so
issued and  subtracting  the result from the Existing  Conversion  Price. In the
case  of  an  issue  of  additional   shares  of  Common  Stock  for  cash,  the
consideration  received  by the Company  therefor  shall be deemed to be the net
cash proceeds  received for such shares,  excluding  cash received on account of
accrued interest or accrued dividends and after deducting  therefrom any and all
commissions  and expenses  paid or incurred by the Company for any  underwriting
of, or otherwise in connection with, the issue of such shares.  The term "issue"
shall be deemed to include the sale or other  disposition  of shares held in the
Company's treasury. The number of shares outstanding at any given time shall not
include shares in the Company's treasury.

Section 10.07           CURRENT MARKET PRICE.

For the purpose of any  computation  under  Section  10.06  above,  the "Current
Market  Price"  per share of Common  Stock on any date shall be deemed to be the
average  of the  daily  closing  prices  for  the 30  consecutive  trading  days
commencing no more than 45 trading days before such date. The closing

                                                                        
                                       23

<PAGE>



price for each day shall be the last  reported  sales  price  regular way or, in
case no such  reported  sale  takes  place on such day,  the  closing  bid price
regular way, in either case on the  American  Stock  Exchange,  or if the Common
Stock is not  listed or  admitted  to  trading on such  Exchange,  on  principal
national  securities exchange on which the Common Stock is listed or admitted to
trading  or, if the  Common  Stock is not listed or  admitted  to trading on any
national securities exchange, the highest reported bid price as furnished by the
National  Association  of Securities  Dealers,  Inc.  through  NASDAQ or similar
organization  if NASDAQ  is no  longer  reporting  such  information,  or by the
National Daily Quotation  Bureau or similar  organization if the Common Stock is
not then quoted on an  inter-dealer  quotation  system.  If on any such date the
Common  Stock is not  quoted  by any such  organization,  the fair  value of the
Common Stock on such date, as  determined  by the Company's  Board of Directors,
shall be used.

Section 10.08           MINIMUM ADJUSTMENT.

No adjustment in the  Conversion  Price shall be required if such  adjustment is
less than $0.05; provided, however, that any adjustments which by reason of this
Section  10.08 are not  required  to be made shall be carried  forward and taken
into account in any subsequent adjustment. All calculations under this Article X
shall be made to the nearest cent or to the nearest one-hundredth of a share, as
the case may be.

Section 10.09           WHEN ADJUSTMENT MAY BE DEFERRED.

In any case in which this  Article X shall  require  that an  adjustment  in the
Conversion Price be made effective as of a record date for a specified event, if
a Security  shall have been  converted  after such  record  date the Company may
elect to defer until the  occurrence of such event issuing to the Holder of such
Security the shares,  if any,  issuable upon such  conversion over and above the
shares,  if any,  issuable upon such  conversion on the basis of the  Conversion
Price in effect prior to such adjustment;  provided,  however,  that the Company
shall  deliver  to such  Holder  a due  bill  or  other  appropriate  instrument
evidencing  the  Holder's  right to  receive  such  additional  shares  upon the
occurrence of the event requiring such adjustment.

Section 10.10           NUMBER OF SHARES.

Upon each  adjustment of the  Conversion  Price as a result of the  calculations
made in Sections 10.05 and 10.06 above, the Securities shall thereafter evidence
the right to purchase,  at the adjusted  Conversion Price, that number of shares
(calculated  to the nearest  thousandth)  obtained  by dividing  (i) the product
obtained by multiplying the number of shares  purchasable upon conversion of the
Securities  prior to adjustment of the number of shares by the Conversion  Price
in effect prior to adjustment  of the  Conversion  Price by (ii) the  Conversion
Price in effect after such adjustment of the Conversion Price.


                                                                        
                                       24

<PAGE>



Section 10.11           WHEN NO ADJUSTMENT REQUIRED.

No adjustment  need be made for a transaction  referred to in Sections 10.05 and
10.06 if Holders are permitted to participate  in the  transaction on a basis in
the opinion of the Board of Directors no less favorable than any other party and
at a level which would preserve the Holders' percentage equity  participation in
the Common Stock upon conversion of the  Securities.  No adjustment need be made
for  sales of  Common  Stock  pursuant  to a Company  plan for  reinvestment  of
dividends or interest.  No adjustment need be made for a change in the par value
or no par value of the Common Stock. If the Securities become convertible solely
into cash, no adjustment  need be made  thereafter.  Interest will not accrue on
the cash.

Section 10.12           NOTICE OF ADJUSTMENT.

Whenever the  Conversion  Price is adjusted,  the Company shall promptly mail to
Holders a notice of the  adjustment.  The Company  shall file with the Trustee a
certificate from the Company's  independent public  accountants  briefly stating
the  facts  requiring  the  adjustment  and the  manner  of  computing  it.  The
certificates shall be conclusive evidence that the adjustment is correct.

Section 10.13           VOLUNTARY  REDUCTION.

The Company from time to time may reduce the Conversion  Price by any amount for
any period of time if the period is at least 20 consecutive  trading days and if
the reduction is irrevocable during the period. Whenever the Conversion Price is
reduced,  the Company shall mail to Holders and to the Conversion Agent a notice
of the reduction.  The Company shall mail the notice at least 15 days before the
date the reduced  Conversion  Price  takes  effect.  The notice  shall state the
reduced  Conversion Price and the period it will be in effect. The Company shall
also give  notice of the  reduction  of the  Conversion  Price,  within the time
period provided above, by issuing a release to that effect to the Dow Jones News
Service.  A  reduction  of the  Conversion  Price  does not change or adjust the
Conversion  Price  otherwise in effect for purposes of Sections  10.05 and 10.06
above.

Section 10.14           NOTICE OF CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS.

If (i) the Company  takes any action  that would  require an  adjustment  in the
Conversion  Price  pursuant to this Article X; (ii) the Company takes any action
that would require a supplemental  indenture pursuant to Section 10.15; or (iii)
there is a liquidation or dissolution of the Company,  the Company shall mail to
Holders  a  notice  stating  the  proposed  record  date for a  distribution  or
effective date of a reclassification,  consolidation,  merger, transfer,  lease,
liquidation or  dissolution.  The Company shall mail the notice at least 15 days
before  such  date.  Failure  to mail the  notice or any  defect in it shall not
affect the validity of the transaction.


                                                                        
                                       25

<PAGE>



Section 10.15.          REORGANIZATION OF COMPANY.

If the Company is a party to a  transaction  subject to Section 5.01 or a merger
which reclassifies or changes its outstanding Common Stock, the person obligated
to deliver securities,  cash or other assets upon conversion of Securities shall
enter into a  supplemental  indenture.  If the issuer of securities  deliverable
upon  conversion of Securities is an affiliate of the  surviving,  transferee or
lessee corporation,  that issuer shall join in the supplemental  indenture.  The
supplemental  indenture  shall provide that the Holder of a Security may convert
it into the kind and amount of  securities,  cash or other assets which he would
have owned immediately after the consolidation,  merger, transfer or lease if he
had  converted  the  Security  immediately  before  the  effective  date  of the
transaction.  The  supplemental  indenture shall provide for  adjustments  which
shall be as nearly  equivalent as may be practical to the  adjustments  provided
for in this  Article  X. The  successor  company  shall mail to Holders a notice
briefly describing the supplemental indenture. If this Section applies,  Section
10.05 above does not apply.

Section 10.16           COMPANY  DETERMINATION  FINAL.

Any determination  that the Company or the Board of Directors must make pursuant
to this Article X shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.

Section 10.17           TRUSTEE'S DISCLAIMER.

The Trustee has no duty to  determine  when an  adjustment  under this Article X
should be made,  how it should be made or what it should be. The  Trustee has no
duty to determine  whether any  provisions  of a  supplemental  indenture  under
Section  10.15  are  correct.  The  Trustee  makes no  representation  as to the
validity  or value  of any  securities  or  assets  issued  upon  conversion  of
Securities.  The Trustee shall not be responsible  for the Company's  failure to
comply with this Article X. Each  Conversion  Agent other than the Company shall
have the same protection under this Section 10.17 as the Trustee.


                                   ARTICLE XI

                                  SUBORDINATION

Section 11.01  AGREEMENT  TO SUBORDINATE.

The Company  agrees,  and each Holder by accepting a Security  agrees,  that the
indebtedness evidenced by the Securities and the payment of the principal of and
intent thereon,  is  subordinated in right of payment,  to the extent and in the
manner  provided in this Article XI, to the prior  payment in full of all Senior
Debt,  and that the  subordination  is for the  benefit of the holders of Senior
Debt.



                                                                        
                                       26

<PAGE>



Section 11.02           CERTAIN DEFINITIONS.

(a) "Indebtedness" means any indebtedness,  contingent or otherwise,  in respect
of borrowed  money (whether or not the recourse of the lender is to the whole of
the assets of the borrower or only to a portion thereof), or evidenced by bonds,
notes,  debentures or similar  instruments or letters of credit, or representing
the  balance  deferred  and  unpaid of the  purchase  price of any  property  or
interest therein,  except any such balance that constitutes a trade payable,  if
and to the extent such  indebtedness  would appear as a liability upon a balance
sheet of the  borrower  prepared  on a  consolidated  basis in  accordance  with
generally accepted accounting principles.

(b)  "Representative"  means the indenture  trustee or other  trustee,  agent or
representative for an issue of Senior Debt.

(c) "Senior  Debt" means the  principal  of and  premium,  if any,  and interest
(including  post-petition  interest,  if any)  on,  and any  other  payment  due
pursuant to the terms of instruments creating or evidencing  Indebtedness of the
Company  outstanding  on the date of this Indenture or  Indebtedness  thereafter
created,  incurred,  assumed or  guaranteed  by the  Company  and all  renewals,
extensions  and  refundings  thereof,   which  is  payable  to  banks  or  other
traditional institutional lenders such as insurance companies and pension funds,
unless  in the  instrument  creating  or  evidencing  such  Indebtedness,  it is
provided  that  such  Indebtedness  is not  senior  in right of  payment  to the
Securities.  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  Senior  Debt with  respect to the
Company or any Subsidiary  shall not include (i) any Indebtedness of the Company
to any Subsidiary  for money borrowed or advanced from such  Subsidiary and (ii)
any Indebtedness representing the redemption price of any preferred stock.

(d) A  distribution  as  referred  to in this  Article  XI may  consist of cash,
securities or other property.

Section 11.03           LIQUIDATION, DISSOLUTION, BANKRUPTCY.

Upon  any  distribution  to  creditors  of  the  Company  in  a  liquidation  or
dissolution  of the  Company  or in a  bankruptcy,  reorganization,  insolvency,
receivership or similar  proceeding  relating to the Company or its property (i)
holders of Senior Debt shall be  entitled to receive  payment in full in cash of
the  principal  of and interest to the date of payment on the Senior Debt before
Holders  shall be entitled to receive any payment of principal of or interest on
Securities;  and  (ii)  until  the  Senior  Debt is paid  in full in  cash,  any
distribution to which Holders would be entitled but for this Article XI shall be
made to holders of Senior Debt as their interest may appear, except that Holders
may receive securities that are subordinated to Senior Debt to at least the same
extent as the Securities.

Section 11.04           DEFAULT ON SENIOR DEBT.

The Company may not pay  principal  or  interest on the  Securities  and may not
acquire any  Securities  for cash or property  other than  capital  stock of the
Company if (i) a default on Senior Debt occurs

                                                                        
                                       27

<PAGE>



and is  continuing  that  permits  holders  of  Senior  Debt to  accelerate  its
maturity,  and (ii) the default is the subject of  judicial  proceedings  or the
Company  receives a notice of the default from a person who may give it pursuant
to Section  11.12.  The Company may resume  payments on the  Securities  and may
require them when (A) the default is cured or waived, or (B) 120 days pass after
the notice is given if the default is not the  subject of judicial  proceedings,
if this Article XI otherwise permits the payment or acquisition at that time.

Section 11.05           ACCELERATION OF SECURITIES.

If payment of the Securities is accelerated because of an Event of Default,  the
Company shall promptly  notify holders of Senior Debt of the  acceleration.  The
Company may pay the Securities when 120 days pass after the acceleration  occurs
if this  Article XI permits  the  payment at that  time.  For  purposes  of this
Section 11.05, such notice of acceleration shall be conclusively  deemed to have
been received two days after the mailed notices referred to above are mailed.

Section 11.06           WHEN DISTRIBUTION MUST BE PAID OVER.

If a distribution  is made to Holders that because of this Article XI should not
have been made to them, the Holders who receive the  distribution  shall hold it
in trust for holders of Senior  Debt and pay it over to them as their  interests
may appear.

Section 11.07           NOTICE BY COMPANY.

The Company shall promptly  notify the Trustee and the Paying Agent of any facts
known to the Company  that would cause a payment of principal or interest on the
Securities to violate this Article XI, but failure to give such notice shall not
effect the  subordination  of the Securities to the Senior Debt provided in this
Article XI.

Section 11.08           SUBROGATION.

Subject to the payment in full of all Senior Debt, the Holders of the Securities
shall be  subrogated  to the rights of the holders of the Senior Debt to receive
payments or distributions of assets of the Company applicable to the Senior Debt
until all amounts  owing on the  Securities  shall be paid in full,  and for the
purpose of such subrogation no payments or distributions  made to the holders of
the Senior Debt by or on behalf of the Company or by or on behalf of the Holders
of the Securities by virtue of this Article XI which  otherwise  would have been
made to the  Holders of the  Securities  shall,  as between  the Company and the
Holders of the  Securities,  be deemed to be payment by the Company to or on the
account of the Senior Debt,  it being  understood  that the  provisions  of this
Article XI are and are intended  solely for the purpose of defining the relative
rights of the Holders of the Securities,  on the one hand, and the holder of the
Senior, on the other hand.


                                                                        
                                       28

<PAGE>



Section 11.09           RELATIVE RIGHTS.

This  Article XI defines  the  relative  rights of Holders and holders of Senior
Debt. Nothing in this Indenture shall (i) impair, as between the Company and the
Holders, the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional,  to
pay  principal and interest on the  Securities  in accordance  with their terms;
(ii) affect the relative  rights of Holders and  creditors of the Company  other
than  holders of Senior  Debt;  or (iii)  prevent the Trustee or any Holder from
exercising  its  available  remedies  upon a  Default,  subject to the rights of
holders of Senior Debt to receive distributions otherwise payable to Holders. If
the Company  fails  because of this Article XI to pay principal or interest on a
Security on the due date, the failure is still a Default.

Section 11.10  SUBORDINATION MAY NOT BE IMPAIRED BY COMPANY.

No  right  of any  current  or  future  holder  of any  Senior  Debt to  enforce
subordination  as provided  herein shall at any time in any way be prejudiced or
impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of the Company,  or by any act
or failure to act, in good faith, by any such holder, or by any noncompliance by
the  Company  with the  terms of this  Indenture,  regardless  of any  knowledge
thereof which any such holder may have or be otherwise charged with.

Section 11.11  DISTRIBUTION  OR NOTICE  TO REPRESENTATIVE.

Whenever  a  distribution  is to be made or a notice  given to holders of Senior
Debt, the distribution may be made and the notice given to their Representative.

Section 11.12  RIGHTS OF TRUSTEE AND PAYING AGENT.

The  Trustee or Paying  Agent may  continue to make  payments on the  Securities
until it receives  notice that  payments  may not be made under this Article XI.
The Company, a Representative or a holder of Senior Debt may give the notice. If
an issue of Senior Debt has a Representative,  only the  Representative may give
the Notice.  The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may hold Senior
Debt with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. Any Agent may do
the same with like rights.

Section 11.13           RANKING OF SECURITIES.

The  indebtedness  evidenced by the Securities  shall rank (i) senior to or pari
passu with all other indebtedness  evidenced by securities of the Company issued
by the  Company  after  the date of this  Indenture  and any other  evidence  of
Indebtedness of the Company,  except as expressly provided for in Section 11.01;
and (ii) senior to the Capital  Stock of the  Company,  including  any rights or
warrants  entitling  holders  thereof to  subscribe  for or  purchase  shares of
Capital Stock of the Company or any securities convertible into exchangeable for
Capital  Stock of the  Company  issued  by the  Company  after  the date of this
Indenture.


