DAYTON SUPERIOR CORP
S-1/A, 1996-06-18
STEEL PIPE & TUBES
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<PAGE>
   
     AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JUNE 18, 1996
    
 
                                                       REGISTRATION NO. 333-2974
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
 
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 3
                                       TO
                                    FORM S-1
    
 
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            ------------------------
 
                          DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>                                 <C>
               OHIO                                3315                             31-0676346
   (State or other jurisdiction             (Primary Standard                    (I.R.S. Employer
         of incorporation               Industrial Classification              Identification No.)
         or organization)                      Code Number)
</TABLE>
 
                               721 RICHARD STREET
                             MIAMISBURG, OHIO 45342
                                 (513) 866-0711
 
         (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
            area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
 
                               JOHN A. CICCARELLI
                     PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                          DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION
                               721 RICHARD STREET
                             MIAMISBURG, OHIO 45342
                                 (513) 866-0711
 
      (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
                        area code, of agent for service)
                           --------------------------
 
                                WITH COPIES TO:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                     <C>
        Peter S. Wilson, Esq.                 Paul H. Wilson, Jr., Esq.
       Cravath, Swaine & Moore                   Debevoise & Plimpton
          825 Eighth Avenue                        875 Third Avenue
    New York, New York 10019-7475              New York, New York 10022
            (212) 474-1767                          (212) 909-6584
</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. / /
 
    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. / /
                           --------------------------
 
    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  THE REGISTRATION  STATEMENT SHALL  BECOME
EFFECTIVE  ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                          DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION
                            ------------------------
 
                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
                      BETWEEN ITEMS IN PART I OF FORM S-1
                               AND THE PROSPECTUS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
S-1 ITEM NUMBER AND CAPTION                                                  PROSPECTUS CAPTION OR LOCATION
- ----------------------------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------------
<C>        <S>                                                    <C>
       1.  Forepart of the Registration Statement
            and Outside Front Cover Page of
            Prospectus..........................................  Outside Front Cover Page
       2.  Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages
            of Prospectus.......................................  Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages; Available
                                                                   Information
       3.  Summary Information, Risk Factors and Ratio of
            Earnings to Fixed Charges...........................  Prospectus Summary; Risk Factors
       4.  Use of Proceeds......................................  Summary; Use of Proceeds
       5.  Determination of Offering Price......................  Outside Front Cover Page; Underwriting
       6.  Dilution.............................................  Dilution
       7.  Selling Security Holders.............................  Principal and Selling Shareholders
       8.  Plan of Distribution.................................  Outside Front Cover Page; Underwriting
       9.  Description of Securities to Be Registered...........  Summary; Capitalization; Description of Capital
                                                                   Shares; Shares Eligible for Future Sale
      10.  Interests of Named Experts and Counsel...............  Not applicable
      11.  Information with Respect to the Registrant...........  Outside Front Cover Page; Summary; Risk Factors;
                                                                   Proceeds of the Offering; Dividend Policy;
                                                                   Capitalization; Dilution; Selected Financial Data;
                                                                   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
                                                                   Condition and Results of Operations; Business;
                                                                   Management; Certain Relationships and Related Party
                                                                   Transactions; Principal and Selling Shareholders;
                                                                   Description of Capital Shares; Shares Eligible for
                                                                   Future Sale; Financial Statements; Pro Forma
                                                                   Combined Financial Information
      12.  Disclosure of Commission Position
            on Indemnification for Securities
            Act Liabilities.....................................  Not applicable
</TABLE>
<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>
PROSPECTUS
                                                                            tuvw
3,700,000 SHARES
 
DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION
 
CLASS A COMMON SHARES
(WITHOUT PAR VALUE)
 
   
Of the 3,700,000 Class A Common Shares,  without par value (the "Class A  Common
Shares"),  of Dayton Superior  Corporation ("Dayton Superior"  or the "Company")
offered hereby, 1,974,750 Class  A Common Shares are  being sold by the  Company
and  1,725,250 Class A Common Shares are  being sold by the Selling Shareholders
(as defined herein). The Company will not  receive any of the proceeds from  the
sale  of the Class A  Common Shares by the  Selling Shareholders. See "Principal
and Selling Shareholders."
    
 
Prior to this offering (the "Offering"), there has been no public market for the
Class A  Common  Shares. It  currently  is  estimated that  the  initial  public
offering  price of the Class A Common  Shares will be between $12.00 and $15.00.
See "Underwriting" for information relating to  the factors to be considered  in
determining  the initial public  offering price. The Class  A Common Shares have
been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "DSD,"
subject to official notice of issuance.
 
   
Upon completion of the  Offering and assuming no  exercise of the  Underwriters'
over-allotment  option, the Company's outstanding  common shares will consist of
4,086,800 Class A Common Shares and 1,522,550 Class B Common Shares, without par
value (the "Class B Common Shares" and, together with the Class A Common Shares,
the "Common Shares"). The Class A Common Shares will be entitled to one vote per
share and the Class B Common Shares will be entitled to ten votes per share. The
Common Shares generally will vote together as one class on all matters submitted
to a  vote  of  the  shareholders, including  the  election  of  directors.  See
"Description of Capital Shares." Upon completion of the Offering and assuming no
exercise  of the Underwriters' over-allotment option, Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C.
("Ripplewood"), the Company's current majority shareholder, will own all of  the
outstanding  Class B  Common Shares, representing  78.8% of  the combined voting
power of the outstanding Common Shares. As a result, Ripplewood will continue to
have the ability to elect  all of the Company's  directors and will continue  to
control the Company. See "Principal and Selling Shareholders."
    
 
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 10 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS THAT
SHOULD  BE CONSIDERED  BY PROSPECTIVE  PURCHASERS OF  THE CLASS  A COMMON SHARES
OFFERED HEREBY.
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE  NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY  THE SECURITIES  AND
EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR ANY  STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION  NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR  ANY  STATE SECURITIES  COMMISSION PASSED  UPON  THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         PROCEEDS
                             PRICE TO            UNDERWRITING        PROCEEDS TO         TO SELLING
                             PUBLIC              DISCOUNT            COMPANY (1)         SHAREHOLDERS
<S>                          <C>                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Per Share..................  $                   $                   $                   $
Total (2)..................  $                   $                   $                   $
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
(1)  Before deducting expenses of the  Offering payable by the Company estimated
    at $1,410,000.
 
(2) The Company and Ripplewood have granted to the Underwriters a 30-day  option
    to  purchase up to an aggregate of 555,000 additional shares at the Price to
    Public less the  Underwriting Discount solely  to cover over-allotments,  if
    any.  If the Underwriters exercise  such option in full,  the total Price to
    Public, Underwriting Discount, Proceeds to  Company and Proceeds to  Selling
    Shareholders  will be $          ,  $          , $          and $          ,
    respectively. See "Underwriting."
 
The Class A Common Shares are offered  subject to receipt and acceptance by  the
Underwriters,  to prior sale and to the  Underwriters' right to reject any order
in whole or in part and to withdraw, cancel or modify the offer without  notice.
It  is expected that delivery of  the Class A Common Shares  will be made at the
office of Salomon Brothers Inc, Seven World Trade Center, New York, New York, or
through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company, on or about            ,
1996.
 
SALOMON BROTHERS INC
             LAZARD FRERES & CO. LLC
                          ROBERT W. BAIRD & CO.
                                  INCORPORATED
                                                       BT SECURITIES CORPORATION
 
The date of this Prospectus is                         , 1996.
<PAGE>
                          DAYTON SUPERIOR -Registered
                                   Trademark-
                    Concrete accessories (including concrete
                    paving products) and masonry accessories
 
                                   [GRAPHIC]
 
    IN  CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE CLASS A  COMMON
SHARES  AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH  MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN MARKET.
SUCH TRANSACTIONS MAY BE EFFECTED ON  THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE OR  OTHERWISE.
SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
DAYTON SUPERIOR MANUFACTURERS WALL-FORMING PRODUCTS,
SUCH AS SNAP TIES, COIL TIES, SHE BOLTS AND HE BOLTS, WHICH
ARE USED IN THE FABIRCATION OF JOB-BUILT AND PREFABRICATED
MODULAR FORMS FOR POURED-IN-PLACE CONCRETE WALLS.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
    THE  FOLLOWING SUMMARY IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY AND SHOULD BE READ IN
CONJUNCTION WITH THE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS,  INCLUDING
THE  NOTES THERETO, AND  PRO FORMA FINANCIAL  INFORMATION APPEARING ELSEWHERE IN
THIS PROSPECTUS.  UNLESS  OTHERWISE  STATED, OR  UNLESS  THE  CONTEXT  OTHERWISE
REQUIRES,  ALL  INFORMATION IN  THIS PROSPECTUS:  (I) GIVES  EFFECT, IMMEDIATELY
PRIOR TO THE  CONSUMMATION OF THE  OFFERING, TO THE  AMENDMENT TO THE  COMPANY'S
AMENDED  ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO (A) CONVERT ALL THE CURRENTLY OUTSTANDING,
NON-VOTING CLASS  B COMMON  SHARES (THE  "OLD  CLASS B  COMMON SHARES")  OF  THE
COMPANY  INTO CLASS  A COMMON  SHARES OF THE  COMPANY, (B)  CHANGE THE COMPANY'S
AUTHORIZED SHARE CAPITAL TO CLASS A COMMON SHARES WITH ONE VOTE PER SHARE, CLASS
B COMMON  SHARES WITH  TEN VOTES  PER SHARE  AND PREFERRED  SHARES, WITHOUT  PAR
VALUE, (C) SPLIT EACH OUTSTANDING CLASS A COMMON SHARE INTO FIFTY CLASS A COMMON
SHARES  AND (D) CONVERT  EACH CLASS A  COMMON SHARE HELD  BY RIPPLEWOOD INTO ONE
CLASS B COMMON SHARE, (II) GIVES  EFFECT, IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO THE  CONSUMMATION
OF  THE OFFERING,  TO THE  CONVERSION BY  RIPPLEWOOD OF  483,300 CLASS  B COMMON
SHARES INTO AN EQUAL NUMBER  OF CLASS A COMMON  SHARES OFFERED HEREBY AND  (III)
ASSUMES  THAT  THE UNDERWRITERS'  OVER-ALLOTMENT  OPTION IS  NOT  EXERCISED. SEE
"DESCRIPTION OF COMMON SHARES."
 
    AS USED HEREIN,  THE TERM "NORTH  AMERICA" REFERS TO  THE UNITED STATES  AND
CANADA  AND  "ON  A PRO  FORMA  COMBINED  BASIS" REFERS  TO  PRO  FORMA COMBINED
FINANCIAL INFORMATION BASED ON THE HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS
OF  THE COMPANY AND  OF DUR-O-WAL, INC.  ("DUR-O-WAL") AND GIVING  EFFECT TO THE
ACQUISITION OF DUR-O-WAL (THE "DUR-O-WAL ACQUISITION") AS IF IT HAD OCCURRED  ON
JANUARY  1, 1995. IN PREPARING THE PRO FORMA COMBINED INCOME STATEMENTS, CERTAIN
LINE ITEMS HAVE  BEEN RECLASSIFIED  ON A  BASIS CONSISTENT  WITH THE  ACCOUNTING
POLICIES OF THE COMPANY. SEE "PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION."
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
GENERAL
 
    The  Company  believes it  is the  largest  North American  manufacturer and
distributor of specialized metal accessories  used in concrete construction  and
masonry  construction on  the basis  of sales.  The Company's  products are used
primarily in two segments of the construction industry: non-residential building
projects such as institutional buildings,  retail sites, commercial offices  and
manufacturing facilities; and infrastructure projects such as highways, bridges,
utilities,  water  and waste  treatment facilities  and  airport runways.  On an
historical  basis,   the  dollar   volume   of  non-residential   building   and
infrastructure construction in North America has been less cyclical than that of
single family residential construction.
 
    The  Company was  founded in  1924 under the  name The  Dayton Sure-Grip and
Shore Company. Following the 1982 acquisition of Superior Concrete  Accessories,
Inc.,  the Company  evolved from a  regional company to  a large, geographically
diversified firm. Between 1991 and June  1995, the Company completed four  small
acquisitions and, in October 1995, the Company acquired Dur-O-Wal, which had net
sales  of  $25.7 million  in 1995  on a  pro  forma combined  basis, for  a cash
purchase price  of  $23.6 million  (including  acquisition costs).  The  Company
believes that Dur-O-Wal is a leading manufacturer of masonry accessories and the
largest manufacturer of masonry wall reinforcement in North America on the basis
of sales. On April 29, 1996, the Company purchased certain assets of a privately
held  concrete paving  products manufacturer based  in Kankakee,  Illinois for a
cash purchase price of approximately $5 million (including estimated acquisition
costs and subject to post-closing adjustments).
 
    The Company believes  that its  distribution system  is the  largest in  its
industry,  consisting of  a network of  22 Company-operated service/distribution
centers in the  United States  and Canada  and over  3,000 customers,  including
stocking dealers, brokers, rebar fabricators, precast concrete manufacturers and
brick and concrete block manufacturers. The Company believes that its ability to
deliver  quality  products  to  customers quickly  using  its  on-line inventory
tracking system gives it  a competitive advantage over  many of its  competitors
and   encourages  customer  loyalty.   Although  the  Company   believes  it  is
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
the largest North  American manufacturer  and distributor  of specialized  metal
accessories used in concrete construction and masonry construction, the industry
in  which the Company competes is  highly competitive in most product categories
and geographic regions. The Company competes  with a relatively small number  of
full-line  national manufacturers of concrete or  masonry accessories and a much
larger number of regional manufacturers  and manufacturers with limited  product
lines. See "Business -- Competition."
 
    The  Company manufactures most of its  products at five principal facilities
in the  United States  using, in  many cases,  high-volume, automated  equipment
designed  and built or custom modified  by in-house personnel. The Company sells
approximately 12,300 different products in two principal product lines (concrete
accessories, which include concrete  paving products, and masonry  accessories),
including  products designed to  hold steel reinforcing  bar ("rebar") in place,
support concrete framework, reinforce masonry walls and create attachment points
on concrete or masonry surfaces. The Company's product lines, which the  Company
believes  are  the  broadest in  the  industry,  are marketed  under  the DAYTON
SUPERIOR-Registered Trademark-  name in  the case  of concrete  accessories  and
under   the  DUR-O-WAL-Registered  Trademark-  name   in  the  case  of  masonry
accessories.
 
    The Company's senior management team, which has been in place since 1989 and
averages over 20 years of manufacturing  industry experience, is led by John  A.
Ciccarelli,  its President  and Chief  Executive Officer,  who formerly  was the
President of The  Wheelabrator Corporation, a  manufacturer of industrial  blast
cleaning  equipment. The Company also benefits from the experience of Matthew O.
Diggs,  Jr.,   its  non-executive   Chairman,  particularly   with  respect   to
acquisitions  and strategic  direction. Mr.  Diggs is  the former  President and
Chief Executive Officer of Copeland Corporation, a manufacturer of  refrigerator
compressors,  and the former Chairman of The Delfield Company, a manufacturer of
food service equipment.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
    Management is seeking to implement the following business strategy, which is
designed to build on the Company's manufacturing and distribution strengths  and
scale advantages to achieve growth both through acquisitions and internally.
 
    - PURSUE  STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS. In addition  to internal growth, including
      new product development, the Company  intends to continue to grow  through
      acquisitions.  The  markets in  which the  Company  competes have  a large
      number of relatively small, regional manufacturers and consequently  offer
      consolidation   opportunities.   The  Company   seeks   acquisitions  that
      complement its  existing  products  or represent  product  extensions  and
      primarily    focuses   its   acquisition    strategy   on   regional   and
      specialty-product firms. The Company believes it has been able to  achieve
      synergies  in its acquisitions  through economies of  scale in purchasing,
      manufacturing, marketing and distribution.
 
    - LEVERAGE EXTENSIVE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM  AND DEALER NETWORK. The  Company's
      extensive   distribution  system,  broad   product  lines  and  continuing
      commitment to customer service and quality have enabled it to attract  and
      maintain  the largest dealer network in its industry. The Company utilizes
      its distribution system and dealer  network as a platform for  integrating
      acquisitions and for selling products manufactured by third parties. Sales
      of  third-party  products allow  the Company  to utilize  its distribution
      system to increase sales  without making significant capital  investments.
      The Company estimates that net sales of third party products accounted for
      approximately  $18.5 million of the  Company's net sales in  1995 on a pro
      forma combined basis.
 
    - UTILIZE CUSTOMIZED AUTOMATED MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT. The Company  designs
      and builds or custom modifies much of the high-volume, automated equipment
      it  uses  to manufacture  metal concrete  accessories and  concrete paving
      products. To  develop this  equipment, it  employs a  team of  experienced
      manufacturing engineers and tool and die makers. The Company believes that
      its  customized automated manufacturing equipment provides it with several
      competitive
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
      advantages  relative  to  its  competitors,  including  (i)  significantly
      greater  productivity,  (ii) lower  capital  equipment costs,  (iii) lower
      scrap rates, (iv)  higher product quality,  (v) faster product  changeover
      times and (vi) lower inventory levels.
 
    - DEVELOP  NEW PRODUCTS. The  Company has a  new product development program
      built around its marketing, engineering and manufacturing personnel.  This
      program  establishes goals  for, and  tracks the  success of,  new product
      development in each project group. The Company estimates that new products
      introduced in the last  five years (three years,  in the case of  chemical
      products),  including  new products  introduced  by Dur-O-Wal  during such
      period, accounted  for approximately  $6.5 million  of the  Company's  net
      sales in 1995 on a pro forma combined basis.
 
    - OFFER  BROAD PRODUCT  LINE. The  Company believes  it offers  the broadest
      product  line  in   metal  accessories  for   the  concrete  and   masonry
      construction  industry  in  North America,  providing  its  customers with
      products  designed  to  meet  a  wide  variety  of  concrete  and  masonry
      construction  needs. The Company  believes that its  customers' ability to
      order a wide range of products from the Company enhances its sales.
 
RIPPLEWOOD
 
   
    Upon completion of  the Offering,  Ripplewood will own  all the  outstanding
Class  B Common Shares, representing approximately  78.8% of the combined voting
power of the outstanding Common Shares (approximately 72.8% if the Underwriters'
over-allotment  option  is  exercised  in  full).  See  "Principal  and  Selling
Shareholders."  Ripplewood is a holding company  formed by Timothy C. Collins to
invest, directly  and through  private investment  funds for  which it  acts  as
general  partner, in leveraged  build-ups and acquisitions  sponsored by senior,
industrial operating  managers  affiliated  with Ripplewood.  Prior  to  forming
Ripplewood,  Mr. Collins was the Senior Managing Director of the New York office
of Onex Corporation ("Onex"), an Ontario  corporation listed on the Toronto  and
Montreal Stock Exchanges. An investor group led by a subsidiary of Onex acquired
the  Company  in  August  1989.  Ripplewood  acquired  a  majority  of  the then
outstanding Common Shares of the Company from such subsidiary in October 1995.
    
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
                                  THE OFFERING
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                           <C>
Class A Common Shares Offered
  By the Company............................  1,974,750 shares(1)
  By the Selling Shareholders...............  1,725,250 shares(1)
    Total...................................  3,700,000 shares(1)
Class A Common Shares to be outstanding
 after the Offering.........................  4,086,800 shares(1)(2)(3)
Class B Common Shares to be outstanding
 after the Offering.........................  1,522,550 shares(2)
Total Common Shares to be outstanding after
 the Offering...............................  5,609,350 shares(1)(3)
Estimated Net Proceeds to the Company.......  $23.52 million(1)
Use of Proceeds by the Company..............  To   repay   certain   senior    indebtedness.
                                               See "Use of Proceeds."
New York Stock Exchange Symbol..............  "DSD"
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
(1) Does not include up to 555,000 Class A Common Shares that are subject to the
    Underwriters' over-allotment option, one-half of which would be newly issued
    by the Company and one-half of which would be sold by Ripplewood.
 
(2) Each  Class B Common Share is convertible at the option of the holder at any
    time into one Class A Common  Share and will convert automatically into  one
    Class  A Common Share as a result  of certain transfers. See "Description of
    Capital Shares--Common Shares." If  the Underwriters' over-allotment  option
    is  exercised, up to  277,500 Class B  Common Shares will  be converted into
    Class A Common Shares as a result of the sale thereof by Ripplewood.
 
(3) Does not include up to 272,750 Class A Common Shares that are issuable  upon
    exercise  of outstanding stock options (the "Options"), all of which will be
    exercisable immediately after the Offering. See "Management--Fiscal Year End
    Option Values."
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    See "Risk  Factors" for  a  discussion of  certain  factors that  should  be
considered  by  prospective  purchasers of  the  Class A  Common  Shares offered
hereby.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
                      SUMMARY FINANCIAL AND PRO FORMA DATA
 
    The following table sets forth summary  financial data for the fiscal  years
ended  December 31,  1991 through  1995, which data  have been  derived from the
consolidated financial statements  of the  Company, which have  been audited  by
Arthur  Andersen LLP, independent public accountants,  and which, in the case of
the three  years  ended  December  31, 1995,  are  included  elsewhere  in  this
Prospectus.  The table also includes data as  of and for the three fiscal months
ended March  31, 1995  and March  29, 1996,  which have  been derived  from  the
unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company included elsewhere in
this  Prospectus and which,  in the opinion of  management, reflect all material
adjustments of a normal and recurring  nature necessary for a fair  presentation
of such data. The following table also sets forth summary financial data for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 on a pro forma combined basis. The following
data should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial  Condition and Results  of Operations" and  the Company's consolidated
financial  statements  and  the  notes   thereto  included  elsewhere  in   this
Prospectus. Pro forma combined financial statements of the Company and Dur-O-Wal
also  are  presented  elsewhere  in this  Prospectus.  See  "Pro  Forma Combined
Financial Information."
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                          THREE
                                                                                                                         FISCAL
                                                                                                                         MONTHS
                                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                                 ENDED
                                       ------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------
                                                                                                           PRO FORMA    MARCH 31,
                                          1991        1992         1993           1994          1995       1995 (1)       1995
                                       ----------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                             (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                    <C>         <C>         <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>
OPERATING DATA:
  Net sales..........................     $68,532     $71,462     $75,154        $82,341        $92,802     $113,695      $17,977
  Gross profit.......................      19,925      18,408      19,727         24,330         28,812       33,718        5,422
  Income from operations.............       4,126       1,286       3,856          6,303          8,623       10,372          758
  Interest expense, net..............       8,541       8,727      10,118          6,017   (2)      4,231      6,264          909
  Provision (benefit) for income
   taxes (3).........................      (1,006)       (826)        (89   )         95            690          683           --
  Income (loss) before extraordinary
   item..............................      (3,409)     (6,615)     (6,173   )       (682   )      3,705        3,404         (151)
  Extraordinary item, net of tax.....          --          --          --         31,354   (2)         --         --           --
  Net income (loss)..................     $(3,409)    $(6,615)    $(6,173   )    $30,672         $3,705       $3,404        $(151)
                                       ----------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                       ----------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  Net income (loss) available to
   common shareholders...............     $(3,409)    $(6,615)    $(6,173   )    $30,175            $71        $(230 )      $(363)
                                       ----------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                       ----------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  Income (loss) per share available
   to common shareholders before
   extraordinary item................     $(35.87)    $(69.60)    $(64.95   )     $(0.58   )      $0.02       $(0.08 )     $(0.12)
  Net income (loss) per common and
   common equivalent share (4).......      (35.87)     (69.60)     (64.95   )      14.92           0.02        (0.08 )      (0.12)
  Weighted average common and common
   equivalent shares outstanding
   (4)...............................      95,039      95,039      95,039      2,021,918      3,560,808    3,036,236    2,956,789
 
AS ADJUSTED FOR THE OFFERING: (5)
  Net income.........................                                                            $5,290       $5,210
  Net income per common and common
   equivalent share before dividends,
   accretion and redemption of
   redeemable preferred shares (4)...                                                              0.96         0.94
  Net income per common and common
   equivalent share (4)..............                                                              0.30         0.28
  Weighted average common and common
   equivalent shares outstanding
   (4)...............................                                                         5,535,558    5,535,558
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                        MARCH 29,
                                          1996
                                       -----------
 
<S>                                    <C>
OPERATING DATA:
  Net sales..........................     $23,615
  Gross profit.......................       7,469
  Income from operations.............       1,434
  Interest expense, net..............       1,585
  Provision (benefit) for income
   taxes (3).........................         242
  Income (loss) before extraordinary
   item..............................        (401 )
  Extraordinary item, net of tax.....          --
  Net income (loss)..................       $(401 )
                                       -----------
                                       -----------
  Net income (loss) available to
   common shareholders...............       $(401 )
                                       -----------
                                       -----------
  Income (loss) per share available
   to common shareholders before
   extraordinary item................      $(0.12 )
  Net income (loss) per common and
   common equivalent share (4).......       (0.12 )
  Weighted average common and common
   equivalent shares outstanding
   (4)...............................   3,333,389
AS ADJUSTED FOR THE OFFERING: (5)
  Net income.........................         $50
  Net income per common and common
   equivalent share before dividends,
   accretion and redemption of
   redeemable preferred shares (4)...        0.01
  Net income per common and common
   equivalent share (4)..............        0.01
  Weighted average common and common
   equivalent shares outstanding
   (4)...............................   5,832,711
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                           AT MARCH 29, 1996
                                                                                                      ---------------------------
                                                                                                       ACTUAL    AS ADJUSTED (5)
                                                                                                      ---------  ----------------
                                                                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                                   <C>        <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Total assets......................................................................................  $ 107,052     $  106,307
  Long-term debt (including current portion)........................................................     56,809         37,790
  Shareholders' equity..............................................................................     27,084         48,305
</TABLE>
    
 
                     (see footnotes on the following pages)
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                         THREE
                                                                                                                        FISCAL
                                                                                                                        MONTHS
                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                               ENDED
                                          --------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------
                                                                                                          PRO FORMA    MARCH 31,
                                            1991       1992         1993          1994         1995       1995 (1)       1995
                                          ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<S>                                       <C>        <C>        <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>
OTHER OPERATING DATA:
  EBITDA (6)............................     $8,622     $5,211     $7,073        $9,802        $12,891      $15,925       $1,686
  Cash flow from operating activities...       (736)       882      2,503        (7,576   )      8,226        8,786       (2,133)
  Cash flow from investing activities...       (456)       578     (1,617   )    (2,075   )    (26,321 )     (3,129 )       (503)
  Cash flow from financing activities...        500      2,992         --         3,912         18,256       (5,180 )      2,170
  Capital expenditures..................        447        695      1,647         2,082          2,730        3,166          505
  Management fees(7)....................        250        250        250           250            250          250           63
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                           MARCH 29,
                                             1996
                                          -----------
 
<S>                                       <C>
OTHER OPERATING DATA:
  EBITDA (6)............................      $2,748
  Cash flow from operating activities...      (3,652 )
  Cash flow from investing activities...        (665 )
  Cash flow from financing activities...       3,777
  Capital expenditures..................         667
  Management fees(7)....................          84
</TABLE>
 
- ----------------------------------
 
(1) Gives effect to (i) the Dur-O-Wal  Acquisition and (ii) the issuance of  $15
    million  of senior debt and the initial  borrowing of $8.6 million under the
   Credit  Facility  (as  defined  herein)  in  connection  with  the  Dur-O-Wal
   Acquisition  as if  each had occurred  on January 1,  1995. See "Management's
   Discussion   and   Analysis   of   Financial   Condition   and   Results   of
   Operations--Acquisition  of  Dur-O-Wal."  The  unaudited  pro  forma combined
   financial data does not  give effect to any  other transactions and does  not
   purport  to represent the actual results of operations or financial condition
   of the Company had the Dur-O-Wal Acquisition occurred on the date assumed  or
   the  results that  can be expected  for the  Company in the  future. See "Pro
   Forma Combined Financial Information."
 
(2) In  May  1994,  the  Company  reached  an  agreement  with  its  lenders  to
    restructure   its  debt   (the  "1994   Restructuring"),  resulting   in  an
    extraordinary gain  of  $31.4 million  net  of  income tax  effect  of  $0.1
    million.  This also  resulted in  decreased interest  expense for  1994. See
    "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results  of
    Operations--1994  Restructuring" and  Note 3  to the  Company's consolidated
    financial statements.
 
(3) In 1991, 1992 and 1993, an income tax benefit was recorded to the extent the
    Company was able to carryback losses  to obtain federal or state income  tax
    refunds.  In 1994,  the provision  for income  taxes related  to alternative
    minimum taxes.  In 1995,  the  provision for  income  taxes was  reduced  to
    reflect  the utilization  of net  operating losses  from 1992  and 1993. The
    provision  for  income  taxes  in   the  first  quarter  of  1996   reflects
    non-deductible  goodwill amortization and a net  operating loss in Canada on
    which no tax carryback is available.
 
(4) Net income (loss) per common  and common equivalent share before  dividends,
    accretion  and  redemption of  preferred shares  and  net income  (loss) per
    common and common equivalent share are based on the weighted average  common
    and  dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Common
    share equivalents include the number of shares issuable upon the exercise of
    outstanding Options, and warrants to purchase 346,600 Class A Common  Shares
    (the  "Warrants"), less the shares that could be purchased with the proceeds
    from the exercise of the Options  and Warrants, based on an assumed  initial
    public  offering price of $13.50 per  share. For the purposes of calculating
    net income (loss) per common and common equivalent share, common  equivalent
    shares  issued more  than 12  months prior to  the Offering  are excluded in
    periods with a net loss available to common shareholders. Common  equivalent
    shares issued less than 12 months prior to the Offering are included for all
    periods  presented. All outstanding Warrants will  be exercised prior to the
    consummation of the  Offering and all  Class A Common  Shares received  upon
    exercise  of the Warrants  will be sold  by the Selling  Shareholders in the
    Offering.
 
   
(5) Adjusted to reflect (i) the sale  of 1,974,750 Class A Common Shares by  the
    Company  in  the Offering  at an  assumed initial  public offering  price of
    $13.50 per Class A Common  Share after deducting the estimated  underwriting
    discount  and expenses of the  Offering and a fee  payable to Ripplewood for
    additional services  provided  in  connection with  the  Offering  and  (ii)
    application  of the net  proceeds from the  Offering of approximately $23.52
    million, in addition to a $20.43 million draw on the Amended Credit Facility
    (as defined  herein), to  retire $40  million of  senior debt,  pay  accrued
    interest  thereon  at  March 29,  1996  of $1.54  million  (accrued interest
    thereon will be approximately  $    million at                  , 1996,  the
    expected  date of the consummation of the  Offering) and fund a $2.4 million
    prepayment premium  in connection  therewith. See  "Use of  Proceeds."  Such
    adjustments  would reduce 1995,  pro forma 1995 and  March 29, 1996 interest
    expense by $2.6 million,  $2.9 million and  $0.7 million, respectively,  and
    increase  the 1995, pro forma  1995 and March 29,  1996 provision for income
    tax by  $1.0  million, $1.1  million  and $0.3  million,  respectively.  The
    adjustments also reflect a $2.3 million net loss on the retirement of senior
    debt  ($2.4 million prepayment premium,  $0.7 million write-off of financing
    costs and $0.6 million write-off of debt discount, net of income tax benefit
    of $1.4 million).
    