                                                                        
                                       29

<PAGE>



Section 11.14  APPLICATION BY TRUSTEE OF MONIES DEPOSITED WITH IT.

Any  deposit of monies by the  Company  with the  Trustee  or any  Paying  Agent
(whether  or not in trust) for the payment of the  principal  or interest on any
Securities  shall be subject to the provisions of Sections 11.01,  11.02,  11.03
and 11.04  except  that,  if prior to the close of business on the  business day
immediately  preceding the date on which by the terms of this Indenture any such
monies may become payable for any purpose (including,  without  limitation,  the
payment of either the principal or the interest on any Security) the Trustee or,
in the case of any such deposit of monies with a Paying Agent,  the Paying Agent
shall not have received  with respect to such monies the notice  provided for in
Section 11.07,  then the Trustee or such Paying Agent, as the case may be, shall
have full power and  authority  to receive  such monies and to apply the same to
the  purpose  for which they were  received,  and shall not be  affected  by any
notice to the contrary which may be received by it on or after such date. In the
event  that the  Trustee  determines  in good  faith that  further  evidence  is
required  with  respect to the right of any person as a holder of Senior Debt to
participate  in any payment or  distribution  pursuant  to this  Article XI, the
Trustee  may  request  such  person  to  furnish   evidence  to  the  reasonable
satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount of Senior Debt held by such person,
the extent to which such person is entitled to  participate  in such  payment or
distribution  and any other facts  pertinent  to the rights of such person under
this Article XI, and if such  evidence is not  furnished,  the Trustee may defer
any payment to such person  pending  judicial  determination  as to the right of
such person to receive such payment. The Trustee,  however,  shall not be deemed
to owe any fiduciary duty to the holders of Senior Debt but shall have only such
obligations to such holders as are expressly set forth in this Article XI.


                                   ARTICLE XII

                                  MISCELLANEOUS


Section 12.01           NOTICES.

(a) Any notice or  communication  by the  Company or the Trustee to the other is
duly given if in writing and delivered in person or mailed by  first-class  mail
(or by facsimile transmission) to the other's address as follows:

      The  Company's address is:         The Trustee's address is:

      Bentley Pharmaceuticals, Inc.      American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
      One Urban Centre,  Suite 550       Trust Department
      4830 West Kennedy Boulevard        40 Wall Street
      Tampa, Florida 33609-2517          New York, New York 10005
      Fax  (813) 286-4402                Fax (718) 236-4588


                                                                        
                                       30

<PAGE>



The Company or the Trustee by notice to the other may  designate  additional  or
different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.

(b) Any notice or  communication to a Holder shall be mailed by first-class mail
to his address  shown on the register kept by the  Registrar.  Failure to mail a
notice or  communication  to a Holder or any  defect in it shall not  affect its
sufficiency  with  respect to other  Holders.  If a notice or  communication  is
mailed in the  manner  provided  above  within the time  prescribed,  it is duly
given,  whether or not the addressee  receives it. If the Company mails a notice
or communication to Holders,  it shall mail a copy to the Trustee and each Agent
at the same time. All notices and communications shall be in writing.

Section 12.02  COMMUNICATIONS BY HOLDERS WITH OTHER HOLDERS.

The Trustee, within five business days after receipt of a written application by
any three or more  Holders  stating that they desire to  communicate  with other
Holders  with respect to their rights  under the  Indenture or  Securities,  and
accompanied  by a copy of the form of proxy or other  communication  which  such
applicants propose to transmit, and by reasonable proof that each such applicant
has owned his Securities for a period of at least six months  preceding the date
of such application,  shall inform such applicants as to the approximate  number
of Holders and the approximate cost of mailing to such Holders the form of proxy
or other  communication,  if any,  specified  in such  application.  The Trustee
shall,  upon the written request of such applicants,  mail to all Holders copies
of the form of proxy or other  communication which is specified in such request,
with reasonable  promptness  after a tender to the Trustee of the material to be
mailed and of payment of the reasonable expenses of such mailing,  unless within
five days after such tender,  the Trustee shall determine,  in good faith,  that
such mailing would be contrary to the best  interests of the Holders or would be
in violation of applicable law.

Section 12.03  CERTIFICATE AND OPINION AS TO CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.

Upon any request or application by the Company to the Trustee to take any action
under this Indenture,  the Company shall furnish to the Trustee (i) an Officers'
Certificate  stating  that,  in the  opinion  of  the  signers,  all  conditions
precedent,  if any,  provided  for in this  Indenture  relating to the  proposed
action have been complied with;  and (ii) an Opinion of Counsel  stating that in
the opinion of such counsel,  all such  conditions  precedent have been complied
with.

Section 12.04  STATEMENTS REQUIRED IN CERTIFICATE OR OPINION.

Each  Certificate  or Opinion  with  respect to  compliance  with a condition or
covenant  provided for in this Indenture  shall include (i) a statement that the
person making such  Certificate  or Opinion has read such covenant or condition;
(ii) a  brief  statement  as to the  nature  and  scope  of the  examination  or
investigation   upon  which  the  statements  or  opinions   contained  in  such
Certificate or Opinion are based; (iii) a statement that, in the opinion of such
person,  he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable
him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such

                                                                        
                                       31

<PAGE>



covenant or condition has been complied with; and (iv) a statement as to whether
or not, in the  opinion of such  person,  such  condition  or covenant  has been
complied with.

Section 12.05           RULES BY TRUSTEE AND AGENTS.

The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or a meeting of Holders. The
Registrar,  Paying Agent or Conversion  Agent may make reasonable  rules and set
reasonable requirements for its functions.

Section 12.06        LEGAL HOLIDAYS.

A "Legal Holiday" is a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions
in the State of New York are not  required  to be open.  If a payment  date is a
Legal  Holiday at a place of  payment,  payment may be made at that place on the
next  succeeding day that is not a Legal  Holiday,  and no interest shall accrue
for the intervening period.

Section 12.07        NO RECOURSE AGAINST OTHERS.

All liability described in the Securities of any director,  officer, employee or
stockholder, as such, of the Company is waived and released.

Section 12.08        DUPLICATE ORIGINALS.

The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture.  One signed copy is
enough to prove this Indenture.

Section 12.09        GOVERNING  LAW AND CONSENT TO SERVICE.

The  laws  of the  State  of New  York  shall  govern  this  Indenture  and  the
Securities, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law thereof. The
Company  hereby  consents and agrees that the state or federal courts located in
New York  County,  New  York,  shall  have  exclusive  jurisdiction  to hear and
determine  any claims or  disputes  regarding  the  Company  pertaining  to this
Indenture  and the  Securities,  provided that any appeals from those courts may
have to be heard by a court  located  outside of the New York County,  New York,
and provided  further that nothing in this Indenture or the Securities  shall be
deemed or operate to preclude  the Trustee or any Holder from  bringing  suit or
taking other legal action in any other jurisdiction  against the Company arising
out of or pertaining to the Indenture or the Securities.  The Company  expressly
submits  and  consents  in  advance to such  jurisdiction  in any action or suit
commenced in any such court,  and the Company hereby waives any objection  which
it may have based upon lack of personal  jurisdiction,  improper  venue or forum
non  conveniens,  and hereby consents to the granting of such legal or equitable
relief as deemed  appropriate  by such  court.  The Company  also hereby  waives
personal  service upon it of the summons,  complaint and other process issued in
any such action or suit, and agrees that service of such summons,  complaint and
other process may be made upon it by registered or certified mail

                                                                        
                                       32

<PAGE>



addressed  to the  Company at its  address  set forth in Section  12.01 and that
service  so made shall be deemed  completed  upon the  earlier of the  Company's
actual receipt thereof or three days after deposit in the U.S. mails,  addressed
as aforesaid and proper postage prepaid.

Section 12.10  CONFLICT WITH TRUST INDENTURE ACT.

If any provision of this  Indenture  limits,  qualifies or controls or conflicts
with another provision hereof which is required to be included in this Indenture
by, or otherwise  governed by, any  provision of the Trust  Indenture  Act, such
other provision shall control.  Section 12.11 No Adverse Interpretation of Other
Documents.

This  Indenture  may not be used to interpret  another  indenture,  loan or debt
agreement  of the  Company or a  Subsidiary.  Any such  indenture,  loan or debt
agreement may not be used to interpret this Indenture.


                                            SIGNATURES

Dated:____________________                  BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

                                            By _________________________________
                                                James R. Murphy, President
Attest:

______________________________
Michael D. Price, Secretary                   [SEAL]

Dated:________________________               AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER &
                                             TRUST COMPANY

                                             By  _______________________________

Attest:

_______________________________

                                                                        
                                       33

<PAGE>




EXHIBIT A

No: ___                                                         $_______________



BENTLEY  PHARMACEUTICALS,  INC.,  a  Florida  corporation,  promises  to  pay to
____________________     or    registered    assigns,     the    principal    of
____________________________________ Dollars on February 13, 2006.



          12% Convertible  Senior  Subordinated  Debenture due February 13,
          2006  Interest  Payment  Dates:  January  1,  April 1, July 1 and
          October 1 Record  Dates :  December  15,  March  15,  June 15 and
          September 15




Dated:  February 14, 1996


Authenticated

AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER                          BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
& TRUST COMPANY, as Trustee


By __________________________                    By:____________________________
           Authorized Officer                         Authorized Officer

                                                           [SEAL]


                                                                        
                                                           
<PAGE>



                          BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

       12% CONVERTIBLE SENIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURE DUE FEBRUARY 13, 2006

1.  INTEREST.   Bentley   Pharmaceuticals,   Inc.  (the  "Company"),  a  Florida
corporation,  promises to pay interest on the principal  amount of this Security
at the rate per annum shown above.  The Company  will pay interest  quarterly on
January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year commencing  April 1, 1996.
Interest  on the  Securities  will  accrue  from the most  recent  date to which
interest  has been  paid or,  if no  interest  has  been  paid,  from the day of
delivery of the Debentures.  Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day
year of twelve 30 day months.

2. METHOD OF PAYMENT.  The Company will pay interest on the  Securities  (except
defaulted interest) to the persons who are registered holders of Securities (the
"Holders")  at the close of business on the 15th day of the month  preceding the
next interest payment date even though  Securities are canceled after the record
date  and on or  before  the  interest  payment  date.  Holders  must  surrender
Securities to a Paying Agent to collect principal payments. The Company will pay
principal and interest in money of the United States that at the time of payment
is legal  tender for the  payment  of public and  private  debts.  However,  the
Company may pay principal  and interest by its check  payable in such money.  It
may mail an interest check to a Holder's registered address.

3. PAYING AGENT, REGISTRAR, CONVERSION AGENT. Initially, American Stock Transfer
& Trust  Company  (the  "Trustee"),  will act as  Paying  Agent,  Registrar  and
Conversion Agent. The Company may change any Paying Agent, Registrar, Conversion
Agent or  co-registrar  without  notice to the  Holders.  The Company may act as
Paying Agent, Registrar, Conversion Agent or co-registrar.

4. INDENTURE.  The Company issued the Securities  under an Indenture dated as of
February 14, 1996 ("Indenture")  between the Company and the Trustee.  The terms
of the  Securities  include those stated in the  Indenture.  The  Securities are
subject to all such  terms,  and Holders are  referred  to the  Indenture  for a
statement of such terms. The Securities are unsecured general obligations of the
Company limited to $7,500,000 in aggregate principal amount.

5.  REDEMPTION.  On or after August 14, 1996, and from time to time  thereafter,
the Company may,  with prior  written  consent of Coleman & Company  Securities,
Inc.,  redeem  all or  part  of the  Securities  from  time  to  time at 105% of
principal  amount,  plus accrued interest to the redemption date, if the closing
price of the  Company's  Common  Stock,  par value $.02 per share  (the  "Common
Stock"), for each of the immediately preceding 20 consecutive trading days equal
or exceeds $7.00 per share, as initially constituted. The closing price for each
day  shall be the last  reported  sales  price  regular  way or, in case no such
reported  sale takes place on such day,  the closing bid price  regular  way, in
either case on the principal  national  securities  exchange on which the Common
Stock is listed or admitted to trading or, if the Common  Stock is not listed or
admitted to trading on any national  securities  exchange,  the highest reported
bid price as furnished by the National  Association of Securities Dealers,  Inc.
through NASDAQ or similar organization if NASDAQ is no longer reporting

                                                                        
                                        2

<PAGE>



such  information,  or  by  the  National  Daily  Quotation  Bureau  or  similar
organization if the Common Stock is not then quoted on an inter-dealer quotation
system.

6. NOTICE OF REDEMPTION.  Notice of redemption (the "Notice of Redemption") will
be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption  date
to  each  Holder  of  Securities  to be  redeemed  at  his  registered  address.
Securities in denominations  larger than $1,000 may be redeemed in part but only
in whole  multiples of $1,000.  On and after the redemption date interest ceases
to accrue on Securities or portions of them called for redemption.

7.         CONVERSION.

           (a) A Holder may convert his  Security  into Common Stock at any time
after  the  earlier  of the date on which a Notice  of  Redemption  is mailed or
February  14, 1997 (or  earlier  with the consent of the Company and Coleman and
Company Securities, Inc.) and before the close of business on February 13, 2006.
If the Security is called for redemption,  the Holder may convert it at any time
before the close of  business on the  redemption  date.  The initial  Conversion
Price,  subject to adjustment in certain events,  is the lesser of (i) $2.50 per
share; or (ii) 80% of the average last sale price on the American Stock Exchange
over the 20 trading days  immediately  preceding  the first  anniversary  of the
issuance of the  Debentures  (the  "Anniversary  Date") or the date of notice of
redemption  is given or other  earlier date,  as  applicable.  In addition,  the
Company  may from time to time  voluntarily  reduce  the  Conversion  Price.  To
determine the number of shares  issuable upon  conversion of a Security,  divide
the  principal  amount  converted  by the  Conversion  Price  in  effect  on the
conversion  date. On  conversion  no payment or adjustment  for interest will be
made. The Company will round to the next highest share for any fractional  share
so that if any fraction exists,  the Company shall issue one full share for such
fractional amount.

           (b) To  convert a Security a Holder  must (i)  complete  and sign the
conversion notice on the back of the Security;  (ii) surrender the Security to a
Conversion Agent; (iii) furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents,
if required by the Registrar or Conversion  Agent;  and (iv) pay any transfer or
similar  tax if  required.  A Holder may  convert a portion of a Security if the
portion is $1,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000.

           (c)  The   Conversion   Price  will  be  adjusted  for  dividends  or
distributions   on  Common  Stock   payable  in  Common   Stock;   subdivisions,
combinations or certain  reclassifications of Common Stock; certain issuances of
Common Stock at less than the lessor of the Conversion Price or the market price
at the time of issuance;  or  distributions  of assets or debt securities of the
Company.  However,  no adjustment will be made if Holders may participate in the
transaction or in certain other cases.

           (d) If the  Company  is a party to a  consolidation  or  merger  or a
transfer  or lease  of all or  substantially  all of its  assets,  the  right to
convert a Security  into Common  Stock may be changed into a right to convert it
into securities, cash or other assets of the Company or another entity.


                                                                        
                                        3

<PAGE>



8.  SUBORDINATION.  The Securities are subordinated to Senior Debt, which is the
principal  of  and  premium,  if  any,  and  interest  (including  post-petition
interest,  if any) on,  and any  other  payment  due  pursuant  to the  terms of
instruments  creating or evidencing  Indebtedness of the Company  outstanding on
the date of this Indenture or Indebtedness thereafter created, incurred, assumed
or  guaranteed  by the  Company  and all  renewals,  extensions  and  refundings
thereof, which is payable to banks or other traditional long-term  institutional
lenders such as insurance  companies and pension funds, unless in the instrument
creating or evidencing such Indebtedness,  it is provided that such Indebtedness
is not  senior  in right  of  payment  to the  Securities.  Notwithstanding  the
foregoing,  Senior Debt with respect to the Company or any Subsidiary  shall not
include (i) any Indebtedness of the Company to any Subsidiary for money borrowed
or advanced from such  Subsidiary  and (ii) any  Indebtedness  representing  the
redemption  price of any  preferred  stock.  "Indebtedness,"  as  applied to any
entity means any indebtedness,  contingent or otherwise,  in respect of borrowed
money  (whether or not the  recourse of the lender is to the whole of the assets
of such entity or only to a portion  thereof),  or  evidenced  by bonds,  notes,
debentures or similar  instruments  or letters of credit,  or  representing  the
balance  deferred and unpaid of the  purchase  price of any property or interest
therein, except any such balance that constitutes a trade payable, if and to the
extent that such  indebtedness  would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet
of such entity  prepared on a  consolidated  basis in accordance  with generally
accepted accounting  principles.  The Securities shall rank senior or pari passu
to all  indebtedness  evidenced  by  securities  of the  Company  and any  other
indebtedness  other than Senior Debt. To the extent  provided in the  Indenture,
Senior Debt must be paid before the  Securities  may be paid. The Company agrees
to the subordination and authorizes the Trustee to give it effect.