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
(6) EBITDA represents earnings before interest expense, other expense or income,
    income taxes, depreciation  and amortization. Other  expense of $873,000  in
    1994  represents non-recurring costs associated with an acquisition that was
    not completed. The accrued  interest component of  cash flow from  operating
    activities  was $2.1 million, $7.6 million and $(10.9 million) in 1992, 1993
    and 1994, respectively. Management considers  EBITDA to be a useful  measure
    of  operating performance because, together with  net income and cash flows,
    EBITDA provides investors with an additional basis to evaluate the Company's
    ability to  pay  interest, repay  debt  and make  capital  expenditures.  In
    addition,  EBITDA is a component in the interest rate and covenant structure
    of the Amended Credit Facility.  See "Description of Certain  Indebtedness."
    To evaluate EBITDA and the trends it depicts, the components of EBITDA, such
    as  net  sales,  cost  of  sales  and  selling,  general  and administrative
    expenses, should be considered. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
    Financial Condition and  Results of  Operations." Excluded  from EBITDA  are
    interest,   other  expense   or  income,  income   taxes,  depreciation  and
    amortization, each of which can  significantly affect the Company's  results
    of  operations  and liquidity  and should  be  considered in  evaluating the
    Company's financial  performance.  EBITDA  has  not  been  presented  as  an
    alternative  to operating income as  determined in accordance with generally
    accepted accounting principles as an  indicator of operating performance  or
    to   cash  flows  from  operating,  investing  or  financing  activities  as
    determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as  a
    measure  of liquidity or ability  to meet all cash  needs. Not all companies
    define  EBITDA  consistently;  caution  must  be  used  in  comparing   this
    measurement  to EBITDA  of other  companies. See  the Company's consolidated
    financial statements  and  the notes  thereto  appearing elsewhere  in  this
    Prospectus. The following reconciles net income (loss) to EBITDA:
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                         THREE
                                                                                                                        FISCAL
                                                                                                                        MONTHS
                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                               ENDED
                                          --------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------
                                                                                                          PRO FORMA    MARCH 31,
                                            1991       1992         1993          1994         1995         1995         1995
                                          ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<S>                                       <C>        <C>        <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>
Net income (loss).......................    $(3,409)   $(6,615)   $(6,173   )   $30,672         $3,705       $3,404        $(151)
Extraordinary item, net of tax..........         --         --         --       (31,354   )         --           --           --
Provision (benefit) for income taxes....     (1,006)      (826)       (89   )        95            690          683           --
Interest expense, net...................      8,541      8,727     10,118         6,017          4,231        6,264          909
Other (income) expense..................         --         --         --           873             (3 )         21           --
                                          ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Income from operations..................      4,126      1,286      3,856         6,303          8,623       10,372          758
Depreciation............................      1,956      1,947      1,914         2,194          2,777        3,723          579
Amortization of intangibles and
 goodwill...............................      2,540      1,978      1,303         1,305          1,491        1,830          349
                                          ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
EBITDA..................................     $8,622     $5,211     $7,073        $9,802        $12,891      $15,925       $1,686
                                          ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                          ---------  ---------  ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                           MARCH 29,
                                             1996
                                          -----------
 
<S>                                       <C>
Net income (loss).......................       $(401 )
Extraordinary item, net of tax..........          --
Provision (benefit) for income taxes....         242
Interest expense, net...................       1,585
Other (income) expense..................           8
                                          -----------
Income from operations..................       1,434
Depreciation............................         908
Amortization of intangibles and
 goodwill...............................         406
                                          -----------
EBITDA..................................      $2,748
                                          -----------
                                          -----------
</TABLE>
    
 
(7)  Management fees are paid to the  controlling and another shareholder of the
    Company and are  included in selling,  general and administrative  expenses.
   Following the Offering, the Company will no longer be charged such management
   fees. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions."
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    A  PROSPECTIVE PURCHASER SHOULD CONSIDER CAREFULLY ALL OF THE INFORMATION IN
THIS PROSPECTUS BEFORE DECIDING  WHETHER TO PURCHASE THE  CLASS A COMMON  SHARES
OFFERED HEREBY AND, IN PARTICULAR, THE FOLLOWING FACTORS.
 
CYCLICAL NATURE OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
 
    The  Company's sales  and earnings are  strongly influenced by  the level of
North  American   non-residential  building   and  infrastructure   construction
activity.  Construction activity is cyclical and  is affected by the strength of
the general economy and by other factors beyond the Company's control, including
governmental expenditures  and changes  in the  banking and  tax laws.  Although
non-residential    building   construction   and   infrastructure   construction
historically  have   been   less   cyclical   than   residential   construction,
non-residential  building construction experienced a  severe decline in 1990 and
1991. In  1992, in  part  as a  result of  the  effect of  that decline  on  the
Company's  sales  and  earnings  and  the  Company's  highly  leveraged  capital
structure following  its acquisition  in 1989  by  an investor  group led  by  a
subsidiary  of Onex, the Company defaulted on certain financial covenants in its
senior debt and was unable to make required principal and interest payments. The
Company's debt was restructured  in May 1994.  See "Management's Discussion  and
Analysis  of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--1994 Restructuring."
Although the Company will be  less leveraged immediately following the  Offering
than  it was  in 1993, a  decline in non-residential  building or infrastructure
construction activity in  the future  likely would result  in a  decline in  the
Company's sales and earnings which could be materially adverse.
 
RECENT LOSSES AND SEASONALITY
 
   
    In  1991, 1992 and  1993, the Company  incurred net losses  of $3.4 million,
$6.6 million and $6.2 million, respectively. In 1994, the Company had net income
of  $30.7  million  but  a  loss  before  extraordinary  item  (related  to  the
forgiveness  of debt) of $682,000.  In 1995, the Company  had net income of $3.7
million ($3.4  million  on  a  pro  forma  combined  basis).  See  "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." There
can  be no assurance  that the Company will  be profitable in  1996 or in future
years or that  it will  not have to  seek additional  funds through  borrowings,
sales of equity or otherwise to pursue its business objectives.
    
 
    The  construction industry is seasonal in most of North America, with demand
for the Company's products being higher in the spring and summer than in  winter
and  late fall. This  seasonality typically adversely  affects the Company's net
sales and net income in  the first and last quarters  of the year. In the  first
quarter  of 1995 and 1996, the Company had net losses of $151,000 ($245,000 on a
pro forma combined basis) and $401,000, respectively.
 
CHALLENGE OF GROWTH THROUGH ACQUISITIONS
 
   
    The Company intends  to continue to  pursue its strategy  of growth  through
acquisitions.  There can be no assurance, however, that future acquisitions will
be consummated  or  that  any  newly  acquired  business  will  be  successfully
integrated into the Company's operations. The Company may issue additional Class
A Common Shares (which could result in dilution to the purchasers of the Class A
Common  Shares offered hereby) or may incur substantial additional indebtedness,
or a combination thereof, to fund future acquisitions. There can be no assurance
that the  Company will  be able  to  obtain any  such additional  financing.  In
addition, on June 17, 1996, the Company entered into an agreement with Bank One,
Dayton,  NA  and  Bank of  America  Illinois (collectively,  the  "Banks") which
amended its  credit facility  (the "Credit  Facility" and,  as so  amended,  the
"Amended  Credit Facility"), conditional upon  the consummation of the Offering.
The terms of the  Amended Credit Facility prohibit  the Company from merging  or
consolidating  with, or acquiring the stock of, another corporation or incurring
additional indebtedness (subject to certain  exceptions) without the consent  of
the Banks. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain the
consent  of the Banks to any such merger, consolidation or acquisition or to the
incurrence of  additional debt.  See "Management's  Discussion and  Analysis  of
Financial  Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources"
and "Description of Certain Indebtedness."
    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
    In addition,  the  Company's  ability to  manage  growth  successfully  will
require  the  Company to  continue to  improve  its operational,  management and
financial systems and controls. Certain of the Company's key employees have  not
had  experience in managing companies larger  than the Company. If the Company's
management is  unable  to manage  growth  effectively, the  Company's  business,
results  of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely
affected. See "Business-- Management."
 
COMPETITION
 
    The industry in  which the Company  operates is highly  competitive in  most
product categories and geographic regions. The Company believes that competition
is  largely  based on  price, quality,  breadth  of product  lines, distribution
capabilities (including quick delivery times) and customer service. The  Company
competes  for  business with  a relatively  small  number of  full-line national
manufacturers  and  a   much  larger  number   of  regional  manufacturers   and
manufacturers   with  limited  product  lines.  In  certain  circumstances,  due
primarily to factors such  as freight rates, quick  delivery times and  customer
preference  for local suppliers, certain manufacturers  and suppliers may have a
competitive   advantage   over   the   Company   in   a   given   region.    See
"Business--Competition."
 
CONTROL OF THE COMPANY BY RIPPLEWOOD; OTHER ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS
 
   
    Holders  of the Company's Class A Common Shares are entitled to one vote per
share and holders of  the Class B  Common Shares are entitled  to ten votes  per
share.  Upon  completion  of  the  Offering,  Ripplewood  will  own  all  of the
outstanding Class B  Common Shares,  representing 78.8% of  the combined  voting
power of the outstanding Common Shares. In addition, under the Company's Amended
and  Restated  Shareholder Agreement  (the "Shareholder  Agreement"), Ripplewood
will generally  control the  voting of  an additional  2.3% of  the  outstanding
Common  Shares (assuming exercise of all of the outstanding Options) which, with
Ripplewood's Class B Common  Shares, collectively would  represent 81.1% of  the
combined  voting power  of the Common  Shares. Consequently,  Ripplewood will be
able, without the approval of the Company's other shareholders, to (i) elect all
of the  Company's  directors,  (ii)  amend the  Company's  amended  articles  of
incorporation with respect to most matters or effect a merger, sale of assets or
other  major  corporate transaction,  (iii)  defeat any  non-negotiated takeover
attempt, (iv) convert its Class B Common  Shares into Class A Common Shares  and
sell  such  shares without  participation in  such sale  by the  Company's other
shareholders and  (v) otherwise  control the  outcome of  virtually all  matters
submitted  for a shareholder vote. See  "Description of Capital Shares." Control
by Ripplewood may discourage certain  types of transactions involving an  actual
or  potential change of control of  the Company, including transactions in which
the holders of  Class A Common  Shares might receive  a premium over  prevailing
market  prices for their shares.  Timothy C. Collins, Matthew  O. Diggs, Jr. and
Matthew M. Guerreiro,  each of whom  is a  director of the  Company, are  Senior
Managing  Director and  Chief Executive  Officer, non-executive  Chairman of the
Board and a principal, respectively, of Ripplewood.
    
 
   
    In addition,  certain  provisions  of  the  Company's  amended  articles  of
incorporation  and certain provisions  of the Ohio  General Corporation Law (the
"OGCL") may have the effect of discouraging non-negotiated takeover attempts  of
the  Company. These provisions include  so-called "blank check" preferred shares
and the Ohio  Merger Moratorium Act.  See "Description of  Capital Shares."  The
Board  of  Directors,  without  shareholder approval,  can  issue  "blank check"
preferred shares with conversion, voting  and other rights that could  adversely
affect  the rights  of the  holders of  Class A  Common Shares.  The Ohio Merger
Moratorium Act is intended to  delay a person who  acquires voting shares of  an
Ohio corporation without the approval of the Board of Directors from engaging in
any  merger, asset sale or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to
such person.
    
 
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
 
    The Company's affairs are  managed by a small  number of key management  and
operating personnel, the loss of any one of whom could have an adverse impact on
the Company. See "Business-- Management."
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
 
    The  Company is subject to regulation under various federal, state and local
laws and regulations  relating to  the environment. These  laws and  regulations
govern the generation, storage, transportation, disposal and emission of various
substances.  Permits are required  for operation of  the Company's business, and
these  permits   are  subject   to  renewal,   modification  and,   in   certain
circumstances,  revocation. The Company believes it is in substantial compliance
with such  laws and  permitting requirements.  The Company  also is  subject  to
regulation  under various  federal, state and  local laws  and regulations which
allow regulatory authorities to  compel (or seek  reimbursement for) cleanup  of
environmental  contamination at its own sites  and at facilities where its waste
is or  has been  disposed. The  Company expects  to incur  on-going capital  and
operating  costs to maintain compliance  with applicable environmental laws that
the Company does not expect to be,  in the aggregate, material to its  financial
condition,  results of operations  or liquidity. The  Company cannot predict the
environmental laws  or regulations  that may  be enacted  in the  future or  how
existing  or future  laws or  regulations will  be administered  or interpreted.
Compliance with more  stringent laws or  regulations, as well  as more  vigorous
enforcement  policies of the  regulatory agencies or  stricter interpretation of
existing laws  or  regulations,  may  require  additional  expenditures  by  the
Company,  some or  all of which  may be material.  See "Business-- Environmental
Compliance."
 
NO PRIOR MARKET FOR CLASS A COMMON SHARES; POSSIBLE VOLATILITY OF PRICE
 
    Prior to the  Offering, there  has been  no public  market for  the Class  A
Common Shares. Although the Class A Common Shares have been approved for listing
on  the New York Stock  Exchange, subject to official  notice of issuance, there
can be no assurance that an active trading market will develop or be  sustained.
The  initial public offering price will  be determined by negotiations among the
Company, Ripplewood  and representatives  of  the Underwriters  and may  not  be
indicative  of the  price at which  the Class  A Common Shares  will trade after
completion of the Offering. See "Underwriting."  There can be no assurance  that
the  prices at which  the Class A Common  Shares will sell  in the public market
after the Offering will not  be lower than the price  at which they are sold  by
the  Underwriters.  In addition,  factors such  as  variations in  the Company's
actual and anticipated operating results, announcements by the Company or others
and developments affecting the Company could cause the market price of the Class
A Common  Shares  to  fluctuate significantly.  Broad  market  fluctuations  and
general  economic and political conditions also  may adversely affect the market
price of the Class A Common Shares, regardless of the Company's performance.
 
NO ANTICIPATED CASH DIVIDENDS
 
   
    The Company does not intend to pay  any cash dividends on the Common  Shares
in  the  near term.  See  "Dividend Policy."  In  addition, the  Company  is not
permitted to pay cash dividends to holders of the Common Shares under the  terms
of  the Company's Amended Credit Facility and  may in the future enter into loan
or other agreements or issue debt  securities or preferred shares that  restrict
the  payment of cash dividends on the Common Shares. See "Description of Certain
Indebtedness."
    
 
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
    Future sales  of substantial  numbers of  Class A  Common Shares  (including
shares  issued upon the exercise of Options),  or the perception that such sales
could occur, could  adversely affect prevailing  market prices for  the Class  A
Common  Shares. If  such sales  reduce the  market price  of the  Class A Common
Shares, the Company's ability to raise additional capital in the equity  markets
could be adversely affected.
 
   
    Upon  completion of the Offering  (assuming the Underwriters' over-allotment
option is not exercised), 1,522,550 Class A Common Shares into which the Class B
Common Shares held by Ripplewood may be converted, 386,800 Class A Common Shares
held by the  Company's management  and other  shareholders and  272,750 Class  A
Common Shares issuable upon exercise of Options held by management will continue
to  be "restricted shares"  as defined in  Rule 144 under  the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the  "Securities Act"). Such shares  may not be resold  unless
registered  under the Securities Act or sold  pursuant to an exemption from such
registration, including, among others, the exemption
    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
provided by Rule 144  under the Securities Act.  After the Offering,  Ripplewood
and  the other parties to the Shareholder Agreement will have certain incidental
registration rights with respect to any Class A Common Shares owned by them, and
Ripplewood will  have two  demand  registration rights  with respect  to  Common
Shares  owned  by  it.  See  "Principal  and  Selling  Shareholders--Shareholder
Agreement" and "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."
 
   
    The Company, Ripplewood and certain of the Company's other shareholders,  to
the  extent that such shareholders are not  selling shares in the Offering, have
agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not  to sell, offer to sell, contract  to
sell,  grant  any  option  to  purchase or  otherwise  dispose  of,  directly or
indirectly, or announce the offering of any Class A Common Shares or  securities
convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Class A Common Shares, other
than  the Class A Common  Shares offered hereby, for a  period of 360 days after
the date of this  Prospectus without the consent  of the representatives of  the
Underwriters;  provided,  however,  that  the  Company  may  issue:  (i) options
pursuant to  any employee  stock  option plan  in effect  on  the date  of  this
Prospectus,  (ii)  Class A  Common  Shares upon  the  conversion or  exercise of
securities or options outstanding on the date of this Prospectus (or issued upon
the conversion or exercise thereof) and (iii) commencing 90 days after the  date
of  this Prospectus,  Class A  Common Shares  or securities  convertible into or
exercisable or exchangeable for Class  A Common Shares in mergers,  acquisitions
or  business combinations.  See "Underwriting"  and "Shares  Eligible for Future
Sale."
    
 
DILUTION
 
   
    Investors in the Offering will  experience immediate dilution in the  amount
of  $14.97 per  share in  the net tangible  book value  of their  Class A Common
Shares from the initial public offering price. See "Dilution."
    
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
   
    The net proceeds to the Company from the sale by the Company of 1,974,750 of
the Class A Common Shares offered in the Offering, at an assumed initial  public
offering   price  of  $13.50  per  share,  are  estimated  to  be  approximately
$23,516,000 ($27,038,000 if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised
in full), after deducting  the estimated underwriting  discount and expenses  of
the  Offering  payable by  the  Company. The  Company  intends to  use  such net
proceeds to  prepay its  11.75% Senior  Notes due  2002 (the  "Senior Notes  due
2002"),  which mature on December 31, 2002, and its 11.75% Senior Notes due 2003
(the "Senior Notes due 2003" and, together  with the Senior Notes due 2002,  the
"Senior Notes"), which mature on December 31, 2003. The Company will pay accrued
interest  of approximately $         at        , 1996,  the expected date of the
consummation of the Offering,  ($1,542,000 at March 29,  1996) and a  prepayment
premium of $2,400,000 to the holders of the Senior Notes in connection with such
prepayment.  The Company intends  to fund the remaining  amount needed to prepay
the Senior Notes and  to pay such accrued  interest and prepayment premium  with
borrowings  of approximately $        at        , 1996, the expected date of the
consummation of the Offering,  ($20,426,000 based on  accrued interest at  March
29,  1996)  under  the  Amended Credit  Facility.  See  "Description  of Certain
Indebtedness."
    
 
   
    As of the date of this  Prospectus, the outstanding principal amount of  the
Senior  Notes was $40,000,000, of which  the outstanding principal amount of the
Senior Notes due 2002  was $25,000,000 and the  outstanding principal amount  of
the  Senior Notes due 2003 was  $15,000,000. Mandatory annual prepayments in the
amount of $6,250,000 on the Senior Notes  due 2002 and $3,750,000 on the  Senior
Notes  due 2003  must be made,  if not  previously paid, commencing  in 1999 and
2000, respectively. The  Senior Notes bear  interest at the  rate of 11.75%  per
annum.  The  Senior Notes  due  2002 were  issued  in connection  with  the 1994
Restructuring. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial  Condition
and  Results of Operations--1994 Restructuring." The  Senior Notes due 2003 were
issued in October 1995 to finance, in part, the acquisition of Dur-O-Wal.
    
 
    The Company will not receive  any proceeds from the  sale of Class A  Common
Shares in the Offering by the Selling Shareholders.
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
    The Company currently intends to retain its future earnings, if any, to fund
the  development and growth of its  business and, therefore, does not anticipate
declaring and paying cash dividends on the  Common Shares in the near term.  The
decision whether to apply legally available funds to the payment of dividends on
the  Common Shares will  be made by the  Board of Directors  of the Company from
time to time  in the  exercise of its  business judgment,  taking into  account,
among other things, the Company's results of operations and financial condition,
any  then  existing  or proposed  commitments  for  the use  by  the  Company of
available  funds  and  the  Company's  obligations  with  respect  to  any  then
outstanding class or series of its preferred shares.
 
   
    The  Company is restricted by the terms  of the Amended Credit Facility from
paying cash dividends on the Common Shares and may in the future enter into loan
or other agreements or issue debt  securities or preferred shares that  restrict
the payment of cash dividends on the Common Shares. See "Management's Discussion
and  Analysis of  Financial Condition  and Results  of Operations--Liquidity and
Capital Resources" and "Description of Certain Indebtedness."
    
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
   
    The following table sets  forth the capitalization of  the Company at  March
29,  1996, and as adjusted to give effect to the Offering and the application of
the estimated $23,516,000 of net proceeds to the Company therefrom as  described
in  "Use  of  Proceeds." This  table  should  be read  in  conjunction  with the
Company's consolidated  financial  statements  and the  notes  thereto  included
elsewhere in this Prospectus.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         AT MARCH 29, 1996
                                                    ---------------------------
                                                                   AS ADJUSTED
                                                                     FOR THE
                                                       ACTUAL      OFFERING(1)
                                                    -------------  ------------
                                                          (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                 <C>            <C>
Long-term debt (including current portion):
  Borrowings under Credit Facility................  $   17,070(2)   $   37,496(3)
  11.75% Senior Notes due 2002....................      25,000          --
  Debt discount...................................        (555)         --
  11.75% Senior Notes due 2003....................      15,000          --
  Other long-term debt............................         294             294
                                                    -------------  ------------
    Total long-term debt (4)......................  $   56,809      $   37,790
                                                    -------------  ------------
Shareholders' equity (5):
  Preferred Shares, without par value: 5,000,000
   shares authorized, no shares issued............       --             --
  Class A Common Shares, without par value:
   20,000,000 shares authorized, 2,804,500 shares
   issued; 20,483,300 shares authorized, 4,086,800
   shares issued, as adjusted (6).................     $17,483         $32,736
  Old Class B Common Shares, without par value:
   15,000,000 shares authorized, 485,500 shares
   issued.........................................       1,942         --
  Class B Common Shares, without par value:
   1,522,550 shares authorized, 1,522,550 shares
   issued, as adjusted............................      --              10,123
  Cumulative foreign currency translation
   adjustment.....................................        (139   )        (139 )
  Excess pension liability........................         (50   )         (50 )
  Retained earnings (7)...........................       7,929           5,635
  Treasury shares, Class A Common, 2,000 shares;
   no shares as adjusted..........................         (81   )     --
                                                    -------------  ------------
    Total shareholders' equity....................      27,084          48,305
                                                    -------------  ------------
Total capitalization..............................  $   83,893     $    86,095
                                                    -------------  ------------
                                                    -------------  ------------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
(1)  Adjusted to reflect the Offering and, immediately prior to the consummation
     of  the Offering, (i) the conversion of the 1,969,550 Class A Common Shares
     held by Ripplewood  as of  March 29,  1996 and  the 36,000  Class A  Common
     Shares  acquired by Ripplewood from  a subsidiary of Onex  on April 4, 1996
     into 2,005,850  Class B  Common Shares,  and the  subsequent conversion  by
     Ripplewood  of 483,300 of its Class B Common Shares into an equal number of
     Class A Common Shares  offered hereby, (ii) the  conversion of 485,500  Old
     Class  B Common Shares into Class A  Common Shares and (iii) the retirement
     of 2,000 Class A Common Shares held in treasury.
 
(2)  At March  29,  1996,  unutilized availability  under  the  Credit  Facility
     aggregated $7.6 million.
 
   
(3)  Includes  amounts borrowed to repay accrued interest on the Senior Notes of
     $1.5 million at March 29,1996.  On       , 1996,  the expected date of  the
     consummation of the Offering, the Company estimates accrued interest on the
     Senior Notes will be $   million.
    
 
   
(4)  Includes current portion of long-term debt of $0.03 million.
    
 
   
(5)  Immediately  prior to consummation of the  Offering, the Company will amend
     its amended  articles of  incorporation to  effect certain  changes to  its
     capital shares. See "Description of Capital Shares."
    
 
   
(6)  The  number of issued and outstanding shares does not include 272,750 Class
     A Common Shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding Options, all of which
     will become exercisable upon completion of the Offering.
    
 
   
(7)  Adjusted to reflect a charge to earnings for the prepayment premium of $2.4
     million, the write-off of financing costs, which are included in intangible
     assets, of $0.7  million and  the write-off of  the debt  discount of  $0.6
     million,  net of  the income  tax benefit  of $1.4  million related  to the
     repayment of the Senior Notes.
    
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
                                    DILUTION
   
    At March 29, 1996, the net tangible book value (deficit) of the Company  was
$(30,192,000)  or $(9.18) per Common Share.  After giving effect to the Offering
(assuming an initial public offering price of $13.50 per share), the receipt  of
the  net  proceeds  to  the Company  therefrom  (after  deducting  the estimated
underwriting discount and expenses  of the Offering payable  by the Company  and
the  fee payable  to Ripplewood for  additional services  provided in connection
with the Offering) and the write-off  of financing costs of $745,000  associated
with  the repayment of the  Senior Notes, the pro  forma net tangible book value
(deficit) of the Company as  of March 29, 1996  would have been $(8,225,000)  or
$(1.47)  per Common Share. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible
book value of $7.71 per Common  Share to existing shareholders and an  immediate
dilution  in net tangible book value of $14.97 per Common Share to purchasers of
Class A Common  Shares in the  Offering at the  assumed initial public  offering
price.
    
    The  following  table  illustrates  the per  Common  Share  dilution  to new
investors purchasing Class A Common Shares in the Offering:
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                           <C>        <C>
Assumed public offering price per Common Share (1)..........................             $   13.50
  Net tangible book value (deficit) per Common Share as of March 29, 1996
   before the Offering (2)..................................................  $   (9.18)
  Increase per Common Share attributable to the Offering....................       7.71
  Pro forma net tangible book value (deficit) per Common Share after the
   Offering (2).............................................................                 (1.47)
                                                                                         ---------
  Dilution per Common Share to new investors................................             $   14.97
                                                                                         ---------
                                                                                         ---------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
(1) Before deducting the  estimated underwriting  discount and  expenses of  the
    Offering  payable  by the  Company  and the  fee  payable to  Ripplewood for
    additional services provided in connection with the Offering.
 
   
(2) Net tangible  book  value (deficit)  per  Common  Share is  equal  to  total
    tangible  assets of the Company less total liabilities divided by the number
    of Common Shares outstanding with respect  to the $(9.18) value and  divided
    by  the number of  pro forma Common  Shares outstanding with  respect to the
    $(1.47) value.
    
 
    The following table  summarizes as of  March 29, 1996  the number of  Common
Shares  purchased from the Company, the  total consideration paid to the Company
and the average price per Common Share  paid to the Company with respect to  the
Common  Shares held by existing shareholders of the Company and by purchasers of
Common Shares  in  the Offering  (before  deducting the  estimated  underwriting
discount and expenses of the Offering payable by the Company and the fee payable
to  Ripplewood for additional services provided in connection with the Offering)
at an assumed initial public offering price of $13.50 per share:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        SHARES PURCHASED          TOTAL CONSIDERATION
                                                    ------------------------  ---------------------------   AVERAGE PRICE
                                                      NUMBER       PERCENT        AMOUNT        PERCENT       PER SHARE
                                                    -----------  -----------  --------------  -----------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>          <C>          <C>             <C>          <C>
Existing shareholders (1).........................    3,288,000       62.5%   $  319,344,000       42.0%           $5.88
New investors.....................................    1,974,750       37.5        26,659,125       58.0           13.50
                                                    -----------  -----------  --------------  -----------
  Total...........................................    5,262,750      100.0%   $   46,003,125      100.0%          $8.74
                                                    -----------  -----------  --------------  -----------
                                                    -----------  -----------  --------------  -----------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
(1)  Does not  include 346,600  Class A  Common Shares  purchasable by  existing
     shareholders at a price of $0.000002 per share upon exercise of outstanding
     warrants  (the "Warrants"). All the  Warrants will be exercised immediately
     prior to the consummation of  the Offering. The following table  summarizes
     as  of March 29, 1996,  after giving effect to  the Offering (including the
     exercise of the Warrants), the number  of Common Shares purchased from  the
     Company,  the total consideration paid to the Company and the average price
     per Common Share paid to the Company with respect to the Common Shares held
     by existing shareholders of the Company and by purchasers of Common  Shares
     in  the Offering (before deducting  the estimated underwriting discount and
     expenses of the  Offering payable  by the Company  and the  fee payable  to
     Ripplewood   for  additional  services  provided  in  connection  with  the
     Offering) at an assumed initial public offering price of $13.50 per share:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        SHARES PURCHASED          TOTAL CONSIDERATION
                                                    ------------------------  ---------------------------   AVERAGE PRICE
                                                      NUMBER       PERCENT        AMOUNT        PERCENT       PER SHARE
                                                    -----------  -----------  --------------  -----------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>          <C>          <C>             <C>          <C>
Existing shareholders.............................    3,634,600       64.8%   $   19,344,000       42.0%          $5.32
New investors.....................................    1,974,750       35.2        26,659,125       58.0           13.50
                                                    -----------  -----------  --------------  -----------
  Total...........................................    5,609,350      100.0%   $   46,003,125      100.0%          $8.20
                                                    -----------  -----------  --------------  -----------
                                                    -----------  -----------  --------------  -----------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    Sales by the Selling  Shareholders in the Offering,  including sales of  the
    Class  A Common Shares purchased upon  exercise of the Warrants, will reduce
    the number of Common Shares held by the existing shareholders to  1,909,350,
    or  34%,  of  the Common  Shares  outstanding (26.5%,  if  the Underwriters'
    over-allotment option is exercised in full), and will increase the number of
    Common Shares held by  purchasers in the Offering  to 3,700,000, or 66%,  of
    the Common Shares outstanding upon completion of the Offering (73.5%, if the
    Underwriters'  over-allotment option  is exercised in  full). See "Principal
    and Selling Shareholders."
    