9.  DENOMINATION,  TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE.  The Securities are in registered form
without coupons in  denominations  of $1,000 and whole multiples of $1,000.  The
transfer of Securities  may be  registered  and  Securities  may be exchanged as
provided in the  Indenture.  The  Registrar  may  require a Holder,  among other
things, to furnish  appropriate  endorsements and transfer  documents and to pay
any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture.  The Registrar
need not exchange or register the transfer of any  Securities for a period of 15
days before a selection of Securities to be redeemed.

10. PERSONS DEEMED OWNERS. The registered holder of a Security may be treated as
its owner for all purposes.

11. AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS. Subject to certain exceptions,  the Indenture or the
Securities  may be amended  with the  consent of the  Holders of at least 60% in
principal  amount of the  Securities.  Without the  consent of any  Holder,  the
Indenture  or the  Securities  may be amended to cure any  ambiguity,  defect or
inconsistency, to provide for assumption of Company obligations to Holders or to
make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holders.

12.  DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES.  Each of the following  occurrences  constitutes  an
Event of Default:  (i) failure by the Company to pay interest on the  Securities
for more than 20 days after the due date thereof; (ii) failure by the Company to
pay principal when due; (iii) failure by the Company for 45 days after notice to
comply with any of its other agreements in the Indenture or the Securities; (iv)

                                                                        
                                        4

<PAGE>



certain   defaults   under  and   accelerations   prior  to  maturity  of  other
indebtedness;  (v) a final judgment or final  judgments for the payment of money
are  entered by a court of  competent  jurisdiction  against  the Company or any
Subsidiary  which remains  unpaid and unstayed for a period of 30 days after the
date of which the right to appeal has expired,  provided  that the  aggregate of
all such judgments  exceeds  $500,000;  and (vi) certain events of bankruptcy or
insolvency. If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing,  the Trustee or the
Holder of at least 25% in principal  amount of the Securities may declare all of
the  Securities to be due and payable  immediately.  Holders may not enforce the
Indenture or the Securities except as provided in the Indenture. The Trustee may
require  indemnity  satisfactory  to it before it enforces the  Indenture or the
Securities.  Subject to certain limitations,  Holders of a majority in principal
amount of the  Securities  may direct the  Trustee in its  exercise of any trust
power.  The Trustee may withhold from Holders notice of any  continuing  default
(except a default in the payment of principal or interest) if it determines that
withholding  notice is in their  interest.  The Company  must  furnish an annual
compliance certificate to the Trustee.

13. TRUSTEE DEALINGS WITH THE COMPANY.  American Stock Transfer & Trust Company,
the Trustee under the Indenture,  in its individual or any other  capacity,  may
make loans to, accept deposits from, and perform services for the Company or its
Affiliates,  and may otherwise deal with the Company or its Affiliates, as if it
were not Trustee.

14. NO RECOURSE AGAINST OTHERS. A director, officer, employee or stockholder, as
such, of the Company shall not have any  liability  for any  obligations  of the
Company under the Securities or the Indenture or for any claim based thereon, in
respect of or by reason of such  obligations or their  creation.  Each Holder by
accepting a Security  waives and  releases  all such  liability.  The waiver and
release are part of the consideration for the issue of the Securities.

15. AUTHENTICATION.  This Security shall not be valid until authenticated by the
manual  signature  of the Trustee or an  authenticating  agent  appointed by the
Trustee.

16. ABBREVIATIONS.  Customary  abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder
or an assignee, such as: TEN COM ("tenants in common"), TEN ENT ("tenants by the
entireties"),  JT TEN  ("joint  tenants  with right of  survivorship  and not as
tenants in common"),  CUST ("Custodian"),  and U/G/M/A ("Uniform Gifts to Minors
Act").  The Company will furnish to any Holder upon written  request and without
charge a copy of the  Indenture,  which has in it the text of this  Security  in
larger type. Requests may be made to: Secretary, Bentley Pharmaceuticals,  Inc.,
One Urban  Centre,  Suite  550,  4830 West  Kennedy  Boulevard,  Tampa,  Florida
33609-2517.



                                                                        
                                        5

<PAGE>

         ASSIGNMENT FORM                             CONVERSION NOTICE

To assign this Security, fill in the     To  convert  this Security into Common
 form below:                             Stock of the Company, check the box:[ ]


I or we assign and transfer this         To convert only part of this Security,
 Security to                             state the amount:

(Insert assignee's soc. sec. or
 tax i.d. no.)
                                                   $______________________
____________________________________
                                         If you want the stock certificate made
____________________________________     out in another person's name, fill in 
                                         the form below:
____________________________________
(Print or type assignee's name,          (Insert assignee's soc. sec. or 
 address and zip code)                    tax i.d. no.)

and irrevocably appoint_____________     _______________________________________
__________________ agent to transfer
this Security on the books of the        _______________________________________
Company.  This agent may substitute
another to act for him.                  _______________________________________
                                                          
                                         _______________________________________
                                         (print or type assignee's name, address
                                          and zip code)

                     ______________________________________


Date: ______________________        Your Signature _____________________________

(Sign your name exactly as it appears on the other side of this Security)

                                                                        
                                        6



                                WARRANT AGREEMENT


     AGREEMENT,  dated  as of this ___ day of  February,  1996,  by and  between
BENTLEY  PHARMACEUTICALS,  INC.,  a Florida  corporation  (the  "Company"),  and
AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY ("the Warrant Agent").

                               W I T N E S S E T H
                               - - - - - - - - - -

     WHEREAS,  in  connection  with (i) a public  offering  of up to 6,900 units
("the  Units"),  each  Unit  consisting  of  one  $1,000  principal  amount  12%
Convertible Senior Subordinated  Debenture and 1,000 Class A Redeemable Warrants
(the "Class A Warrants"),  each Class A Warrant  exercisable for the purchase of
one share of common stock, par value $.02 per share (the "Common Stock"), of the
Company,  and one Class B Redeemable Warrant (the "Class B Warrants"),  each two
Class B Warrants  exercisable  for the  purchase  of one share of Common  Stock,
pursuant  to an  Underwriting  Agreement  dated  ___,  1996  (the  "Underwriting
Agreement"),  between the Company  and  Coleman  and  Company  Securities,  Inc.
("Coleman"),  and (ii) the issuance to Coleman or its  designees of  Underwriter
Warrants to purchase an  aggregate  of 600 Units,  the Company  will issue up to
7,500,000  Class A Warrants and 7,500,000 Class B Warrants (the Class A Warrants
and the Class B Warrants, sometimes collectively, the "Warrants").

     WHEREAS,  the Company  desires  the  Warrant  Agent to act on behalf of the
Company,  and the  Warrant  Agent is willing to so act, in  connection  with the
issuance,  registration,  transfer, exchange and redemption of the Warrants, the
issuance of certificates representing the Warrants, the exercise of the Warrants
and the rights of the holders thereof;

     NOW THEREFORE,  in consideration of the premises and the mutual  agreements
hereinafter  set forth and for the purpose of defining the terms and  provisions
of  the  Warrants  and  the  certificates  representing  the  Warrants  and  the
respective  rights and  obligations  thereunder  of the Company,  the holders of
certificates representing the Warrants and the Warrant Agent, the parties hereto
agree as follows:

SECTION 1.           DEFINITIONS.

     As used herein,  the  following  terms shall have the  following  meanings,
unless the context shall otherwise require:

     1.01 "Common  Stock" shall mean stock of the Company of any class,  whether
now  or  hereafter  authorized,  which  has  the  right  to  participate  in the
distribution of earnings and assets of the Company without limit as to amount or
percentage,  which  at the date of the  closing  of the  Underwriting  Agreement
consisted of 3,330,472 outstanding shares of Common Stock, $.02 par value.

     1.02 "Corporate  Office" shall mean the office of the Warrant Agent (or its
successor)  at which at any  particular  time its  principal  business  shall be
administered,  which office is located at the date hereof at 40 Wall Street, New
York, New York, 10005.

     1.03 "Exercise  Date" shall mean, as to any Warrant,  the date on which the
Warrant Agent shall have received both (i) the Warrant Certificate  representing
such Warrant,  with the exercise  form thereon duly  executed by the  Registered
Holder thereof or his attorney duly  authorized in writing,  and (ii) payment in
cash, or by official bank or certified check made payable to the Company,  of an
amount in lawful money of the United States of America  equal to the  applicable
Purchase Price.

                                                           

<PAGE>



     1.04 "Initial Exercise Date" shall mean six months from the date hereof (or
such  earlier  date  with  the  prior  written  consent  of  Coleman),  when the
Debentures and the Warrants may be detached and separately transferable,  or the
date of issuance of the Class B Warrants, as applicable.

     1.05  "Purchase  Price"  shall  mean the  purchase  price  to be paid  upon
exercise of each Warrant in accordance with the terms hereof,  which price shall
be $3.00 as to each Class A Warrant  and $5.00 as to each two Class B  Warrants,
subject to adjustment  from time to time pursuant to the provisions of Section 9
hereof and subject to the  Company's  right to reduce the Purchase  Price to all
Warrantholders.

     1.06  "Redemption  Price" shall mean the price at which the Company may, at
its option,  redeem the  Warrants,  in accordance  with the terms hereof,  which
price shall be $0.05 per Class A or Class B Warrant,  subject to adjustment from
time to time pursuant to the provisions of Section 9 hereof.

     1.07  "Registered   Holder"  shall  mean  the  person  in  whose  name  any
certificate representing Warrants shall be registered on the books maintained by
the Warrant Agent pursuant to Section 6 hereof.

     1.08 "Trading Day" shall mean each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and
Friday other than any day on which  securities are not traded on the exchange or
the  Nasdaq  system  which is the  principal  market for the  Common  Stock,  as
determined by the Board of Directors of the Company.

     1.09 "Transfer  Agent" shall mean Chemical Mellon  Shareholder  Services of
New York as the transfer agent for the Company's Common Stock, or its authorized
successor, as such.

     1.10  "Warrant  Expiration  Date"  shall mean 5:00 P.M.  (New York time) on
February ___, 1999, with respect to the Class A Warrants, or February___,  2001,
with respect to the Class B Warrants,  or in either case the Redemption  Date as
defined in Section 8 hereof,  whichever is earlier;  provided,  however, that if
such date  shall in the State of New York be a holiday  or a day on which  banks
are  authorized to close,  then 5:00 P.M. (New York time) on the next  following
day which in the State of New York is not a holiday or a day on which  banks are
authorized to close.  Notwithstanding the foregoing,  as to the Warrants subject
to the Underwriter  Warrants,  the Expiration Date of the Class A Warrants shall
be the later of (i) ___________ 1999 or (ii) one year after the date of exercise
of the  portion  of the  Underwriter  Warrants  pursuant  to which  such Class A
Warrants  are  issued  and the  Expiration  Date of the Class B  Warrants  shall
instead be the later of (a)  __________  2001 or (b) two years after the date of
exercise of the portion of the Underwriter  Warrants pursuant to which the Class
A Warrants are issued which may be exercised for Class B Warrants.

     1.11  "Warrant  Shares"  shall  mean the  shares of  Common  Stock or other
securities pursuant to Section 9 hereof issuable upon exercise of the Warrants.

SECTION 2.           WARRANTS AND ISSUANCE OF WARRANT CERTIFICATES.

     2.01 Each Class A Warrant shall initially  entitle the Registered Holder of
such Class A Warrant  Certificate  representing such Warrant,  after the Initial
Exercise  Date,  to purchase  one share of Common  Stock and one Class B Warrant
upon the exercise  thereof,  in  accordance  with the terms  hereof,  subject to
modification and adjustment as provided in Section 9 hereof.

     2.02 Each two (2) Class B Warrants shall entitle the  Registered  Holder of
such Class B Warrant  Certificates  representing  such  Warrants to purchase one
share of Common  Stock upon the  exercise of two Class B Warrants in  accordance
with  the  terms  hereof,    subject   to   modification   and   adjustment   as

                                      - 2 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



provided  in Section 9 hereof.  Registered  Holders  will only be  permitted  to
exercise Class B Warrants in multiples of two.

     2.03 The  Class A  Warrants  included  in the  offering  of  Units  will be
detachable  from the Debentures  constituting  part of such Units and separately
transferable  therefrom  after  August __,  1996 or sooner  with the  consent of
Coleman (the  "Separation  Date").  The Class B Warrants will be detachable  and
freely  transferable  immediately  from the shares of Common  Stock  issued upon
exercise of the Class A Warrants.

     2.04 On the  Separation  Date, and upon written order of the Company signed
by its Chairman of the Board, President or a Vice President and by its Secretary
or an Assistant Secretary, the Warrant Certificates,  representing the number of
Warrants  issuable  upon  detachment  and  separation  of the  Units,  shall  be
countersigned, issued and delivered by the Warrant Agent.

     2.05 From time to time, up to the respective  Warrant Expiration Dates, the
Transfer  Agent shall  countersign  and deliver stock  certificates  in required
whole number denominations  representing up to an aggregate of 11,250,000 shares
of Common Stock, subject to adjustment as described herein, upon the exercise of
Warrants in accordance with this Agreement.

     2.06 From time to time, up to the applicable  Warrant Expiration Dates, the
Warrant Agent shall  countersign  and deliver  Warrant  Certificates in required
whole number  denominations  to the persons  entitled thereto in connection with
any transfer or exchange permitted under this Agreement; provided, however, that
no  Warrant  Certificates  shall be issued  except  (i) those  initially  issued
hereunder,  (ii) those issued on or after the Initial  Exercise  Date,  upon the
exercise of fewer than all Warrants represented by any Warrant  Certificate,  to
evidence any  unexercised  Warrants held by the  exercising  Registered  Holder;
(iii) those issued upon any  transfer or exchange  pursuant to Section 6 hereof;
(iv) those issued in replacement of lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Warrant
Certificates  pursuant to Section 7 hereof; (v) at the option of the Company, in
such  form  as may be  approved  by its  Board  of  Directors,  to  reflect  any
adjustment or change in the Purchase Price, the number of shares of Common Stock
purchasable  upon exercise of the Warrants or the Redemption Price therefor made
pursuant  to Section 9 hereof;  and (vi)  those  Class B  Warrants  issued  upon
exercise of Class A Warrants.

     2.07  Pursuant  to the  terms  of the  Underwriter  Warrants,  Coleman  may
purchase up to 600  additional  Units,  including up to 600,000 Class A Warrants
and 600,000 Class B Warrants,  and with Warrant Expiration Dates as specifically
set forth in Section 1.10 hereof.


SECTION 3.           FORM AND EXECUTION OF WARRANT CERTIFICATES.

     3.01 The Warrant  Certificates  shall be  substantially in the form annexed
hereto as Exhibit A as to the Class A Warrants  and  Exhibit B as to the Class B
Warrants (the provisions of which are hereby  incorporated  herein) and may have
such letters,  numbers or other marks of  identification or designation and such
legends, summaries or endorsements printed,  lithographed or engraved thereon as
the Company may deem appropriate and as are not inconsistent with the provisions
of this Agreement, or as may be required to comply with any law or with any rule
or regulation made pursuant  thereto or with any rule or regulation of any stock
exchange or national  securities  system on which the Warrants may be listed, or
to  conform  to  usage.  The  Warrant  Certificates  shall be dated  the date of
issuance thereof (whether upon initial issuance,  transfer,  exchange or in lieu
of mutilated,  lost,  stolen, or destroyed  Warrant  Certificates) and issued in
registered  form.  Warrant  Certificates  shall be  numbered  serially  with the
letters AW on each Class A Warrant of all  denominations  and BW on each Class B
Warrant of all denominations.