 
    The foregoing  computations assume  no exercise  of any  of the  outstanding
Options.  See "Principal and Selling Shareholders."  As of March 29, 1996, there
were Options outstanding to purchase 272,750 Class A Common Shares at a weighted
average price of $2.44 per share,  all of which will be immediately  exercisable
after consummation of the Offering. To the extent additional outstanding Options
are exercised, there will be further dilution to new investors. See "Description
of Capital Shares."
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
    The  following table sets forth summary  financial data for the fiscal years
ended December  31,  1991  through  1995, which  data  have  been  derived  from
consolidated  financial statements  of the Company,  which have  been audited by
Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants,  and which, in the case  of
the  three  years  ended  December  31, 1995,  are  included  elsewhere  in this
Prospectus. The table also includes data as  of and for the three fiscal  months
ended  March 31,  1995, and  March 29,  1996, which  have been  derived from the
unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company included elsewhere in
this Prospectus and which,  in the opinion of  management, reflect all  material
adjustments  of a normal and recurring  nature necessary for a fair presentation
of  such  data.  The  following  data   should  be  read  in  conjunction   with
"Management's  Discussion  and Analysis  of Financial  Condition and  Results of
Operations" and the  Company's consolidated financial  statements and the  notes
thereto  included  elsewhere in  this Prospectus.  Pro forma  combined financial
statements of the  Company and Dur-O-Wal  also are presented  elsewhere in  this
Prospectus. See "Pro Forma Combined Financial Information."
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            THREE FISCAL MONTHS
                                                                                                                   ENDED
                                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                   ------------------------
                                                --------------------------------------------------------   MARCH 31,    MARCH 29,
                                                  1991       1992       1993         1994        1995        1995         1996
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  -----------  -----------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                             <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>           <C>        <C>          <C>
OPERATING DATA:
  Net sales...................................  $  68,532    $71,462  $  75,154       $82,341    $92,802     $17,977      $23,615
  Cost of sales...............................     48,607     53,054     55,427        58,011     63,990      12,555       16,146
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  -----------  -----------
  Gross profit................................     19,925     18,408     19,727        24,330     28,812       5,422        7,469
  Selling, general and administrative
   expenses, excluding amortization of
   goodwill and intangibles...................     13,259     15,144(1)    14,568       16,722    18,698       4,315        5,629
  Amortization of goodwill and intangibles....      2,540      1,978      1,303         1,305      1,491         349          406
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  -----------  -----------
  Income from operations......................      4,126      1,286      3,856         6,303      8,623         758        1,434
  Interest expense, net.......................      8,541      8,727     10,118         6,017(2)     4,231        909       1,585
  Other expense (income), net.................     --         --         --               873         (3)     --                8
  Provision (benefit) for income taxes (3)....     (1,006)      (826)       (89)           95        690      --              242
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  -----------  -----------
  Income (loss) before extraordinary item.....     (3,409)    (6,615)    (6,173)         (682)     3,705        (151 )       (401 )
  Extraordinary item, net of tax..............     --         --         --            31,354(2)    --        --           --
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  -----------  -----------
  Net income (loss)...........................    $(3,409)   $(6,615)   $(6,173)      $30,672     $3,705       $(151 )      $(401 )
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  -----------  -----------
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  -----------  -----------
  Net income (loss) available to common
   shareholders...............................    $(3,409)   $(6,615)   $(6,173)      $30,175        $71       $(363 )      $(401 )
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  -----------  -----------
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  -----------  -----------
  Income (loss) per share available to common
   shareholders before extraordinary item and
   before dividends, accretion and redemption
   of redeemable preferred shares.............    $(35.87)   $(69.60)   $(64.95)       $(0.34)     $1.04      $(0.05 )     $(0.12 )
  Income (loss) per share available to common
   shareholders before extraordinary item.....     (35.87)    (69.60)    (64.95)        (0.58)      0.02       (0.12 )      (0.12 )
  Net income (loss) per common and common
   equivalent share before dividends,
   accretion and redemption of redeemable
   preferred shares (4).......................     (35.87)    (69.60)    (64.95)        15.17       1.04       (0.05 )      (0.12 )
  Net income (loss) per common and common
   equivalent share (4).......................     (35.87)    (69.60)    (64.95)        14.92       0.02       (0.12 )      (0.12 )
  Weighted average common and common
   equivalent shares outstanding (4)..........     95,039     95,039     95,039     2,021,918  3,560,808   2,956,789    3,333,389
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                   AS OF
                                                                    AS OF DECEMBER 31,                    ------------------------
                                                   -----------------------------------------------------   MARCH 31,    MARCH 29,
                                                     1991       1992       1993       1994       1995        1995         1996
                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
                                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
BALANCE SHEET:
  Total assets...................................  $  76,696    $75,114    $75,818    $72,371   $103,860     $75,396     $107,052
  Long-term debt (including current portion).....     60,262     64,225     64,483     24,448     53,012      26,635       56,809
  Shareholders' equity...........................      4,496     (2,224)    (8,848)    27,674     27,485      27,313   27,084
</TABLE>
    
 
                     (see footnotes on the following page)
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            THREE FISCAL MONTHS
                                                                                                                   ENDED
                                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                 ------------------------
                                                   -----------------------------------------------------   MARCH 31,    MARCH 29,
                                                     1991       1992       1993       1994       1995        1995         1996
                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
                                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS)
OTHER OPERATING DATA:
<S>                                                <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
  EBITDA (5).................................     $8,622     $5,211     $7,073     $9,802    $12,891      $1,686       $2,748
  Cash flow from operating activities........       (736)       882      2,503     (7,576)     8,226      (2,133 )     (3,652 )
  Cash flow from investing activities........       (456)       578     (1,617)    (2,075)   (26,321)       (503 )       (665 )
  Cash flow from financing activities........        500      2,992     --          3,912     18,256       2,170        3,777
  Capital expenditures.......................        447        695      1,647      2,082      2,730         505          667
  Management fees (6)........................        250        250        250        250        250          63           84
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
   
(1)  Includes charges of $1.4 million to bad debt expense.
    
(2)  In  December 1992, the Company defaulted  on certain financial covenants in
     its senior debt and was unable  to make payments of principal and  interest
     as  they came  due. From  December 1992  to May  1994, the  Company accrued
     additional penalty interest on  its senior debt. In  May 1994, the  Company
     reached an agreement with its lenders to restructure its debt, resulting in
     an  extraordinary gain of  $31.4 million net  of income tax  effect of $0.1
     million. See "Management's Discussion  and Analysis of Financial  Condition
     and   Results  of  Operations--1994  Restructuring"   and  Note  3  to  the
     consolidated financial statements of the Company.
(3)  In 1991, 1992 and 1993,  an income tax benefit  was recorded to the  extent
     the  Company was able to carryback losses to obtain federal or state income
     tax refunds. In 1994, the provision for income taxes related to alternative
     minimum taxes.  In 1995,  the provision  for income  taxes was  reduced  to
     reflect  the utilization  of net operating  losses from 1992  and 1993. The
     provision  for  income  taxes  in  the  first  quarter  of  1996   reflects
     non-deductible  goodwill amortization and a net operating loss in Canada on
     which no tax carryback is available.
(4)  Net income (loss) per common and common equivalent share before  dividends,
     accretion  and redemption  of preferred  shares and  net income  (loss) per
     common and common equivalent share are based on the weighted average common
     and dilutive common  equivalent shares outstanding  during the period.  For
     the  purposes  of  calculating  net income  (loss)  per  common  and common
     equivalent share, common equivalent shares issued more than 12 months prior
     to the Offering are excluded in periods with a net loss available to common
     shareholders. Common equivalent shares issued less than 12 months prior  to
     the   Offering  are  included  for  all  periods  presented.  Common  share
     equivalents include the number of shares issuable upon the exercise of  the
     outstanding  Options and Warrants less shares  that could be purchased with
     the proceeds from the  exercise of the Options  and Warrants, based on  the
     assumed initial public offering price of $13.50 per share.
(5)  EBITDA  represents  earnings  before  interest  expense,  other  expense or
     income, income  taxes,  depreciation  and amortization.  Other  expense  of
     $873,000   in  1994  represents  non-recurring  costs  associated  with  an
     acquisition that was not completed. The accrued interest component of  cash
     flow  from operating activities was $2.1  million, $7.6 million and $(10.9)
     million in 1992, 1993, and 1994, respectively. Management considers  EBITDA
     to  be a useful measure of operating performance because, together with net
     income and cash flows, EBITDA  provides investors with an additional  basis
     to  evaluate the  Company's ability  to pay  interest, repay  debt and make
     capital expenditures. In addition,  EBITDA is a  component in the  interest
     rate   and  covenant  structure   of  the  Amended   Credit  Facility.  See
     "Description of Certain Indebtedness." To evaluate EBITDA and the trends it
     depicts, the components  of EBITDA, such  as net sales,  cost of sales  and
     selling,  general and  administrative expenses,  should be  considered. See
     "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
     Operations." Excluded from  EBITDA are interest,  other expense or  income,
     income   taxes,   depreciation  and   amortization,   each  of   which  can
     significantly affect the Company's results of operations and liquidity  and
     should  be considered  in evaluating  the Company's  financial performance.
     EBITDA has not  been presented  as an  alternative to  operating income  as
     determined  in accordance with generally  accepted accounting principles as
     an indicator  of operating  performance or  to cash  flows from  operating,
     investing   or  financing  activities  as  determined  in  accordance  with
     generally accepted  accounting  principles as  a  measure of  liquidity  or
     ability   to  meet  all  cash  needs.   Not  all  companies  define  EBITDA
     consistently; caution must be used in comparing this measurement to  EBITDA
     of other companies. See the Company's consolidated financial statements and
     the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
     The following reconciles net income (loss) to EBITDA:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  THREE FISCAL MONTHS
                                                                                                         ENDED
                                                        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                 ------------------------
                                         -----------------------------------------------------   MARCH 31,    MARCH 29,
                                           1991       1992       1993       1994       1995        1995         1996
                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
                                                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<S>                                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
Net income (loss)......................    $(3,409)   $(6,615)   $(6,173) $  30,672     $3,705       $(151 )      $(401 )
Extraordinary item, net of tax.........     --         --         --        (31,354)    --          --           --
Provision (benefit) for income taxes...     (1,006)      (826)       (89)        95        690      --              242
Interest expense, net..................      8,541      8,727     10,118      6,017      4,231         909        1,585
Other (income) expense.................     --         --         --            873         (3)     --                8
                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
Income from operations.................      4,126      1,286      3,856      6,303      8,623         758        1,434
Depreciation...........................      1,956      1,947      1,914      2,194      2,777         579          908
Amortization of goodwill and
 intangibles...........................      2,540      1,978      1,303      1,305      1,491         349          406
                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
EBITDA.................................     $8,622     $5,211     $7,073     $9,802  $  12,891  $    1,686   $    2,748
                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
                                         ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
    
 
(6)  Management  fees are paid to the controlling and another shareholder of the
     Company. Such  fees are  included in  selling, general  and  administrative
     expenses.  Following the  Offering, the Company  will no  longer be charged
     such  management  fees.  See  "Certain  Relationships  and  Related   Party
     Transactions."
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
                    PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
    The  unaudited pro  forma combined financial  information is  based upon the
historical consolidated  financial  statements  of  the  Company  and  Dur-O-Wal
adjusted  to give  effect to the  Dur-O-Wal Acquisition. The  pro forma combined
statement of operations gives effect to the Dur-O-Wal Acquisition, including the
related incurrence  of debt,  as if  it had  occurred on  January 1,  1995.  The
unaudited  pro forma combined financial information  does not give effect to any
other transactions and does  not purport to represent  the Company's results  of
operations had the Dur-O-Wal Acquisition, in fact, occurred on such date, or the
results  that  can be  expected for  the Company  in the  future. The  pro forma
combined financial information should be read in conjunction with the  Company's
and  Dur-O-Wal's  historical  consolidated financial  statements  and  the notes
thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
                 (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       PRO FORMA
                                                                 DUR-O-WAL FOR THE    ADJUSTMENTS
                                                                 PERIOD JANUARY 1,   RELATED TO THE
                                                 THE COMPANY,      1995 THROUGH        DUR-O-WAL       PRO FORMA
                                                AS REPORTED(1)   OCTOBER 15, 1995     ACQUISITION      COMBINED
                                               ----------------  -----------------  ----------------  -----------
<S>                                            <C>               <C>                <C>               <C>
Net sales....................................         $92,802        $  20,893        $      --         $113,695
Cost of sales................................          63,990           15,318              669     (2)     79,977
                                               ----------------       --------          -------       -----------
  Gross profit...............................          28,812            5,575             (669     )     33,718
Selling, general and administrative expenses,
 excluding amortization of goodwill and
 intangibles.................................          18,698            3,370             (569      (3)     21,516
                                                                                             17     (2)
Amortization of goodwill and intangibles.....           1,491              181              158     (4)      1,830
                                               ----------------       --------          -------       -----------
Income from operations.......................           8,623            2,024             (275     )     10,372
Other expenses:
  Interest expense, net......................           4,231              449            2,033     (5)      6,264
                                                                                           (449      (6)
  Other, net.................................              (3  )            24               --               21
                                               ----------------       --------          -------       -----------
Income before income taxes...................           4,395            1,551           (1,859     )      4,087
Provision (benefit) for income taxes.........             690              674             (681      (7)        683
                                               ----------------       --------          -------       -----------
Net income...................................           3,705              877           (1,178     )      3,404
Dividends on Redeemable Preferred Shares.....            (470  )            --               --             (470 )
Accretion on Redeemable Preferred Shares.....            (192  )            --               --             (192 )
Redemption of Redeemable Preferred Shares in
 excess of book value........................          (2,972  )            --               --           (2,972 )
                                               ----------------       --------          -------       -----------
Net income (loss) available to common
 shareholders................................             $71             $877      $    (1,178     )      $(230 )
                                               ----------------       --------          -------       -----------
                                               ----------------       --------          -------       -----------
Net income (loss) per common and common
 equivalent share............................           $0.02                                             $(0.08 )
                                               ----------------                                       -----------
                                               ----------------                                       -----------
Weighted average common and common equivalent
 shares outstanding(8).......................       3,560,808                                          3,036,236
                                               ----------------                                       -----------
                                               ----------------                                       -----------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
 
(1)  Includes the results of Dur-O-Wal for the period October 16 to December 31,
     1995.
 
   
(2)  To record depreciation on  higher building values of  $0.7 million over  15
     years  and higher  machinery and  equipment values  of $4.1  million over 5
     years.
    
 
(3)  To remove expenses incurred by Dur-O-Wal  related to the sale of  Dur-O-Wal
     to  the Company, comprised of $317,000  for a terminated compensation plan,
     $202,000 for management fees to Dur-O-Wal's former controlling  shareholder
     and $50,000 for professional fees.
 
(4)  To  record additional  goodwill amortization over  40 years  on goodwill of
     $17,167,000 in  excess of  Dur-O-Wal  historical goodwill  amortization  of
     $229,000 per year.
 
                     (see footnotes on the following page)
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
(5)  To record increase in interest expense, including amortization of financing
     costs,  on the  Senior Notes of  $15.0 million  at 11.75% and  draws on the
     Credit Facility of $8.6 million at 8.75%, the rate in effect at the time of
     the draws related to the Dur-O-Wal Acquisition.
 
(6)  To remove Dur-O-Wal interest  expense for debt of  $2.6 million retired  on
     October 16, 1995.
 
(7)  To  record income  tax effect of  previous entries at  the incremental rate
     rather than the effective rate.
 
   
(8)  Net income (loss) per  common and common equivalent  share is based on  the
     weighted  average common and dilutive  common equivalent shares outstanding
     during the period. For  the purposes of calculating  net income (loss)  per
     common  and common equivalent  share, common equivalent  shares issued more
     than 12 months prior  to the Offering  are excluded in  periods with a  net
     loss available to common shareholders. Common equivalent shares issued less
     than  12  months  prior  to  the  Offering  are  included  for  all periods
     presented. Common share equivalents include  the number of shares  issuable
     upon  the exercise of the outstanding Options and Warrants less shares that
     could be purchased with the proceeds  from the exercise of the Options  and
     Warrants,  based on the assumed initial public offering price of $13.50 per
     share.
    
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  OF THE COMPANY'S FINANCIAL  CONDITION
AND  RESULTS  OF OPERATIONS  SHOULD BE  READ IN  CONJUNCTION WITH  THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS AND  NOTES THERETO  AND THE  UNAUDITED PRO  FORMA COMBINED  FINANCIAL
INFORMATION INCLUDED ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
 
INDUSTRY
 
   
    The  Company operates  in a  cyclical and  seasonal industry  and changes in
demand for construction services have a material impact upon the Company's sales
and profitability.  The non-residential  building and  multi-family  residential
segments of the construction industry suffered a sharp decline from 1990 through
1991  due to the combined impact of a cyclical recession and other factors. This
sharp decline  had a  material  adverse impact  upon  demand for  the  Company's
products  and the  Company's results  of operations.  Beginning in  1993, demand
began to recover, although  growth in spending  in the non-residential  building
and  multi-family residential segments  of the construction  industry was slower
than that  historically  experienced during  the  early phases  of  an  economic
recovery.  The recovery continued in 1994 and 1995, and the dollar volume of new
contract  awards   for   the  non-residential   building,   infrastructure   and
multi-family  residential segments  of the  construction industry (collectively,
"Heavy Construction") grew by 11.6% in 1994 and 7.4% in 1995. In light of  these
conditions,  the information  presented below under  "Business--The Industry" is
important for  understanding  the  discussion of  historical  financial  results
presented below.
    
 
ACQUISITION OF DUR-O-WAL
 
    On  October 16, 1995, the Company acquired Dur-O-Wal, a leading manufacturer
of masonry  accessories  with  a principal  manufacturing  facility  in  Aurora,
Illinois  and six other service/distribution facilities in North America (two of
which have subsequently been consolidated into Company facilities).  Dur-O-Wal's
net sales, which were $24.7 million in 1994 (as reclassified by the Company) and
$25.7  million in 1995  on a pro  forma combined basis,  are made principally to
masonry block  manufacturers and  wholesalers  of masonry  materials  throughout
North  America. The cash purchase price  of $23.6 million, including acquisition
costs, was financed by borrowings of $8.6 million under the Credit Facility  and
the  issuance  of $15  million  of Senior  Notes  due 2003.  The  acquisition of
Dur-O-Wal was accounted  for as a  purchase, and the  results of Dur-O-Wal  have
been  included  in the  accompanying  consolidated financial  statements  of the
Company since the date of acquisition.
 
    The cost  of  the acquisition  was  allocated  to the  assets  acquired  and
liabilities  assumed based  on their fair  market values,  including goodwill of
$17,167,000, which  is being  amortized over  40 years  and will  create  annual
amortization  of $429,000. In  determining the amortization  period of 40 years,
the Company considered the basic construction use of the Dur-O-Wal products  and
the  minor changes in technology which have  occurred in the past in the masonry
industry. Further, the Dur-O-Wal tradename has been in use for marketing masonry
products for  over 50  years. The  carrying value  of goodwill  is assessed  for
recoverability  by management  when changes  in circumstances  indicate that the
carrying amount may  not be recoverable,  based on an  analysis of  undiscounted
future expected cash flows from the use and ultimate disposition of the asset.
 
1994 RESTRUCTURING
 
    Following  the acquisition  of the  Company by  an investor  group led  by a
subsidiary of  Onex  in  1989,  the  Company  had  a  highly  leveraged  capital
structure. In December 1992, in part as a result of that leverage and the impact
of the severe downturn in the Heavy Construction industry between 1990 and 1991,
the  Company defaulted on certain financial  covenants in the agreement relating
to its senior debt and was unable to make payments of principal and interest  as
they  came due.  In May  1994, the Company  completed the  1994 Restructuring in
which it  exchanged  common  shares,  preferred shares  and  cash  for  all  its
outstanding  debt.  As  part of  the  1994 Restructuring,  the  Company's senior
revolving line  of  credit  note  of $7  million  in  principal  amount,  senior
promissory  notes  of  $35  million in  aggregate  principal  amount  and senior
subordinated promissory notes of $20 million in aggregate principal amount  were
exchanged  for $22.8 million in cash, 863,400  Old Class B Common Shares (valued
at
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
$1.7 million based on  the price per  share paid for the  Class A Common  Shares
issued  to the existing holders  of Class A Common  Shares described in the next
paragraph), 50,000 12%  preferred shares (valued  at their aggregate  redemption
value  of $5 million) and 50,000 zero coupon preferred shares (with an aggregate
redemption value  of  $5  million but  valued  at  their market  value  of  $1.7
million).  In addition, junior subordinated  notes in aggregate principal amount
of $2.7 million payable to former shareholders were repaid for $520,000 in cash.
Accrued interest of $14.6 million on all outstanding debt was repaid.
 
    The Company funded the  cash portion of the  1994 Restructuring through  the
issuance  of additional Class A Common Shares to the existing holders of Class A
Common Shares for $4 million, the issuance  of the Senior Notes due 2002  (which
included  the  Warrants) for  $25 million,  the establishment  of a  $20 million
revolving credit facility under which it borrowed $6 million and cash on hand of
$3 million.  As a  result of  the  1994 Restructuring,  the Company's  debt  was
reduced  by $33.8  million and the  Company recognized an  extraordinary gain of
$31.4 million (net of income tax effect of $0.1 million).
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    The following  table summarizes  the Company's  results of  operations as  a
percentage  of net sales  for the years  1993 through 1995  and the three fiscal
months ended March 31, 1995 and March 29, 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                     ---------------------------------------------------  THREE FISCAL
                                                                                                          MONTHS ENDED
                                                                 HISTORICAL               PRO FORMA(1)    -------------
                                                     ----------------------------------  ---------------    MARCH 31,
                                                        1993        1994        1995          1995            1995
                                                     ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------------  -------------
<S>                                                  <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>              <C>
Net sales..........................................      100.0%      100.0%      100.0%        100.0%          100.0%
Cost of sales......................................       73.8        70.5        69.0          70.3            69.8
                                                         -----       -----       -----         -----           -----
Gross profit.......................................       26.2        29.5        31.0          29.7            30.2
Selling, general and administrative expenses.......       19.4        20.3        20.1          18.9            24.0
Amortization of goodwill and intangibles...........        1.7         1.5         1.6           1.7             2.0
                                                         -----       -----       -----         -----           -----
Income from operations.............................        5.1         7.7         9.3           9.1             4.2
Interest expense, net..............................       13.4         7.3         4.6           5.5             5.0
Other, net(2)......................................         --         1.1          --            --              --
                                                         -----       -----       -----         -----           -----
Income (loss) before income taxes and extraordinary
 item..............................................       (8.3)       (0.7)        4.7           3.6            (0.8)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes...............       (0.1)        0.1         0.7           0.6              --
                                                         -----       -----       -----         -----           -----
Income (loss) before extraordinary item............       (8.2)       (0.8)        4.0           3.0            (0.8)
Extraordinary item, net of tax.....................         --        38.1(3)        --           --
                                                         -----       -----       -----         -----           -----
Net income (loss)..................................       (8.2)%      37.3%        4.0%          3.0%           (0.8)%
                                                         -----       -----       -----         -----           -----
                                                         -----       -----       -----         -----           -----
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                       MARCH 29,
                                                         1996
                                                     -------------
<S>                                                  <C>
Net sales..........................................       100.0%
Cost of sales......................................        68.4
                                                          -----
Gross profit.......................................        31.6
Selling, general and administrative expenses.......        23.8
Amortization of goodwill and intangibles...........         1.7
                                                          -----
Income from operations.............................         6.1
Interest expense, net..............................         6.8
Other, net(2)......................................          --
                                                          -----
Income (loss) before income taxes and extraordinary
 item..............................................        (0.7)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes...............         1.0
                                                          -----
Income (loss) before extraordinary item............        (1.7)
Extraordinary item, net of tax.....................
                                                          -----
Net income (loss)..................................        (1.7)%
                                                          -----
                                                          -----
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
(1)  The unaudited pro forma results of operations as a percentage of net  sales
     are  derived from  the unaudited  pro forma  combined financial information
     included elsewhere in  this Prospectus.  The unaudited  pro forma  combined
     financial  information gives effect to the Dur-O-Wal Acquisition, including
     the related incurrence of debt,  as if it had  occurred on January 1,  1995
     and  reflects the purchase method of accounting, after giving effect to pro
     forma adjustments. The unaudited  pro forma combined financial  information
     does  not give  effect to  any other  transaction and  does not  purport to
     represent the  Company's results  of operations  had such  transaction,  in
     fact,  occurred on that  date, or the  results that can  be expected in the
     future. See "Pro Forma Combined Financial Information."
 
(2)  Represents costs associated with an acquisition which was not completed.
 
(3)  The 1994 Restructuring resulted in  an extraordinary gain of $31.4  million
     net of income tax effect of $0.1 million. See "1994 Restructuring" and Note
     3 to the Company's consolidated financial statements.
 
     COMPARISON OF THREE FISCAL MONTHS ENDED MARCH 29, 1996 AND MARCH 31, 1995
 
    Net  sales increased $5.6 million, or 31.1%, from $18.0 million in the first
quarter of 1995 to $23.6  million in the first quarter  of 1996. On a pro  forma
combined  basis, the Company's net sales declined by $0.4 million, or 1.7%, from
$24.0 million in the first quarter  of 1995. Operating results during the  first
quarter of 1996 were adversely affected by the severe winter weather experienced
in  the eastern  portion of the  United States, which  delayed many construction
projects.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
    Net sales  by product  category as  reported in  the Company's  consolidated
financial statements and on a pro forma combined basis were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             PRO FORMA FOR THE DUR-
                                                                                     O-WAL
                                               HISTORICAL                         ACQUISITION
                             ----------------------------------------------  ----------------------
                              THREE FISCAL MONTHS     THREE FISCAL MONTHS     THREE FISCAL MONTHS
                                     ENDED                   ENDED                   ENDED
                                 MARCH 31, 1995          MARCH 29, 1996          MARCH 31, 1995
                             ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------
                               AMOUNT         %        AMOUNT         %        AMOUNT         %
                             -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------
                                               (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES)
<S>                          <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>
Concrete accessories
 (including concrete paving
 products).................   $    18.0      100.0%   $    18.6       78.8%   $    18.0       75.0%
Masonry accessories........      --          --             5.0        21.2         6.0        25.0
                                  -----   ---------       -----   ---------       -----   ---------
                              $    18.0      100.0%   $    23.6      100.0%   $    24.0      100.0%
                                  -----   ---------       -----   ---------       -----   ---------
                                  -----   ---------       -----   ---------       -----   ---------
</TABLE>
 
   
    Net  sales of  concrete accessories increased  by $0.6 million,  or 3.3%, to
$18.6 million in the first quarter of 1996 due to fair market demand in spite of
the adverse  weather.  On a  pro  forma combined  basis,  net sales  of  masonry
accessories  declined by $1.0  million, or 16.7%,  to $5.0 million  in the first
quarter of 1996 due to severe winter weather which adversely affected the  sales
of hot-dipped galvanized masonry accessories used in exterior building walls. In
addition,  a competitor  entered the  market for  hot-dipped masonry accessories
late in 1995 which also  adversely affected sales of  this product in the  first
quarter of 1996.
    
 
    Gross  profit increased  $2.1 million,  or 38.9%,  from $5.4  million in the
first quarter  of 1995  to  $7.5 million  in the  first  quarter of  1996.  This
increase  was largely due to  the acquisition of Dur-O-Wal  in October 1995, but
higher gross margins were also realized  on the Company's sales due to  improved
selling  prices, favorable  material cost variances  and, to a  lesser extent, a
shift in sales mix toward higher margin products. In the first quarter of  1996,
gross  margins were 31.6%  of net sales versus  30.2% of net  sales in the first
quarter of 1995.  On a  pro forma combined  basis, gross  margin increased  from
28.8% of net sales in the first quarter of 1995 to 31.6% of net sales due to the
factors mentioned above.
 
    Selling,   general   and   administrative   ("SG&A")   expenses,   excluding
amortization of goodwill and intangibles,  increased by $1.3 million, or  30.5%,
from  $4.3 million  in the first  quarter of 1995  to $5.6 million  in the first
quarter of 1996. Dur-O-Wal accounted for $0.9 million of the increase, with  the
remainder due to new product literature and advertising expenses, the opening of
an additional service center in Westfield, MA, and the one-time costs associated
with the consolidation of two service/ distribution centers in Toronto. On a pro
forma  combined  basis, SG&A  expenses, excluding  amortization of  goodwill and
intangibles, in the first quarter of 1995 were $5.1 million.
 
    Net interest expense  increased by  $0.7 million  from $0.9  million in  the
first  quarter of  1995 to  $1.6 million in  the first  quarter of  1996, due to
higher debt resulting from  the acquisition of Dur-O-Wal  and the redemption  of
$10.0 million of the Company's preferred shares completed during October 1995.
 
    The Company did not have any provision for income taxes in the first quarter
of  1995 as  U.S. net  operating losses were  being utilized.  The provision for
income taxes  in the  first  quarter of  1996 reflects  non-deductible  goodwill
amortization  and a net  operating loss in  Canada on which  no tax carryback is
available.
 
    Net loss increased from $0.2  million in the first  quarter of 1995 to  $0.4
million in the first quarter of 1996 due to the factors described above.
 
    COMPARISON OF YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1995
 
    The  recovery of the Heavy Construction industry continued during 1995, with
the total  value of  construction projects  started during  the year  (excluding
single family homes) increasing by an estimated 7.4%, as reported by McGraw-Hill
Dodge.  Net  sales  increased  $10.5  million,  or  12.8%,  from  $82.3  million
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
in 1994  to $92.8  million in  1995,  including Dur-O-Wal's  net sales  of  $4.8
million  from October 16, 1995, the date of its acquisition. After adjusting for
the Dur-O-Wal Acquisition as if  it had occurred on  January 1, 1994, net  sales
would  have been $107.0 million  in 1994. In 1995,  pro forma combined net sales
were $113.7 million, representing an increase of $6.7 million, or 6.3%.
 
    Net sales  by product  category as  reported in  the Company's  consolidated
financial statements and on a pro forma combined basis were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                HISTORICAL                     PRO FORMA FOR THE DUR-O-WAL ACQUISITION
                              ----------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------
                                       1994                    1995                 1994(1)                 1995
                              ----------------------  ----------------------  --------------------  --------------------
                                AMOUNT         %        AMOUNT         %       AMOUNT        %       AMOUNT        %
                              -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                          (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PERCENTAGES)
 
<S>                           <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Concrete accessories
 (including concrete paving
 products)..................   $    82.3       100.0%  $    88.0        94.8%     $82.3       76.9%     $88.0       77.4%
Masonry accessories.........      --          --             4.8         5.2       24.7       23.1       25.7       22.6
                                   -----   ---------       -----   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                              $     82.3       100.0% $     92.8       100.0% $   107.0      100.0% $   113.7      100.0%
                                   -----   ---------       -----   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                   -----   ---------       -----   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
(1)  Gives  effect to the Dur-O-Wal Acquisition as if it had occurred on January
     1, 1994.
 
   
    Net sales of  concrete accessories increased  by $5.7 million,  or 6.9%,  to
$88.0  million in 1995 principally due to strong market demand, and, to a lesser
extent, internally developed new products as well as the introduction of the new
line of  formliner  products added  with  the acquisition  of  C&B  Construction
Supplies, Inc. on June 1, 1995. After adjusting for the Dur-O-Wal Acquisition as
if  it had occurred on  January 1, 1994, net  sales of masonry accessories would
have been $24.7  million in 1994  compared to  pro forma combined  net sales  of
masonry  accessories of $25.7 million in 1995.  The increase of $1.0 million, or
4.0%, from  1994 to  1995 was  largely  due to  increased volume  of  hot-dipped
products and, to a lesser extent, new product introductions.
    
 
    Gross  profit increased  $4.5 million  from $24.3  million, or  29.5% of net
sales, in 1994 to $28.8 million, or  31.0% of net sales, in 1995, primarily  due
to  improved pricing and reduced manufacturing costs. Price improvements reflect
the results of a three-year program (initiated in 1993) to pass on raw  material
cost  increases and to better reflect the  value of the Company's services, such
as quick delivery, and its high product quality. The price improvements  allowed
the  Company to reach the pricing levels  that existed prior to the recession of
1990-1991 for some products. Continued  emphasis on cost containment,  favorable
product mix shifts to higher margin products and lower transportation costs also
contributed  to the gross margin improvement. Dur-O-Wal contributed $0.9 million
to gross  profit  in 1995  during  the two  and  one-half months  following  its
acquisition. After adjusting for the Dur-O-Wal Acquisition as if it had occurred
on  January 1, 1994, gross profit would have been $30.4 million, or 28.4% of net
sales, in 1994 compared to pro forma combined gross profit of $33.7 million,  or
29.7%  of net  sales, in  1995. However,  on a  pro forma  combined basis, gross
margin of 29.7% of net  sales in 1995 was less  than the Company's actual  gross
margin of 31.0% of net sales as masonry accessories generally have a lower gross
margin than concrete accessories.
 
   
    SG&A expenses, excluding amortization of goodwill and intangibles, increased
$2.0  million  from $16.7  million, or  20.3% of  net sales,  in 1994,  to $18.7
million,  or   20.1%  of   net  sales,   in  1995.   The  addition   of  a   new
service/distribution  center  in Westfield,  Massachusetts and  costs associated
with new product sales efforts  and management information systems  installation
were  the primary sources of increased  SG&A expenses. The addition of Dur-O-Wal
added $0.7  million to  SG&A expenses,  excluding amortization  of goodwill  and
intangibles,  in 1995 from the date of  its acquisition. After adjusting for the
Dur-O-Wal Acquisition as if it had  occurred on January 1, 1994, SG&A  expenses,
excluding  amortization  of  goodwill  and intangibles,  would  have  been $20.6
million  in  1994.  In  1995,  pro  forma  combined  SG&A  expenses,   excluding
amortization  of  goodwill and  intangibles, were  $21.5 million.  However, SG&A
expenses,
    
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
   
excluding amortization of goodwill and intangibles, decreased as a percentage of
net sales from 19.2% in 1994,  after adjusting for the Dur-O-Wal Acquisition  as
if  it had occurred on January 1, 1994, to 18.9% in 1995 on a pro forma combined
basis.
    
 
    Net interest expense decreased from $6.0 million in 1994 to $4.2 million  in
1995, primarily as a result of the 1994 Restructuring, which reduced outstanding
debt  by $33.8 million. In October 1995, the Company increased its borrowings by
$23.6 million to acquire Dur-O-Wal, which resulted in an additional $0.5 million
of interest expense from the  date of the acquisition.  On a pro forma  combined
basis, net interest expense for 1995 was $6.3 million.
 