                                      - 3 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



     3.02 Warrant Certificates shall be executed on behalf of the Company by its
Chairman of the Board,  President or any Vice  President and by its Secretary or
an Assistant Secretary,  by manual signatures or by facsimile signatures printed
thereon,  and shall have  imprinted  thereon a facsimile of the Company's  seal.
Warrant  Certificates  shall be manually  countersigned by the Warrant Agent and
shall not be valid for any purpose unless so countersigned.  In case any officer
of the Company who shall have signed any of the Warrant Certificates shall cease
to be such officer of the Company or to hold the particular office referenced in
the Warrant Certificate before the date of issuance of the Warrant  Certificates
or before  countersignature by the Warrant Agent and issue and delivery thereof,
such Warrant  Certificates  may  nevertheless  be  countersigned  by the Warrant
Agent,  issued and delivered with the same force and effect as though the person
who signed such  Warrant  Certificates  had not ceased to be such officer of the
Company. After countersignature by the Warrant Agent, Warrant Certificates shall
be delivered  by the Warrant  Agent to the  Registered  Holder  without  further
action by the Company, except as otherwise provided by Section 4 hereof.

SECTION 4.  EXERCISE.  Each Warrant may be exercised  by the  Registered  Holder
thereof at any time on or after the  applicable  Initial  Exercise Date, but not
after the applicable  Warrant Expiration Date, upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth herein and in the applicable Warrant Certificate. A Warrant
shall be  deemed  to have  been  exercised  immediately  prior  to the  close of
business on the applicable  Exercise Date and the person entitled to receive the
securities  deliverable  upon such exercise shall be treated for all purposes as
the holder upon exercise  thereof as of the close of business on the  applicable
Exercise Date. As soon as practicable on or after the applicable  Exercise Date,
the Warrant  Agent shall  deposit the proceeds  received  from the exercise of a
Warrant  and shall  notify the  Company in  writing of such  exercise.  Promptly
following,  and in any event within five days after the date of such notice from
the Warrant Agent,  the Warrant Agent, on behalf of the Company,  shall cause to
be issued and delivered by the Transfer Agent, to the person or persons entitled
to  receive  the  same,  a  certificate  or  certificates   for  the  securities
deliverable   upon  such  exercise,   (plus  a  certificate  for  any  remaining
unexercised  Warrants  of the  Registered  Holder)  unless  prior to the date of
issuance of such  certificates  the Company shall  instruct the Warrant Agent to
refrain from causing such issuance of certificates  pending  clearance of checks
received  in  payment  of  the  Purchase   Price   pursuant  to  such  Warrants.
Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  in the case of  payment  made in the form of a
check drawn on an account of such investment  banks and brokerage  houses as the
Company  shall  approve in  writing to the  Warrant  Agent,  certificates  shall
immediately be issued without prior notice to the Company or any delay. Upon the
exercise of any Warrant and clearance of the funds  received,  the Warrant Agent
shall promptly  remit the payment  received for the Warrant to the Company or as
the Company may direct in writing.

SECTION 5.           RESERVATION OF SHARES: LISTING; PAYMENT OF TAXES; ETC.

     5.01 The  Company  covenants  that it will at all  times  reserve  and keep
available out of its  authorized  Common Stock,  solely for the purpose of issue
upon  exercise of Warrants,  such number of shares of Common Stock as shall then
be issuable upon the exercise of all outstanding Warrants. The Company covenants
that all shares of Common  Stock which shall be  issuable  upon  exercise of the
Warrants shall, at the time of delivery, be duly and validly issued, fully paid,
nonassessable  and free from all taxes,  liens and charges  with  respect to the
issue  thereof,  (other  than those  which the  Company  shall  promptly  pay or
discharge)  and that upon  issuance such shares shall be listed on each national
securities  exchange or included in each automated  quotation system, if any, on
which the other  shares of  outstanding  Common  Stock of the  Company  are then
listed or included.

     5.02 The Company  covenants  that if any  securities to be reserved for the
purpose of exercise of Warrants hereunder require registration with, or approval
of, any governmental authority under

                                     - 4 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



any federal  securities  law before  such  securities  may be validly  issued or
delivered  upon  such  exercise,  then the  Company  will in good  faith  and as
expeditiously as reasonably  possible,  endeavor to secure such  registration or
approval.  The  Company  will  use  reasonable  efforts  to  obtain  appropriate
approvals or registrations  under state "blue sky" securities laws. With respect
to any such securities;  however, Warrants may not be exercised by, or shares of
Common  Stock  issued  to,  any  Registered  Holder in any  state in which  such
exercise would be unlawful.

     5.03 The  Company  shall pay all  documentary,  stamp or similar  taxes and
other  governmental  charges that may be imposed with respect to the issuance of
Warrants,  or the issuance, or delivery of any shares of Common Stock or Class B
Warrants  upon  exercise  of the Class A Warrants  or  delivery of any shares of
Common Stock upon exercise of the Class B Warrants;  provided,  however, that if
the shares of Common  Stock or Class B  Warrants,  as the case may be, are to be
delivered in a name other than the name of the Registered  Holder of the Warrant
Certificate  representing  any Warrant  being  exercised,  then no such delivery
shall be made  unless the  person  requesting  the same has paid to the  Warrant
Agent the amount of transfer taxes or charges incident thereto, if any.

     5.04 The Warrant Agent is hereby irrevocably  authorized to requisition the
Company's Transfer Agent from time to time for certificates  representing shares
of Common Stock  required upon  exercise of the  Warrants,  and the Company will
authorize the Transfer  Agent to comply with all such proper  requisitions.  The
Company will file with the Warrant Agent a statement  setting forth the name and
address of the Transfer  Agent for shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise
of the Warrants.


SECTION 6.           EXCHANGE AND REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER.

     6.01  At  any  time  on  or  after  the  Initial  Exercise  Date,   Warrant
Certificates  may be exchanged for other Warrant  Certificates  representing  an
equal  aggregate  number of Warrants of the same class or may be  transferred in
whole or in part.  Warrant  Certificates to be exchanged shall be surrendered to
the Warrant Agent at its Corporate  Office,  and, upon satisfaction of the terms
and  provisions  hereof,  the Company  shall execute and the Warrant Agent shall
countersign,  issue and deliver in exchange therefor the Warrant  Certificate or
Certificates  which the Registered  Holder making the exchange shall be entitled
to receive.

     6.02 The Warrant Agent shall keep at its office books in which,  subject to
such  reasonable  regulations  as it may prescribe,  it shall  register  Warrant
Certificates and the transfer  thereof in accordance with its regular  practice.
Upon due presentment for registration of transfer of any Warrant  Certificate at
such office,  the Company  shall  execute and the Warrant  Agent shall issue and
deliver  to  the  transferee  or  transferees  a  new  Warrant   Certificate  or
Certificates representing an equal aggregate number of Warrants, as the case may
be.

     6.03 With respect to all Warrant Certificates presented for registration or
transfer,  or for exchange or  exercise,  the  subscription  form on the reverse
thereof shall be duly endorsed,  or be  accompanied  by a written  instrument or
instruments of transfer and  subscription,  in form  satisfactory to the Company
and  the  Warrant  Agent,   duly  executed  by  the  Registered  Holder  or  his
attorney-in-fact duly authorized in writing.

     6.04 A service  charge may be imposed by the Warrant Agent for any exchange
or registration of transfer of Warrant  Certificates.  In addition,  the Company
may require payment by such holder of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other
governmental charge that may be imposed in connection therewith.


                                      - 5 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



     6.05 All Warrant  Certificates  surrendered for exercise or for exchange in
case of  mutilated  Warrant  Certificates  shall be  promptly  cancelled  by the
Warrant Agent and thereafter  retained by the Warrant Agent until termination of
this Agreement or resignation as Warrant Agent or pursuant to applicable rule or
regulation  or  with  the  prior  written  consent  of  Coleman  disposed  of or
destroyed, at the direction of the Company.

     6.06 Prior to due presentment for  registration  of transfer  thereof,  the
Company and the Warrant  Agent may deem and treat the  Registered  Holder of any
Warrant   Certificate  as  the  absolute  owner  thereof  and  of  each  Warrant
represented  thereby  (notwithstanding  any  notations  of  ownership or writing
thereon  made by anyone other than a duly  authorized  officer of the Company or
the Warrant  Agent) for all  purposes and shall not be affected by any notice to
the contrary.

SECTION 7.           LOSS OR MUTILATION.

     Upon receipt by the Company and the Warrant Agent of evidence  satisfactory
to them of the ownership of and loss,  theft,  destruction  or mutilation of any
Warrant  Certificate  and (in case of loss,  theft or  destruction) of indemnity
satisfactory  to  them,  and (in the  case of  mutilation)  upon  surrender  and
cancellation  thereof, the Company shall execute and the Warrant Agent shall (in
the absence of notice to the Company  and/or the Warrant  Agent that the Warrant
Certificate has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser)  countersign and deliver
to the Registered Holder in lieu thereof a new Warrant Certificate of like tenor
representing an equal aggregate number of Warrants.  Applicants for a substitute
Warrant Certificate shall comply with such other reasonable  regulations and pay
such other reasonable charges as the Warrant Agent may prescribe.

SECTION 8.           REDEMPTION.

     8.01 Subject to the  provisions  of Section  2.07  hereof,  on or after the
Initial  Exercise  Date,  (i)  the  Class  A  Warrants  may be  redeemed  at the
Redemption  Price per Class A  Warrant,  if the  closing  price (as  hereinafter
defined)  of the Common  Stock for each of the twenty (20)  consecutive  Trading
Days  equals or  exceeds  150% of the then  Purchase  Price and (ii) the Class B
Warrants  may be  redeemed  at the  Redemption  Price per Class B Warrant if the
closing  price of the  Common  Stock  for each of the  twenty  (20)  consecutive
Trading Days equals or exceeds 130% of the then Purchase Price.  For the purpose
of this  Section 8, the  closing  price for each  Trading  Day shall be the last
reported sale price regular way or, in case no such reported sale takes place on
such  Trading  Day,  the  closing  bid price  regular  way in either case on the
principal  national  securities  exchange on which the Common Stock is listed or
admitted to trading or, if the Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading
on any national securities exchange, the highest reported bid price as furnished
by the National  Association  of Securities  Dealers,  Inc.  through NASDAQ (the
"Nasdaq  System") or similar  organization if NASDAQ is no longer reporting such
information,  or by the National Daily Quotation Bureau or similar  organization
if the Common Stock is not then quoted on an inter-dealer  quotation system. All
Warrants of a class must be redeemed if any of that class are redeemed.

     8.02 In case the Company shall desire to exercise its right to redeem Class
A or Class B  Warrants,  not later than ten (10) days  following  the end of any
twenty  (20)  consecutive  Trading Day period in Section  8.01  above,  it shall
irrevocably  request the Warrant Agent to mail a notice of redemption to each of
the  Registered  Holders of the class of Warrants to be  redeemed,  first class,
postage  prepaid,  not less than  thirty  (30) days  before  the date  fixed for
redemption,  at their last address as shall appear in the records of the Warrant
Agent.  Any notice mailed in the manner  provided  herein shall be  conclusively
presumed to have been duly given whether or not the Registered  Holder  receives
such notice. The Company shall also give notice of election to redeem by issuing
a release to that effect in the Dow Jones News Service.

                                      - 6 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



     8.03 The  notice of  redemption  referred  to in Section  8.02 above  shall
specify (i) the redemption price, (ii) the date fixed for redemption,  (iii) the
place where the Warrant Certificates shall be delivered and the redemption price
paid, and (iv) that the right to exercise the Warrant shall terminate at 5:00 PM
(New York time) on the business  day  immediately  preceding  the date fixed for
redemption.  The date  fixed for the  redemption  of the  Warrants  shall be the
Redemption Date. No failure to mail such notice nor any defect therein or in the
mailing thereof shall affect the validity of the proceedings for such redemption
except as to a holder (a) to whom notice was not mailed or (b) whose  notice was
defective. An affidavit of the Warrant Agent or of the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary of the Company that notice of redemption has been mailed shall, in the
absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.

     8.04 Any right to  exercise  the class of  Warrants  to be  redeemed  shall
terminate at 5:00 P.M. (New York time) on the business day immediately preceding
the Redemption  Date. On and after the Redemption  Date, the Registered  Holders
shall  have no  further  rights  except  to  receive,  upon  surrender  of their
Warrants, the Redemption Price.

     8.05 From and after the Redemption  Date,  the Company shall,  at the place
specified in the notice of redemption,  upon  presentation  and surrender to the
Company by or on behalf of the Registered  Holder of one or more of the class of
Warrants to be redeemed, deliver or cause to be delivered to or upon the written
order of such Registered  Holder a sum in cash equal to the Redemption  Price of
each such Warrant.  From and after the  Redemption  Date and upon the deposit or
setting  aside by the  Company of a sum  sufficient  to redeem all the  Warrants
called for redemption, such Warrants shall expire and become void and all rights
hereunder  and under  the  Warrant  Certificates,  except  the right to  receive
payment of the Redemption Price, shall cease.

SECTION 9.    ADJUSTMENT OF PURCHASE PRICE AND NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK.

     9.01 (a) The Purchase Price, the number of Warrant Shares  purchasable upon
exercise  of each class of  Warrants  and the  number of each class of  Warrants
outstanding  are subject to adjustment  from time to time upon the occurrence of
the events  enumerated in this Section 9. In the event the Company shall, at any
time or from time to time  after  the date  hereof,  issue any  shares of Common
Stock as a stock  dividend  to the  holders of Common  Stock,  or  subdivide  or
combine the  outstanding  shares of Common Stock into a greater or lesser number
of shares (any such issuance,  subdivision or combination  being herein called a
"Change of Shares"), then, and thereafter upon each further Change of Shares the
Purchase  Price in effect  immediately  prior to such Change of Shares  shall be
changed to a price  (including any applicable  fraction of a cent) determined by
multiplying  the  Purchase  Price  in  effect  immediately  prior  thereto  by a
fraction,  the  numerator of which shall be the number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding  immediately prior to the issuance of such additional shares and the
denominator  of which shall be the number of shares of Common Stock  outstanding
immediately after the issuance of such additional shares.  Such adjustment shall
be made successively whenever such an issuance is made.

     (b) Upon each  adjustment of the Purchase Price pursuant to this Section 9,
the total number of shares of Common Stock purchasable upon the exercise of each
class of Warrant  shall  (subject to the  provisions  contained  in Section 9.02
hereof) be such number of shares  calculated to the nearest tenth purchasable at
the Purchase Price in effect immediately prior to such adjustment  multiplied by
a  fraction,  the  numerator  of which  shall be the  Purchase  Price in  effect
immediately  prior to such  adjustment and the denominator of which shall be the
Purchase Price in effect immediately after such adjustment.

     9.02 The Company  may elect,  upon any  adjustment  of the  Purchase  Price
hereunder,  to adjust the number of each class of Warrants outstanding,  in lieu
of the adjustment in the number of Shares

                                      - 7 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



purchasable upon the exercise of each Warrant as hereinabove  provided,  so that
each  Class  A or  Class B  Warrant  outstanding  after  such  adjustment  shall
represent  the right to  purchase  one share of Common  Stock in the case of the
Class A Warrants  and  one-half  (1/2) share of Common  Stock in the case of the
Class B Warrants.  Each Class A and Class B Warrant held of record prior to such
adjustment  of the  number of Class A and Class B  Warrants  shall  become  that
number of Warrants  (calculated to the nearest tenth)  determined by multiplying
the number by a fraction,  the numerator of which shall be the Purchase Price in
effect  immediately  prior to such adjustment and the denominator of which shall
be the Purchase Price in effect  immediately  after such  adjustment.  Upon each
adjustment  of the number of Warrants  pursuant  to this  Section 9, the Company
shall,  as promptly as  practicable,  cause to be distributed to each Registered
Holder  of  Warrant  Certificates  on the  date of such  adjustment  of  Warrant
Certificates evidencing,  subject to Section 10 hereof, the number of additional
Warrants to which such Holder  shall be entitled as a result of such  adjustment
or, at the option of the  Company,  cause to be  distributed  to such  Holder in
substitution and replacement for the Warrant  Certificates  held by him prior to
the date of adjustment (and upon surrender thereof,  if required by the Company)
new Warrant  Certificates  evidencing the number of Class A and Class B Warrants
to which such Holder shall be entitled after such adjustment.