    During  October 1995, the Company  repurchased from The Prudential Insurance
Company of America and Pruco Life Insurance Company (collectively, "Prudential")
all the  then outstanding  redeemable preferred  shares at  their $10.0  million
aggregate  redemption  value and  all the  then outstanding  Old Class  B Common
Shares for a total of $3.5 million (or  $4.00 per share) plus a payment of  $1.9
million ($1.0 million of which is payable in quarterly installments during 1996)
to  extinguish  certain  rights  of  Prudential  under  the  predecessor  to the
Shareholder Agreement (the  "Old Shareholder Agreement").  Both such  redeemable
preferred  shares  and  such  Old  Class B  Common  Shares  had  been  issued to
Prudential  in  the  1994  Restructuring  and  were  repurchased,  in  part,  to
facilitate  the Dur-O-Wal Acquisition. Under  the Old Shareholder Agreement, the
consent of  Prudential  would  have  been required  to  complete  the  Dur-O-Wal
Acquisition.  The repurchase  of such  redeemable preferred  shares was financed
through borrowings of $10 million under  the Credit Facility, which resulted  in
an  additional $0.2 million of interest expense in 1995. In connection with such
repurchase and the Dur-O-Wal Acquisition, during October 1995, the Company  also
sold  Class A Common Shares and Old Class  B Common Shares at $4.00 per share to
its existing shareholders, the holders of  its Senior Notes, certain members  of
management and new investors for net proceeds of $4.9 million.
 
    Other expense, net, of $0.9 million in 1994 represents costs associated with
an acquisition that was not completed.
 
    Income  tax expense was  $0.7 million, or  15.7% of income  before taxes, in
1995, reflecting the  favorable impact  of utilization  of the  majority of  the
Company's  net operating loss carryforwards to reduce the effective tax rate. On
a pro forma combined  basis, the effective  tax rate of  17.3% of income  before
taxes  exceeded the Company's historical effective tax rate of 15.7% in 1995 due
to  the  additional  non-deductible  goodwill  amortization  arising  from   the
Dur-O-Wal Acquisition.
 
    Income  before extraordinary item  increased by $4.4 million  from a loss of
$0.7 million  in 1994  to income  of $3.7  million in  1995 due  to the  factors
described  above. Net income decreased by $27.0 million in 1995 compared to 1994
due to the absence  of the extraordinary  gain of $31.4  million related to  the
forgiveness of debt recorded as a result of the 1994 Restructuring.
 
    COMPARISON OF YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993 AND 1994
 
    Net  sales increased $7.1  million, or 9.4%,  from $75.2 million  in 1993 to
$82.3 million in 1994 as a result  of a moderate recovery in Heavy  Construction
activity  and, to a lesser extent, added  sales from new products. For the first
four months of 1994, net sales  were depressed due to unusually adverse  weather
conditions  throughout  the  United  States. Blizzards,  ice  storms  and floods
largely shut down  construction in some  regions. The last  eight months of  the
year  were exceptionally strong with record sales achieved by the Company in six
of these eight months. The  combination of a strong  overall market with a  slow
weather-suppressed  start for the  year resulted in sales  increases late in the
year. According to McGraw-Hill Dodge,  the total value of construction  projects
started in 1994 (excluding single family homes) increased by 11.6% from the 1993
level.
 
    Gross  profit increased by $4.6 million from  $19.7 million, or 26.2% of net
sales, in 1993 to $24.3 million, or 29.5% of net sales, in 1994, largely due  to
general  price  increases in  improving  economic markets,  stable  raw material
prices and a  favorable shift in  product mix. Cost  reduction and  productivity
programs  in  manufacturing  also  contributed  slightly  to  the  gross  margin
improvement.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
   
    SG&A expenses, excluding amortization of goodwill and intangibles, increased
$2.1 million  from $14.6  million,  or 19.4%  of net  sales,  in 1993  to  $16.7
million,  or  20.3% of  net sales,  in 1994.  Of the  increase, $1.0  million is
attributable to  wages  and  other  direct employee  expenses,  as  the  Company
invested  in customer contact and sales  service personnel and the formula-based
incentive compensation plan grew with improved performance. Depreciation expense
accounted for $0.2  million of  the increase  in such  SG&A expenses  due to  an
investment  in a  new management  information system.  In addition,  the Company
incurred $0.3 million in start up costs associated with the system installation.
Promotional and travel expenses increased  $0.3 million, as the Company  updated
catalogs,  introduced a  new Spanish-language  catalog for  sales in  Mexico and
expanded promotional activities.
    
 
    Net interest expense decreased from $10.1 million, or 13.4% of net sales, in
1993 to $6.0 million,  or 7.3% of  net sales, in  1994 as a  result of the  1994
Restructuring.
 
    Net income increased to $30.7 million in 1994 compared to a net loss of $6.2
million  in 1993 largely due to the  extraordinary gain of $31.4 million related
to the forgiveness of debt recorded as  a result of the 1994 Restructuring.  The
loss  before extraordinary item  decreased by $5.5 million  from $6.2 million in
1993 to $0.7 million in 1994 due to the factors discussed above.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
    The Company's capital requirements relate primarily to capital expenditures,
debt service and the cost  of acquisitions. Historically, the Company's  primary
sources  of  financing  have been  cash  from operations,  borrowings  under its
revolving line of credit and, in 1994  and 1995, the issuance of long-term  debt
and equity.
 
   
    Net  cash  provided  by  operating activities  was  $8.2  million  for 1995.
Operating cash flow consisted of net income of $3.7 million, non-cash charges of
$4.3 million for depreciation and amortization and other changes in net  working
capital  of $0.2 million. Net cash used in operating activities was $3.6 million
for the first  quarter of  1996. Uses  of operating  cash flow  included a  $0.4
million  net loss, seasonal  increases in receivables and  inventory of $1.5 and
$2.7 million,  respectively,  and a  decrease  in accrued  liabilities  of  $1.9
million.  The decrease  in accrued  liabilities reflects  the payment  of annual
incentive compensation, estimated income tax payments and a $0.5 million payment
to Prudential.  Sources of  operating cash  flow in  the first  quarter of  1996
included  $1.3 million from  non-cash charges for  depreciation and amortization
and $1.8 million from seasonal growth in accounts payable.
    
 
    At March  29, 1996,  working capital  was $14.3  million compared  to  $11.4
million  at March 31, 1995. Of the increase, $1.1 million is attributable to the
acquisition of Dur-O-Wal while $1.8 million is a result of deferred tax benefits
recognized in the latter part  of 1995. The ratio  of current assets to  current
liabilities was 1.8 to 1 at March 29, 1996 and 1.9 to 1 at March 31, 1995.
 
   
    On  June 17, 1996, the Company entered into the Amended Credit Facility with
the Banks  conditional upon  consummation of  the Offering.  The Amended  Credit
Facility will provide for (i) term loans to the Company and Dur-O-Wal (together,
the  "Term  Loan") and  (ii)  revolving credit  facilities  for the  Company and
Dur-O-Wal (together,  the "Revolving  Credit  Facility"). The  Revolving  Credit
Facility  will terminate in four years, with  interest options based on (a) Bank
One, Dayton, NA's prime rate or (b) LIBOR plus an amount between 1.00% and 2.75%
(LIBOR plus 1.75% immediately following consummation of the Offering)  depending
on  the level of EBITDA and certain  other financial ratios. A commitment fee of
between 0.125%  and  0.50% per  annum  (0.25% per  annum  immediately  following
consummation  of  the Offering)  will be  payable on  the average  unused amount
depending on the  level of EBITDA  and certain other  financial ratios.  Amounts
available under the Revolving Credit Facility will be equal to the lesser of (i)
$37  million or (ii) the sum of (x) 85% of eligible accounts receivable, (y) 60%
of eligible inventories and (z) an amount  of up to $12 million upon closing  of
the Offering, decreasing in steps to zero on October 1, 1997. At March 29, 1996,
if  the Revolving Credit  Facility had been  in place, $29.7  million would have
been available thereunder, of which $17.1 million of borrowings would have  been
outstanding.  The principal amount  of the Term  Loan will be  the lesser of $13
million or 70% of the value of the Company's fixed assets, based on an appraisal
of certain assets and the net book value of
    
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
   
other assets. The Banks have agreed  that, pending receipt of appraisals,  which
currently are being conducted, the principal amount of the Term Loan will be $13
million.  If, based on the  appraisals, 70% of the  value of the Company's fixed
assets is less than $13  million, the Company will be  required to repay to  the
Banks  the amount of the  difference between such value  and $13 million. If the
appraised value of the Company's fixed  assets is equal to the depreciated  book
value of such assets at March 29, 1996, the amount of the Term Loan, as adjusted
for  the appraisals, will  be $12.2 million.  The Company believes  that it will
have sufficient availability  under the  Revolving Credit Facility  to fund  any
required repayment of the Term Loan at the time the appraisals are received. The
Term  Loan  will be  due  in full  four  years from  its  date of  issuance with
mandatory quarterly principal payments of $812,500 (subject to adjustment if the
amount of  the Term  Loan  is reduced  as  a result  of  the appraisals  of  the
Company's  fixed assets) plus interest. The Term Loan will permit the Company to
choose from various interest rate options. The Amended Credit Facility  contains
restrictive  covenants which,  among other things,  will require  the Company to
maintain certain specified financial ratios and will limit the Company's ability
to incur debt, make acquisitions and capital expenditures and pay dividends. See
"Description  of  Certain  Indebtedness."  The  Company  intends  to  draw  down
approximately  $      million  at            ,  1996, the  expected date  of the
consummation of the Offering, ($20.43 million based on accrued interest at March
29, 1996) on this  facility which, with  the proceeds of  the Offering, will  be
used  to retire  $40 million of  outstanding Senior Notes,  pay accrued interest
thereon of $   million at         , 1996, the expected date of the  consummation
of the Offering, ($1.54 million at March 29, 1996) and fund a prepayment premium
of $2.4 million in connection therewith.
    
 
   
    Borrowing  levels vary during the course of  a year based upon the Company's
seasonal working capital needs. The Company's  sales are highly seasonal due  to
the  impact of weather on the Heavy  Construction industry. Beginning at the end
of the first quarter, the Company's sales typically increase sharply, reaching a
peak around the end of the second quarter or beginning of the third quarter. The
Company's accounts receivable normally increase  from the beginning of the  year
to  the end of the third quarter.  Accounts receivable are highest in the months
of June through September and averaged $15.0 million during such months in  1994
and  $15.7 million during such months in 1995. Accounts receivable are lowest in
the months of January and February and averaged $9.9 million during such  months
in 1995 and $12.1 million during such months in 1996. Inventory generally begins
to  buildup during the middle  of the first quarter and  remains at a high level
until the fourth quarter. In 1994,  the average inventory was $10.3 million  and
in  1995 it was $11.6 million. The average inventory turnover ratio for 1994 was
5.0 and in 1995 was  4.8. This results in a  seasonal need for working  capital.
During  the fourth  quarter, sales  and working  capital typically  experience a
seasonal decline. The maximum borrowings  outstanding under the Credit  Facility
during  1995 were  $18.4 million on  October 16, 1995  immediately following the
Dur-O-Wal Acquisition and the repurchase of the redeemable preferred shares  and
certain  of  the  Old Class  B  Common  Shares. Absent  these  two transactions,
seasonal peak borrowings under the Credit  Facility during 1995 would have  been
$3.2  million at April 14, and July  13, 1995. Outstanding borrowings dropped to
$13.3 million at December  31, 1995 as seasonal  working capital needs  declined
and  rose to $17.1 million  at March 29, 1996  as seasonal working capital needs
increased.
    
 
    At March  29,  1996,  the  Company  had  $39.7  million  of  long-term  debt
outstanding,  net of  debt discount  and excluding  the Credit  Facility, with a
weighted average interest rate of 12.08% and final maturities from 1999  through
2005.
 
    The  Company  made $2.7  million in  capital  expenditures during  1995. The
largest expenditure  was  a  $1.0  million  acquisition  of  equipment  and  the
associated  construction of  a new  facility to house  an epoxy  coating line in
Parsons, Kansas. Other significant investments  in 1995 included a  construction
nail  stake  machine, an  automated resistance  welder  for the  concrete paving
products  line,  equipment  for  a  new  mechanical  rebar  connector   product,
additional computers and software.
 
    The  Company made $0.7 million in  capital expenditures in the first quarter
of 1996 and has planned additional capital expenditures during the remainder  of
1996  of approximately  $1.2 million  with up to  an additional  $0.6 million in
capital expenditures associated with the  paving acquisition completed on  April
29,  1996. Major  projects include a  new truss machine  for Dur-O-Wal's Aurora,
Illinois plant,
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
improved air handling and water cooling in Miamisburg, Ohio, a major upgrade  of
the  chemical laboratory  and new liquid  chemical production  equipment for the
Oregon, Illinois facility and an additional automated side frame machine for the
concrete paving products line in Parsons, Kansas.
 
    The Company believes that  its liquidity, capital  resources and cash  flows
from  operations are  sufficient to  fund planned  capital expenditures, working
capital requirements and debt service in the absence of additional acquisitions.
 
   
    The Company intends to fund future  acquisitions with cash, securities or  a
combination  of cash and securities. To the extent the Company uses cash for all
or a part of any such acquisition, it expects to raise such cash primarily  from
cash generated from operations, borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility or,
if  feasible and attractive,  issuances of long-term debt  or additional Class A
Common Shares.  However, under  the terms  of the  Amended Credit  Facility  the
Company  is  prohibited  from  incurring  additional  debt  (subject  to certain
exceptions) and from merging or consolidating  with, or acquiring the stock  of,
any  corporation  without the  consent  of the  Banks.  In addition,  the amount
available under the  Amended Credit Facility  may not be  sufficient to  finance
both acquisitions and working capital requirements.
    
 
EFFECTS OF INFLATION
 
    Inflation  generally affects the Company  by increasing interest expense and
by increasing the cost of labor,  equipment and raw materials, primarily  steel.
The  Company does not  believe that inflation  has had a  material effect on the
Company's business over the past three years. In the past, the Company has  been
able  to pass along  to its customers all  or a portion of  the effects of steel
price increases by increasing selling prices or imposing cost surcharges.  There
can  be no assurance that the Company will  able to continue to pass on the cost
of such increases in the future.
 
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
    In March  1995, the  Financial Accounting  Standards Board  ("FASB")  issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 121 "Accounting for the
Impairment  of  Long-Lived  Assets and  for  Assets  to be  Disposed  Of," which
addresses the identification and measurement  of asset impairments and  requires
recognition  of impairment losses  on long-lived assets  when book values exceed
expected future cash flows. The Company was required to adopt the provisions  of
SFAS  No. 121 in the first quarter of 1996. The application of this standard did
not have a  material impact on  the Company's financial  position or results  of
operations.
 
    In  October 1995, the  FASB issued SFAS No.  123 "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation," which establishes new accounting and disclosure requirements  for
stock-based employee compensation plans. The Company will adopt this standard in
1996  by continuing to follow the accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles
Board Opinion No. 25 "Accounting for  Stock Issued to Employees" and  presenting
the  required pro  forma disclosures. The  application of this  standard did not
have a  material  impact on  the  Company's  financial position  or  results  of
operations.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
                                    BUSINESS
 
GENERAL
 
    The  Company  believes it  is the  largest  North American  manufacturer and
distributor of specialized metal accessories  used in concrete construction  and
masonry  construction on  the basis  of sales.  The Company's  products are used
primarily in two segments of the construction industry: non-residential building
projects such as institutional buildings,  retail sites, commercial offices  and
manufacturing facilities; and infrastructure projects such as highways, bridges,
utilities,  water  and waste  treatment facilities  and  airport runways.  On an
historical  basis,   the  dollar   volume   of  non-residential   building   and
infrastructure construction in North America has been less cyclical than that of
single family residential construction.
 
   
    The  Company was  founded in  1924 under the  name The  Dayton Sure-Grip and
Shore Company. Following the 1982 acquisition of Superior Concrete  Accessories,
Inc.,  the Company  evolved from a  regional company to  a large, geographically
diversified firm. Between 1991 and June  1995, the Company completed four  small
acquisitions and, in October 1995, the Company acquired Dur-O-Wal, which had net
sales  of  $25.7 million  in 1995  on a  pro  forma combined  basis, for  a cash
purchase price  of  $23.6 million  (including  acquisition costs).  The  Company
believes that Dur-O-Wal is a leading manufacturer of masonry accessories and the
largest manufacturer of masonry wall reinforcement in North America on the basis
of  sales.  On  April  29,  1996, the  Company  purchased  certain  assets  of a
privately-held concrete paving products manufacturer based in Kankakee, Illinois
for a  cash purchase  price  of approximately  $5 million  (including  estimated
acquisition  costs and subject to post-closing adjustments). The Company intends
to combine the  acquired business (the  principal products of  which are  welded
dowel  assemblies and epoxy-coated  steel bar stock)  with its existing concrete
paving products business.  The Company  believes that, in  addition to  offering
consolidation  savings, this  acquisition will  enable it  to enter  certain new
markets and to better serve existing customers in the Midwest.
    
 
    The Company believes  that its  distribution system  is the  largest in  its
industry,  consisting of  a network of  22 Company-operated service/distribution
centers in the  United States  and Canada  and over  3,000 customers,  including
stocking dealers, brokers, rebar fabricators, precast concrete manufacturers and
brick and concrete block manufacturers. The Company believes that its ability to
deliver  quality  products  to  customers quickly  using  its  on-line inventory
tracking system gives it  a competitive advantage over  many of its  competitors
and encourages customer loyalty. Although the Company believes it is the largest
North  American manufacturer  and distributor  of specialized  metal accessories
used in concrete construction  and masonry construction,  the industry in  which
the  Company  competes  is highly  competitive  in most  product  categories and
geographic regions.  The Company  competes  with a  relatively small  number  of
full-line  national manufacturers of concrete or  masonry accessories and a much
larger  number  of  regional  manufacturers  with  limited  product  lines.  See
"Business--Competition."
 
    The  Company manufactures most of its  products at four principal facilities
in the  United States  using, in  many cases,  high-volume, automated  equipment
designed  and built or custom modified  by in-house personnel. The Company sells
approximately 12,300 different products in two principal product lines (concrete
accessories, which include concrete  paving products, and masonry  accessories),
including  products designed to hold rebar in place, support concrete framework,
reinforce masonry  walls and  create attachment  points on  concrete or  masonry
surfaces.  The  Company's  product lines,  which  the Company  believes  are the
broadest in the industry, are marketed under the DAYTON
SUPERIOR-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-  name in  the case  of concrete  accessories  and
under   the  DUR-O-WAL-REGISTERED  TRADEMARK-  name   in  the  case  of  masonry
accessories.
 
    The Company's senior management team, which has been in place since 1989 and
averages over 20 years of manufacturing  industry experience, is led by John  A.
Ciccarelli,  its President  and Chief  Executive Officer,  who formerly  was the
President of The  Wheelabrator Corporation, a  manufacturer of industrial  blast
cleaning  equipment. The Company also benefits from the experience of Matthew O.
Diggs,  Jr.,   its  non-executive   Chairman,  particularly   with  respect   to
acquisitions and strategic direction.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
Mr.  Diggs  is the  former  President and  Chief  Executive Officer  of Copeland
Corporation, a manufacturer of refrigerator compressors, and the former Chairman
of The Delfield Company, a manufacturer of food service equipment.
 
    The Company  was incorporated  in 1959.  The Company's  principal  executive
offices  are  located at  721 Richard  Street, Miamisburg,  Ohio 45342,  and its
telephone number is (513) 866-0711.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
    Management is seeking to implement the following business strategy, which is
designed to build on the Company's manufacturing and distribution strengths  and
scale advantages to achieve growth both through acquisitions and internally.
 
    - PURSUE  STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS.  In addition to internal growth, including
      new product development, the Company  intends to continue to grow  through
      acquisitions.  The  markets in  which the  Company  competes have  a large
      number of relatively small, regional manufacturers and consequently  offer
      consolidation   opportunities.   The  Company   seeks   acquisitions  that
      complement its  existing  products  or represent  product  extensions  and
      primarily    focuses   its   acquisition    strategy   on   regional   and
      specialty-product firms. The Company believes it has been able to  achieve
      synergies  in its acquisitions  through economies of  scale in purchasing,
      manufacturing, marketing and distribution.
 
    - LEVERAGE EXTENSIVE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND DEALER NETWORK.  The  Company's
      extensive   distribution  system,  broad   product  lines  and  continuing
      commitment to customer service and quality have enabled it to attract  and
      maintain  the largest dealer network in its industry. The Company utilizes
      its distribution system and dealer  network as a platform for  integrating
      acquisitions and for selling products manufactured by third parties. Sales
      of  third-party  products allow  the Company  to utilize  its distribution
      system to increase sales  without making significant capital  investments.
      The Company estimates that net sales of third party products accounted for
      approximately  $18.5 million of the  Company's net sales in  1995 on a pro
      forma combined basis.
 
    - UTILIZE CUSTOMIZED AUTOMATED MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT.  The Company designs
      and builds or custom modifies much of the high-volume, automated equipment
      it uses  to manufacture  metal concrete  accessories and  concrete  paving
      products.  To develop  this equipment,  it employs  a team  of experienced
      manufacturing engineers and tool and die makers. The Company believes that
      its customized automated manufacturing equipment provides it with  several
      competitive   advantages  relative  to   its  competitors,  including  (i)
      significantly greater productivity,  (ii) lower  capital equipment  costs,
      (iii)  lower scrap rates, (iv) higher  product quality, (v) faster product
      changeover times and (vi) lower inventory levels.
 
    - DEVELOP NEW PRODUCTS.  The Company  has a new product development  program
      built  around its marketing, engineering and manufacturing personnel. This
      program establishes  goals for,  and tracks  the success  of, new  product
      development in each project group. The Company estimates that new products
      introduced  in the last five  years (three years, in  the case of chemical
      products), including  new products  introduced  by Dur-O-Wal  during  such
      period,  accounted  for approximately  $6.5 million  of the  Company's net
      sales in 1995 on a pro forma combined basis.
 
    - OFFER BROAD PRODUCT  LINE.  The  Company believes it  offers the  broadest
      product   line  in  metal   accessories  for  the   concrete  and  masonry
      construction industry  in  North  America, providing  its  customers  with
      products  designed  to  meet  a  wide  variety  of  concrete  and  masonry
      construction needs. The  Company believes that  its customers' ability  to
      order a wide range of products from the Company enhances its sales.
 
THE INDUSTRY
 
    The   Company's  products  are  used  primarily   in  two  segments  of  the
construction industry: non-residential building projects, such as  institutional
buildings,  retail sites,  commercial offices and  manufacturing facilities; and
infrastructure projects, such as highways,  bridges, utilities, water and  waste
treatment  facilities and airport runways. The  Company's products are also used
in multi-family residential
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
construction such as  apartments, condominiums and  multi-family homes.  Because
the  Company's products are  sold primarily through  its distribution system and
dealer network rather than directly  to end-users, the Company cannot  determine
precisely  the  percentages of  its  sales made  to  individual segments  of the
construction industry. However, certain  of the Company's  products can only  be
used  or  are  predominantly  used  only in  particular  segments  of  the Heavy
Construction industry. In addition the  Company conducted an informal survey  of
its  customers in 1992 with respect to the end-use of selected product lines and
updated the survey in 1994.  Based on the survey,  an analysis of the  potential
uses  for its products, discussions with customers and management's knowledge of
the construction industry, the  Company estimates that (i)  less than 1% of  its
net  sales are made to the  single family residential construction segment, (ii)
less than  10%  of  its net  sales  are  made to  the  multi-family  residential
construction  segment, (iii) approximately 35% of its  net sales are made to the
infrastructure segment and (iv) the  majority of its net  sales are made to  the
non-residential building construction segment.
 
    The Company believes that approximately 90% of its net sales are made to the
non-residential   building  and  infrastructure  segments  of  the  construction
industry which  made up  approximately  55% of  the United  States  construction
industry  in 1994  (with the remainder  consisting of  single family residential
construction   (40%)   and   multi-family   residential   construction    (5%)).
Historically,  based  upon  the  dollar  volume  of  contracts  awarded  for new
construction starts, infrastructure,  non-residential building and  multi-family
residential  construction, taken together,  have been less  cyclical than single
family residential construction.  The chart  below shows  the annual  percentage
change  in the total  dollar value of construction  contracts started during the
years 1968 to 1995 for single family residential construction and for all  other
types of construction, excluding single family residential construction.
 
                       DOLLAR VOLUME OF CONTRACTS AWARDED
                            Annual Percentage Change
 
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS YEAR     HEAVY CONSTRUCTION   SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
<S>                           <C>                   <C>
68                                             14%                          9%
69                                             16%                         -4%
70                                              2%                         -4%
71                                             10%                         41%
72                                              8%                         29%
73                                             13%                          0%
74                                             -3%                        -17%
75                                             -4%                          9%
76                                             12%                         43%
77                                             22%                         40%
78                                             11%                         19%
79                                             15%                         -8%
80                                             -5%                        -23%
81                                              8%                         -8%
82                                              0%                         -2%
83                                             10%                         65%
84                                             12%                          7%
85                                             13%                          3%
86                                              0%                         20%
87                                              4%                          4%
88                                             -1%                          6%
89                                              5%                          1%
90                                             -8%                        -11%
91                                             -9%                         -1%
92                                              2%                         22%
93                                              5%                         12%
94                                             12%                          6%
95E                                             7%                         -8%
96P                                             2%                          7%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
Source: McGraw-Hill Dodge
 
    Management  believes that the 1980s were an unusually active period for real
estate development. Debt  financing was readily  available, due in  part to  the
expansion  of savings and  loan associations into this  area. Equity capital was
abundant, due in  part to  pre-1986 tax laws  that allowed  investors to  offset
ordinary income with tax losses from real estate investments. Real estate values
expanded  rapidly, reflecting general increases in price levels during the 1970s
and 1980s as well as growth in household formation due to the maturation of  the
"Baby Boom" generation.
 
    The  construction industry  suffered a sharp  decline in 1990  and 1991 with
overall demand  for Heavy  Construction declining  by 16.4%  during the  1990-91
recession (as defined by the National Bureau of
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
Economic  Research),  compared  with an  average  decline  of 1.8%  in  the five
recessions (as defined by the National Bureau of Economic Research)  experienced
during  the  25 years  prior to  that period.  See "Management's  Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for a description  of
the  impact of this sharp decline on the Company. The decline in 1990-91 was due
to the combined impact of a cyclical recession with other factors, including the
impact of the 1986 Tax Reform Act, passage of the Financial Institutions  Reform
Recovery  and  Enforcement  Act  of  1989  ("FIRREA")  and  a  slow-down  in the
decade-long period  of  what  many regarded  as  speculative  overbuilding.  The
changes  in  the  tax laws  in  1986  and changes  in  regulatory  standards for
oversight of financial institutions in 1989 brought about by FIRREA reduced  the
availability  of capital for investment in commercial developments and, combined
with a normal,  cyclical downturn  in the economy,  had the  effect of  severely
reducing the level of construction activity at the end of the 1980s.
 
    NON-RESIDENTIAL    BUILDING   CONSTRUCTION.       Non-residential   building
construction includes projects  such as institutional  buildings, retail  sites,
commercial  offices and manufacturing facilities. The Company estimates that its
sales to this  segment of the  industry account for  more than half  of its  net
sales.  The graph below contains  data for non-residential building construction
and  its   two  segments,   commercial   and  manufacturing   construction   and
institutional construction.
 
                     NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
                       DOLLAR VOLUME OF CONTRACTS AWARDED
                            (in billions of dollars)
 
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 NON-RESIDENTIAL    COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL   INSTITUTIONAL
<S>                <C>                        <C>
67                                    $10.40           11.6
68                                    $12.00           12.3
69                                    $14.70           13.5
70                                    $13.60           13.2
71                                    $13.50           14.7
72                                    $16.20           13.2
73                                    $19.80           14.4
74                                    $18.50           16.2
75                                    $16.70           15.9
76                                    $15.60           15.7
77                                    $20.30           16.6
78                                    $31.50           15.9
79                                    $34.70           18.8
80                                    $36.90             20
81                                    $44.50             21
82                                    $41.80           22.8
83                                    $43.70           24.2
84                                    $56.20           25.9
85                                    $62.80           29.5
86                                    $59.70           31.9
87                                    $62.30           36.5
88                                    $61.10           36.8
89                                    $66.30           39.8
90                                    $53.20           42.2
91                                    $41.00           45.3
92                                    $41.70           45.4
93                                    $43.20           45.5
94                                    $51.50           49.5
95                                    $57.60           51.7
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
Source: McGraw-Hill Dodge
(1) Compounded annual growth rate for the period from 1967 through projected
1995
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
    Certain  sectors within this segment  of the construction industry generally
have experienced more stable  historical growth, while  other sectors have  been
affected  more  by  cyclical  trends. The  less  cyclical  portion, representing
institutional projects (such  as government buildings,  schools and  hospitals),
shares  certain  similarities with  infrastructure  construction as  its funding
sources  are  somewhat   independent  of  the   general  economy.  Funding   for
construction  of schools and hospitals typically  comes from bond issues or real
estate taxes.
 
    The more  cyclical portion  of  this segment  includes the  construction  of
commercial offices, commercial retail sites and industrial buildings. Commercial
office  construction was very active  in the mid-1980's due,  in part, to strong
tax inducements and the wide availability of debt and equity capital to  finance
commercial  development projects. Changes in the tax laws in 1986 and changes in
regulatory  standards   for  oversight   of  financial   institutions  in   1989
dramatically  reduced the availability  of capital for  investment in commercial
developments, and construction decreased accordingly.
 
    INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION.  This segment  is comprised of construction  of
highways,  bridges, utilities, water and  waste treatment facilities and airport
runways. The Company estimates  that its sales to  this segment of the  industry
account  for  approximately 35%  of  the Company's  net  sales. The  graph below
illustrates the historical trends in this segment of the construction industry.
 
                          INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION
                       DOLLAR VOLUME OF CONTRACTS AWARDED
                            (in billions of dollars)
 
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               INFRASTRUCTURE
<S>            <C>
1967                     12.9
1968                     13.8
1969                     15.7
1970                     17.9
1971                     18.2
1972                     18.7
1973                     21.6
1974                       25
1975                     28.4
1976                     35.8
1977                     43.2
1978                       40
1979                     45.5
1980                     34.5
1981                     35.4
1982                     37.5
1983                     37.8
1984                     36.9
1985                     41.4
1986                     42.1
1987                     46.1
1988                     48.1
1989                       49
1990                     49.7
1991                     50.2
1992                     54.6
1993                     58.9
1994                     61.4
1995 Prelim              63.8
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
Source: McGraw-Hill Dodge
(1) Compound annual growth rate for the period from 1967 through projected 1995.
 
    Compared to  other segments  of  the construction  industry,  infrastructure
construction  is less dependent  on general economic  conditions, as funding for
infrastructure projects often comes  from federal, state  and local taxes,  user
taxes,  gasoline  taxes and  bond issues.  In certain  instances, infrastructure
spending has  increased notwithstanding  a soft  economy, as  local and  federal
governments  attempted to offset recessionary trends.  There can be no assurance
that  such   increases  will   be  repeated   in  future   recessionary   times.
Infrastructure  construction  remained  relatively  constant  during  the 1980s,
reflecting continued  construction of  the  Federal Highway  System as  well  as
implementation  of  federal  water  quality  standards  and  continuing  airport
expansion.  The  Intermodal  Surface  Transportation  Efficiency  Act  of   1991
("ISTEA")  authorized up to  $155 billion of  federal funding for transportation
projects for 1992 through 1997.
 
    MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL  CONSTRUCTION.   This segment  of the  construction
industry  consists of apartment, condominium and multi-family home construction.
The Company estimates that its sales to this
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
segment of  the industry  account for  less than  10% of  its net  sales.  After
reaching   a  peak  in  1985,  multi-family  residential  construction  declined
dramatically, declining by more  than two thirds by  1992. Since 1992,  spending
has increased modestly, but remains below the levels achieved during much of the
1980s.
 
                     MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
                       DOLLAR VOLUME OF CONTRACTS AWARDED
                            (in billions of dollars)
 
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           MULTI-FAMILY
<S>        <C>
67                 $4.80
68                 $7.00
69                 $8.30
70                 $8.40
71                $12.20
72                $15.60
73                $15.70
74                 $9.20
75                 $5.30
76                 $7.20
77                $10.80
78                $13.60
79                $17.30
80                $18.80
81                $18.00
82                $17.40
83                $26.30
84                $28.90
85                $33.10
86                $32.10
87                $27.50
88                $24.00
89                $22.80
90                $17.50
91                $12.40
92                $10.00
93                $11.40
94                $15.00
95                $17.40
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
Source: McGraw-Hill Dodge
(1) Compound annual growth rate for the period from 1967 through projected 1995.
 
ACQUISITIONS
 
    In  addition  to internal  growth,  including new  product  development, the
Company intends to continue to grow  through acquisitions. The markets in  which
the  Company competes are generally fragmented with a large number of relatively
small, privately held regional manufacturers. The Company believes these markets
offer a number of  consolidation opportunities and  is focusing its  acquisition
strategy  primarily on regional  and specialty product  firms. The Company seeks
acquisitions that  complement  or  extend  its  existing  product  lines,  offer
compatibility   in  customers   or  in   manufacturing  processes,   add  strong
manufacturing or product technology or provide access to new market segments  or
proprietary products.
 
    Since 1990, the Company has completed four small asset acquisitions, as well
as  the acquisition of Dur-O-Wal in  1995 which the Company believes established
it as a leading manufacturer of masonry accessories and the largest manufacturer
of masonry  wall  reinforcement in  North  America on  the  basis of  sales.  In
addition, on April 29, 1996, the Company purchased certain assets of a privately
held  concrete paving  products manufacturer based  in Kankakee,  Illinois for a
cash purchase price of approximately $5 million (including estimated acquisition
costs and subject to post-closing  adjustments). The Company intends to  combine
the  acquired  business  (the  principal  products  of  which  are  welded dowel
assemblies and epoxy-coated steel bar  stock) with its existing concrete  paving
products   business.  The  Company  believes   that,  in  addition  to  offering
consolidation savings,  this acquisition  will enable  it to  enter certain  new
markets  and to better serve existing customers  in the Midwest. The table below
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
indicates the  principal strategic  benefits that  the Company  believes it  has
achieved or will achieve with respect to each acquisition. The Company used cash
from  operations and borrowings on  its line of credit  to make the acquisitions
listed in the table below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  YEAR     ACQUISITION         CASH PURCHASE PRICE  BUSINESS                         STRATEGIC BENEFITS
- ---------  ------------------  -------------------  -------------------------------  -------------------------------
<C>        <S>                 <C>                  <C>                              <C>
     1996  Paving products     $5 million(1)        - Regional manufacturer of       - Increases presence in the
            manufacturer                              concrete paving products         Midwest paving market;
                                                                                       permits consolidation of
                                                                                       manufacturing facilities.
     1995  Dur-O-Wal           $23.6 million(2)     - Leading manufacturer of        - Established the Company as a
                                                      masonry accessories              leader in the masonry
                                                                                       accessories market; increased
                                                                                       raw material purchasing
                                                                                       power; permitted
                                                                                       consolidation of distribution
                                                                                       facilities.
     1995  C&B Construction    $150,000             - Regional manufacturer of       - Introduced a new line of
            Supplies, Inc.                            textured and profiled liners     concrete formliners for sale
                                                      for concrete forms               through the Company's
                                                                                       distribution system.
     1994  Alpha Rebar         $67,000              - Regional manufacturer of       - Increased presence in the
            Company, Inc.                             paving products                  paving market in Texas and
                                                                                       the surrounding region;
                                                                                       permitted consolidation of
                                                                                       manufacturing facilities.
     1992  Jois Plastics       $75,000              - Regional manufacturer of       - Introduced a new line of
                                                      plastic bar supports             plastic bar supports for sale
                                                                                       through the Company's
                                                                                       distribution system.
     1991  UBS                 $200,000             - Regional manufacturer of       - Increased presence in the
                                                      metal bar supports               Northeast region; permitted
                                                                                       consolidation of
                                                                                       manufacturing facilities.
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
(1) Includes estimated acquisition costs and subject to post-closing
adjustments.
(2) Includes acquisition costs.
 
PRODUCTS
 
    Although almost  all of  the  Company's products  are  used in  concrete  or
masonry construction, the function and nature of the products differ widely. The
Company currently offers more than 12,300 different items and believes its brand
names  DAYTON SUPERIOR-Registered Trademark- and DUR-O-WAL-Registered Trademark-
are widely  recognized in  the construction  industry. The  Company  continually
attempts  to increase  the number  of products  it offers  by using  two product
development teams  to  introduce  new products  and  refine  existing  products.
Between  1990 and  1995, the  Company estimates that  net sales  of new products
developed within  the prior  five years  (three years  in the  case of  chemical
products)  increased  from  approximately  $3.5  million  to  approximately $5.5
million including  new  products  introduced by  Dur-O-Wal  during  such  period
(approximately $6.5 million on a pro forma combined basis).
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
    The  Company's 1995 net sales  of its two principal  product lines, on a pro
forma combined basis, were as follows:
 
               PRO FORMA COMBINED 1995 NET SALES BY PRODUCT LINE
 
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     (100% = $113.7 MILLION)
<S>                                <C>
Masonary Accessories                   22.6%
Concrete Accessories (including        77.4%
concrete paving products)
</TABLE>
 
    CONCRETE ACCESSORIES (INCLUDING  CONCRETE PAVING PRODUCTS).   The  Company's
concrete  accessories products are comprised primarily of wall-forming products,
concrete paving  products,  bridge  deck products,  bar  supports,  precast  and
prestressed  concrete construction  products, tilt-up  construction products and
chemicals used in concrete construction. Sales of concrete accessories accounted
for approximately $88.0 million, or  77.4%, of the net  sales of the Company  in
1995  on a  pro forma  combined basis.  The Company  estimates that wall-forming
products and concrete paving products each accounted for approximately one fifth
of its concrete accessories sales on a pro forma combined basis in 1995.
 
    Wall-forming products, such as snap ties, coil ties, she bolts and he bolts,
are used in  the fabrication of  job-built and prefabricated  modular forms  for
poured-in-place  concrete walls. The products, which generally are not reusable,
are made of wire or plastic (or  a combination of both materials) and  generally
are manufactured by the Company on customized high-speed automatic equipment.
 
    The  Company's concrete  paving products  consist primarily  of welded dowel
assemblies and dowel baskets used to transfer dynamic loads between two adjacent
slabs of concrete roadway. Concrete paving products are used in the construction
and rehabilitation of roads, highways and airport runways to extend the life  of
the  pavement. The Company  manufactures welded dowel  assembles primarily using
automated and semi-automatic equipment.
 
    Bridge deck  products (used  to  support the  formwork of  bridges)  include
hangers  and sidewalk  overhang brackets (used  to support the  formwork used by
contractors in the construction  and rehabilitation of  bridges), coil nuts  and
bolts, haunch carriers, screen supports and cast wing nuts.
 
    Bar  supports  are  non-structural  metal  or  plastic  accessories  used to
position rebar within a horizontal slab or form to be filled with concrete.  Bar
supports  often are plastic or epoxy coated, galvanized or equipped with plastic
tips to prevent  creating a  conduit for corrosion  of the  embedded rebar.  The
Company  sells more than  100 basic types of  bar supports in  a wide variety of
standard and custom sizes and finishes.
 
    Precast and  prestressed concrete  construction products,  such as  anchors,
inserts,  holddowns  and  pushdowns,  are used  in  the  manufacture  of precast
concrete panels and prestressed concrete  beams and structural members.  Precast
concrete  panels and  prestressed concrete  beams are  fabricated away  from the
construction site and  transported to  the site for  erection. Precast  concrete
panels  are used  in the construction  of prisons, freeway  sound barrier walls,
external building facades and other similar
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
applications. Prestressed concrete  beams use  multiple strands  of steel  cable
under  tension  embedded in  a  concrete beam  to  provide rigidity  and bearing
strength, and often are used in the construction of bridges, parking garages and
other applications where long, unsupported spans are required.
 
    The Company  offers  a  complete  line  of  inserts,  lifting  hardware  and
adjustable  beams  used in  the  tilt-up method  of  construction, in  which the
concrete floor  slab is  used as  part of  a form  for casting  the walls  of  a
building.  After the cast walls have hardened on the floor slab, a crane is used
to "tilt up" the walls, which then are braced in place until they are secured to
the rest of the structure. Tilt-up construction generally is considered to be  a
faster   method   of   constructing   low-rise   buildings   than   conventional
poured-in-place concrete construction.
 
    The Company  also manufactures  or distributes  chemicals used  in  concrete
construction,  including  form coatings,  bond  breakers, curing  agents, liquid
hardeners, sealers,  water  repellents,  bonding  agents,  epoxy  grouts,  floor
hardeners, patching cements, self-leveling floor under-layments and coatings. In
1995,  the Company  manufactured approximately 80%  of the  chemical products it
sold (with the  remainder being purchased  from third-party manufacturers  under
private  label  programs). The  Company believes  that it  is currently  a minor
competitor in the approximately  $1 billion North  American market for  concrete
construction chemicals.
 
    MASONRY  ACCESSORIES.    The  Company's  masonry  accessories  product  line
consists primarily  of  masonry  wall reinforcement  ("MWR")  products,  masonry
anchors  and  other accessories  used in  masonry construction  and restoration.
These products are manufactured  and sold primarily  by the Company's  Dur-O-Wal
subsidiary.  Sales  of  masonry accessories  accounted  for  approximately $25.7
million, or 22.6%,  of the  net sales  of the  Company in  1995 on  a pro  forma
combined basis.
 
    The  Company believes that it is the largest manufacturer of MWR products in
North America on the  basis of sales.  MWR products are  wire products that  are
placed  between courses of  masonry and covered  with mortar to  add tensile and
structural strength to masonry walls in order to control shrinkage and cracking,
to provide the principal horizontal  reinforcement in engineered masonry  walls,
to  bond masonry  wythes (single thicknesses  of brick) in  composite and cavity
walls, to  reinforce stack  bond masonry  and to  bond intersecting  walls.  The
products  improve the  performance and longevity  of masonry  walls by providing
crack control, greater elasticity, higher ductility to withstand seismic  shocks
and better resistance to rain penetration.
 
    The  Company  is one  of only  two  manufacturers of  MWR products  with the
in-house ability  to  produce  hot-dipped zinc  galvanized  finishes.  "Hot-dip"
galvanizing  occurs after products are fabricated and requires skilled personnel
and special  systems to  prevent  the products  from  adhering to  one  another.
Hot-dipped  galvanized finishes  are considered  to provide  superior protection
against corrosion compared to mill-galvanized  finishes, which are added by  the
manufacturer  of the wire from  which MWR products are  fabricated. As a result,
products with hot-dipped  galvanized finishes  generally are sold  at a  premium
compared  to mill-galvanized products  and at greater  profit margins. In recent
years, model building codes in a number  of the regions of the country in  which
masonry  construction is  used have  been amended  to require  use of hot-dipped
galvanized MWR  products.  The  Company  also  manufactures  MWR  products  with
mill-galvanized finishes.
 
    The Company sells other masonry accessories such as wall ties, which connect
masonry  to  masonry; masonry  anchors, which  connect  masonry to  the building
structure; stone anchors, which attach building stone (generally ornamental)  to
the  structural frame of a building; restoration products, which are anchors and
ties used in the  restoration of existing masonry  construction and for  seismic
retrofitting  of existing brick veneer  surfaces; and moisture control products,
such as flashing and vents, which control the flow of moisture in cavity walls.
 
DISTRIBUTION
 
    The  Company   distributes   its   products   through   a   system   of   22
service/distribution centers located in the continental United States and in two
Canadian  provinces.  Of  these centers,  15  are dedicated  principally  to the
distribution of  concrete accessories,  five are  dedicated principally  to  the
distribution of
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
masonry accessories and two carry both concrete and masonry accessories. Most of
the  Company's products are shipped to the service/distribution centers from the
Company's four  principal  manufacturing  plants; however,  a  majority  of  the
centers  also  are  able to  produce  smaller  batches of  some  products  on an
as-needed basis  and to  fill rush  orders. In  late 1995  and early  1996,  the
Company  consolidated  two  Dur-O-Wal service/distribution  centers  in Toronto,
Ontario and Birmingham, Alabama into  the Company's existing centers in  Toronto
and Birmingham. The Company believes that its extensive distribution system is a
key element in providing customer service and timely delivery.
 
   
    The  Company  has an  on-line inventory  tracking  system which  enables the
Company's  customer  service  representatives  to  identify,  reserve  and  ship
inventory quickly from any Company location in response to telephone orders. The
system  provides  the Company  with a  competitive  advantage since  its service
representatives are able  to answer  customer questions  about availability  and
shipping  dates while still on the telephone,  rather than calling back with the
information.
    
 
    The Company primarily uses third-party common carriers to ship its products.
In 1995, the Company spent  over $9 million on a  pro forma combined basis  with
third-party  common carriers. A study commissioned  by the Company and completed
in January 1996 indicated that annual savings in the Company's freight  expenses
of  approximately $0.5 million may be  achieved through the consolidation of the
carrier base, institution of a zone billing structure for freight and  handling,
and the establishment of a corporate freight management function. The Company is
in  the process of implementing these recommendations. There can be no assurance
that such  savings  can be  achieved  or that  the  level of  potential  savings
projected is correct.
 
    In  addition, the Company utilizes its  distribution system to sell products
which are manufactured by third parties.  These products usually are sold  under
the  Company's name, and often are produced  for it on an exclusive basis. Sales
of third-party products allow the Company to utilize its distribution network to
increase sales  without  making  significant capital  investments.  The  Company
estimates  that  net  sales  of third-party  products  were  approximately $18.5
million in 1995 on a pro forma combined basis.
 
CUSTOMERS
 
    The Company has  over 3,000  customers, consisting  principally of  stocking
dealers,   brokers,   rebar  fabricators,   precast  and   prestressed  concrete
manufacturers and brick and concrete  block manufacturers. The Company  believes
that over 95% of its customers purchase its products for resale, including those
that  incorporate  the  Company's  products into  products  manufactured  by the
customer. The  Company's  customer  base  is  geographically  diverse,  with  no
customer  accounting  for more  than 5%  of net  sales  in 1995  on a  pro forma
combined basis and with the largest  ten customers accounting for less than  16%
of  net sales in 1995 on a pro forma combined basis. The Company's sales are not
concentrated in any  particular geographic  region. Customers  who purchase  the
Company's  products  for resale  generally do  not  sell the  Company's products
exclusively.
 
    The Company has instituted a certified dealer program for dealers who handle
its tilt-up  construction  products. This  program  was established  to  educate
dealers  in the proper use of the  Company's tilt-up products and to assist them
in providing  engineering assistance  to customers.  Certified dealers  are  not
permitted  to  carry other  manufacturers' tilt-up  products, which  the Company
believes are incompatible with those sold  by the Company and, for that  reason,
could  be unsafe if used with the  Company's products. The Company currently has
51 certified dealers  of tilt-up  construction products,  each of  which has  an
exclusive territory in which it is the only dealer certified by the Company.
 
SALES AND MARKETING
 
    The Company employs approximately 100 sales and marketing personnel, of whom
approximately  one-third  are  salesmen  and  two-thirds  are  customer  service
representatives. Sales  and  marketing  personnel  are located  in  all  of  the
Company's  service/distribution centers. The Company believes  that it is one of
the few manufacturers  in the  concrete and masonry  accessories industry  whose
sales  representatives routinely call on architects and engineers to promote new
products and techniques, in
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
recognition of the influence that these professionals can have in the  selection
of  the Company's products for their  projects. Company representatives also are
active in many concrete  and masonry construction  industry technical and  trade
groups.
 
    The  Company  produces  product  catalogs  and  promotional  materials  that
illustrate certain construction techniques in  which the Company's products  can
be  used to solve typical construction  problems. These materials are often used
by contractors  as reference  sources at  construction sites.  The Company  also
promotes its products through seminars and other customer education efforts.
 
MANUFACTURING
 
    The  Company estimates  that sales of  products manufactured  by the Company
accounted for approximately 83% of its net sales in 1995 on a pro forma combined
basis. Most products are manufactured at five principal facilities in the United
States, although a majority of the Company's 22 service/ distribution facilities
can produce  smaller lots  of some  products. The  Company's production  volumes
enable  it to design and build or custom modify much of the equipment it uses to
manufacture metal concrete  accessories and  concrete paving  products, using  a
team  of  experienced  manufacturing  engineers  and  tool  and  die  makers. By
developing its  own automatic  high-speed manufacturing  equipment, the  Company
believes  that  it generally  has  achieved significantly  greater productivity,
lower capital equipment costs, lower scrap rates, higher product quality, faster
product  changeover  times  and  lower   inventory  levels  than  most  of   its
competitors. In addition, Dur-O-Wal's ability to "hot-dip" galvanize products at
its  Aurora, Illinois manufacturing facility provides  it with an advantage over
most competitors manufacturing MWR products, who lack this internal  capability.
The  Company generally operates its manufacturing facilities two shifts per day,
five days per week (six  days per week during peak  months), with the number  of
employees increasing or decreasing as necessary to satisfy demand.
 
RAW MATERIALS
 
    The  Company's principal raw  materials are steel  wire rod, metal stampings
and flat steel, cement and cementitious ingredients, liquid chemicals, zinc  and
injection-molded  plastic parts.  The Company currently  purchases products from
over 100 vendors and  is not dependent  on any single vendor  or small group  of
vendors  for any material portion  of its purchases. The  costs of raw materials
average approximately 70% of the Company's cost of goods sold.
 
    Steel accounts for more than  a third of the  Company's total cost of  goods
sold.  In non-recessionary periods, the Company has  been able to pass along raw
material cost increases to its customers. For example, in 1994, the Company  put
in place cost surcharges to pass along higher steel costs to its customers.
 
COMPETITION
 
    Although  the Company believes it is the largest North American manufacturer
and distributor of specialized metal  accessories used in concrete  construction
and  masonry construction, the industry in  which the Company competes is highly
competitive in  most  product categories  and  geographic regions.  The  Company
competes  with a relatively small number  of full-line national manufacturers of
concrete  or  masonry  accessories  and   a  much  larger  number  of   regional
manufacturers and manufacturers with limited product lines. The Company believes
that  competition  is  largely based  on,  among other  things,  price, quality,
breadth of product  lines, distribution capabilities  (including quick  delivery
times)  and customer service. In certain circumstances, due primarily to factors
such as freight rates,  quick delivery times and  customer preference for  local
suppliers,  certain manufacturers and suppliers may have a competitive advantage
over the Company in a given region. The Company believes that its size  provides
it with certain advantages of scale in both distribution and production relative
to its competitors.
 
PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS
 
    The  Company sells  most products  under the  registered trade  names DAYTON
SUPERIOR-Registered Trademark-  and DUR-O-WAL-Registered  Trademark-, which  the
Company  believes  are  widely  recognized  in  the  construction  industry and,
therefore, important to its business. Although certain of the Company's products
(and components thereof) are protected by patents, the Company does not  believe
these patents are material to its business.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
FACILITIES
 
    The   Company's  corporate   headquarters  are  located   at  its  principal
manufacturing plant in Miamisburg, Ohio. The Company's principal facilities  are
located throughout North America, as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 SIZE (SQ.
LOCATION                                   USE                  LEASED/OWNED        FT.)
- ---------------------------  --------------------------------  ---------------  ------------
<S>                          <C>                               <C>              <C>
Miamisburg, Ohio...........  Manufacturing,                           Owned         126,000
                             Service/Distribution
                             and Corporate Headquarters
Kankakee, Illinois.........  Manufacturing and Service/              Leased         107,990
                             Distribution
Aurora, Illinois...........  Manufacturing and Service/               Owned         104,000
                             Distribution
Parsons, Kansas............  Manufacturing and Service/               Owned          98,250
                             Distribution
Parker, Arizona............  Manufacturing and Service/              Leased          60,000
                             Distribution
Birmingham, Alabama........  Service/Distribution                    Leased          55,000
Seattle, Washington........  Service/Distribution                    Leased          42,825
Santa Fe Springs,            Service/Distribution                    Leased          40,000
 California................
Toronto, Ontario...........  Service/Distribution                    Leased          40,000
Oregon, Illinois...........  Service/Distribution                     Owned          39,000
Folcroft, Pennsylvania.....  Service/Distribution                     Owned          32,000
Baltimore, Maryland........  Service/Distribution                     Owned          30,000
Houston, Texas.............  Service/Distribution                    Leased          28,474
Dallas, Texas(1)...........  Service/Distribution                     Owned          22,000
Orlando, Florida...........  Service/Distribution                    Leased          20,000
Westfield, Massachusetts...  Service/Distribution                    Leased          20,000
Denver, Colorado(1)........  Service/Distribution                    Leased          20,000
Denver, Colorado(1)........  Service/Distribution                    Leased          19,800
Hialeah Gardens, Florida...  Service/Distribution                    Leased          19,300
Rushsylvania, Ohio.........  Manufacturing                            Owned          12,000
Montreal, Quebec...........  Service/Distribution                    Leased          11,000
Dallas, Texas(1)...........  Service/Distribution                    Leased          10,000
Mesa, Arizona..............  Service/Distribution                    Leased          10,000
Arlington Heights,           Dur-O-Wal Headquarters                  Leased           5,000
 Illinois..................
</TABLE>
 
(1)  The Company intends to consolidate its  facilities in these cities when the
    leases expire.
 
    The Company believes that its facilities provide adequate manufacturing  and
distribution  capacity for its needs. The Company  also believes that all of the
leases were entered into on market terms.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
    The Company employs approximately 238 salaried and 600 hourly personnel,  of
whom  approximately  300  of  the  hourly personnel  and  five  of  the salaried
personnel  are  represented  by  labor   unions.  Employees  at  the   Company's
Miamisburg,  Ohio; Parsons, Kansas and Aurora, Illinois manufacturing facilities
and its  service/distribution  centers  in  Baltimore,  Maryland  and  Santa  Fe
Springs,  California are covered  by collective bargaining  agreements. In 1995,
the Company renewed the collective bargaining agreement covering the  Miamisburg
facility for six years and reopened the collective bargaining agreement covering
the Parsons facility (with two years remaining), extending that agreement for an
additional three years so that it now expires in 2000. The collective bargaining
agreement  covering  the  Aurora,  Illinois facility  expires  in  1998  and the
agreement covering  the  Baltimore,  Maryland  facility  expires  in  2001.  The
collective  bargaining  agreement that  covers  five salaried  employees  at the
Company's Santa Fe Springs facility expires in 1996. Twelve hourly employees  in
Santa  Fe Springs are covered by a separate agreement which expires in 1997. The
Company believes that it has satisfactory employee and labor relations.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
 
    The Company is  subject to  regulation under various  and changing  federal,
state and local laws and regulations relating to the environment and to employee
safety   and  health.  These  environmental  laws  and  regulations  govern  the
generation,  storage,   transportation,  disposal   and  emission   of   various
substances.  Permits  are  required  for  operation  of  the  Company's business
(particularly air emission permits), and  these permits are subject to  renewal,
modification  and, in  certain circumstances,  revocation. The  Company believes
that it is in substantial compliance with such laws and permitting requirements.
The Company is also  subject to regulation under  various and changing  federal,
state  and  local laws  and regulations  which  allow regulatory  authorities to
compel (or seek reimbursement for) cleanup of environmental contamination at its
own sites and at facilities where its waste is or has been disposed.
 
    The Company  expects  to  incur  on-going capital  and  operating  costs  to
maintain   compliance   with   currently  applicable   environmental   laws  and
regulations. The Company  does not expect  such costs, in  the aggregate, to  be
material to its financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
    The Company does not believe that there are any pending legal proceedings to
which  the Company  or any of  its subsidiaries  is a party  which, if adversely
determined, would have a material adverse effect on the Company.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
    The table below sets forth the names, ages as of the date of this Prospectus
and titles of the executive officers and directors of the Company.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          NAME                AGE                           POSITION
- -------------------------  ---------  -----------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>        <C>
John A. Ciccarelli                56  President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Richard L. Braswell               53  Vice President, Finance and Treasurer
John R. Paine, Jr.                53  Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Michael C. Deis                   45  Vice President, Eastern Division
James C. Stewart                  48  Vice President, Western Division
Mark K. Kaler                     38  Vice President, Engineering
James W. Fennessy                 52  Vice President and General Manager, Dayton Superior
                                       Canada Ltd.
Mario Catani                      62  President of Dur-O-Wal
Matthew O. Diggs, Jr.             63  Director and non-executive Chairman of the Board
Timothy C. Collins                39  Director
Matthew M. Guerreiro              39  Director
Robert B. Holmes                  64  Director
</TABLE>
 
    John A. Ciccarelli has been President of the Company since 1989 and has been
Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Company since 1994.
 
    Richard L. Braswell has  been Vice President, Finance  and Treasurer of  the
Company since 1989.
 
    John  R. Paine,  Jr. has  been Vice  President, Sales  and Marketing  of the
Company since 1984.
 
    Michael C. Deis  has been Vice  President, Eastern Division  of the  Company
since 1987.
 
    James  C. Stewart has  been Vice President, Western  Division of the Company
since 1984.
 
    Mark K. Kaler  has been  Vice President,  Engineering of  the Company  since
1990.
 
    James  W. Fennessy  has been  a Vice  President of  the Company  and General
Manager, Dayton Superior Canada, Ltd. since 1988.
 
    Mario Catani  has been  President  of Dur-O-Wal  since 1984.  Dur-O-Wal  was
acquired by the Company in October 1995.
 
    Timothy  C. Collins has  been a director  of the Company  since 1991 and was
Chairman of the Board from June 1994 until December 1995. Mr. Collins is  Senior
Managing   Director  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  Ripplewood,  a  private
investment firm formed  by him in  October 1995. From  February 1990 to  October
1995, Mr. Collins was a Senior Managing Director of the New York office of Onex.
Mr. Collins also is a director of Scotsman Industries, Inc.
 
    Matthew  O. Diggs, Jr. has been a director of the Company since October 1995
and non-executive Chairman of the Board since December 1995. Mr. Diggs has  been
Chief  Executive Officer  of The Diggs  Group, a private  investment firm, since
1990. Mr. Diggs  has been  the non-executive  Chairman of  Ripplewood since  its
inception  in October 1995. From 1991 to 1994, Mr. Diggs was the Chairman of The
Delfield Company, a manufacturer of food  service equipment. From 1987 to  1990,
Mr.  Diggs was Vice Chairman of  Copeland Corporation, a refrigerator compressor
manufacturer, having served as President  and Chief Executive Officer from  1975
to 1987. Mr. Diggs also is a director of Scotsman Industries, Inc.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
    Matthew M. Guerreiro has been a director of the Company since February 1994.
Mr.  Guerreiro has been a principal of Ripplewood since Ripplewood was formed in
October 1995. From August 1992 to October 1995, Mr. Guerreiro was a principal in
the New York office  of Onex and  from April 1989  to March 1992  he was a  Vice
President of Mergers and Acquisitions with Salomon Brothers Inc.
 
    Robert  B. Holmes has been  a director of the  Company since March 1996. Mr.
Holmes is  a  director  of Mitsubishi  International  Corporation,  an  advisory
director  of Ripplewood and a  principal of the Lens  Fund, a private investment
company. From 1986 to 1990, Mr. Holmes  was a Managing Director of the New  York
office  of Onex.  Prior to  that, Mr.  Holmes was  president of  three financial
service companies and a  General Partner of the  predecessor to Lazard Freres  &
Co. LLC.
 
    After  the  Offering is  consummated, the  Company  intends to  increase the
number of directors to nine and to appoint four additional directors to fill the
vacancies so created. The Company has not yet identified any person to fill  any
of the vacancies.
 
    All  directors of the Company serve terms  of one year or until the election
of their successor. Officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
 
    There are  three  committees  of  the  Board  of  Directors:  the  Executive
Committee  (comprised  of  Messrs.  Ciccarelli, Collins  and  Diggs),  the Audit
Committee (comprised of Messrs. Collins, Diggs and Holmes) and the  Compensation
and Benefits Committee (comprised of Messrs. Collins, Diggs and Guerreiro).
 
DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION
 
    Following  the Offering, each director who is not an employee of the Company
or Ripplewood will  receive an  annual retainer of  $20,000 payable  in Class  A
Common  Shares. Directors  who also are  employees of the  Company or Ripplewood
receive no additional remuneration for serving as directors.
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION IN COMPENSATION
DECISIONS
 
    During 1995,  the  Compensation  and  Benefits Committee  of  the  Board  of
Directors  was comprised of Thomas  M. Begel and Ewout  Heersink, who are former
directors of the Company, and Timothy C. Collins.
 
    During 1993-1995, Mr. Collins and Mr. Heersink were Senior Managing Director
of the New York office and  Chief Financial Officer, respectively, of Onex,  the
former  controlling shareholder of the Company. The Company paid a subsidiary of
Onex  a  fee  of  $93,800,  $225,000  and  $195,000  in  1993,  1994  and  1995,
respectively. In addition, in October 1995 the Company paid a subsidiary of Onex
a  fee  of  $400,000 for  financial  advisory  services in  connection  with the
Dur-O-Wal Acquisition and related financial transactions.
 
    Mr. Collins  is Senior  Managing  Director and  Chief Executive  Officer  of
Ripplewood,  the present controlling  shareholder of the  Company. Since October
1995, the Company  has paid  Ripplewood an  annual management  fee of  $225,000,
payable  on a monthly basis. Following the  Offering, the Company will no longer
pay such management fee to Ripplewood. The Company will pay a fee of $600,000 to
Ripplewood for additional services provided in connection with the Offering  and
related  transactions. In  addition, the  Company reimburses  Ripplewood for the
allocable costs of certain insurance policies  which cover both the Company  and
Ripplewood.  Approximately $175,000 of such costs  were allocated to the Company
for the period October 13, 1995 to October 13, 1996.
 
    The Company paid Mr. Begel a management fee of $156,200 in 1993 and  $25,000
in  each of  1994 and 1995.  Mr. Begel resigned  from the Board  of Directors in
March 1996 and received 1996 management fees of $6,250 prior to his resignation.
Mr. Begel is no longer entitled to a management fee.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
    The  following table sets forth,  for the year ended  December 31, 1995, the
compensation paid to the Chief Executive Officer and each of the other four most
highly compensated executive officers of  the Company whose total annual  salary
and  bonus  for the  year exceeded  $100,000,  in all  capacities in  which they
served:
                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
                                                                             --------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>                  <C>
                                                                               AWARDS
                                                                             -----------        PAYOUTS
                                                   ANNUAL COMPENSATION (1)     SHARES     -------------------
                                                   ------------------------  UNDERLYING   LONG TERM INCENTIVE      ALL OTHER
     NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION          YEAR       SALARY        BONUS     OPTIONS (2)     PLAN PAYOUTS       COMPENSATION (3)
- --------------------------------------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------------  ------------------
John A. Ciccarelli
 President and Chief Executive Officer       1995  $   175,529  $   105,000      40,000           --               $    3,000
Richard L. Braswell
 Vice President, Finance and Treasurer       1995       93,923       43,000       4,000           --                    2,754
James C. Stewart
 Vice President, Western Division            1995       93,923       43,000       3,000           --                    2,578
John R. Paine, Jr.
 Vice President, Sales and Marketing         1995       93,923       40,000       3,000           --                    2,558
Michael C. Deis
 Vice President, Eastern Division            1995       87,362       45,000       3,000           --                    2,407
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
(1)  Mario Catani, the President of Dur-O-Wal, has been employed by the  Company
     since  the  acquisition  of  Dur-O-Wal  by  the  Company  in  October 1995.
     Dur-O-Wal paid  Mr. Catani  a salary  of $127,000  and a  bonus of  $34,000
     during  1995.  During  1996, Dur-O-Wal  will  pay  Mr. Catani  a  salary of
     $132,000 and a bonus which has yet to be determined but which will be based
     upon performance against predetermined objectives.
 
(2)  Options to purchase Class A Common Shares were granted under the  Company's
     1995  Stock Option Plan at  an exercise price of  $4.00 per share, the fair
     market value at the time of grant. The Options have a term of ten years and
     generally vest three years  after grant; however, all  of the Options  will
     become immediately exercisable upon consummation of the Offering.
 
(3)  Employer matching contributions under the Company's Savings (401(k)) Plan.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
OPTION GRANTS IN 1995
 
    The  following table  sets forth information  on the Options  granted to the
named executive officers  in 1995  and the  potential realizable  value of  each
grant:
 
                       OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE
                                NUMBER OF                                                           AT ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES OF
                                 SHARES        % OF TOTAL                                            STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION
                               UNDERLYING    OPTIONS GRANTED                                           FOR OPTION TERM (3)
                                 OPTIONS     TO EMPLOYEES IN     EXERCISE                           --------------------------
NAME                           GRANTED (1)     FISCAL YEAR       PRICE (2)      EXPIRATION DATE         5%            10%
- -----------------------------  -----------  -----------------  -------------  --------------------  -----------  -------------
<S>                            <C>          <C>                <C>            <C>                   <C>          <C>
John A. Ciccarelli...........      40,000           62.0%        $    4.00    October 17, 2005      $   719,603  $   1,240,621
Richard L. Braswell..........       4,000            6.2              4.00    October 17, 2005           71,960        124,062
James C. Stewart.............       3,000            4.7              4.00    October 17, 2005           53,970         93,047
John R. Paine, Jr. ..........       3,000            4.7              4.00    October 17, 2005           53,970         93,047
Michael C. Deis..............       3,000            4.7              4.00    October 17, 2005           53,970         93,047
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1)  All  Options granted  in 1995 were  granted under the  Company's 1995 Stock
     Option Plan. By their terms all Options will become immediately exercisable
     upon consummation  of the  Offering. Amounts  are adjusted  to reflect  the
     Recapitalization  and the  Option Adjustment.  See "Description  of Capital
     Shares."
 
(2)  The exercise price of $4.00 per share is based on the fair market value  of
     the Class A Common Shares at the time of grant.
 
(3)  The  5% and 10%  assumed annual compound rates  of stock price appreciation
     from the assumed  initial public  offering price  of $13.50  per share  are
     mandated  by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and do not
     represent the  Company's  estimate or  projection  of future  Common  Share
     prices.
 
FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
 
    The  following table sets  forth information with respect  to the number and
value of  the  unexercised Options  held  by  the named  executive  officers  at
December  31, 1995. No Options were exercised by the named executive officers in
1995.
 
                         FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        NUMBER OF SECURITIES
                                       UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED          VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                             OPTIONS AT              IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
                                          DECEMBER 31, 1995           DECEMBER 31, 1995 (1)
                                    -----------------------------  ----------------------------
NAME                                EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE (2)  EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE (2)
- ----------------------------------  -----------------------------  ----------------------------
<S>                                 <C>                            <C>
John A. Ciccarelli................            0/144,000                    $0/1,579,869
Richard L. Braswell...............            0/12,350                      0/134,336
James C. Stewart..................            0/18,600                      0/208,480
John R. Paine, Jr. ...............            0/16,900                      0/188,867
Michael C. Deis...................            0/18,600                      0/208,480
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1)  Calculated on  the  basis  of  the fair  market  value  of  the  underlying
     securities  based upon the assumed initial  public offering price of $13.50
     per share.
 
(2)  All  unexercised   Options  will   become  immediately   exercisable   upon
     consummation of the Offering.
 
PENSION PLAN
 
    The  Company's Employees Retirement Plan  provides retirement benefits based
upon an  individual participant's  years  of service  and final  average  annual
compensation.   Final  average   annual  compensation  is   the  average  annual
compensation (but not  in excess  of $150,000, which  is the  maximum amount  of
compensation  on which benefits can accrue under  the law in effect in 1995) for
the highest five  consecutive years  of earnings during  the last  ten years  of
credited  service.  The compensation  covered by  the Employees  Retirement Plan
includes wages plus any  normal incentive award or  bonus, but does not  include
certain  special discretionary bonuses. Benefits  under the Employees Retirement
Plan are limited to  the extent required by  provisions of the Internal  Revenue
Code  of 1986, as  amended, and the  Employee Retirement Income  Security Act of
1974, as amended. The following table sets forth the
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
estimated annual retirement benefits under the Employees Retirement Plan payable
on a straight-life annuity basis  to participants in the specified  compensation
and  years-of-service categories, assuming continued active service until normal
retirement age and that the Employees Retirement Plan is in effect at such time.
Benefits are  not subject  to  deduction for  social  security or  other  offset
amounts.  Each of the named executive officers has six years of credited service
under the Employees Retirement Plan.
 
                               PENSION PLAN TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               YEARS OF SERVICE
                                                       ----------------------------------------------------------------
REMUNERATION                                              10         15         20         25         30         35
- -----------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                    <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
$125,000.............................................  $  16,397  $  24,595  $  32,794  $  40,992  $  49,191  $  57,389
 150,000.............................................     19,897     29,845     39,794     49,742     59,691     69,639
 175,000.............................................     19,897     29,845     39,794     49,742     59,691     69,639
 200,000.............................................     19,897     29,845     39,794     49,742     59,691     69,639
 225,000.............................................     19,897     29,845     39,794     49,742     59,691     69,639
 250,000.............................................     19,897     29,845     39,794     49,742     59,691     69,639
 300,000.............................................     19,897     29,845     39,794     49,742     59,691     69,639
 400,000.............................................     19,897     29,845     39,794     49,742     59,691     69,639
</TABLE>
 
INCENTIVE BONUS PROGRAM
 
    The Company's Incentive Bonus  Program provides for  the payment of  bonuses
from  an annual bonus pool to  salaried employees, including all named executive
officers  of  the  Company,  selected  by  the  President  of  the  Company  for
participation. The Compensation and Benefits Committee of the Board of Directors
determines  the incentive bonus of  the President of the  Company. The amount of
the annual  pool  is determined  based  upon the  degree  to which  the  Company
achieves  certain  targeted  levels of  sales  growth, operating  cash  flow and
earnings before  interest  and  taxes  (with the  last  factor  being  the  most
significant).  Each participating employee's bonus award  is a percentage of the
participant's base  salary, determined  on the  basis of  (i) the  participant's
level  of participation  in the  program, as specified  by the  President of the
Company, (ii) the  amount of the  pool for the  year and (iii),  in the case  of
those  participants  (other  than  executive officers)  for  whom  an individual
performance goal is specified, the degree  to which the participant attains  the
specified  performance goal. Up to 30% of the  bonus of a participant who is not
an executive officer may  be based on the  attainment of individual  performance
goals.
 
STOCK PLANS
 
    1995  MANAGEMENT STOCK  PURCHASE PLAN.   The Board of  Directors adopted the
1995 Management Stock Purchase  Plan in October 1995  to provide key  management
employees selected by the Board of Directors with the opportunity to purchase up
to a specified maximum number of Class A Common Shares. Nineteen senior managers
(including  each of  the named executive  officers of the  Company) purchased an
aggregate of 187,050 Class A  Common Shares under the plan  at a price of  $4.00
per share. No additional shares are available for sale under the plan.
 
    1994  AND  1995 STOCK  OPTION PLANS.    The Company  has granted  Options to
purchase an  aggregate  of  208,250  Class  A  Common  Shares  to  19  employees
(including  each of the named executive officers of the Company) pursuant to the
Company's 1994 Stock Option  Plan (the "1994 Plan")  and has granted Options  to
purchase an aggregate of 64,500 Class A Common Shares to such employees pursuant
to  the Company's 1995 Stock Option Plan  (the "1995 Plan"). The Options granted
under the 1994 Plan and the 1995 Plan are not generally exercisable until  three
years  after the date of  grant; however, all of  the Options granted under both
plans will become exercisable  upon consummation of  the Offering in  accordance
with  the terms of the 1994  Plan and the 1995 Plan.  The term of each Option is
ten years and the  exercise price is $1.96  per share (in the  case of the  1994
Plan) and $4.00 per share (in the case of the 1995 Plan). No further Options may
be granted under either the 1994 Plan or the 1995 Plan.
 
   
    1996  STOCK  OPTION PLAN.   The  1996  Stock Option  Plan (the  "1996 Plan")
permits the  Compensation  and Benefits  Committee  of the  Company's  Board  of
Directors (the "Committee") to grant options to
    
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
purchase  Class  A Common  Shares to  officers  and other  key employees  of the
Company, including the  named executive officers  of the Company,  on terms  and
conditions  approved by the  Committee, subject to the  limitations set forth in
the 1996 Plan.  As of  May 10,  1996, there  were eight  executive officers  and
eleven  other key employees who  would be eligible to  receive options under the
1996 Plan. The number of  eligible participants may vary  from year to year.  No
options have been granted under the 1996 Plan.
 
    The  maximum number  of Class A  Common Shares  that may be  issued upon the
exercise of  the options  granted under  the 1996  Plan is  100,000, subject  to
adjustment  in the event of a change  in the outstanding Common Shares by reason
of  a  share  dividend,   recapitalization,  merger,  consolidation,   split-up,
combination  or  exchange of  shares, or  similar event.  Class A  Common Shares
subject to options which expire or terminate unexercised are again available for
issuance upon the exercise of  options under the 1996  Plan. The Class A  Common
Shares  that may be  issued under the  1996 Plan may  be authorized but unissued
shares or treasury shares.
 
    At the  time an  option is  granted, the  Committee will  determine (i)  the
exercise price of the option, which may not be less than the average of the high
and  low sale price of a Class A Common Share on the date the option is granted,
(ii) the period, if any, over which  the option will vest and (iii) the  maximum
term of the option, which may not exceed 10 years from the date of grant. Unless
otherwise  provided  by the  Committee, Class  A Common  Shares issued  upon the
exercise of options will be subject to the Shareholder Agreement.
 
    Generally,  an  option  may  be  exercised  only  if  the  holder  has  been
continuously  employed by the Company since  the option was granted; however, at
the time an option is granted, the Committee may specify a period (not to exceed
the remaining term of the option) within which the option may be exercised after
the holder's employment with the Company  terminates. If the Committee does  not
otherwise  determine  at or  after  an option  is  granted (i)  the  option will
terminate at the  time the holder's  employment is terminated,  if the  holder's
employment  is  terminated  for  cause  and  (ii)  if  the  holder's  employment
terminates for any  other reason,  the option  will remain  exercisable, to  the
extent it was exercisable at the time of termination (after giving effect to any
acceleration described below) until the earlier of the end of the option term or
90  days (one  year, if the  termination is as  a result of  the holder's death,
disability or retirement)  after the date  of termination. If  the holder of  an
option dies during a period following termination of employment during which the
option continues to be exercisable, the option will remain exercisable until the
earlier of one year from the date of death or the end of the option term. Unless
the  Committee otherwise determines at the time  an option is granted, an option
which otherwise is not exercisable will become exercisable immediately upon  the
death or disability of the holder, the retirement of the holder from the Company
at  age 65 or older or the occurrence of  a change of control of the Company, as
defined in the 1996 Plan.
 
    The exercise price of an option must be paid in full at the time the  option
is exercised in cash or, in the discretion of the Committee, by delivering Class
A  Common Shares already owned  by the holder of the  option with a market value
equal to the exercise price,  by the Company retaining  from the Class A  Common
Shares to be issued upon the exercise of the option shares having a market value
equal  to the exercise price or by any combination of cash, already-owned shares
and/or retained shares.  With the approval  of the Committee,  the holder of  an
option  also may pay any withholding taxes  due upon exercise of the option with
already-owned shares, retained shares or a combination thereof.
 
    The 1996 Plan  will be  administered by the  Committee, which  may make  all
determinations  necessary or desirable  under the Plan. With  the consent of the
holder of an option, the Committee at any time may authorize the payment to  the
holder  in  cancellation of  the option  of  an amount  equal to  the difference
between the fair market value of the Class A Common Shares which may be acquired
upon exercise of the option and the exercise price.
 
    The 1996 Plan will terminate on the tenth anniversary of its effective date.
The Board of Directors may terminate the 1996 Plan at any time and may amend the
1996 Plan from  time to time;  however, any  amendment must be  approved by  the
shareholders    if    necessary   to    comply    with   Rule    16b-3   adopted
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
under the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934  or  any  other  applicable  law,
regulation  or stock exchange rule. No amendment or termination of the 1996 Plan
may adversely affect any outstanding option without the consent of the holder of
the option.
 
    Options granted under the 1996 Plan may be incentive stock options  intended
to qualify for the favorable federal tax treatment accorded under Section 422 of
the  Internal Revenue  Code of  1986, as  amended (the  "Code"), or nonstatutory
stock options, as designated by the Committee at the time the option is granted.
No incentive stock  option can  be granted  to an  officer or  key employee  who
possesses at the time of grant more than 10% of the combined voting power of the
Company,  unless the exercise price  of the option is at  least 110% of the fair
market value of the Company's Class A Common Shares on the date of grant and the
option is not exercisable after five years from the date of grant. The aggregate
fair market value of Class A Common Shares with respect to which incentive stock
options are exercisable for the first time by an individual in any calendar year
cannot exceed $100,000 or such other maximum amount permitted by the Code.
 
    In general, no federal income  tax is imposed on the  holder at the time  an
incentive  stock  option is  granted  or exercised,  except  to the  extent that
alternative minimum tax results from the exercise of the option. The Company  is
not  entitled to a tax deduction in connection  with the grant or exercise of an
incentive stock option. If the Class  A Common Shares acquired upon exercise  of
an  incentive stock option are  held for more than two  years after grant of the
option and one year after exercise of the option, then any amount realized  upon
the disposition of such shares in excess of the holder's tax basis will be taxed
as long-term capital gain in the year of disposition and the Company will not be
entitled to a tax deduction.
 
    If  the Class A Common  Shares acquired upon exercise  of an incentive stock
option are disposed of before the above-described holding periods are satisfied,
the disposition will be a disqualifying disposition resulting in recognition  of
ordinary  income to the holder at the time  of disposition in an amount equal to
the lesser of (i) the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the  time
of exercise over the exercise price paid with respect to the shares, or (ii) the
excess of the amount received, if any, on the disposition of the shares over the
exercise  price. If the  amount realized on  a disqualifying disposition exceeds
the fair market value of the shares at the time the option was exercised,  then,
in addition to recognizing ordinary income, the holder also will recognize long-
or  short-term capital gain to  the extent of the  excess of the amount received
over the fair market value of the Class  A Common Shares at the time the  option
was  exercised. A  disqualifying disposition will  entitle the Company  to a tax
deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the holder.
 
    No federal  income tax  is imposed  at  the time  a nonstatutory  option  is
granted.  With  certain  exceptions  for  payment  of  the  exercise  price with
already-owned shares,  upon  exercise  of  a  nonstatutory  option,  the  holder
realizes  ordinary income for federal income tax purposes to the extent that the
fair market value  of the Class  A Common Shares  acquired exceeds the  exercise
price of the related option on the date of exercise. In addition, the Company is
entitled  to a deduction for federal income tax purposes at the same time and to
the same extent that  ordinary income is realized  by the holder, provided  that
the Company satisfies the applicable withholding requirements.
 
              CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
    Since October 1995, the Company has paid Ripplewood, the present controlling
shareholder  of the Company, a management fee of $225,000 per year, payable on a
monthly basis. The Company will pay Ripplewood a fee of $600,000 at the time the
Offering is completed for  additional services provided  in connection with  the
Offering  and related transactions. The fee paid by the Company to Ripplewood in
connection with the Offering and related transactions may not be on as favorable
terms to  the Company  as could  have been  obtained from  a non-affiliate.  The
Company  has also  agreed to  indemnify Ripplewood  against losses  arising from
Ripplewood's performance of management and financial advisory services on behalf
of the Company. After consummation of  the Offering, the Company will no  longer
pay  a  management  fee  to  Ripplewood.  In  addition,  the  Company reimburses
Ripplewood for the allocable
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
costs of certain insurance policies purchased by Ripplewood which cover both the
Company and Ripplewood. Approximately $175,000  of such costs were allocated  to
the  Company for the period  October 13, 1995 to  October 13, 1996. In addition,
the Company, Ripplewood and  the other current shareholders  of the Company  are
parties  to  the  Shareholder  Agreement  which  contains,  among  other things,
provisions with respect to voting,  transfer of shares and registration  rights.
See  "Principal  and Selling  Shareholders--Shareholders Agreement."  Timothy C.
Collins, Matthew  O. Diggs,  Jr.  and Matthew  M.  Guerreiro, directors  of  the
Company,  are the Senior Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Chairman
of the Board and a principal, respectively, of Ripplewood.
 
    From August 1989 to March  18, 1996, Thomas M. Begel  was a director of  the
Company.  The Company paid  Mr. Begel a  management fee of  $156,200 in 1993 and
$25,000 in each of 1994 and 1995. Mr. Begel resigned from the Board of Directors
in March  1996  and  received  1996  management fees  of  $6,250  prior  to  his
resignation. Mr. Begel is no longer entitled to a management fee.
 
    From  February  1990 to  October  1995, Mr.  Collins  was a  Senior Managing
Director of the New York office  of Onex, the former controlling shareholder  of
the  Company. The Company paid a subsidiary of Onex a management fee of $93,800,
$225,000 and $195,000  in 1993,  1994 and  1995, respectively.  In addition,  in
October  1995  the Company  paid  a subsidiary  of Onex  a  fee of  $400,000 for
financial advisory services  in connection  with the  Dur-O-Wal Acquisition  and
related financing transactions.
 
    The  Company may enter into transactions  with its affiliates in the future.
However, the Company intends to enter into such transactions only at prices  and
on terms it believes are no less favorable to the Company than transactions with
independent third parties. In addition, the Company's debt instruments generally
prohibit  the Company from entering into any such affiliate transaction on other
than arm's-length terms.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
                       PRINCIPAL AND SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
 
    The following table sets forth certain information regarding the  beneficial
ownership of the Common Shares as of May 10, 1996 and as adjusted to reflect the
sale  of  Class A  Common Shares  offered  hereby (assuming  no exercise  of the
Underwriters' over-allotment option)  by: (i) each  person who is  known by  the
Company  to own  beneficially more  than 5%  of the  outstanding Class  A Common
Shares; (ii) each director of the Company; (iii) the Chief Executive Officer  of
the  Company; (iv) the Company's four highest paid executive officers (exclusive
of the Chief Executive Officer); (v) each of the Selling Shareholders; and  (vi)
all  directors  and executive  officers of  the  Company as  a group.  Except as
otherwise noted, to  the Company's  knowledge, the  persons named  in the  table
below  have sole voting and  investment power with respect  to all Common Shares
shown as  beneficially owned  by them.  Except as  otherwise described  in  this
Prospectus,  no Selling  Shareholder has  held any office  or has  had any other
position or  other material  relationship with  the Company  in the  last  three
years.
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED                   SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED
                                                                                                           AFTER THE OFFERING (1)
                                                              PRIOR TO THE OFFERING (1)                   -------------------------
                                                             ---------------------------    NUMBER OF      NUMBER OF    NUMBER OF
                                                              NUMBER OF     PERCENT OF    CLASS A COMMON    CLASS A    CLASS B (2)
                                                               COMMON      TOTAL COMMON    SHARES BEING     COMMON        COMMON
NAME                                                           SHARES         SHARES         OFFERED        SHARES        SHARES
- -----------------------------------------------------------  -----------  --------------  --------------  -----------  ------------
<S>                                                          <C>          <C>             <C>             <C>          <C>
Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C. (3)(4)..........................   2,825,250          72.3%         483,300       534,550     1,522,550
John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company (5).............     499,300          12.8%         499,300        --            --
The Paul Revere Life Insurance Company (6).................     332,800           8.5%         164,800        --            --
John A. Ciccarelli (7)(8)..................................     181,500           4.6%          --           181,500        --
Timothy C. Collins (3)(9)..................................   2,825,250          72.3%          --           534,550     1,522,550
Matthew O. Diggs, Jr. (10).................................     125,000           3.2%          --           125,000        --
Matthew M. Guerreiro.......................................      --             --              --            --            --
Robert B. Holmes...........................................      --             --              --            --            --
James C. Stewart (7)(11)(12)...............................      24,950         *               --            24,950        --
Richard L. Braswell (7)(12)(13)............................      15,800         *               --            15,800        --
John R. Paine, Jr. (7)(12)(14).............................      21,900         *               --            21,900        --
Michael C. Deis (7)(11)(12)................................      24,950         *               --            24,950        --
Thomas M. Begel (7)(15)....................................     178,800           4.6%         178,800        --            --
Michel David-Weill (7)(16).................................      12,900         *               12,900        --            --
David B. Dillard (7)(16)...................................      30,717         *               30,717        --            --
Steven Rattner (7)(16).....................................       6,786         *                3,536         3,250        --
Dod A. Fraser (7)..........................................       9,000         *                9,000        --            --
Jonathan H. Kagan (7)(16)..................................      10,377         *               10,377        --            --
Saundra L. Gulley (7)......................................       5,450         *                5,450        --            --
David McMillan, Jr. (7)(17)................................       5,470         *                5,470        --            --
Society of the New York Hospital Fund, Inc.(7).............      20,000         *               20,000        --            --
Pierpont Morgan Library(7).................................       2,850         *                2,850        --            --
Educational Broadcasting Corporation (Thirteen-WNET)(7)....       5,750         *                5,750        --            --
Stanley S. Shuman..........................................     125,000           3.2%         125,000        --            --
Textron Collective Investment Trust (18)...................     332,800           8.5%         168,000        --            --
All directors and executive officers as a group (19).......   2,950,250          75.5%          --           659,550     1,522,550
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                              PERCENT OF
                                                             TOTAL COMMON
NAME                                                            SHARES
- -----------------------------------------------------------  -------------
<S>                                                          <C>
Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C. (3)(4)..........................         35.0%
John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company (5).............       --
The Paul Revere Life Insurance Company (6).................       --
John A. Ciccarelli (7)(8)..................................          3.1%
Timothy C. Collins (3)(9)..................................         35.0%
Matthew O. Diggs, Jr. (10).................................          2.1%
Matthew M. Guerreiro.......................................       --
Robert B. Holmes...........................................       --
James C. Stewart (7)(11)(12)...............................        *
Richard L. Braswell (7)(12)(13)............................        *
John R. Paine, Jr. (7)(12)(14).............................        *
Michael C. Deis (7)(11)(12)................................        *
Thomas M. Begel (7)(15)....................................       --
Michel David-Weill (7)(16).................................       --
David B. Dillard (7)(16)...................................       --
Steven Rattner (7)(16).....................................        *
Dod A. Fraser (7)..........................................       --
Jonathan H. Kagan (7)(16)..................................       --
Saundra L. Gulley (7)......................................       --
David McMillan, Jr. (7)(17)................................       --
Society of the New York Hospital Fund, Inc.(7).............       --
Pierpont Morgan Library(7).................................       --
Educational Broadcasting Corporation (Thirteen-WNET)(7)....       --
Stanley S. Shuman..........................................       --
Textron Collective Investment Trust (18)...................       --
All directors and executive officers as a group (19).......         37.1%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
  *  Signifies less than 1%.
 
 (1) Beneficial  ownership is  determined in  accordance with  the rules  of the
     Securities and Exchange  Commission and generally  includes sole or  shared
     voting  or investment power with respect to the shares. Includes the number
     of Common Shares  subject to outstanding  Options and Warrants  exercisable
     within 60 days.
 
 (2) Each  of the Company's Class B Common  Shares is convertible, at the option
     of the holder, into one Class A Common Share at any time.
 
 (3) The address of Ripplewood is 712 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10019.
 
   
 (4) Includes, prior to the Offering, 546,650  Class A Common Shares and,  after
     the  Offering,  261,800  Class  A  Common Shares  held  by  parties  to the
     Shareholder Agreement other than Matthew  O. Diggs, Jr., Stanley S.  Shuman
     and the holders of the Senior Notes. Pursuant to the Shareholder Agreement,
     such  shares must be voted in the same  manner as the Class B Common Shares
     held by Ripplewood  and as  to which  the holders  have granted  Ripplewood
     irrevocable  proxies. Also includes 272,750 Class A Common Shares which may
     be acquired upon the exercise of  Options, which shares will be subject  to
     the Shareholder Agreement upon issuance.
    
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
 (5) Includes  180,250  Class A  Common Shares  which may  be acquired  upon the
     exercise of Warrants. Also includes 38,850  Class A Common Shares held  by,
     and 27,750 Class A Common Shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of
     Warrants  held  by, John  Hancock Life  Insurance  Company of  America. The
     address of John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company and John Hancock Life
     Insurance Company of America is  John Hancock Place, 200 Clarendon  Street,
     Boston, MA 02117. John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company and certain of
     its affiliates own 60% of each class of the Senior Notes.
 
   
 (6) Includes  83,150  Class A  Common  Shares which  may  be acquired  upon the
     exercise of Warrants. Also  includes 2,600 Class A  Common Shares held  by,
     and 13,850 Class A Common Shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of
     Warrants  held by, The  Paul Revere Protective  Life Insurance Company, and
     7,900 Class A Common Shares held by, and 41,600 Class A Common Shares which
     may be acquired  upon the  exercise of Warrants  held by,  The Paul  Revere
     Variable  Annuity Insurance Company.  Also includes 168,000  Class A Common
     Shares held by  Textron Collective  Investment Trust, an  affiliate of  The
     Paul  Revere Life Insurance Company. The Paul Revere Life Insurance Company
     and certain of its affiliates  own 40% of each  class of the Senior  Notes.
     The  address of  The Paul  Revere Life  Insurance Company,  The Paul Revere
     Protective Life  Insurance Company  and The  Paul Revere  Variable  Annuity
     Insurance  Company is The Paul Revere Investment Management Corporation, 18
     Chestnut Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01608.
    
 
 (7) Shares are subject to the  voting provisions of the Shareholder  Agreement,
     which  requires that they be voted in the same manner as the Class B Common
     Shares held by  Ripplewood, and  as to  which Ripplewood  has been  granted
     irrevocable proxies.
 
 (8) Includes  144,000  Class A  Common Shares  which may  be acquired  upon the
     exercise of  Options.  Mr.  Ciccarelli's address  is  721  Richard  Street,
     Miamisburg, Ohio 45342.
 
 (9) Timothy  C. Collins  is the  Senior Managing  Director and  Chief Executive
     Officer of Ripplewood, and the only Common Shares beneficially owned by him
     are the Class B Common Shares held of record by Ripplewood and the Class  A
     Common  Shares as to which Ripplewood  has been granted irrevocable proxies
     under the Shareholder Agreement.
 
(10) The named person  is a  director of  Ripplewood. His  shareholdings in  the
     Company do not include Common Shares beneficially owned by Ripplewood.
 
(11) Includes  18,600  Class A  Common  Shares which  may  be acquired  upon the
     exercise of Options.
 
(12) The named person is an employee of the Company whose address is 721 Richard
     Street, Miamisburg, Ohio 45342.
 
(13) Includes 12,350  Class A  Common  Shares which  may  be acquired  upon  the
     exercise of Options.
 
(14) Includes  16,900  Class A  Common  Shares which  may  be acquired  upon the
     exercise of Options.
 
(15) Mr. Begel was the Chairman of the Board of the Company from 1989 until June
     1994, and thereafter  continued as a  director of the  Company until  March
     1996.  Mr.  Begel's address  is TMB  Industries,  Inc., 980  North Michigan
     Avenue, Suite 1000, Chicago, Illinois 60611.
 
(16) Selling Shareholder is a Managing Director of Lazard Freres & Co. LLC,  one
     of the Underwriters.
 
(17) Selling  Shareholder is a Senior Vice President of Lazard Freres & Co. LLC,
     one of the Underwriters.
 
(18) Also includes  26,200 Class  A Common  Shares and  138,600 Class  A  Common
     Shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of Warrants held by The Paul
     Revere  Life  Insurance Company  and certain  of  its affiliates.  The Paul
     Revere Life  Insurance  Company  is  an  affiliate  of  Textron  Collective
     Investment Trust. The address of Textron Collective Investment Trust is The
     Paul   Revere  Investment  Management   Corporation,  18  Chestnut  Street,
     Worcester, Massachusetts 01608.
 
   
(19) Includes 237,950  Class A  Common Shares  which may  be acquired  upon  the
     exercise  of Options by certain executive  officers. Includes, prior to the
     Offering, 2,005,850 Common Shares and, after the Offering, 1,522,550 Common
     Shares held of record  by Ripplewood and beneficially  owned by Timothy  C.
     Collins. Includes, prior to the Offering, 237,400 Class A Common Shares and
     34,800  Class A Common  Shares which may  be acquired upon  the exercise of
     Options and, after the Offering, 131,350  Class A Common Shares and  34,800
     Class  A Common Shares which  may be acquired upon  the exercise of Options
     beneficially owned by Timothy C. Collins (and not otherwise included in the
     beneficial share ownership of any other director or executive officer)  due
     to  his control  of the  voting of the  Class A  Common Shares  as to which
     Ripplewood has  been  granted  irrevocable proxies  under  the  Shareholder
     Agreement.
    
 
RIPPLEWOOD
 
   
    Upon  completion of  the Offering, Ripplewood  will own  all the outstanding
Class B Common Shares, representing  approximately 78.8% of the combined  voting
power of the outstanding Common Shares (approximately 72.8% if the Underwriters'
over-allotment  option is  exercised in full).  Ripplewood is  a holding company
founded by Timothy C. Collins to invest, directly and through private investment
funds for  which  it  acts  as  general  partner,  in  leveraged  build-ups  and
acquisitions  sponsored by senior, industrial operating managers affiliated with
Ripplewood. Prior to  forming Ripplewood,  Mr. Collins was  the Senior  Managing
Director  of the New York  office of Onex, an  Ontario corporation listed on the
Toronto and
    
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
Montreal Stock Exchanges. An investor group led by a subsidiary of Onex acquired
the Company in August  1989. Ripplewood acquired 50.4%  of the Common Shares  of
the Company from such subsidiary in October 1995 and an additional 0.9% on April
4, 1996.
 
SHAREHOLDER AGREEMENT
 
   
    The  Company and all shareholders who  acquired Common Shares (or Options or
Warrants) prior to the Offering, including the Selling Shareholders, are parties
to the  Shareholder Agreement  which  contains provisions  with respect  to  the
voting,  transfer and registration of the Common Shares held by the parties. The
parties to the  Shareholder Agreement  who will  remain as  shareholders of  the
Company following the Offering have agreed to enter into an Amended and Restated
Shareholder  Agreement  (as so  amended and  restated, the  "Amended Shareholder
Agreement"), effective  immediately  after  the Offering  is  consummated.  Upon
completion  of the  Offering, the parties  to the  Amended Shareholder Agreement
will hold  all  the  Class  B  Common  Shares  and  approximately  9.5%  of  the
outstanding Class A Common Shares.
    