     9.03 In case  of any  reclassification,  capital  reorganization  or  other
change of outstanding shares of Common Stock, or in case of any consolidation or
merger  of  the  Company  with  or  into  another   corporation  (other  than  a
consolidation  or merger in which the Company is the continuing  corporation and
which does not result in any reclassification,  capital  reorganization or other
change  of  outstanding  shares  of  Common  Stock),  or in case of any  sale or
conveyance  to  another  corporation  of the  property  of the  Company  as,  or
substantially  as, an entirety (other than a  sale/leaseback,  mortgage or other
financing  transaction),  the Company shall cause effective provision to be made
so that each Registered  Holder shall have the right  thereafter,  by exercising
such class of  Warrant,  to  purchase  the kind and number of shares of stock or
other   securities   or  property   (including   cash)   receivable   upon  such
reclassification, capital reorganization or other change, consolidation, merger,
sale or  conveyance  by a holder of the  number of shares of Common  Stock  that
might have been  purchased  upon  exercise of such class of Warrant  immediately
prior  to  such  reclassification,   capital  reorganization  or  other  change,
consolidation,  merger,  sale or conveyance.  Any such  provision  shall include
provision  for  adjustments  that  shall  be as  nearly  equivalent  as  may  be
practicable to the adjustments provided for in this Section 9. The Company shall
not  effect  any  such  consolidation,   merger  or  sale  unless  prior  to  or
simultaneously  with the  consummation  thereof the successor (if other than the
Company)  resulting  from  such  consolidation  or  merger  or  the  corporation
purchasing  assets or other  appropriate  corporation or entity shall assume, by
written  instrument  executed and delivered to the Warrant Agent, the obligation
to deliver to each Registered Holder such shares of stock,  securities or assets
as, in accordance with the foregoing provisions, such Holders may be entitled to
purchase  and  the  other  obligations  under  this  Agreement.   The  foregoing
provisions  shall  similarly  apply  to  successive  reclassifications,  capital
reorganizations  and other changes of outstanding  shares of Common Stock and to
successive consolidations, mergers, sales or conveyances.

     9.04 (a) If at any time after the date hereof the  Company  shall issue any
shares of Common Stock (other than shares  issued as a dividend or  distribution
as provided in Section 9.01(a)  hereof) for a consideration  per share less than
the  Current  Market  Price per share,  then,  forthwith  upon such  issue,  the
Purchase  Price in effect  immediately  prior to such  issuance  (the  "Existing
Purchase  Price")  shall be reduced by  dividing  the number of shares of Common
Stock so issued by the total number of shares  outstanding  after such issuance,
multiplying the quotient by the difference  between the Existing  Purchase Price
and the price of the  shares so  issued  and  subtracting  the  result  from the
Existing  Purchase Price. In the case of an issue of additional shares of Common
Stock for cash,  the  consideration  received by the Company  therefor  shall be
deemed to be the net cash  proceeds  received  for such shares,  excluding  cash
received on account of accrued interest or accrued dividends and after deducting
therefrom any and all commissions and

                                      - 8 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



expenses paid or incurred by the Company for any  underwriting  of, or otherwise
in connection  with, the issue of such shares.  The term "issue" shall be deemed
to include the sale or other  disposition  of shares of Common Stock held in the
Company's  treasury.  The number of shares of Common  Stock  outstanding  at any
given time shall not include shares in the Company's treasury or shares owned by
any majority-owned subsidiary of the Company.

     (b) If at any time after the date  hereof the Company  shall issue  rights,
options or warrants  entitling the holders  thereof to subscribe for or purchase
Common Stock (or securities  convertible  into or exchangeable for Common Stock)
at a price per share (or having a conversion  price per share,  in the case of a
security  convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock) less than the lower
of the Purchase  Price or Current  Market Price per share of Common Stock on the
record date for the  determination  of  stockholders  entitled  to receive  such
rights or the granting date if such holders are not  stockholders,  then in each
such case the Purchase Price shall be adjusted by multiplying the Purchase Price
in effect  immediately  prior to such record or granting date by a fraction,  of
which the  numerator  shall be the  number of shares of Common  Stock  which the
aggregate  offering price of the total number of shares of Common Stock so to be
offered (or the aggregate initial conversion price of the convertible securities
so to be offered) would purchase at such Current Market Price,  and of which the
denominator  shall be the number of shares of Common Stock  outstanding  on such
record or granting date plus the number of additional  shares of Common Stock to
be offered  for  subscription  or  purchase  (or into which the  convertible  or
exchangeable   securities  so  to  be  offered  are  initially   convertible  or
exchangeable).  Such adjustment  shall become effective at the close of business
on such record date; provided, however, that, to the extent the shares of Common
Stock (or  securities  convertible  into or  exchangeable  for  shares of Common
Stock) are not  delivered,  the  Purchase  Price shall be  readjusted  after the
expiration of such rights,  options,  or warrants (but only as to those Warrants
which are not  exercised  after such  expiration),  to the Purchase  Price which
would  then be in effect  had the  adjustments  made upon the  issuance  of such
rights or  warrants  been made upon the basis of  delivery of only the number of
shares of Common  Stock (or  securities  convertible  into or  exchangeable  for
shares of Common Stock) actually issued.  In case any subscription  price may be
paid in a consideration part of all of which shall be in a form other than cash,
the value of such  consideration  shall be as  determined  in good  faith by the
Company's Board of Directors, whose determination shall be conclusive. Shares of
Common  Stock  owned  by  or  held  for  the  account  of  the  Company  or  any
majority-owned subsidiary shall not be deemed outstanding for the purpose of any
such computation.

     (c) For the  purpose  of any  computation  under  this  Section  9.04,  the
"Current  Market Price" per share of Common Stock on any date shall be deemed to
be the average of the daily  closing price for the 30  consecutive  trading days
commencing  45 trading  days  before such date.  The closing  price for each day
shall be the last reported  sales price regular way or, in case no such reported
sale takes place on such day, the closing bid price  regular way, in either case
on the  principal  national  securities  exchange  on which the Common  Stock is
listed or admitted to trading or, if the Common  Stock is not listed or admitted
to trading on any national securities  exchange,  the highest reported bid price
as furnished by the Nasdaq System or similar organization if Nasdaq is no longer
reporting such information, or by the National Daily Quotation Bureau or similar
organization  if the  Common  Stock is not quoted on an  inter-dealer  quotation
system.  If on any  such  date  the  Common  Stock  is not  quoted  by any  such
organization,  the fair value of the Common Stock on such date, as determined by
the Company's Board of Directors, shall be used.

     9.05  Irrespective  of any  adjustments or changes in the Purchase Price or
the  number  of  Warrant  Shares,  the  Warrant  Certificates   theretofore  and
thereafter  issued shall,  unless the Company shall exercise its option to issue
new Warrant  Certificates  pursuant to Section 2.04 hereof,  continue to express
the Purchase  Price per share,  the number of Warrant  Shares and the Redemption
Price therefor as the Purchase

                                      - 9 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



Price per share  and the  number of  Warrant  Shares  and the  Redemption  Price
therefore  were  expressed  in the  Warrant  Certificates  when  the  same  were
originally issued.

     9.06 After each  adjustment of the Exercise  Price pursuant to this Section
9, the Company will promptly prepare a certificate signed by the Chairman of the
Board or  President,  and by the  Treasurer  or an  Assistant  Treasurer  or the
Secretary or an  Assistant  Secretary,  of the Company  setting  forth:  (i) the
Purchase  Price  as  adjusted,  (ii)  the  number  of  shares  of  Common  Stock
purchasable upon exercise of each class of Warrant after such  adjustment,  and,
if the Company  shall have elected to adjust the number of Warrants,  the number
of Warrants to which the  Registered  Holder of each class of Warrant shall then
be entitled,  and any adjustment in Redemption  Price resulting  therefrom,  and
(iii) a brief  statement  of the facts as shall be  necessary to show the reason
for and manner of computing such adjustment. The Company will promptly file such
certificate  with the Warrant Agent and cause a brief summary  hereof to be sent
by ordinary first class mail to each  Registered  Holder of Warrants at his last
address  as it shall  appear on the  registry  books of the  Warrant  Agent.  No
failure to mail such  notice nor any defect  therein or in the  mailing  thereof
shall affect the validity  thereof except as to a Registered  Holder (a) to whom
notice was not mailed or (b) whose  notice was  defective.  The  affidavit of an
officer of the Warrant Agent or the  Secretary or an Assistant  Secretary of the
Company  that such notice has been  mailed  shall,  in the absence of fraud,  be
prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.

     9.07  For  purposes  of  this  Section  9,  the  following  shall  also  be
applicable:

     (a) The  number of shares of Common  Stock  outstanding  at any given  time
shall not include  shares of Common Stock owned or held by or for the account of
the  Company,  and the  distribution  of any such  treasury  shares shall not be
considered a Change of Shares for purposes of said Sections.

     (b) No  adjustment  of  the  Purchase  Price  shall  be  made  unless  such
adjustment would require an increase or decrease of at least $.05 in such Price;
provided,  however,  that any adjustments which by reason of this clause (b) are
not  required to be made shall be carried  forward and shall be made at the time
of and together with the next  subsequent  adjustment  which,  together with any
adjustment(s)  so carried  forward,  shall require an increase or decrease of at
least $.05 in the Purchase Price then in effect hereunder.

     9.08 No adjustment  to the Purchase  Price of the Warrants or to the number
of shares of Common  Stock  purchasable  upon  exercise of each  Warrant will be
made, however, (i) upon the exercise of any of the options presently outstanding
under the Company's  Incentive Stock Option Plan, the Non-Qualified Stock Option
Plan and the 1991 Stock  Option  Plan  (together,  the  "Plans");  (ii) upon the
issuance or exercise of any other  securities  which may hereafter be granted or
exercised  under  the  Plans or under any  other  employee  benefit  plan of the
Company;  (iii) upon the sale or exercise  of the  Warrants,  including  without
limitation  the sale or  exercise of any  Warrants  comprising  the  Underwriter
Warrant;  or (iv)  upon the  issuance  or sale of Common  Stock  (or  securities
convertible  into or  exchangeable  for Common  Stock) upon the  exercise of any
currently  outstanding  rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase,  or any
option for the purchase of, Common Stock or Convertible Securities.

     9.09 As used in this Section 9, the term "Common  Stock" means and includes
the Common  Stock  authorized  on the date  hereof and shall  also  include  any
capital stock of any class of the Company thereafter  authorized which shall not
be limited to a fixed sum or  percentage in respect of the rights of the holders
thereof to participate in dividends and in the  distribution  of assets upon the
voluntary  liquidation,  dissolution  or  winding up of the  Company;  provided,
however,  that the  Warrant  Shares  shall  include  only  shares of such  class
designated in the Company's  Certificate of Incorporation as Common Stock on the
date hereof or (i), in the case of any reclassification  change,  consolidation,
merger, sale or conveyance of the

                                     - 10 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



character  referred to in Section 9.03 hereof the stock,  securities or property
provided for in such  Section or (ii),  in the case of any  reclassification  or
change in the  outstanding  shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the
Warrants as a result of a subdivision  or  combination or consisting of a change
in par  value,  or from par value to no par value,  or from no par  value,  such
shares of Common Stock as so reclassified or changed.

     9.10 Any determination as to whether an adjustment in the Purchase Price in
effect  hereunder is required  pursuant to Section 9, or as to the amount of any
such adjustment,  if required,  shall be binding and conclusive upon the Holders
of the  Warrants and the Company if made in good faith by the Board of Directors
of the  Company  (or the  Board  of  Directors  of any  corporation  which  is a
successor as provided for in Section 9.03 hereof).  The Board of Directors shall
have the power to resolve any ambiguity or correct any error in this Section 9.

     9.11 If and  whenever  the  Company  shall  grant to the  holders of Common
Stock,  as such,  rights or warrants to  subscribe  for or to  purchase,  or any
options for the purchase  of,  Common Stock or  securities  convertible  into or
exchangeable  for or  carrying  a right,  warrant or option to  purchase  Common
Stock, the Company shall concurrently  therewith grant to each Registered Holder
as of the record date for such transaction of the Warrants then outstanding, the
rights,  warrants  or options to which each  Registered  Holder  would have been
entitled if, on the record date used to determine the  stockholders  entitled to
the rights,  warrants or options  being granted by the Company,  the  Registered
Holder were the holder of record of the number of whole  shares of Common  Stock
then issuable  upon  exercise of his Warrants.  Such grant by the Company to the
holders of the Warrants shall be in lieu of any adjustment which otherwise might
be called for pursuant to this Section 9.

     9.12 The  Company  may,  at its  option,  and  subject  to the rules of the
principal securities exchange or the Nasdaq System on which the Common Stock may
then be listed or included  for trading at any time until the  Expiration  Date,
reduce the then current Purchase Price for either or both classes of Warrants to
any amount deemed  appropriate  by the Board of Directors of the Company for any
period of at least  twenty (20)  consecutive  Trading  Days (as  evidenced  in a
resolution adopted by such Board of Directors). The Company shall mail, or cause
to be mailed,  a notice of the  reduction in the  Exercise  Price as provided in
this  Section  to each of the  Registered  Holders  of the  applicable  class of
Warrants first class,  postage prepaid,  not later than the twentieth day before
the  commencement  of such reduced  Purchase  Price, at their last address as it
shall appear on the records  maintained  pursuant to Section  6.02  hereof.  Any
notice mailed in the manner provided  herein shall be  conclusively  presumed to
have been duly given whether or not the Registered  Holder receives such notice.
The Company shall also give notice of the reduction in the Exercise Price within
the time  provided  above,  by issuing a release to that effect to the Dow Jones
News Service.  A reduction in the Exercise  Price  pursuant to this Section 9.12
does not cause any other adjustment pursuant to this Section 9.


SECTION 10. FRACTIONAL WARRANT AND FRACTIONAL SHARES. If the number of shares of
Common Stock  purchasable upon the exercise of each Warrant is adjusted pursuant
to Section 9 hereof,  the  Company  nevertheless  shall not be required to issue
fractions  of  shares,  upon  exercise  of  the  Warrants  or  otherwise,  or to
distribute  certificates that evidence  fractional  shares.  With respect to any
fraction of a share called for upon any exercise hereof, the Company shall round
up to the next highest share so that if any fraction  exists,  the Company shall
issue one full share for such fractional amount.


SECTION 11. WARRANT  HOLDERS NOT DEEMED  STOCKHOLDERS.  No Registered  Holder of
Warrants  shall,  as such,  be  entitled to vote or to receive  dividends  or be
deemed the holder of Common Stock that may at any time be issuable upon exercise
of such Warrants for any purpose whatsoever, nor shall anything contained herein
be  construed  to  confer  upon such  Holder,  as such,  any of the  rights of a
stockholder of the Company

                                     - 11 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



or any right to vote for the election of directors or upon any matter  submitted
to stockholders at any meeting  thereof,  or to give or withhold  consent to any
corporate action (whether upon any  recapitalization,  issue or reclassification
of stock, change of par value or change of stock to no par value, consolidation,
merger or  conveyance or  otherwise),  or to receive  notice of meetings,  or to
receive dividends or subscription rights, until such Holder shall have exercised
such  Warrants  and been issued  shares of Common Stock in  accordance  with the
provisions hereof.

SECTION  12.  RIGHTS  OF  ACTION.  All  rights of action  with  respect  to this
Agreement are vested in the respective  Registered Holders of the Warrants.  Any
Registered  Holder of a Warrant,  without consent of the Warrant Agent or of the
Holder of any other  Warrant,  may,  in his own behalf and for his own  benefit,
enforce  against the Company his right to exercise his Warrants for the purchase
of Warrant  Shares in the manner  provided in the Warrant  Certificate  and this
Agreement.

SECTION 13. AGREEMENT OF HOLDERS.  Every Registered  Holder of a Class A Warrant
or Class B Warrant,  by his  acceptance  thereof,  consents  and agrees with the
Company, the Warrant Agent and every other Holder of a Warrant that:

     (a) the Warrants are transferable only on the registry books of the Warrant
Agent by the  Registered  Holder  thereof  in  person  or by his  attorney  duly
authorized  in writing and only if the Warrant  Certificates  representing  such
Warrants are  surrendered at the office of the Warrant  Agent,  duly endorsed or
accompanied by a proper instrument of transfer satisfactory to the Warrant Agent
and  the  Company  in  their  sole  discretion,  together  with  payment  of any
applicable transfer taxes; and

     (b) the  Company  and the  Warrant  Agent may deem and treat the  person in
whose name the Warrant Certificate is registered as the Registered Holder and as
the absolute,  true and lawful owner of the Warrants represented thereby for all
purposes, and neither the Company nor the Warrant Agent shall be affected by any
notice or knowledge to the contrary,  except as otherwise  expressly provided in
Section 7 hereof.