 
    Under  the Amended Shareholder Agreement, so long as Ripplewood continues to
hold at least 622,525 Common Shares  (subject to adjustment in certain  events),
all of the parties to the Amended Shareholder Agreement will be required to vote
as  Ripplewood directs to fix  the number of directors  of the Company, to elect
directors  designated  by  Ripplewood  and  to  remove  directors  specified  by
Ripplewood,  and all of the parties  to the Amended Shareholder Agreement (other
than Matthew O. Diggs) will be required  to vote all Common Shares held by  them
in the same manner as Ripplewood votes the Common Shares held by it and to grant
the  person who is the  Senior Managing Director and  Chief Executive Officer of
Ripplewood (currently  Timothy C.  Collins)  an irrevocable  proxy to  vote  the
Common  Shares held by them, except with  respect to (i) matters that would both
adversely affect the rights of the Common Shares held by such parties and  would
treat  such parties  differently than other  holders of Common  Shares, and (ii)
matters as to which a separate class vote of the party is required by law.
 
    Under the Amended Shareholder Agreement,  Ripplewood will have the right  to
require, on not more than two occasions (or more if the Common Shares Ripplewood
proposes to sell are cut back by more than 75%), the Company, at its expense, to
register  under the Securities Act all or a portion of the Common Shares held by
Ripplewood. The Amended  Shareholder Agreement  will permit the  parties to  the
agreement  to  require  the  Company, subject  to  certain  marketing  and other
limitations, to register their Common Shares, at the Company's expense, whenever
the Company registers any  of its securities under  the Securities Act,  whether
for  its own account  or otherwise. The Amended  Shareholder Agreement will also
require each  party to  give the  Company and  Ripplewood certain  notices  with
respect  to  proposed sales  and  transfers of  their  Common Shares  and, under
certain circumstances,  to offer  to  Ripplewood the  right to  purchase  Common
Shares which the party otherwise proposes to sell or transfer.
 
   
    The Amended Shareholder Agreement also provides that if Ripplewood sells 40%
or  more  of  the  Common  Shares  then owned  by  it  in  one  or  more related
transactions, other than in a registered  offering or other sale to the  public,
each  other party to the  Amended Shareholder Agreement (i)  will be entitled to
participate in the sale on  a pro rata basis, if  the party so elects, and  (ii)
will be required to participate in the sale on a pro rata basis (unless the sale
is to an affiliate of Ripplewood), if Ripplewood so requires.
    
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
                         DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL SHARES
 
   
    Immediately  prior to consummation  of the Offering,  the Company will amend
its amended articles of incorporation (as  so amended, the "Amended Articles  of
Incorporation")  to (i) convert all its currently outstanding Old Class B Common
Shares into Class A Common Shares,  (ii) change its authorized share capital  to
Class  A Common Shares with  one vote per share, Class  B Common Shares with ten
votes per  share  and  preferred  shares,  without  par  value  (the  "Preferred
Shares"),  (iii) split each outstanding Class A  Common Share into fifty Class A
Common Shares and (iv) convert each Class A Common Share held by Ripplewood into
one Class B Common Share (collectively, the "Recapitalization"). In addition, in
order to cause  the Options to  be exercisable for  Class A Common  Shares on  a
basis  consistent with the Company's  capitalization after the Recapitalization,
the Compensation and Benefits  Committee of the Board  of Directors will  adjust
all  of the  outstanding Options  so that each  Option is  exercisable for fifty
times the number  of Class A  Common Shares  for which it  had been  exercisable
immediately  prior to the Recapitalization at  an exercise price per share equal
to one-fiftieth of the exercise price immediately prior to the  Recapitalization
(the "Option Adjustment").
    
 
    The  following summary description  of the capital shares  of the Company is
qualified in  its entirety  by reference  to  the form  of Amended  Articles  of
Incorporation  of the Company and the Code of Regulations of the Company, a copy
of each of which is filed as  an exhibit to the Registration Statement of  which
this Prospectus forms a part.
 
   
    Upon  completion  of  the Offering,  the  authorized capital  shares  of the
Company will consist  of 20,483,300  Class A  Common Shares,  1,522,550 Class  B
Common  Shares and 5,000,000  Preferred Shares and there  will be: (i) 4,086,800
Class A Common  Shares issued  and outstanding,  (ii) 1,522,550  Class B  Common
Shares  issued and outstanding, all  of which will be  held by Ripplewood, (iii)
272,750 Class A  Common Shares  issuable upon  the exercise  of the  outstanding
Options (all of which will become exercisable immediately upon completion of the
Offering)  and (iv) no  Preferred Shares issued  or outstanding. All outstanding
Common Shares are, and  all Common Shares to  be outstanding upon completion  of
the Offering will be, fully paid and nonassessable.
    
 
COMMON SHARES
 
    The  Amended Articles  of Incorporation  provide for  two classes  of common
shares: Class A Common  Shares and Class  B Common Shares.  The two classes  are
identical  except for  disparity in voting  power and  convertibility. See "Risk
Factors--Control of the Company by Ripplewood; Other Anti-Takeover Provisions."
 
   
    Each Class A Common Share entitles the holder of record to one vote and each
Class B Common Share entitles the holder  of record to ten votes at each  annual
or  special  meeting of  shareholders, in  the  case of  any written  consent of
shareholders and for all  other purposes. The holders  of Class A Common  Shares
and  Class B Common Shares will vote as  a single class on all matters submitted
to a vote of the shareholders, except as otherwise provided by law. The  holders
of Common Shares do not have cumulative voting or preemptive rights.
    
 
   
    Upon  completion of the Offering, Ripplewood will own all of the outstanding
Class B Common Shares,  representing 78.8% of the  combined voting power of  the
outstanding  Common Shares.  As a result,  Ripplewood will continue  to have the
ability to  elect all  of the  directors of  the Company  and will  continue  to
control  the Company. See  "Risk Factors--Control of  the Company by Ripplewood;
Other Anti-Takeover Provisions." The Class B Common Shares are not being offered
hereby.
    
 
    Class  B  Common   Shares  convert  into   Class  A  Common   Shares  on   a
share-for-share  basis:  (i) at  any  time at  the  option of  the  holder, (ii)
immediately upon the transfer of Class B Common Shares to any holder other  than
certain  successors  of Ripplewood  or persons  employed  by or  affiliated with
Ripplewood or such  successors as  long as such  persons remain  so employed  or
affiliated or (iii) immediately if Ripplewood or certain of its successors cease
to  hold  at  least 622,525  Class  B  Common Shares  (subject  to proportionate
adjustment   in    the   events    of    any   subdivision    or    combinations
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
of the outstanding Common Shares). Upon conversion of Class B Common Shares into
Class  A Common Shares, the  Class B Common Shares  so converted will be retired
and will become authorized but unissued Class A Common Shares.
 
    The holders of Common Shares will be entitled to receive like dividends  and
other  distributions as may be declared thereon by the Board of Directors of the
Company out  of assets  or  funds of  the  Company legally  available  therefor,
subject  to the rights of the holders of  any series of Preferred Shares and any
other provision of the Amended  Articles of Incorporation. The Amended  Articles
of  Incorporation provide  that if  Class A  Common Shares  are paid  on Class A
Common Shares and Class B Common Shares are paid on Class B Common Shares, in an
equal amount per  share of  Class A  Common Shares  and Class  B Common  Shares,
respectively,  such  payment will  be  deemed to  be  a like  dividend  or other
distribution.
 
   
    The Company is restricted by the  terms of the Amended Credit Facility  from
paying  cash dividends on  its capital shares  and may in  the future enter into
loan or  other agreements  or  issue debt  securities  or preferred  stock  that
restrict  the  payment of  cash dividends  on the  Common Shares.  See "Dividend
Policy"  and  "Description  of  Certain  Indebtedness."  The  Company  does  not
anticipate  declaring and paying cash dividends on the Common Shares at any time
in the near term. The decision as to whether to apply legally available funds to
the payment of  dividends on  the Common  Shares will be  made by  the Board  of
Directors  of the  Company from  time to  time in  the exercise  of its business
judgment, taking  into account,  among other  things, the  Company's results  of
operations  and financial condition,  any then existing  or proposed commitments
for the use by the Company of available funds and the Company's obligations with
respect to any then outstanding class or series of Preferred Shares.
    
 
    In the case of  any split, subdivision,  combination or reclassification  of
Class A Common Shares or Class B Common Shares, the other class of Common Shares
also  will be split, subdivided, combined or  reclassified so that the number of
Class A  Common  Shares  and  Class  B  Common  Shares  outstanding  immediately
following such split, subdivision, combination or reclassification will bear the
same  relationship to each other as that which existed immediately prior to such
action.
 
    In the event of any liquidation,  dissolution or winding up of the  Company,
the holders of Common Shares will be entitled to receive the assets and funds of
the  Company available for  distribution after payments to  creditors and to the
holders of  any  Preferred  Shares of  the  Company  that may  at  the  time  be
outstanding,  in proportion to the number  of shares held by them, respectively,
without regard to class.
 
    In the  event  of any  merger,  consolidation, purchase  or  acquisition  of
property or securities, or other reorganization in which any consideration is to
be received by the holders of Common Shares, the holders of each class of Common
Shares will receive the same consideration on a per share basis, except that, if
such  consideration consists in any part of  voting securities (or of options or
warrants to purchase,  or of  securities convertible into  or exchangeable  for,
voting  securities), the holders of Class B  Common Shares may receive, on a per
share basis, voting securities with ten times  the number of votes per share  as
those  voting securities to be received by  the holders of Class A Common Shares
(or  options  or  warrants  to  purchase,  or  securities  convertible  into  or
exchangeable for, voting securities with ten times the number of votes per share
as those voting securities issuable upon exercise of the options or warrants, or
into  which  the  convertible or  exchangeable  securities may  be  converted or
exchanged, received by the holders of Class A Common Shares).
 
    Prior to the date of this  Prospectus, there has been no established  public
trading  market  for the  Common Shares.  The  Class A  Common Shares  have been
approved for listing  on the  New York Stock  Exchange under  the symbol  "DSD,"
subject  to official notice of issuance.  See "Risk Factors--No Prior Market for
Class A Common Shares; Possible Volatility of Price."
 
    American Stock Transfer & Trust Company  will be the Registrar and  Transfer
Agent for the Class A Common Shares.
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
PREFERRED SHARES
 
    There  are no Preferred  Shares outstanding. The Board  of Directors has the
authority, without further action  by the shareholders,  to issue the  Preferred
Shares  in one or more series and  to fix the rights, designations, preferences,
privileges, qualifications, and restrictions thereof, including dividend rights,
conversion rights, terms and rights of redemption, liquidation preferences,  and
sinking  fund terms (any or all  of which may be greater  than the rights of the
Common Shares). The Board of Directors  also has the authority, without  further
action  by the shareholders,  to amend the Amended  Articles of Incorporation to
fix the voting  rights of the  entire class  of Preferred Shares.  The Board  of
Directors,  without  shareholder  approval,  can  issue  Preferred  Shares  with
conversion, voting and other rights which  could adversely affect the rights  of
the holders of Class A Common Shares.
 
CERTAIN CHARTER PROVISIONS
 
    The  Amended Articles  of Incorporation  provide for  indemnification of the
officers and directors of the Company to  the full extent provided in the  OGCL.
The  Amended Articles  of Incorporation also  include certain  provisions of the
OGCL that limit the liability of a  director of the Company for damages for  any
action  the director takes or fails to take as a director unless it is proved by
clear and convincing  evidence in  a court  of competent  jurisdiction that  the
action  or failure to act was undertaken  with deliberate intent to cause injury
to the Company or with reckless disregard for the best interests of the Company.
Neither the OGCL  nor this provision  of the Amended  Articles of  Incorporation
will  exonerate a director from liability  under the federal securities laws nor
will either have any effect on  any non-monetary remedies that may be  available
to the Company or its shareholders.
 
CERTAIN OHIO LEGISLATION
 
    Ohio's  Merger Moratorium Act prohibits an Ohio corporation from engaging in
specified transactions such as a merger, certain asset sales, certain  issuances
of  shares, a liquidation or the like with  a beneficial owner of 10% or more of
the outstanding voting  power of  the corporation during  the three-year  period
following  the date  the person  became the owner  of the  10% interest, unless,
prior to the date the person became the owner of the 10% interest, the specified
transaction or the acquisition  of shares was approved  by the directors of  the
corporation.  After the three-year period, such transactions may be entered into
if approved by the  holders of at  least two-thirds of the  voting power of  the
corporation  (including by the holders of at least a majority of the shares held
by persons other than an interested person, as defined in the statute) or if the
consideration to  be  paid in  the  transaction is  at  least equal  to  certain
specified  amounts. Such  provision will  not be  applicable to  Ripplewood, the
Company's current controlling shareholder.
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
   
    Upon completion of the  Offering (assuming the Underwriters'  over-allotment
option  is  not  exercised),  the  1,522,550  Class  B  Common  Shares  held  by
Ripplewood, 386,800 Class A Common Shares  held by the Company's management  and
other  shareholders and 272,750 Class A  Common Shares issuable upon exercise of
the Options held  by the Company's  management will continue  to be  "restricted
shares"  as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Such shares may not be
resold in the absence of registration  under the Securities Act except  pursuant
to  exemptions  from such  registration including,  among others,  the exemption
provided by Rule 144 under the  Securities Act. After the Offering,  Ripplewood,
management  and the other remaining parties to the Amended Shareholder Agreement
will have certain  incidental registration  rights with  respect to  all of  the
Common Shares owned by them or that may be acquired by them, and Ripplewood will
have  two demand registration rights with respect  to the Common Shares owned or
acquired by it. See "Principal and Selling Shareholders--Shareholder Agreement."
    
 
    In general, pursuant  to Rule  144 under the  Securities Act,  a person  (or
person  whose shares must  be aggregated) who  has beneficially owned restricted
shares for  at  least  two years,  including  a  person who  may  be  deemed  an
"affiliate"  of the Company,  is entitled to sell  within any three-month period
that number of shares  that does not  exceed the greater of  one percent of  the
then  outstanding Class A  Common Shares or the  reported average weekly trading
volume of  the  then  outstanding Class  A  Common  Shares for  the  four  weeks
preceding  each such  sale. Sales  under Rule  144 also  are subject  to certain
manner of sale restrictions and notice requirements, and to the availability  of
current  public  information  about the  Company.  As  defined in  Rule  144, an
"affiliate" of an issuer  is a person that  directly, or indirectly through  the
usage  of one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under
common control with, such issuer.
 
   
    Rule 701 under the Securities Act permits resales of shares in reliance upon
Rule 144 but without compliance with certain restrictions, including the holding
period requirement,  of Rule  144.  Any employee,  officer  or director  of,  or
consultant  to,  the Company  who  purchased his  or  her shares,  prior  to the
Offering, pursuant to a written compensatory plan or contract may be entitled to
rely on the resale provisions of Rule  701. Rule 701 permits affiliates to  sell
their  Rule 701 shares under Rule 144  without complying with the holding period
requirements of Rule 144. Rule 701 further provides that non-affiliates may sell
such shares in reliance on  Rule 144 without having  to comply with the  holding
period,  public information, volume limitation or notice provisions of Rule 144.
In both cases, a  holder of Rule 701  shares is required to  wait until 90  days
after  the  date the  Registration  Statement (as  hereinafter  defined) becomes
effective before selling such shares.
    
 
   
    The Company, Ripplewood and certain of the Company's other shareholders,  to
the  extent that such shareholders are not  selling Class A Common Shares in the
Offering, have agreed,  subject to  certain exceptions,  not to  sell, offer  to
sell,  contract to sell, grant any option  to purchase, or otherwise dispose of,
directly or indirectly, or announce the offering of any Class A Common Shares or
securities convertible into or  exercisable or exchangeable  for Class A  Common
Shares  other than the Class A Common Shares  offered hereby for a period of 360
days after the date of this Prospectus, without the prior written consent of the
Representatives of the  Underwriters; provided,  however, that  the Company  may
issue:  (i) options pursuant to any  employee stock option plan, stock ownership
plan or dividend  reinvestment plan in  effect on the  date of this  Prospectus,
(ii)  Class A  Common Shares  upon the conversion  or exercise  of securities or
Options outstanding  on  the  date  of  this  Prospectus  (or  issued  upon  the
conversion  or exercise thereof) and (iii) commencing  90 days after the date of
this Prospectus, Class A Common Shares or securities convertible, exercisable or
exchangeable for  Class A  Common Shares  in mergers,  acquisitions or  business
combinations. See "Underwriting."
    
 
    No  prediction can be  made as to the  effect, if any,  that future sales of
shares, or the availability of shares for  future sale, will have on the  market
price  of  the Class  A Common  Shares prevailing  from time  to time.  Sales of
substantial numbers of Class A Common  Shares (including shares issued upon  the
exercise  of  Options), or  the perception  that such  sales could  occur, could
adversely affect the prevailing market price  for the Class A Common Shares.  If
such  sales reduce the market price of  the Class A Common Shares, the Company's
ability to raise  additional capital in  the equity markets  could be  adversely
affected.
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
                      DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INDEBTEDNESS
 
   
    The  summary contained herein  of certain provisions  of the indebtedness of
the Company does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety  by
reference to the provisions of the Amended Credit Facility, which has been filed
as  an exhibit to the Registration Statement  of which this Prospectus is a part
and to which reference is hereby made.
    
 
   
    The Company and  the Banks have  entered into the  Amended Credit  Facility,
conditional upon consummation of the Offering. The Company will pay a commitment
fee  of  $170,000  to the  Banks  in  connection therewith.  The  Amended Credit
Facility provides for (i) the Term Loan and (ii) the Revolving Credit  Facility.
Amounts  available  under the  Revolving Credit  Facility will  be equal  to the
lesser of  (i) $37  million or  (ii) the  sum of  (x) 85%  of eligible  accounts
receivable,  (y) 60%  of eligible  inventories and  (z) an  amount equal  to $12
million upon closing of the Offering, decreasing in steps to zero on October  1,
1997.  At March 29,  1996, if the  Revolving Credit Facility  had been in place,
$29.7 million would have  been available thereunder, of  which $17.1 million  of
borrowings  would have  been outstanding.  The Revolving  Credit Facility, which
terminates in four years, provides for  interest options based on (a) Bank  One,
Dayton,  NA's prime  rate or (b)  LIBOR plus  an amount between  1.00% and 2.75%
(LIBOR plus 1.75% immediately following consummation of the Offering)  depending
on the ratio of EBITDA to interest expense and the ratio of total liabilities to
EBITDA.  A commitment fee of between 0.125% and 0.50% per annum (0.25% per annum
immediately following  consummation of  the  Offering) will  be payable  on  the
average  unused  amount  depending on  the  level  of EBITDA  and  certain other
financial ratios. The principal amount  of the Term Loan  will be the lesser  of
$13  million or  70% of  the value of  the Company's  fixed assets,  based on an
appraisal of certain assets and  the net book value  of other assets. The  Banks
have  agreed  that, pending  receipt of  appraisals,  which currently  are being
conducted, the principal amount of the Term Loan will be $13 million. If,  based
on  the appraisals, 70% of the value of  the Company's fixed assets is less than
$13 million, the Company will  be required to repay to  the Banks the amount  of
the difference between such value and $13 million. If the appraised value of the
Company's  fixed assets is equal to the depreciated book value of such assets at
March 29, 1996, the  amount of the  Term Loan, as  adjusted for the  appraisals,
will  be $12.2 million.  The Term Loan will  be due in full  four years from its
date of  issuance  with  mandatory  quarterly  principal  payments  of  $812,500
(subject  to adjustment if the amount of the Term Loan is reduced as a result of
the appraisals of  the Company's fixed  assets) plus interest.  The Company  may
choose from various interest rate options with respect to the Term Loan.
    
 
   
    The  Amended  Credit  Facility  requires  the  Company  to  satisfy  certain
financial performance  criteria  (including  maintaining a  specified  ratio  of
EBITDA to current obligations, a specified ratio of total liabilities to EBITDA,
a  specified net  worth and  a specified  tangible net  worth) and  provides for
certain customary events of default.  The Amended Credit Facility also  contains
covenants  and provisions  restricting, among other  things, the  ability of the
Company to: (i) incur additional indebtedness, (ii) incur liens on its property,
(iii) merge or  consolidate with or  acquire another person  or engage in  other
fundamental  changes, (iv) engage  in certain sales of  assets, (v) make capital
expenditures and (vi) pay dividends or make distributions or prepay, purchase or
redeem indebtedness other than indebtedness under the Amended Credit Facility.
    
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
    Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Underwriting Agreement,
the Company and the Selling Shareholders  have severally agreed to sell to  each
of  the Underwriters named below, and each of the Underwriters, for whom Salomon
Brothers Inc, Lazard Freres & Co. LLC, Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated and BT
Securities Corporation are  acting as  representatives (the  "Representatives"),
has  severally agreed to purchase from the Company and the Selling Shareholders,
the number of shares set forth opposite its name below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               UNDERWRITER                                   NUMBER OF SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------------
<S>                                                                         <C>
Salomon Brothers Inc......................................................
Lazard Freres & Co. LLC...................................................
Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated........................................
BT Securities Corporation.................................................
                                                                                 ----------
    Total.................................................................        3,700,000
                                                                                 ----------
                                                                                 ----------
</TABLE>
 
    In the Underwriting Agreement, the several Underwriters have agreed, subject
to the terms and conditions set forth therein, to purchase all 3,700,000 of  the
Class  A Common  Shares offered hereby,  if any  such Class A  Common Shares are
purchased. In  the event  of  a default  by  any Underwriter,  the  Underwriting
Agreement  provides that, in certain  circumstances, purchase commitments of the
non-defaulting Underwriters may be increased  or the Underwriting Agreement  may
be terminated. The Company and the Selling Shareholders have been advised by the
Representatives  that the several  Underwriters propose initially  to offer such
Class A Common Shares at the 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 $      per share. The Underwriters may allow, and such dealers  may
reallow,  a concession not in excess of $      per share to other dealers. After
the initial offering,  the public  offering price  and such  concessions may  be
changed.
 
    The  Company  and Ripplewood  have granted  to  the Underwriters  an option,
exercisable during  the 30-day  period after  the date  of this  Prospectus,  to
purchase  up to an aggregate of 555,000  additional Class A Common Shares at the
public offering price less the underwriting discount set forth on the cover page
of this Prospectus.  The Underwriters  may exercise  such option  only to  cover
over-allotments  in the sale of the Class  A Common Shares that the Underwriters
have agreed  to purchase.  To the  extent that  the Underwriters  exercise  such
option,  each  Underwriter  will  have a  firm  commitment,  subject  to certain
conditions, to  purchase  a  number  of  option  shares  proportionate  to  such
Underwriter's initial commitment.
 
   
    Certain  Managing Directors and one employee of Lazard Freres & Co. LLC, one
of the Representatives,  will be Selling  Shareholders in the  Offering and  are
expected  to sell  an aggregate of  1.70% of  the Class A  Common Shares offered
hereby, assuming that the Underwriters' over-allotment option is not  exercised.
See  "Principal  and  Selling Shareholders."  Consequently,  in  accordance with
subsection (c)(7)(C) of Section 44 of the Rules of Fair Practice of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., the  price at which the Class A  Common
Shares  will be  distributed to  the public  must be  established at  a price no
higher than that  recommended by  a qualified  independent underwriter.  Salomon
Brothers  Inc,  one  of the  Representatives,  has  agreed to  act  as qualified
independent underwriter, to participate in  the preparation of the  registration
statement  and  this  Prospectus and  to  exercise  the usual  standards  of due
diligence in respect  thereto. Salomon  Brothers Inc  will receive  compensation
from  the  Underwriters in  the  amount of  $10,000  for acting  as  a qualified
independent underwriter.
    
 
                                       58
<PAGE>
    The Representatives have advised  the Company that  the Underwriters do  not
intend  to  confirm sales  to accounts  over  which they  exercise discretionary
authority.
 
   
    The Company, Ripplewood and certain of the Company's other shareholders,  to
the  extent that such shareholders are not  selling Class A Common Shares in the
Offering, have agreed,  subject to  certain exceptions,  not to  sell, offer  to
sell,  contract to sell, grant  any option to purchase  or otherwise dispose of,
directly or indirectly, or announce the offering of any Class A Common Shares or
any securities  convertible into  or  exercisable or  exchangeable for  Class  A
Common  Shares other than the Class A  Common Shares offered hereby for a period
of 360 days after the date of this Prospectus, without the prior written consent
of the  Representatives; provided,  however,  that the  Company may  issue:  (i)
options  pursuant to  any employee  stock option  plan, stock  ownership plan or
dividend reinvestment plan in effect on the date of this Prospectus, (ii)  Class
A  Common  Shares  upon the  conversion  or  exercise of  securities  or Options
outstanding on the  date of this  Prospectus (or issued  upon the conversion  or
exercise  thereof)  and  (iii)  commencing  90  days  after  the  date  of  this
Prospectus, Class  A Common  Shares or  securities convertible,  exercisable  or
exchangeable  for Class  A Common  Shares in  mergers, acquisitions  or business
combinations.
    
 
    The Underwriting  Agreement  provides  that  the  Company  and  the  Selling
Shareholders   will   indemnify   the  several   Underwriters   against  certain
liabilities, including liabilities  under the Securities  Act, or contribute  to
payments  the  Underwriters may  be  required to  make  in respect  thereof. The
Underwriters have agreed to reimburse the Company for certain expenses  incurred
by the Company in connection with the Offering.
 
    Prior  to the  Offering, there  has been  no public  market for  the Class A
Common Shares. The initial public offering  price for the Class A Common  Shares
will  be  determined  by  negotiation  among  the  Company,  Ripplewood  and the
Representatives. Among the factors to  be considered in determining the  initial
public  offering  price will  be the  earnings and  certain other  financial and
operating information of the Company in recent periods, the future prospects  of
the Company and its industry in general, the general condition of the securities
market  at the  time of  the Offering  and the  market prices  of securities and
certain financial and operating information  of companies engaged in  activities
similar  to those of the  Company. There can, however,  be no assurance that the
prices at which the Class A Common  Shares will sell in the public market  after
the  Offering will not  be lower than  the price at  which they are  sold by the
Underwriters.
 
    The Company will pay Ripplewood a fee  of $600,000 at the time the  Offering
is  completed for additional  services provided in  connection with the Offering
and related transactions.
 
    The Class A Common  Shares have been  approved for listing  on the New  York
Stock Exchange under the symbol "DSD," subject to official notice of issuance.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
    The validity of the Class A Common Shares offered hereby will be passed upon
for  the Company and the  Selling Shareholders by Thompson  Hine & Flory P.L.L.,
Dayton, Ohio. Certain legal matters relating to the Offering will be passed upon
for the Company by Cravath,  Swaine & Moore, New  York, New York. Certain  legal
matters  relating to the  Offering will be  passed upon for  the Underwriters by
Debevoise & Plimpton, New York, New York. Debevoise & Plimpton will rely, as  to
matters of Ohio law, on the opinion of Thompson Hine & Flory P.L.L. From time to
time  Debevoise &  Plimpton has  represented certain  affiliates of  the Company
(such as Ripplewood, Timothy C. Collins and Matthew O. Diggs, Jr.), including in
connection with Ripplewood's acquisition of the Company, and expects to continue
to do so in the future.
 
                                       59
<PAGE>
                                    EXPERTS
 
    The consolidated financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 1994
and 1995 and for each of the three  years in the period ended December 31,  1995
included   in  this  Prospectus  have  been  audited  by  Arthur  Andersen  LLP,
independent public  accountants,  as  indicated in  their  report  with  respect
thereto,  and are included herein in reliance upon the authority of such firm as
experts in accounting and auditing in giving such reports.
 
    The consolidated statements of  operations and cash  flows of Dur-O-Wal  for
the  year ended December 31, 1994 included  in this Prospectus have been audited
by Altschuler,  Melvoin  and Glasser  LLP,  independent public  accountants,  as
indicated  in  their report  with respect  thereto, and  are included  herein in
reliance upon the authority of such  firm as experts in accounting and  auditing
in giving such report.
 
    The  consolidated statements of  operations and cash  flows of Dur-O-Wal for
the years ended December 31, 1992 and 1993 included in this Prospectus have been
audited by Coopers &  Lybrand L.L.P., independent  accountants, as indicated  in
their  report with respect thereto, and are included herein in reliance upon the
authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
    The Company has agreed to indemnify Altschuler, Melvoin and Glasser LLP  for
costs  and  expenses that  Altschuler, Melvoin  and Glasser  LLP might  incur in
successfully defending itself in litigation resulting from the inclusion of  its
report in the registration statement of which this Prospectus forms a part. Such
indemnification,  however, will be null and  void should Altschuler, Melvoin and
Glasser LLP be found by a court to be liable for professional malpractice.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
    The Company  has filed  with  the Securities  and Exchange  Commission  (the
"Commission")   a  Registration   Statement  on  Form   S-1  (the  "Registration
Statement") under the Securities Act for the registration of the Class A  Common
Shares  offered  hereby.  This  Prospectus,  which  constitutes  a  part  of the
Registration Statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the
Registration Statement, certain  items of  which are contained  in exhibits  and
schedules   to  the  Registration  Statement  as  permitted  by  the  rules  and
regulations of  the Commission.  For  further information  with respect  to  the
Company  and the Class A Common Shares  offered hereby, reference is made to the
Registration Statement, including the exhibits thereto, and financial statements
and notes filed as a part thereof.
 
    Statements made in this Prospectus  concerning the contents of any  contract
or  other  document are  not  necessarily complete.  With  respect to  each such
contract or  other document  filed with  the  Commission as  an exhibit  to  the
Registration  Statement, reference  is made to  the exhibit for  a more complete
description of the  matter involved,  and each  such statement  shall be  deemed
qualified  in its entirety by such reference. The Registration Statement and the
exhibits and schedules thereto filed by  the Company with the Commission may  be
inspected  at the  public reference facilities  maintained by  the Commission at
Judiciary Plaza, 450  Fifth Street,  N.W., Washington,  D.C. 20549,  and at  the
regional  offices of the Commission located at 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300,
New York, New York 10048  and at 500 West  Madison Street, Suite 1400,  Chicago,
Illinois  60661.  Copies  of such  materials  may  be obtained  from  the Public
Reference Section of the  Commission, Judiciary Plaza,  450 Fifth Street,  N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates.
 
    As  a  result  of the  Offering,  the  Company will  become  subject  to the
informational requirements of the  Securities Exchange Act  of 1934, as  amended
(the  "Exchange  Act").  So long  as  the  Company is  subject  to  the periodic
reporting requirements of  the Exchange  Act, it  will continue  to furnish  the
reports  and other information  required thereby to  the Commission. The Company
intends to furnish  holders of  the Class A  Common Shares  with annual  reports
containing,  among other information, audited  financial statements certified by
an independent public accounting firm and quarterly reports containing unaudited
condensed financial  information for  the first  three quarters  of each  fiscal
year. The Company also intends to furnish such other reports as it may determine
or as may be required by law.
 
                                       60
<PAGE>
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               PAGE
                                                                                                             ---------
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
Dayton Superior Corporation and Subsidiaries:
  Report of Independent Public Accountants.................................................................        F-2
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1994 and 1995.............................................        F-3
  Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995...............        F-4
  Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995.....        F-5
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995...............        F-6
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...............................................................        F-7
  Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1995 and March 29, 1996 (unaudited)........................       F-20
  Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three fiscal months ended March 31, 1995 and March 29, 1996
   (unaudited).............................................................................................       F-21
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three fiscal months ended March 31, 1995 and March 29, 1996
   (unaudited).............................................................................................       F-22
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)...................................................       F-23
Dur-O-Wal, Inc. and Subsidiary:
  Reports of Independent Accountants.......................................................................       F-24
  Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1992, 1993, and 1994..............       F-26
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1992, 1993, and 1994..............       F-27
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...............................................................       F-28
  Consolidated Statements of Income for the periods January 1 through October 15, 1994 and 1995
   (unaudited).............................................................................................       F-31
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the periods January 1 through October 15, 1994 and 1995
   (unaudited).............................................................................................       F-32
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)...................................................       F-33
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
   
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
    
 
To the Shareholders of Dayton Superior Corporation:
 
    We  have  audited the  accompanying  consolidated balance  sheets  of Dayton
Superior Corporation (an Ohio corporation)  and Subsidiaries as of December  31,
1994   and  1995,  and  the   related  consolidated  statements  of  operations,
shareholders' equity and cash flows  for each of the  three years in the  period
ended  December 31, 1995.  These financial statements  are the responsibility of
the Company's management. Our responsibility is  to express an opinion on  these
financial statements based on our audits.
 