SECTION 14. CANCELLATION OF WARRANT CERTIFICATES.  If the Company shall purchase
or  acquire  any  Warrant  or  Warrants,  the  Warrant  Certificate  or  Warrant
Certificates  evidencing  the same shall  thereupon  be delivered to the Warrant
Agent and  canceled by it and retired.  The Warrant  Agent shall also cancel the
Warrant  Certificates   following  exercise  of  any  or  all  of  the  Warrants
represented  thereby or delivered to it for transfer,  split-up,  combination or
exchange.

SECTION 15.           CONCERNING THE WARRANT AGENT.

     15.01 The  Warrant  Agent  acts  hereunder  as agent  and in a  ministerial
capacity  for the  Company,  and its duties  shall be  determined  solely by the
provisions  hereof.  The Warrant  Agent  shall not,  by issuing  and  delivering
Warrant  Certificates  or by any  other  act  hereunder  be  deemed  to make any
representations  as to the  validity,  value  or  authorization  of the  Warrant
Certificates or the Warrants  represented  thereby or of any securities or other
property delivered upon exercise of any Warrant or whether any stock issued upon
exercise of any Warrant is fully paid and nonassessable.

     15.02  The  Warrant  Agent  shall  not at any  time be  under  any  duty or
responsibility to any holder of Warrant Certificates to make or cause to be made
any adjustment of the Purchase  Price or the  Redemption  Price provided in this
Agreement,  or to  determine  whether any fact exists which may require any such
adjustments,  or with  respect to the  nature or extent of any such  adjustment,
when made,  or with respect to the method  employed in making the same. It shall
not be (i) liable for any recital or statement of facts

                                     - 12 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



contained herein or for any action taken,  suffered or omitted by it in reliance
on any Warrant  Certificate  or other  document or instrument  believed by it in
good  faith to be genuine  and to have been  signed or  presented  by the proper
party or parties, (ii) responsible for any failure on the part of the Company to
comply with any of its covenants and obligations  contained in this Agreement or
in any  Warrant  Certificate,  or  (iii)  liable  for  any  act or  omission  in
connection  with  this  Agreement  except  for its  own  negligence  or  willful
misconduct.

     15.03 The Warrant  Agent may at any time consult with counsel  satisfactory
to it (who may be counsel  for the  Company)  and shall  incur no  liability  or
responsibility for any action taken,  suffered or omitted by it in good faith in
accordance with the opinion or advice of such counsel.

     15.04 Any notice,  statement,  instruction,  request,  direction,  order or
demand of the Company shall be sufficiently evidenced by an instrument signed by
the Chairman of the Board,  President,  any Vice  President,  its Secretary,  or
Assistant  Secretary  (unless  other  evidence  in  respect  thereof  is  herein
specifically  prescribed).  The warrant agent shall not be liable for any action
taken,  suffered or omitted by it in  accordance  with such  notice,  statement,
instruction, request, direction, order or demand believed by it to be genuine.
                     
     15.05 The Company agrees to pay the Warrant Agent  reasonable  compensation
for its  services  hereunder  and to reimburse  it for its  reasonable  expenses
hereunder. It further agrees to indemnify the Warrant Agent and save it harmless
against any and all losses, expenses and liabilities, including judgments, costs
and counsel  fees,  for  anything  done or omitted by the  Warrant  Agent in the
execution  of its  duties and  powers  hereunder  except  losses,  expenses  and
liabilities  arising as a result of the Warrant  Agent's  negligence  or willful
misconduct.

     15.06 The Warrant  Agent may resign its duties and be  discharged  from all
further duties and liabilities hereunder (except liabilities arising as a result
of the Warrant  Agent's own  negligence  or willful  misconduct),  after  giving
thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Company. At least fifteen (15) days
prior to the date such  resignation  is to become  effective,  the Warrant Agent
shall cause a copy of such notice of resignation to be mailed to each Registered
Holder at the Company's expense. Upon such resignation,  or any inability of the
Warrant Agent to act as such hereunder,  the Company shall appoint a new warrant
agent in writing.  If the Company shall fail to make such  appointment  within a
period of  fifteen  (15) days  after it has been  notified  in  writing  of such
resignation by the resigning Warrant Agent, then any Registered Holder may apply
to any court of  competent  jurisdiction  for the  appointment  of a new warrant
agent.  Any new warrant  agent,  whether  appointed  by the Company or by such a
court,  shall be a bank or trust company having a capital and surplus,  as shown
by its last published report to its stockholders,  of not less than $10,000,000,
or a stock transfer company.  After acceptance in writing of such appointment by
the new warrant  agent is received by the Company,  such new warrant agent shall
be vested with the same powers, rights, duties and responsibilities as if it had
been  originally  named  herein  as  the  Warrant  Agent,  without  any  further
assurance,  conveyance, act or deed; but if for any reason it shall be necessary
or expedient to execute and deliver any further  assurance,  conveyance,  act or
deed,  the same shall be done at the expense of the Company and shall be legally
and validly  executed and delivered by the resigning  Warrant  Agent.  Not later
than the effective  date of any such  appointment  the Company shall file notice
thereof with the  resigning  Warrant Agent and shall  forthwith  cause a copy of
such notice to be mailed to each Registered Holder.

     15.07 Any corporation into which the Warrant Agent or any new warrant agent
may be converted or merged or any corporation  resulting from any  consolidation
to which the  Warrant  Agent or any new  warrant  agent  shall be a party or any
corporation  succeeding  to the trust  business of the Warrant  Agent shall be a
successor  warrant agent under this Agreement  without any further act, provided
that such  corporation  is eligible for  appointment as successor to the Warrant
Agent under the provisions of Section 15.06

                                     - 13 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



hereof.  Any such  successor  warrant agent shall  promptly  cause notice of its
succession as Warrant  Agent to be mailed to the Company and to each  Registered
Holder.

     15.08 The Warrant Agent,  its  subsidiaries  and affiliates,  any of its or
their  officers  or  directors,  may buy and  hold or  sell  Warrants  or  other
securities of the Company and otherwise deal with the Company in the same manner
and to the same  extent and with like  effect as though it were not the  Warrant
Agent.  Nothing herein shall preclude the Warrant Agent from acting in any other
capacity for the Company or for any other legal entity.

SECTION 16. MODIFICATION OF AGREEMENT.  The Warrant Agent and the Company may by
supplemental  agreement  make any changes or  corrections in this Agreement that
they  (i)  shall  deem  appropriate  to cure any  ambiguity  or to  correct  any
defective  or  inconsistent  provision  or  manifest  mistake  or  error  herein
contained, or (ii) may deem necessary or desirable and which shall not adversely
affect  the  interests  of the  Registered  Holders  of  any  class  of  Warrant
Certificates;  provided,  however,  that this  Agreement  shall not otherwise be
modified,  supplemented  or altered in any  respect  except  with the consent in
writing of the Registered Holders of Warrant Certificates  representing not less
than 50% of that class of Warrants then outstanding; and provided, further, that
no  change  in the  number or  nature  of the  securities  purchasable  upon the
exercise  of  any  class  of  Warrant,  or  the  Purchase  Price  therefor,  the
acceleration of the Warrant  Expiration  Date, or the Redemption  Price shall be
made  without  the  consent in writing of the  Registered  Holder of the Warrant
Certificate  representing such class of Warrants, other than such changes as are
specifically prescribed by this Agreement as originally executed.

SECTION 17. NOTICES.  All notices,  requests,  consents and other communications
hereunder  shall be in  writing  and  shall be  deemed  to have  been  made when
delivered or mailed first class registered or certified mail, postage prepaid if
to (i) a  Registered  Holder,  at the  address  of such  Holder  as shown in the
registry books maintained by the Warrant Agent;  (ii) the Company,  at One Urban
Centre,  Suite 550,  4830 West Kennedy  Boulevard,  Tampa,  Florida  33609-2517,
attention: President, or at such other address as may have been furnished to the
Warrant  Agent in writing by the Company;  and (iii) the Warrant  Agent,  at its
Corporate Office.

SECTION 18.  GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance  with  the  laws of the  State  of New  York,  without  reference  to
principles of conflict of laws.

SECTION 19. BINDING  EFFECT.  This Agreement  shall be binding upon and inure to
the benefit of the Company,  the Warrant Agent and their  respective  successors
and assigns, and the holders from time to time of Warrant Certificates.  Nothing
in this  Agreement  is intended or shall be  construed  to confer upon any other
person any right,  remedy or claim,  in equity or at law,  or to impose upon any
other person any duty, liability or obligation.

SECTION 20. TERMINATION. This Agreement shall terminate at the close of business
on the  Expiration  Date of all the Warrants or such earlier date upon which all
Warrants have been exercised, except that the Warrant Agent shall account to the
Company  for cash held by it and the  provisions  of  Section  15  hereof  shall
survive such termination.

SECTION  21.   COUNTERPARTS.   This   Agreement   may  be  executed  in  several
counterparts, which taken together shall constitute a single document.

SECTION  22.  CAPTIONS.  The  captions  and  sections in the  Agreement  are for
reference only and should have no substantive effect.

                                     - 14 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



SECTION 23.  AUTHORITY.  Each party represents to the others that it has due and
proper  authority  to  perform  all  duties  and  obligations  set  forth in and
contemplated  by the  Agreement,  and that it has  taken  and will take all acts
required so that upon  execution  of the  Agreement  it shall be binding on such
party in accordance with its terms.

SECTION 24.  ENTIRE  AGREEMENT.  The  Agreement  embodies  the entire  agreement
between the  parties  hereto and  supersedes  all other  agreements  between the
parties in connection with the matters dealt with herein.

     IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the parties  hereto have caused this  Agreement to be
duly executed as of the date first above written.


                                        BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.



                                        By: /s/ James R. Murphy
                                           --------------------------
                                           James R. Murphy, President


                                        AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY



                                        By:
                                            --------------------------
                                              Authorized Officer



                                                               - 15 -
                                                                        

<PAGE>



                                    EXHIBIT A
                  [FORM OF FACE OF CLASS A WARRANT CERTIFICATE]

No. AW                                                            _____ Warrants
                          VOID AFTER FEBRUARY 13, 1999
                           CLASS A REDEEMABLE WARRANT
                    CERTIFICATE FOR PURCHASE OF COMMON STOCK

                          BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

     This certified that FOR VALUE RECEIVED ____________________________________
_________________________________________________________________  or registered
assigns (the "Registered Holder") is the owner of __________________ ( ) Class A
Redeemable  Warrants  (the "Class A Warrants").  Each Class A Warrant  initially
entitles the Registered Holder to purchase,  subject to the terms and conditions
set  forth  in  this  Certificate  and the  Warrant  Agreement  (as  hereinafter
defined),  one fully paid and  nonassessable  share of Common  Stock,  par value
$0.02 per share, of Bentley Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Florida corporation (the
"Company") and one Class B Redeemable Warrant ("Class B Warrant") at any time on
or after  August 14, 1996 (or at such  earlier  time with the consent of Coleman
and Company Securities,  Inc.), and prior to the Expiration Date (as hereinafter
defined),  upon the presentation and surrender of this Warrant  Certificate with
the  Subscription  Form on the reverse  hereof duly  executed,  at the corporate
office of  American  Stock  Transfer & Trust  Company as Warrant  agent,  or its
successor (the "Warrant Agent"),  accompanied by payment of $3.00 (the "Purchase
Price") in lawful  money of the United  States of America in cash or by official
bank or certified check made payable to the Company.

     This Warrant  Certificate and each Class A Warrant  represented  hereby are
issued  pursuant to and are subject in all respects to the terms and  conditions
set  forth in the  Warrant  Agreement  (the  "Warrant  Agreement"),  dated as of
February 14, 1996 by and between the Company and the Warrant Agent.

     In  the  event  of  certain  contingencies  provided  for  in  the  Warrant
Agreement, the Purchase Price or the number of shares of Common Stock subject to
purchase  upon the  exercise  of each  Class A Warrant  represented  hereby  are
subject to modification or adjustment.

     Each Class A Warrant represented hereby is exercisable at the option of the
Registered  Holder,  but no fractional shares of Common stock will be issued. In
the case of the  exercise  of less  than all the  Class A  Warrants  represented
hereby,  the Company  shall cancel this Warrant  Certificate  upon the surrender
hereof  and shall  execute  and  deliver a new  Warrant  Certificate  or Warrant
Certificates of like tenor, which the Warrant Agent shall  countersign,  for the
balance of such Class A Warrants.

     The term  "Expiration  Date" shall mean 5:00 PM (New York time) on February
13, 1999,  or such earlier  date as the Class A Warrants  shall be redeemed.  If
such  date  shall in the  State of New York be a  holiday  or a day on which the
banks are authorized to close,  then the Expiration Date shall mean 5:00 PM (New
York  time)  the next  following  day  which  in the  State of New York is not a
holiday or a day on which banks are authorized to close.

     The Company  shall not be obligated to deliver any  securities  pursuant to
the exercise of this Class A Warrant unless a registration  statement  under the
Securities  Act of  1933,  as  amended,  with  respect  to  such  securities  is
effective.   The  Company  has  covenanted  and  agreed  that  it  will  file  a
registration statement and will use its best efforts to cause the same to become
effective and to keep such registration statement

                                                                        
                                                                

<PAGE>



current while any of the Class A Warrants are outstanding.  The Class A Warrants
shall not be exercisable by a Registered Holder in any state where such exercise
would be unlawful.

     This Warrant Certificate is exchangeable,  upon the surrender hereof by the
Registered  Holder at the  corporate  office  of the  Warrant  Agent,  for a new
Warrant Certificate or Warrant  Certificates of like tenor representing an equal
aggregate number of Class A Warrants,  each of such new Warrant  Certificates to
represent  such  number  of Class A  Warrants  as shall be  designated  with any
applicable  transfer fee, tax or other governmental charge imposed in connection
therewith,  by such Registered  Holder at the time of such  surrender.  Upon due
presentment  for  registration  of transfer of this Warrant  Certificate at such
office, a new Warrant Certificate or Warrant Certificates  representing an equal
aggregate  number  of Class A  Warrants  will be  issued  to the  transferee  in
exchange therefor, subject to the limitations provided in the Warrant Agreement.

     Prior to the  exercise  of any  Class A  Warrant  represented  hereby,  the
Registered  Holder shall not be entitled to any rights of a  stockholder  of the
Company,  including,  without  limitation,  the  right  to  vote  or to  receive
dividends  or other  distributions,  and shall not be  entitled  to receive  any
notice of any  proceedings  of the  Company,  except as  provided in the Warrant
Agreement.

     This Class A Warrant  may be redeemed  at the option of the  Company,  at a
redemption  price of $0.05 per Warrant,  at any time on or after August 14, 1996
(or at such  earlier  time with the consent of Coleman  and Company  Securities,
Inc.),  provided the closing price (as defined in the Warrant Agreement) for the
shares  issuable  upon  exercise  of such  Warrant  for each of the twenty  (20)
consecutive  Trading Days shall equal or exceed 150% of the Purchase  Price then
in effect.  Notice of redemption  shall be given not less than the thirtieth day
before the day fixed for redemption,  all as provided in the Warrant  Agreement.
On and after the date fixed for redemption,  the Registered Holder shall have no
rights  with  respect  to this Class A Warrant  except to receive  the $0.05 per
Warrant upon surrender of this Certificate.

     Prior to due presentment for registration of transfer  hereof,  the Company
and the Warrant Agent may deem and treat the  Registered  Holder as the absolute
owner hereof and of each Class A Warrant represented hereby (notwithstanding any
notations  of  ownership  or  writing  hereon  made by anyone  other than a duly
authorized  officer of the Company or the Warrant  Agent) for all  purposes  and
shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary.

     This Warrant  Certificate  shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of New York.

     This Warrant  Certificate is not valid unless  countersigned by the Warrant
Agent.

                                                                        
                                       -2-

<PAGE>



     IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the Company has caused this Warrant  Certificate to be
duly  executed,  manually or in  facsimile,  by two of its officers  hereto duly
authorized and a facsimile of its corporate seal to be imprinted thereon.


                                      BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.


                                      By: _________________________

[seal]


Attest: ___________________________
                Secretary
Countersigned:

AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY

By: _______________________________
           Authorized officer

                                                                        
                                       -3-

<PAGE>



                [FORM OF REVERSE OF CLASS A WARRANT CERTIFICATE]


                                SUBSCRIPTION FORM

                     To Be Executed by the Registered Holder
                      in Order to Exercise Class A Warrants

The  undersigned   Registered  Holder  hereby  irrevocably  elects  to  exercise
______________ Class A Warrants represented by this Warrant Certificate,  and to
purchase  the  securities  issuable  upon the  exercise  of such  Warrants,  and
requests that certificates for such securities shall be issued in the name of

            PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER

                     ______________________________________

                     ______________________________________

                     ______________________________________
                     [please print or type name and address]

and be delivered to

                     ______________________________________

                     ______________________________________

                     ______________________________________
                     [please print or type name and address]

and if such  number of Class A  Warrants  shall not be all the Class A  Warrants
evidenced by this Warrant  Certificate,  that a new Warrant  Certificate for the
balance of such  Warrants be  registered  in the name of, and  delivered to, the
Registered Holder at the address stated below.


Dated: ________________________          X______________________________________

                                          ______________________________________

                                          ______________________________________
                                                      Address


                                          ______________________________________
                                             Taxpayer Identification Number


                                          ______________________________________
                                                 Signature Guaranteed



                                          ______________________________________

                                                                        
                                       -4-

<PAGE>



                                   ASSIGNMENT

   To Be Executed by the Registered Holder in Order to Assign Class A Warrants

           FOR VALUE RECEIVED, _________________________________________________
hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto


            PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER

                     ______________________________________

                     ______________________________________

                     ______________________________________
                     [please print or type name and address]


_______________________________________  of the Class A Warrants  represented by
this Warrant Certificate, and hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints

Attorney to transfer this Warrant Certificate on the books of the Company,  with
full power of substitution in the premises.


Dated: ________________________          X______________________________________

                                                 Signature Guaranteed


                                          ______________________________________





           THE  SIGNATURE  TO THE  ASSIGNMENT  OR  THE  SUBSCRIPTION  FORM  MUST
           CORRESPOND  TO THE NAME AS  WRITTEN  UPON  THE  FACE OF THIS  CLASS A
           WARRANT  CERTIFICATE  IN  EVERY  PARTICULAR,  WITHOUT  ALTERATION  OR
           ENLARGEMENT  OR ANY CHANGE  WHATSOEVER,  AND MUST BE  GUARANTEED BY A
           COMMERCIAL BANK OR TRUST COMPANY OR AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION
           (BANKS, STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT UNIONS
           WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM)
           PURSUANT TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION RULE 17Ad-15.

                                                                        
                                       -5-

<PAGE>



                                    Exhibit B
                      [FORM OF FACE OF WARRANT CERTIFICATE]

No. BW                                                           ______ Warrants
                          VOID AFTER FEBRUARY 13, 2001
                    REDEEMABLE COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT
                    CERTIFICATE FOR PURCHASE OF COMMON STOCK

                          BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

     This certifies  that FOR   VALUE   RECEIVED   _____________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
or registered assigns (the "Registered  Holder") is the owner of _______ (_____)
Class B Redeemable Common Stock Purchase Warrants (the "Class B Warrants").  Two
Class B Warrants entitle the Registered Holder to purchase, subject to the terms
and  conditions  set forth in this  Certificate  and the Warrant  Agreement  (as
hereinafter  defined),  one fully paid and nonassessable  share of Common Stock,
par  value  $0.02  per  share,  of  Bentley  Pharmaceuticals,  Inc.,  a  Florida
corporation (the "Company"), at any time on or after August 13, 1996 (or at such
earlier time with the consent of Coleman and Company Securities, Inc.) and prior
to the Expiration  Date (as  hereinafter  defined),  upon the  presentation  and
surrender of this Warrant  Certificate with the Subscription Form on the reverse
hereof duly executed, at the corporate office of American Stock Transfer & Trust
Company as Warrant Agent, or its successor (the "Warrant Agent"), accompanied by
payment of $5.00 (the "Purchase  Price") in lawful money of the United States of
America in cash or by  official  bank or  certified  check  made  payable to the
Company.

     This Warrant  Certificate and each Class B Warrant  represented  hereby are
issued  pursuant to and are subject in all respects to the terms and  conditions
set  forth in the  Warrant  Agreement  (the  "Warrant  Agreement"),  dated as of
February 14, 1996 by and between the Company and the Warrant Agent.

     In  the  event  of  certain  contingencies  provided  for  in  the  Warrant
Agreement, the Purchase Price or the number of shares of Common Stock subject to
purchase  upon the  exercise  of each  Class B Warrant  represented  hereby  are
subject to modification or adjustment.

     Each Class B Warrant represented hereby is exercisable at the option of the
Registered  Holder,  but no fractional shares of Common Stock will be issued. In
the case of the  exercise  of less  than all the  Class B  Warrants  represented
hereby,  the Company  shall cancel this Warrant  Certificate  upon the surrender
hereof  and shall  execute  and  deliver a new  Warrant  Certificate  or Warrant
Certificates of like tenor, which the Warrant Agent shall  countersign,  for the
balance of such Class B Warrants.

     The term  "Expiration  Date" shall mean 5:00 PM (New York time) on February
13, 2001,  or such earlier  date as the Class B Warrants  shall be redeemed.  If
such  date  shall in the  State of New York be a  holiday  or a day on which the
banks are authorized to close,  then the Expiration Date shall mean 5:00 PM (New
York  time)  the next  following  day  which  in the  State of New York is not a
holiday or a day on which banks are authorized to close.

     The Company  shall not be obligated to deliver any  securities  pursuant to
the exercise of this Class B Warrant unless a registration, statement under, the
Securities  Act of  1933,  as  amended,  with  respect  to  such  securities  is
effective.   The  Company  has  covenanted  and  agreed  that  it  will  file  a
registration statement and will use its best efforts to cause the same to become
effective and to keep such registration statement


<PAGE>



current while any of the Class B Warrants are outstanding.  The Class B Warrants
shall not be exercisable by a Registered Holder in any state where such exercise
would be unlawful.

     This Warrant Certificate is exchangeable,  upon the surrender hereof by the
Registered  Holder at the  corporate  office  of the  Warrant  Agent,  for a new
Warrant Certificate or Warrant  Certificates of like tenor representing an equal
aggregate number of Class B Warrants,  each of such new Warrant  Certificates to
represent  such  number  of Class B  Warrants  as shall  be  designated  by such
Registered  Holder at the time of such surrender.  Upon due presentment with any
applicable  transfer fee, tax or other governmental charge imposed in connection
therewith,  for  registration  of transfer of this Warrant  Certificate  at such
office, a new Warrant Certificate or Warrant Certificates  representing an equal
aggregate  number  of Class B  Warrants  will be  issued  to the  transferee  in
exchange therefor, subject to the limitations provided in the Warrant Agreement.

     Prior to the  exercise  of any  Class B  Warrant  represented  hereby,  the
Registered  Holder shall not be entitled to any rights of a  stockholder  of the
Company,  including,  without  limitation,  the  right  to  vote  or to  receive
dividends  or other  distributions,  and shall not be  entitled  to receive  any
notice of any  proceedings  of the  Company,  except as  provided in the Warrant
Agreement.

     This Class B Warrant  may be redeemed  at the option of the  Company,  at a
redemption  price of $0.05 per Warrant,  at any time on or after August 13, 1996
(or at such  earlier  time with the consent of Coleman  and Company  Securities,
Inc.),  provided the closing price (as defined in the Warrant Agreement) for the
shares  issuable  upon  exercise of such Warrant for the  immediately  preceding
twenty (20) consecutive  trading days immediately  preceding the record date for
redemption  shall  equal or exceed  130% of the  Purchase  Price then in effect.
Notice of  redemption  shall be given not less than the thirtieth day before the
date fixed for  redemption,  all as provided in the  Warrant  Agreement.  On and
after the date fixed for redemption,  the Registered Holder shall have no rights
with  respect to this Class B Warrant  except to receive  the $0.05 per  Warrant
upon surrender of this Certificate.

     Prior to due presentment for registration of transfer  hereof,  the Company
and the Warrant Agent may deem and treat the  Registered  Holder as the absolute
owner hereof and of each Class B Warrant represented hereby (notwithstanding any
notations  of  ownership  or  writing  hereon  made by anyone  other than a duly
authorized  officer of the Company or the Warrant  Agent) for all  purposes  and
shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary.

     This Warrant  Certificate  shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of New York.

     This Warrant  Certificate is not valid unless  countersigned by the Warrant
Agent.


                                                                        
                                       -2-

<PAGE>




     IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the Company has caused this Warrant  Certificate to be
duly executed,  manually or in facsimile,  by two of its officers  hereunto duly
authorized and a facsimile of its corporate seal to be imprinted thereon.


                                                   BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

                                                   By: _________________________
[SEAL]


____________________________
        Secretary

COUNTERSIGNED:


____________________________
AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER AND TRUST COMPANY

By: ________________________

                                                                        
                                       -3-

<PAGE>



                [FORM OF REVERSE OF CLASS B WARRANT CERTIFICATE]

                                SUBSCRIPTION FORM

                     To Be Executed by the Registered Holder
                      in Order to Exercise Class B Warrants

The  undersigned   Registered  Holder  hereby  irrevocably  elects  to  exercise
__________  Class B Warrants  represented  by this Warrant  Certificate,  and to
purchase  the  securities  issuable  upon the  exercise  of such  Warrants,  and
requests that certificates for such securities shall be issued in the name of

            PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER

                     ______________________________________

                     ______________________________________

                     ______________________________________
                     [please print or type name and address]

and be delivered to


                     ______________________________________

                     ______________________________________

                     ______________________________________
                     [please print or type name and address]

and if such  number of Class B  Warrants  shall not be all the Class B  Warrants
evidenced by this Warrant  Certificate,  that a new Warrant  Certificate for the
balance of such  Warrants be  registered  in the name of, and  delivered to, the
Registered Holder at the address stated below.


Dated:____________________________            X ________________________________

                                                ________________________________

                                                ________________________________
                                                           Address


                                                ________________________________
                                                 Taxpayer Identification Number


                                                ________________________________
                                                    Signature Guaranteed


                                                ________________________________


                                                                        
                                                              

<PAGE>


                                   ASSIGNMENT

   To Be Executed by the Registered Holder in Order to Assign Class B Warrants


           FOR VALUE RECEIVED, _________________________________________________
hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto


            PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER


                     ______________________________________

                     ______________________________________

                     ______________________________________
                     [please print or type name and address]


_______________________________________  of the Class B Warrants  represented by
this  Warrant  Certificate,  and hereby  irrevocably  constitutes  and  appoints
_____________________________________________  Attorney to transfer this Warrant
Certificate on the books of the Company,  with full power of substitution in the
premises.


Dated: ____________________________         X __________________________________


                                                    Signature Guaranteed



                                              __________________________________


           THE  SIGNATURE  TO THE  ASSIGNMENT  OR  THE  SUBSCRIPTION  FORM  MUST
           CORRESPOND  TO THE NAME AS  WRITTEN  UPON  THE  FACE OF THIS  CLASS B
           WARRANT  CERTIFICATE  IN  EVERY  PARTICULAR,  WITHOUT  ALTERATION  OR
           ENLARGEMENT  OR ANY CHANGE  WHATSOEVER,  AND MUST BE  GUARANTEED BY A
           COMMERCIAL BANK OR TRUST COMPANY OR AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION
           (BANKS, STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS AND CREDIT UNIONS
           WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM)
           PURSUANT TO THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION RULE 17Ad-15.

                                                                        
                                       -2-



No:_____                                                             _____ Units

                          BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
                UNITS EACH CONSISTING OF $1,000 PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
       12% CONVERTIBLE SENIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURE DUE FEBRUARY 13, 2006
                                       AND
         1,000 CLASS A REDEEMABLE WARRANTS EACH TO PURCHASE ONE SHARE OF
                 COMMON STOCK AND ONE CLASS B REDEEMABLE WARRANT

                                                               CUSIP 082657 AA 5

           This certifies that


           is the registered owner of                                      Units

as described above,  transferable only on the books of Bentley  Pharmaceuticals,
Inc., a Florida  corporation (the "Company"),  by the holder hereof in person or
by his or her duly authorized  attorney,  on surrender of this Unit  Certificate
properly endorsed.

           Each Unit  consists of $1,000  principal  amount of the Company's 12%
Convertible   Senior   Subordinated   Debenture   due  February  13,  2006  (the
"Debenture") and 1,000 Class A Redeemable Warrants (the "Class A Warrants") each
to purchase  one share of Common  Stock,  par value $.02 per share (the  "Common
Stock"),  and one Class B  Redeemable  Warrant  (the  "Class B  Warrants").  The
Debenture  and the Class A  Warrants  constituting  a Unit are not  transferable
separately  prior to August 14, 1996 or such earlier date as Coleman and Company
Securities,  Inc.  may in its  discretion  determine  (the  "Separation  Date").
Commencing  on the  Separation  Date,  the  holder of Units may  either  request
American Stock  Transfer & Trust  Company,  the Transfer Agent and Registrar for
the Units,  to separate all (but not less than all) of such Units or continue to
hold such  Units in the form such  Units  are then  evidenced.  The terms of the
Debentures  are  governed  by  an  Indenture,   dated  February  14,  1996  (the
"Indenture"),  between the Company and American  Stock  Transfer & Trust Company
(the "Trustee"),  and are subject to the terms and provisions contained therein,
to all of which  terms  and  provisions  the  holder  of this  Unit  Certificate
consents by acceptance hereof. Copies of the Indenture are on file at the office
of the Trustee at 40 Wall Street,  New York, New York 10005 and are available to
any Unit  holder on  written  request  and  without  cost.  Each Class A Warrant
entitles the holder  thereof at any time  commencing on the  Separation  Date to
purchase one fully paid and nonassessable  share of Common Stock and one Class B
Warrant at any time after February 14, 1996 and prior to 5:00 PM (New York time)
on February  14, 1999,  or such  earlier  date as the Class A Warrants  shall be
redeemed,  upon the presentation and surrender of this Unit Certificate with the
Separation  Notice on the reverse hereof duly executed,  at the corporate office
of the Warrant Agent or its successor, accompanied by payment of $3.00 in lawful
money of the United  States of America in cash or by official  bank or certified
check  made  payable  to the  Company.  The  terms of the Class A  Warrants  are
governed  by  a  Warrant   Agreement  dated  February  14,  1996  (the  "Warrant
Agreement") between

                                                                      
 

<PAGE>



the Company and American Stock  Transfer & Trust Company,  as Warrant Agent (the
"Warrant Agent") and are subject to the terms and provisions  contained therein,
to all of which  terms  and  provisions  the  holder  of this  Unit  Certificate
consents by acceptance  hereof.  Copies of the Warrant  Agreement are on file at
the office of the Warrant Agent at 40 Wall Street,  New York, New York 10005 and
are available to any Unit holder on written request and without cost.

           The  provisions  on  the  reverse  of  this  Unit   Certificate   are
incorporated as if set forth on the face of this Unit Certificate.

           This  Unit  Certificate  is  not  valid  unless   countersigned   and
registered by the Transfer Agent and Registrar of the Company.

Dated:

Countersigned and Registered

AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER                           BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
& TRUST COMPANY, as Transfer Agent
  and Registrar


By:____________________________                   By:___________________________
      Authorized Officer                             James R. Murphy, President

                                                  By:___________________________
                                                     Michael D. Price, Secretary


                                                     [SEAL]


                                                                      
                                       -2-

<PAGE>



                          [REVERSE OF UNIT CERTIFICATE]

                          BENTLEY PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

                                 UNIT PROVISIONS

This Unit Certificate  certifies that, for value received,  the holder hereof is
entitled at any time on or after August 14, 1996 or such earlier date as Coleman
and Company  Securities,  Inc. may in its discretion  determine (the "Separation
Date"), to exchange this Unit Certificate for one Debenture  Certificate and one
Class A Warrant  Certificate  upon  surrender  of this Unit  Certificate  to the
Transfer  Agent  at  the  offices  of  the  Transfer  Agent  together  with  any
documentation  required by such Transfer Agent. To separate a Unit a holder must
on or after the Separation  Date,  (1) complete and sign the  Separation  Notice
below,  (2) surrender the Unit  Certificate to the Transfer Agent and Registrar,
(3) furnish  appropriate  endorsements and transfer documents if required by the
Transfer Agent and Registrar, and (4) pay any transfer or similar tax required.

The Debenture  and Class A Warrants  constituting  components of the  individual
Units evidenced  hereby have been deposited with American Stock Transfer & Trust
Company  (the  "Depositary"),  and  until  separation  of the  within  Units and
exchange  of  this  Unit   Certificate   for   Debenture  and  Class  A  Warrant
Certificates,  beneficial  ownership of such  Debenture  and Class A Warrants is
transferable  only by the  transfer  of the Unit  Certificate.  On or after  the
Separation  Date,  the holder of the Units may either (1) request the Depositary
to separate all (but not less than all) of the within Units,  or (2) continue to
hold such Units in the form such Units are then evidenced.  Transferees of Units
transferred  on  and  following  the  Separation  Date  will  not  receive  Unit
Certificates,  but  instead  shall  be  issued  Debenture  and  Class A  Warrant
Certificates  evidencing  the  Debenture  and  Class A  Warrants,  respectively,
constituting components of such transferred individual Units.

                              DEBENTURE PROVISIONS

1.  INTEREST.   Bentley   Pharmaceuticals,   Inc.  (the  "Company"),  a  Florida
corporation,  promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Debenture
at the rate per annum shown above.  The Company  will pay interest  quarterly on
January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year commencing  April 1, 1996.
Interest  on the  Debentures  will  accrue  from the most  recent  date to which
interest  has been  paid or,  if no  interest  has  been  paid,  from the day of
delivery of the Debentures.  Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day
year of twelve 30 day months.

2. METHOD OF PAYMENT.  The Company will pay interest on the  Debentures  (except
defaulted interest) to the persons who are registered holders of Debentures (the
"Holders")  at the close of business on the 15th day of the month  preceding the
next interest payment date even though  Debentures are canceled after the record
date  and on or  before  the  interest  payment  date.  Holders  must  surrender
Debentures to a Paying Agent to collect principal payments. The Company will pay
principal and interest in money of the United States that at the time of payment
is legal tender

                                                                      
                                       -3-

<PAGE>



for the  payment of public and  private  debts.  However,  the  Company  may pay
principal  and  interest  by its check  payable  in such  money.  It may mail an
interest check to a Holder's registered address.

3. PAYING AGENT, REGISTRAR, CONVERSION AGENT. Initially, American Stock Transfer
& Trust  Company  (the  "Trustee"),  will act as  Paying  Agent,  Registrar  and
Conversion Agent. The Company may change any Paying Agent, Registrar, Conversion
Agent or  co-registrar  without  notice to the  Holders.  The Company may act as
Paying Agent, Registrar, Conversion Agent or co-registrar.

4. INDENTURE.  The Company issued the Debentures  under an Indenture dated as of
February 14, 1996 ("Indenture")  between the Company and the Trustee.  The terms
of the  Debentures  include those stated in the  Indenture.  The  Debentures are
subject to all such  terms,  and Holders are  referred  to the  Indenture  for a
statement of such terms. The Debentures are unsecured general obligations of the
Company limited to $7,500,000 in aggregate principal amount.

5.  REDEMPTION.  On or after August 14, 1996, and from time to time  thereafter,
the Company may,  with prior  written  consent of Coleman & Company  Securities,
Inc.,  redeem  all or  part  of the  Debentures  from  time  to  time at 105% of
principal  amount,  plus accrued interest to the redemption date, if the closing
price of the  Company's  Common  Stock,  par value $.02 per share  (the  "Common
Stock"), for each of the immediately preceding 20 consecutive trading days equal
or exceeds $7.00 per share, as initially constituted. The closing price for each
day  shall be the last  reported  sales  price  regular  way or, in case no such
reported  sale takes place on such day,  the closing bid price  regular  way, in
either case on the principal  national  securities  exchange on which the Common
Stock is listed or admitted to trading or, if the Common  Stock is not listed or
admitted to trading on any national  securities  exchange,  the highest reported
bid price as furnished by the National  Association of Securities Dealers,  Inc.
through  NASDAQ or similar  organization  if NASDAQ is no longer  reporting such
information,  or by the National Daily Quotation Bureau or similar  organization
if the Common Stock is not then quoted on an inter-dealer quotation system.

6. NOTICE OF REDEMPTION.  Notice of redemption (the "Notice of Redemption") will
be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption  date
to  each  Holder  of  Debentures  to be  redeemed  at  his  registered  address.
Debentures in denominations  larger than $1,000 may be redeemed in part but only
in whole  multiples of $1,000.  On and after the redemption date interest ceases
to accrue on Debentures or portions of them called for redemption.


                                                                      
                                       -4-

<PAGE>



7.   CONVERSION.

     (a) A Holder may convert his Debenture  into Common Stock at any time after
the  earlier of the date on which a Notice of  Redemption  is mailed or February
14,  1997 (or  earlier  with the  consent of the Company and Coleman and Company
Securities,  Inc.) and before the close of business on February 13, 2006. If the
Debenture is called for redemption, the Holder may convert it at any time before
the close of business on the  redemption  date.  The initial  Conversion  Price,
subject to adjustment in certain  events,  is the lesser of (i) $2.50 per share;
or (ii) 80% of the average last sale price on the American  Stock  Exchange over
the 20 trading days immediately  preceding the first anniversary of the issuance
of the Debentures (the  "Anniversary  Date") or the date of notice of redemption
is given or other earlier date, as applicable. In addition, the Company may from
time to time voluntarily reduce the Conversion Price. To determine the number of
shares  issuable  upon  conversion of a Debenture,  divide the principal  amount
converted  by the  Conversion  Price  in  effect  on  the  conversion  date.  On
conversion no payment or adjustment  for interest will be made. The Company will
round up to the  next  highest  share  for any  fractional  share so that if any
fraction  exists the  Company  shall  issue one full  share for such  fractional
amount.

     (b) To  convert  a  Debenture  a  Holder  must  (i)  complete  and sign the
conversion notice on the back of the Debenture;  (ii) surrender the Debenture to
a  Conversion  Agent;  (iii)  furnish  appropriate   endorsements  and  transfer
documents,  if required by the Registrar or Conversion  Agent;  and (iv) pay any
transfer  or  similar  tax if  required.  A Holder  may  convert a portion  of a
Security if the portion is $1,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000.

     (c) The Conversion Price will be adjusted for dividends or distributions on
Common Stock payable in Company  stock;  subdivisions,  combinations  or certain
reclassifications  of Common  Stock;  certain  issuances of Common Stock at less
than the Conversion Price at the time of issuance; or distributions of assets or
debt securities of the Company.  However,  no adjustment will be made if Holders
may participate in the transaction or in certain other cases.

     (d) If the Company is a party to a consolidation or merger or a transfer or
lease  of all or  substantially  all of its  assets,  the  right  to  convert  a
Debenture  into  Common  Stock may be  changed  into a right to  convert it into
securities, cash or other assets of the Company or another entity.

8.  SUBORDINATION.  The Debentures are subordinated to Senior Debt, which is the
principal  of  and  premium,  if  any,  and  interest  (including  post-petition
interest,  if any) on,  and any  other  payment  due  pursuant  to the  terms of
instruments  creating or evidencing  Indebtedness of the Company  outstanding on
the date of this Indenture or Indebtedness thereafter created, incurred, assumed
or  guaranteed  by the  Company  and all  renewals,  extensions  and  refundings
thereof, which is payable to banks or other traditional long-term  institutional
lenders such as insurance  companies and pension funds, unless in the instrument
creating or evidencing such Indebtedness,  it is provided that such Indebtedness
is not senior in right of payment to the Debentures.

                                                                      
                                       -5-

<PAGE>



Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  Senior Debt with respect to the Company or any
Subsidiary  shall  not  include  (i)  any  Indebtedness  of the  Company  to any
Subsidiary  for money  borrowed or advanced  from such  Subsidiary  and (ii) any
Indebtedness   representing   the  redemption  price  of  any  preferred  stock.
"Indebtedness,"  as applied to any entity means any indebtedness,  contingent or
otherwise,  in respect of borrowed  money  (whether  or not the  recourse of the
lender  is to the  whole  of the  assets  of such  entity  or only to a  portion
thereof),  or evidenced by bonds,  notes,  debentures or similar  instruments or
letters  of credit,  or  representing  the  balance  deferred  and unpaid of the
purchase price of any property or interest therein, except any such balance that
constitutes a trade payable,  if and to the extent that such indebtedness  would
appear  as a  liability  upon a  balance  sheet  of such  entity  prepared  on a
consolidated basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting  principles.
The Debentures shall rank senior or pari passu to all indebtedness  evidenced by
securities of the Company and any other  indebtedness other than Senior Debt. To
the  extent  provided  in the  Indenture,  Senior  Debt must be paid  before the
Debentures may be paid. The Company agrees to the  subordination  and authorizes
the Trustee to give it effect.

9.  DENOMINATION,  TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE.  The Debentures are in registered form
without coupons in  denominations  of $1,000 and whole multiples of $1,000.  The
transfer of Debentures  may be  registered  and  Debentures  may be exchanged as
provided in the  Indenture.  The  Registrar  may  require a Holder,  among other
things, to furnish  appropriate  endorsements and transfer  documents and to pay
any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture.  The Registrar
need not exchange or register the transfer of any  Debentures for a period of 15
days before a selection of Debentures to be redeemed.

10. PERSONS DEEMED OWNERS.  The registered  holder of a Debenture may be treated
as its owner for all purposes.

11. AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS. Subject to certain exceptions,  the Indenture or the
Debentures  may be amended  with the  consent of the  Holders of at least 60% in
principal  amount of the  Debentures.  Without the  consent of any  Holder,  the
Indenture  or the  Debentures  may be amended to cure any  ambiguity,  defect or
inconsistency, to provide for assumption of Company obligations to Holders or to
make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holders.

12.  DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES.  Each of the following  occurrences  constitutes  an
Event of Default:  (i) failure by the Company to pay interest on the  Debentures
for more than 20 days after the due date thereof; (ii) failure by the Company to
pay principal when due; (iii) failure by the Company for 45 days after notice to
comply with any of its other agreements in the Indenture or the Debentures; (iv)
certain   defaults   under  and   accelerations   prior  to  maturity  of  other
indebtedness;  (v) certain final  judgments for the payment of money are entered
against the Company  which  remain  unpaid and  unstayed for a period of 30 days
after the date on which the right to appeal has expired; and (vi) certain events
of bankruptcy or  insolvency.  If an Event of Default  occurs and is continuing,
the Trustee or the Holder of at least 25% in principal  amount of the Debentures
may declare all of the Debentures to be due and payable immediately. Holders

                                                                      
                                       -6-

<PAGE>



may not  enforce  the  Indenture  or the  Debentures  except as  provided in the
Indenture.  The  Trustee  may  require  indemnity  satisfactory  to it before it
enforces  the  Indenture  or the  Debentures.  Subject to  certain  limitations,
Holders of a  majority  in  principal  amount of the  Debentures  may direct the
Trustee in its  exercise  of any trust  power.  The Trustee  may  withhold  from
Holders  notice of any  continuing  default  (except a default in the payment of
principal or  interest) if it  determines  that  withholding  notice is in their
interest.  The Company  must  furnish an annual  compliance  certificate  to the
Trustee.

13. TRUSTEE DEALINGS WITH THE COMPANY.  American Stock Transfer & Trust Company,
the Trustee under the Indenture,  in its individual or any other  capacity,  may
make loans to, accept deposits from, and perform services for the Company or its
Affiliates,  and may otherwise deal with the Company or its Affiliates, as if it
were not Trustee.

14. NO RECOURSE AGAINST OTHERS. A director, officer, employee or stockholder, as
such, of the Company shall not have any  liability  for any  obligations  of the
Company under the Debentures or the Indenture or for any claim based thereon, in
respect of or by reason of such  obligations or their  creation.  Each Holder by
accepting a Debenture  waives and  releases all such  liability.  The waiver and
release are part of the consideration for the issue of the Debentures.

15. AUTHENTICATION. This Debenture shall not be valid until authenticated by the
manual  signature  of the Trustee or an  authenticating  agent  appointed by the
Trustee.

16. ABBREVIATIONS.  Customary  abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder
or an assignee, such as: TEN COM ("tenants in common"), TEN ENT ("tenants by the
entireties"),  JT TEN  ("joint  tenants  with right of  survivorship  and not as
tenants in common"),  CUST ("Custodian"),  and U/G/M/A ("Uniform Gifts to Minors
Act").  The Company will furnish to any Holder upon written  request and without
charge a copy of the  Indenture,  which has in it the text of this  Debenture in
larger type. Requests may be made to: Secretary, Bentley Pharmaceuticals,  Inc.,
One Urban  Centre,  Suite  550,  4830 West  Kennedy  Boulevard,  Tampa,  Florida
33609-2517.


                                 ASSIGNMENT FORM

     If you the holder want to assign the Units  evidenced  hereby,  fill in the
form below and have your signature guaranteed:

I or we assign and transfer the Units evidenced hereby to

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________
             (Insert assignee's social security or tax I.D. number)


                                                                      
                                       -7-

<PAGE>

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________
              (Print or type assignee's name, address and zip code)

and irrevocably appoint ________________________________________________________
agent to transfer such Units on the books of Bentley  Pharmaceuticals,  Inc. The
agent may substitute another to act for him.

Date:_________________   Your signature:________________________________________
                                       (Sign exactly as your name appears on the
                                         other side of this Unit Certificate)

Signature Guarantee:*________________________________


- --------------------------
*Needed only if the Units are to be  registered in a name other than that of the
record holder hereof.

                                SEPARATION NOTICE

     To separate the Units evidenced hereby into Debentures and Class A Warrants
of Bentley Pharmaceuticals, Inc., check the following box : [ ]

     If you want the resulting  certificates  made out in another person's name,
fill in the form below:

                (Insert other person's soc. sec. or tax I.D. no.)

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________
            (Print or type other person's name, address and zip code)


Date:_________________   Your signature:________________________________________
                                       (Sign exactly as your name appears on the
                                         other side of this Unit Certificate)

Signature Guarantee:*________________________________


- --------------------------
*Needed only if the Units are to be  registered in a name other than that of the
record holder hereof.

                                                                      
                                       -8-




                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
 
We consent to the use in this Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No.
33-65125 of Bentley Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (formerly Belmac Corporation) and
subsidiaries on Form S-1 of our report dated December 8, 1995 (which report
expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph referring
to the Company's recurring losses from operations as well as negative operating
cash flows, which raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a
going concern), appearing in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration
Statement, and of our report dated December 8, 1995 relating to the financial
statement schedule appearing elsewhere in this Registration Statement.
 
We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such
Prospectus.
 




DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Tampa, Florida
February 9, 1996










                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2
 
              CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
We hereby consent to the use in the Prospectus constituting part of this
Registration Statement on Form S-1 of our report dated March 30, 1994, relating
to the financial statements of Bentley Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (previously Belmac
Corporation), which appears in such Prospectus. We also consent to the
application of such report to the Financial Statement Schedules for the year
ended December 31, 1993 listed under Item 16(b) of this Registration Statement
when such schedules are read in conjunction with the financial statements
referred to in our report. The audits referred to in such report also included
these schedules. We also consent to the references to us under the headings
"Experts" in such Prospectus.
 




PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP

Tampa, Florida
February 12, 1996






                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.4
 
                               COUNSEL'S CONSENT
 
We hereby consent to the summary discussion contained in the Prospectus
constituting a part of this Registration Statement on Form S-1 based upon our
advice which appears in such Prospectus under the heading "Certain Federal
Income Tax Considerations." We also consent to the references to us under such
heading in such Prospectus.
 





PARKER CHAPIN FLATTAU & KLIMPL, LLP
 

   
New York, New York
February 9, 1996
    







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