    We  conducted  our audits  in  accordance with  generally  accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to  obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also  includes
assessing  the  accounting principles  used  and significant  estimates  made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement  presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
   
    In  our opinion, the financial statements  referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Dayton Superior  Corporation
and  Subsidiaries as  of December 31,  1994 and  1995, and the  results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period  ended
December 31, 1995 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
    
 
Dayton, Ohio
   
February 10, 1996 (except with respect to the matters discussed in Note 10
                as to which the date is June 18, 1996).
    
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
                  DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                        AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1995
                                     ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           1994       1995
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
                                                                                             (AMOUNTS IN
                                                                                              THOUSANDS,
                                                                                             EXCEPT SHARE
                                                                                               AMOUNTS)
<S>                                                                                      <C>        <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash.................................................................................       $464       $643
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance for
   doubtful accounts of $764 and $708 (Note 4).........................................      9,089     11,724
  Inventories (Notes 2 and 4)..........................................................      9,724     12,392
  Rental equipment, net (Note 2).......................................................        847      1,235
  Prepaid expenses.....................................................................        507        474
  Prepaid income taxes.................................................................         --        436
  Future income tax benefits (Note 7)..................................................         --      1,393
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
    Total current assets...............................................................     20,631     28,297
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Note 2):
  Land.................................................................................        496        932
  Building and improvements............................................................      5,263      8,209
  Machinery and equipment..............................................................     11,835     18,419
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
                                                                                            17,594     27,560
  Less accumulated depreciation........................................................     (8,022)   (10,000)
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
      Net property, plant and equipment................................................      9,572     17,560
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS,
 net of accumulated amortization (Note 2)..............................................     42,130     57,734
OTHER ASSETS...........................................................................         38        269
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
    Total assets.......................................................................  $  72,371  $ 103,860
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                      LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                      <C>        <C>
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Current portion of long-term debt (Note 4)...........................................        $--        $32
  Accounts payable.....................................................................      6,391      8,043
  Amounts due to former shareholder (Note 5)...........................................         --      1,000
  Accrued interest.....................................................................          4      2,063
  Accrued compensation and benefits....................................................      3,251      3,889
  Other accrued liabilities............................................................      1,624      2,987
  Income taxes payable.................................................................        174         --
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
    Total current liabilities..........................................................     11,444     18,014
LONG-TERM DEBT (Note 4)................................................................     24,448     52,980
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES (Note 7).........................................................         --      2,781
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES............................................................      1,969      2,600
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
    Total liabilities..................................................................     37,861     76,375
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 8)
REDEEMABLE PREFERRED SHARES (Note 5)...................................................      6,836         --
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
  Class A Common shares; no par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 2,040,000 and
   2,804,500 shares issued; and 2,038,000 and 2,802,500 shares outstanding.............     14,554     17,483
  Class B Common shares; no par value; 15,000,000 shares authorized; 873,400 and
   485,500 shares issued and outstanding...............................................      1,714      1,942
  Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment...................................       (157)      (139)
  Excess pension liability (Note 6)....................................................       (295)       (50)
  Retained earnings....................................................................     11,939      8,330
  Treasury shares, Class A Common, 2,000 shares, at cost...............................        (81)       (81)
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
    Total shareholders' equity.........................................................     27,674     27,485
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
      Total liabilities and shareholders' equity.......................................  $  72,371  $ 103,860
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
                                                                                         ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
          The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
           are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
                  DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               1993        1994         1995
                                                                            ----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                            (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE
                                                                                   AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                                                         <C>         <C>          <C>
NET SALES.................................................................     $75,154      $82,341      $92,802
COST OF SALES.............................................................      55,427       58,011       63,990
                                                                            ----------  -----------  -----------
  Gross profit............................................................      19,727       24,330       28,812
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES..............................      15,871       18,027       20,189
                                                                            ----------  -----------  -----------
  Income from operations..................................................       3,856        6,303        8,623
OTHER EXPENSES:
  Interest expense, net...................................................      10,118        6,017        4,231
  Other, net..............................................................          --          873           (3)
                                                                            ----------  -----------  -----------
  Income (loss) before income taxes and extraordinary item................      (6,262)        (587)       4,395
PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES......................................         (89)          95          690
                                                                            ----------  -----------  -----------
  Income (loss) before extraordinary item.................................      (6,173)        (682)       3,705
EXTRAORDINARY ITEM--
  Gain on forgiveness of debt, net of income tax effect of $92 (Note 3)...          --       31,354           --
                                                                            ----------  -----------  -----------
  Net income (loss).......................................................      (6,173)      30,672        3,705
Dividends on Redeemable Preferred Shares..................................          --         (361)        (470)
Accretion on Redeemable Preferred Shares..................................          --         (136)        (192)
Redemption of Redeemable Preferred Shares in excess of book value.........          --           --       (2,972)
                                                                            ----------  -----------  -----------
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders........................     $(6,173)     $30,175          $71
                                                                            ----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                            ----------  -----------  -----------
Income (loss) per share before extraordinary item.........................     $(64.95)      $(0.58)       $0.02
Extraordinary item per share..............................................          --        15.50           --
                                                                            ----------  -----------  -----------
Net income (loss) per share...............................................     $(64.95)      $14.92        $0.02
                                                                            ----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                            ----------  -----------  -----------
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding..........      95,039    2,021,918    3,560,808
                                                                            ----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                            ----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
          The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
             are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
                  DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        CUMULATIVE
                                           CLASS A                 CLASS B                                FOREIGN
                                        COMMON SHARES           COMMON SHARES                            CURRENCY       EXCESS
                                    ----------------------  ----------------------    SUBSCRIPTIONS     TRANSLATION     PENSION
                                     SHARES      AMOUNT      SHARES      AMOUNT        RECEIVABLE       ADJUSTMENT     LIABILITY
                                    ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------------  -------------  -----------
                                                     (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                 <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>                <C>            <C>
Balances, December 31, 1992.......     40,000   $  10,000      10,000         $--             $--      $       (83  )        $--
Net loss..........................
Foreign currency translation
 adjustment.......................                                                                             (33  )
Excess pension liability
 adjustment.......................                                                                                          (150)
Reclassification of notes
 receivable from stock issuance...                                                           (268    )
                                    ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------         ------           ------    -----------
Balances, December 31, 1993.......     40,000      10,000      10,000          --            (268    )        (116  )       (150)
Net income........................
Foreign currency translation
 adjustment.......................                                                                             (41  )
Excess pension liability
 adjustment.......................                                                                                          (145)
Cancellation of notes receivable
 from stock issuance..............                                                            268
Issuance of Common Shares and
 warrants in exchange for debt,
 net of issuance costs (Note 3)...         --         554     863,400       1,714
Dividends on Redeemable Preferred
 Class A Shares, $7.22 per
 share............................
Accretion on Redeemable Preferred
 Class B Shares...................
Issuance of Common Shares for
 cash.............................  2,000,000       4,000
                                    ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------         ------           ------    -----------
Balances, December 31, 1994.......  2,040,000      14,554     873,400       1,714              --             (157  )       (295)
Net income........................
Foreign currency translation
 adjustment.......................                                                                              18
Excess pension liability
 adjustment.......................                                                                                           245
Dividends on Redeemable Preferred
 Class A Shares, $9.40 per
 share............................
Accretion on Redeemable Preferred
 Class B Shares...................
Acquisition of Common Shares (Note
 5)...............................                           (873,400)     (1,714 )
Redemption of Redeemable Preferred
 Shares (Note 5)..................
Issuance of Common Shares for
 cash, net of issuance costs......    764,500       2,929     485,500       1,942
                                    ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------         ------           ------    -----------
Balances, December 31, 1995.......  2,804,500  $   17,483     485,500  $    1,942             $--      $      (139  )       $(50)
                                    ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------         ------           ------    -----------
                                    ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------         ------           ------    -----------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                       RETAINED         TREASURY SHARES
                                       EARNINGS
                                     (ACCUMULATED   ------------------------
                                       DEFICIT)       SHARES       AMOUNT       TOTAL
                                    --------------  -----------  -----------  ---------
 
<S>                                 <C>             <C>          <C>          <C>
Balances, December 31, 1992.......  $    (12,063  )        350   $      (78 ) $  (2,224)
Net loss..........................        (6,173  )                              (6,173)
Foreign currency translation
 adjustment.......................                                                  (33)
Excess pension liability
 adjustment.......................                                                 (150)
Reclassification of notes
 receivable from stock issuance...                                                 (268)
                                    --------------       -----          ---   ---------
Balances, December 31, 1993.......       (18,236  )        350          (78 )    (8,848)
Net income........................        30,672                                 30,672
Foreign currency translation
 adjustment.......................                                                  (41)
Excess pension liability
 adjustment.......................                                                 (145)
Cancellation of notes receivable
 from stock issuance..............                       1,650           (3 )       265
Issuance of Common Shares and
 warrants in exchange for debt,
 net of issuance costs (Note 3)...                                                2,268
Dividends on Redeemable Preferred
 Class A Shares, $7.22 per
 share............................          (361  )                                (361)
Accretion on Redeemable Preferred
 Class B Shares...................          (136  )                                (136)
Issuance of Common Shares for
 cash.............................                                                4,000
                                    --------------       -----          ---   ---------
Balances, December 31, 1994.......        11,939         2,000          (81 )    27,674
Net income........................         3,705                                  3,705
Foreign currency translation
 adjustment.......................                                                   18
Excess pension liability
 adjustment.......................                                                  245
Dividends on Redeemable Preferred
 Class A Shares, $9.40 per
 share............................          (470  )                                (470)
Accretion on Redeemable Preferred
 Class B Shares...................          (192  )                                (192)
Acquisition of Common Shares (Note
 5)...............................        (3,680  )                              (5,394)
Redemption of Redeemable Preferred
 Shares (Note 5)..................        (2,972  )                              (2,972)
Issuance of Common Shares for
 cash, net of issuance costs......                                                4,871
                                    --------------       -----          ---   ---------
Balances, December 31, 1995.......  $      8,330         2,000   $      (81 ) $  27,485
                                    --------------       -----          ---   ---------
                                    --------------       -----          ---   ---------
</TABLE>
 
          The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
             are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
                  DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              1993         1994          1995
                                                                                           ----------  ------------  ------------
                                                                                                   (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                        <C>         <C>           <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income (loss)......................................................................  $   (6,173)      $30,672        $3,705
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating
   activities:
    Extraordinary gain on forgiveness of debt............................................          --       (31,354)           --
    Depreciation.........................................................................       1,914         2,194         2,777
    Amortization of goodwill and intangibles.............................................       1,303         1,305         1,491
    Deferred income taxes................................................................          --            --          (120)
    Amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs...........................         582           385           409
    Loss (gain) on sales of assets.......................................................         (71)           16           (17)
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisition of Dur-O-Wal, Inc. and
 Subsidiary:
    Accounts receivable..................................................................      (1,291)       (1,580)          206
    Inventories..........................................................................        (309)       (1,692)       (1,175)
    Prepaid income taxes and income taxes payable........................................        (138)          224          (473)
    Accounts payable.....................................................................         538         2,038          (425)
    Accrued liabilities..................................................................       6,862        (9,954)        1,989
    Other, net...........................................................................        (714)          170          (141)
                                                                                           ----------  ------------  ------------
      Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities................................       2,503        (7,576)        8,226
                                                                                           ----------  ------------  ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Property, plant and equipment additions, net...........................................      (1,647)       (2,082)       (2,730)
  Proceeds from sales of assets..........................................................          30             7            37
  Acquisition of Dur-O-Wal, Inc. and Subsidiary, net of cash acquired (Note 1)...........          --            --       (23,628)
                                                                                           ----------  ------------  ------------
      Net cash used in investing activities..............................................      (1,617)       (2,075)      (26,321)
                                                                                           ----------  ------------  ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Dividends paid on Redeemable Preferred Shares..........................................          --          (361)         (470)
  Repayments of long-term debt...........................................................          --       (23,369)          (98)
  Issuance of long-term debt.............................................................          --        24,414        28,594
  Issuance of Common Shares and warrants.................................................          --         4,554         4,871
  Financing costs and fees...............................................................          --        (1,326)         (247)
  Acquisition of Common Shares...........................................................          --            --        (4,394)
  Redemption of Redeemable Preferred Shares..............................................          --            --       (10,000)
                                                                                           ----------  ------------  ------------
      Net cash provided by financing activities..........................................          --         3,912        18,256
                                                                                           ----------  ------------  ------------
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH..................................................         (33)          (41)           18
                                                                                           ----------  ------------  ------------
      Net increase (decrease) in cash....................................................         853        (5,780)          179
CASH, beginning of year..................................................................       5,391         6,244           464
                                                                                           ----------  ------------  ------------
CASH, end of year........................................................................      $6,244          $464          $643
                                                                                           ----------  ------------  ------------
                                                                                           ----------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
          The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
             are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
                  DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
       (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
(1) THE COMPANY
    The  accompanying consolidated financial statements  include the accounts of
Dayton Superior Corporation and its  wholly owned subsidiaries, Dayton  Superior
Canada  Ltd.  and  commencing  as  of October  16,  1995,  Dur-O-Wal,  Inc., and
Dur-O-Wal Limited (collectively referred to  as the "Company"). All  significant
intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
 
    The Company operates in one segment, manufacturing and distributing concrete
and  masonry accessories. The Company is the largest North American manufacturer
and distributor  of specialized  metal accessories  used primarily  in  concrete
construction and masonry construction. The Company's products are used primarily
in  two segments of the construction industry: non-residential building projects
such  as  institutional   buildings,  retail  sites,   commercial  offices   and
manufacturing facilities; and infrastructure projects such as highways, bridges,
utilities, water and waste treatment facilities and airport runways. The Company
believes that its distribution system is the largest in its industry, consisting
of  a network of 22 Company-operated  service/distribution centers in the United
States and Canada and over 3,000 customers, including stocking dealers, brokers,
rebar  fabricators,   precast   concrete  manufacturers   and   concrete   block
manufacturers.  The Company  employs approximately  240 salaried  and 470 hourly
personnel, of whom  approximately 300 of  the hourly personnel  and five of  the
salaried  personnel  are represented  by labor  unions. A  collective bargaining
agreement expiring in 1996 covers five salaried employees at the Company's Santa
Fe Springs facility.
 
    As of  December  31, 1994,  Dayton  Superior Corporation  was  a  52%-owned,
indirect  subsidiary of Onex Corporation ("Onex"), an Ontario corporation listed
on the Toronto and Montreal Stock Exchanges. During October 1995, 98% of  Onex's
shares   in  the  Company   were  transferred  to   Ripplewood  Holdings  L.L.C.
("Ripplewood"). Ripplewood holds 50.4% of the common shares of the Company as of
December 31, 1995. Onex is a minority shareholder of Ripplewood.
 
    On October 16, 1995, the Company purchased all of the outstanding shares  of
Dur-O-Wal, Inc., a Chicago-area based manufacturer of masonry wall reinforcement
products  with seven  manufacturing and  distribution facilities  throughout the
United  States  and  Canada.  Sales  are  made  principally  to  masonry   block
manufacturers  and wholesalers of masonry materials throughout the United States
and Canada. The purchase price of $21,875, plus acquisition costs of $1,766, was
financed by draws on the line of credit, which aggregated $8,641, and new Senior
Promissory Notes  of  $15,000. The  acquisition  has  been accounted  for  as  a
purchase,  and  the results  of  Dur-O-Wal, Inc.  and  its subsidiary  have been
included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements since the date of
acquisition. The cost  of the  acquisition has been  allocated on  the basis  of
appraised  fair value  of the assets  acquired and  liabilities assumed. Certain
appraisals and evaluations are preliminary estimates and may change during 1996.
In management's opinion, the preliminary allocation of the purchase price is not
expected to differ materially from the final allocation.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                 <C>
Cash..............................................................        $13
Other current assets..............................................      5,948
Property, plant and equipment.....................................      7,620
Other assets......................................................        267
Goodwill..........................................................     17,167
                                                                    ---------
  Total assets acquired...........................................     31,015
Liabilities assumed...............................................     (7,374)
                                                                    ---------
  Net assets acquired.............................................  $  23,641
                                                                    ---------
                                                                    ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
                  DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
       (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
(1) THE COMPANY (CONTINUED)
    The unaudited consolidated  results of operations  on a pro  forma basis  as
though  Dur-O-Wal, Inc.  had been acquired  as of  the beginning of  1994 are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         1994         1995
                                                                      -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                   <C>          <C>
Net sales...........................................................  $   106,965  $   113,695
Gross profit........................................................       30,421       33,718
Income before extraordinary item....................................          487        3,404
Income (loss) before extraordinary item available for common
 shareholders.......................................................          (10)        (230)
Income (loss) per share before extraordinary item...................        (0.00)       (0.08)
</TABLE>
 
    The pro forma financial information is presented for informational  purposes
only  and is not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have
occurred had the Dur-O-Wal,  Inc. acquisition been consummated  as of the  above
date, nor are they necessarily indicative of future operating results.
 
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
(a)  INVENTORIES--Substantially  all  finished products  and  raw  materials are
    stated at the lower of last-in, first-out ("LIFO") cost (which  approximates
    current  cost)  or market.  The net  realizable  value reserves  reflect the
    Company's best estimate of the excess of the cost of potential obsolete  and
    slow moving inventory over the expected net realizable value. The reserve is
    measured  by taking an analysis of inventory  with low sales during the year
    and comparing  the  net realizable  value  of  these items  to  their  cost.
    Following  is a summary of the components  of inventories as of December 31,
    1994 and  1995, net  of net  realizable  value reserves  of $368  and  $770,
    respectively:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            1994       1995
                                                                          ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                       <C>        <C>
Raw materials...........................................................  $   2,145     $2,562
Finished goods..........................................................      7,579      9,830
                                                                          ---------  ---------
                                                                              9,724     12,392
LIFO Reserve............................................................         --         --
                                                                          ---------  ---------
                                                                          $   9,724  $  12,392
                                                                          ---------  ---------
                                                                          ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
(b)  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT--Property, plant  and equipment are valued at
    cost and depreciated over their  estimated useful lives using  straight-line
    and accelerated methods. Following is a summary of estimated useful lives:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                              <C>
Building and improvements......................................  10-20 years
Machinery and equipment........................................   5-10 years
</TABLE>
 
    Leasehold  improvements are  amortized over  the lesser  of the  term of the
    lease or  the estimated  useful life  of the  improvement. Improvements  and
    replacements are capitalized, while expenditures for maintenance and repairs
    are charged to expense as incurred.
 
(c) RENTAL EQUIPMENT--Rental equipment is manufactured by the Company for resale
    and  for rent to others on a short-term basis. Rental equipment is amortized
    over  the  estimated  useful  life  of  the  equipment,  six  years,  on  an
    accelerated  method. The balances as of December  31, 1994 and 1995, are net
    of accumulated  amortization  of  $1,161 and  $1,438,  respectively.  Annual
    amortization  is charged to cost of  sales. Rental revenues account for less
    than 10% of the Company's net sales.
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
                  DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
       (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
(d) INCOME  TAXES--Deferred  income taxes  are  determined by  applying  current
    statutory  tax  rates to  the cumulative  temporary differences  between the
    carrying value of  assets and  liabilities for financial  reporting and  tax
    purposes.
 
(e)  GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS--Goodwill and intangible assets are recorded
    at the date of acquisition at their allocated cost. Amortization is provided
    over the estimated useful lives of the assets as disclosed below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  ACCUMULATED
                                                                 AMORTIZATION         BALANCE AT
                                 AMORTIZATION     ORIGINAL    (STRAIGHT-LINE) AT     DECEMBER 31,
DESCRIPTION                      PERIOD-YEARS       COST       DECEMBER 31, 1995         1995
- -----------------------------  -----------------  ---------  ---------------------  --------------
<S>                            <C>                <C>        <C>                    <C>
Goodwill.....................             40      $  64,207        $  (7,634)         $   56,573
Deferred financing costs.....            3-8          1,287             (250)              1,037
License agreement and
 other.......................            1-5            110              (43)                 67
Deferred pension costs.......             --             57               --                  57
</TABLE>
 
    The carrying value of goodwill is assessed for recoverability by  management
    when  changes in circumstances indicate that  the carrying amount may not be
    recoverable, based on an analysis of undiscounted future expected cash flows
    from the use and ultimate disposition of the asset.
 
    In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No.
    121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for  Long-Lived
    Assets  to be Disposed  Of" ("SFAS 121"). SFAS  121 establishes standards on
    accounting for the  impairment of long-lived  assets, goodwill,  intangibles
    and  assets to be disposed of. The Company  is required to adopt SFAS 121 no
    later than January 1, 1996. The  Company does not believe that the  adoption
    will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
 
(f)    FOREIGN  CURRENCY TRANSLATION  ADJUSTMENT--The  financial  statements and
    transactions  of  Dayton  Superior  Canada  Ltd.  and  Dur-O-Wal,  Ltd.  are
    maintained  in  their functional  currency (Canadian  dollars) and  are then
    translated into U.S. dollars.  The balance sheets are  translated at end  of
    year  rates  while  revenues,  expenses and  cash  flows  are  translated at
    weighted average rates throughout  the year. Translation adjustments,  which
    result  from the process of translating Canadian dollar financial statements
    to U.S. dollars, are  accumulated in a  separate component of  shareholders'
    equity.
 
(g)  NET INCOME  (LOSS) PER  SHARE--Net income (loss)  per share  is computed by
    dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the  weighted
    average  number of common and common share equivalents outstanding (adjusted
    for the stock  split discussed in  Note 10a) during  the year. Common  share
    equivalents  include  the number  of shares  issuable  upon the  exercise of
    outstanding options and warrants to purchase 346,600 Class A Common  Shares,
    less  the shares that could be purchased with the proceeds from the exercise
    of the options  and warrants, based  on an assumed  initial public  offering
    price of $13.50 per share. For the purposes of calculating net income (loss)
    per common and common equivalent share, common equivalent shares issued more
    than  12 months prior to the initial public offering are excluded in periods
    with a net loss available  to common shareholders. Common equivalent  shares
    issued less than 12 months prior to the initial public offering are included
    for all periods presented.
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
                  DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
       (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
(h) STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS--Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid
    investments  with a maturity  of three months  or less at  time of purchase.
    Following are additional cash flow disclosures for the years ended  December
    31, 1993, 1994, and 1995:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1993       1994       1995
                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                            <C>        <C>        <C>
Cash paid for income taxes...................................        $53         $1  $   1,132
Cash paid for interest.......................................      1,989     16,590      1,763
Accretion of Redeemable Preferred Shares.....................         --        136        192
Issuance of Common Shares and Redeemable Preferred Shares in
 exchange for debt...........................................         --      8,414         --
Payable for acquisition of Common Shares.....................         --         --      1,000
</TABLE>
 
(i)   USE  OF ESTIMATES--The preparation  of financial  statements in conformity
    with generally accepted  accounting principles requires  management to  make
    estimates  and assumptions  that affect the  reported amounts  of assets and
    liabilities at the balance sheet date  and the reported amounts of  revenues
    and  expenses  during  the  year. Actual  results  could  differ  from those
    estimates. Examples  of accounts  in which  estimates are  used include  the
    reserve  for  excess  and  obsolete inventory,  the  allowance  for doubtful
    accounts, the accrual  for self-insured employee  medical claims, the  self-
    insured  product and  general liability  accrual, the  self-insured workers'
    compensation accrual, the valuation allowance  for deferred tax assets,  and
    actuarial assumptions used in determining pension benefits.
 
(3) EXTRAORDINARY GAIN ON FORGIVENESS OF DEBT
    During  May 1994, the  Company consummated an agreement  with its lenders to
restructure its  debt as  a result  of  being in  default on  certain  financial
covenants  and being unable to  make payments of principal  and interest as they
came due. The following debt instruments and related items were retired:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                 <C>
Revolving line of credit..........................................     $7,000
Senior Promissory Note............................................     35,000
Senior Subordinated Promissory Notes..............................     20,000
Junior Subordinated Notes Payable.................................      2,680
Unamortized debt discount.........................................       (559)
Financing costs...................................................       (559)
                                                                    ---------
                                                                    $  63,562
                                                                    ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The Company funded  the restructuring  by issuing the  following package  of
cash  and  securities  to the  former  debt  holders. The  market  value  of the
Redeemable Preferred Shares  was determined  by independent  appraisal. The  new
Senior  Promissory Notes  were issued  to and the  revolving line  of credit was
established with third parties unrelated to the former debt holders.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                 <C>
Cash..............................................................  $  23,369
863,400 Class B Common Shares, valued at..........................      1,714
50,000 Redeemable Preferred Shares, valued at market value of.....      5,000
50,000 Zero Coupon Redeemable Preferred Shares (redemption value
 $5,000), valued at market value of...............................      1,700
                                                                    ---------
                                                                       31,783
                                                                    ---------
Gain before related expenses and tax effect.......................  $  31,779
                                                                    ---------
                                                                    ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>
                  DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
       (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
(3) EXTRAORDINARY GAIN ON FORGIVENESS OF DEBT (CONTINUED)
    In addition, the Company  paid $14,631 of accrued  but unpaid interest.  The
Company  funded the  cash portion  of the  transaction through  cash on  hand of
$2,970, the issuance of Class A  Common Shares to its principal shareholder  for
$4,000,  the issuance of the Senior Notes  due 2002 (which included the warrants
to acquire 346,600 Class A  Common Shares at $0.000002  per share and expire  in
2002)  for $25,000 and the establishment  of a $20,000 revolving credit facility
under which it drew $6,030. As a  result of the transaction, the Company's  debt
was  reduced  by $33,767  and the  Company recognized  an extraordinary  gain of
$31,354 (net of tax effect of $92).
 
(4) CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS
    Following is a summary of the  Company's credit arrangements as of  December
31, 1994 and 1995:
 
(a) REVOLVING LINES OF CREDIT--During October 1995, the Company entered into two
    revolving  line  of  credit  agreements  (the  "Credit  Facility") totalling
    $30,000  through  December  1,  1999.  The  amount  available  under   these
    agreements is limited to the sum of (a) 85% of eligible accounts receivable,
    (b) the lesser of $10,000 or 60% of eligible inventories, and (c) $5,000. At
    December 31, 1995, the Company had $21,832 available under these agreements,
    of  which $13,280  was outstanding.  These agreements  replaced a  May 1994,
    $19,000 revolving line of credit agreement  with two banks and a CDN  $1,000
    revolving  line of credit agreement with a  Canadian affiliate of one of the
    banks.
 
    Borrowings outstanding under  these agreements bear  interest at prime  plus
    0.25%  (8.75% at December 31, 1995), 30-  or 60-day LIBOR plus 2.75% (8.539%
    and 8.6133%, respectively,  at December  31, 1995) and  8.59% fixed  through
    October  31, 1996, as selected by the Company. A commitment fee of 0.25% per
    annum is payable on the average unused amount.
 
    Average borrowings  under  these  agreements  and  their  predecessors  were
    $7,000,  $4,823, and $3,852 during 1993,  1994 and 1995, respectively, at an
    approximate weighted  average  interest  rate  of  7.5%,  8.2%,  and  10.2%,
    respectively. The maximum borrowings outstanding during 1993, 1994, and 1995
    were $7,000, $7,000 and $18,400, respectively.
 
    These  agreements contain certain restrictive covenants, which require that,
    among other things, the  Company maintain a minimum  tangible net worth  and
    limit  its  debt  to  tangible net  worth  ratio,  capital  expenditures and
    dividend payments. The Company  was in compliance with  the covenants as  of
    December 31, 1995.
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>
                  DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
       (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
(4) CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(b) LONG-TERM DEBT--Following is a summary of the Company's long-term debt as of
    December 31, 1994 and 1995:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           1994       1995
                                                                         ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                      <C>        <C>
Unsecured Senior Promissory Notes, interest at 11.75% payable
 semi-annually, payable in annual installments of $6,250 beginning
 December 31, 1999, through December 31, 2002..........................  $  25,000  $  25,000
Unamortized debt discount..............................................       (642)      (575)
Revolving lines of credit..............................................         90     13,280
Unsecured Senior Promissory Notes, interest at 11.75% payable
 semi-annually, payable in annual installments of $3,750 beginning
 October 16, 2000, through October 16, 2003............................         --     15,000
City of Parsons, Kansas Economic Development Loan, interest at 7.0%
 payable quarterly, payable in quarterly installments of $8 through
 July 2005, secured by real estate in Parsons..........................         --        307
                                                                         ---------  ---------
Total long-term debt...................................................     24,448     53,012
Less current portion...................................................         --        (32)
                                                                         ---------  ---------
Long-term portion......................................................  $  24,448  $  52,980
                                                                         ---------  ---------
                                                                         ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Scheduled  maturities of long-term debt, excluding the effect of unamortized
    debt discount, are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDING
DECEMBER 31,                                                                          AMOUNT
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------
<S>                                                                                  <C>
1996...............................................................................        $32
1997...............................................................................         32
1998...............................................................................         32
1999...............................................................................     19,562
2000...............................................................................     10,032
Thereafter.........................................................................     23,897
                                                                                     ---------
                                                                                     $  53,587
                                                                                     ---------
                                                                                     ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The fair  market  value  of  the  Company's  fixed-rate  long-term  debt  is
    estimated  using discounted cash flow  analyses based on current incremental
    borrowing rates for similar types  of borrowing arrangements. The  estimated
    fair  value  of the  City of  Parsons, Kansas  Economic Development  Loan is
    approximately $250. The estimated fair values of the Senior Promissory Notes
    and Revolving Line of Credit approximate their face values.
 
    The new Senior Promissory Notes contain certain restrictive covenants, which
    require that, among other  things, the Company  maintain a minimum  tangible
    net  worth, a minimum  current ratio, a minimum  interest coverage ratio and
    limit its debt to equity  ratio and its ability  to pay dividends on  Common
    Shares.  The new Senior  Promissory Notes contain  a prepayment premium. The
    Company was in compliance with its loan covenants as of December 31, 1995.
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>
                  DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
       (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
(5) COMMON AND REDEEMABLE PREFERRED SHARES
 
(a) REDEEMABLE PREFERRED SHARES--The Class  A Redeemable Preferred Shares had  a
    liquidation  preference of  $5,000. Dividends accrued  at a rate  of 12% and
    were payable  semiannually. The  Class B  Redeemable Preferred  Shares  were
    recorded  at  their estimated  fair  market value  ($1,700)  on the  date of
    issuance. The difference between the  fair market value and the  liquidation
    value  was  being accreted  to  retained earnings  at  an effective  rate of
    approximately 13%. During  October 1995,  the Company purchased  all of  its
    Redeemable  Preferred  Shares from  the holders  at the  $10,000 liquidation
    value. The difference between the liquidation  value and the book value  was
    charged to retained earnings.
 
(b) COMMON SHARES--The following Common Share transactions occurred during 1994:
 
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>                                                                       <C>
- -          Issuance  of 863,400 Class  B Common Shares to  former debt holder (Note
            3).....................................................................      1,714
- -          Issuance of warrants to holder of new Senior Promissory Notes to acquire
            346,600 Class A Common Shares, net of issuance costs (Note 3)..........        554
- -          Issuance of  2,000,000  Class  A  Common  Shares  to  existing  Class  A
            shareholders
            for cash...............................................................      4,000
 
The following Common Share transactions occurred during 1995:
 
- -          Redemption  of 873,400 Class  B Common Shares  for $4,394 of  cash and a
            $1,000 payable due in 1996.............................................     (5,394)
- -          Issuance of  764,500  Class  A Common  Shares  to  management,  existing
            shareholders and two individuals, net of issuance costs................      2,929
- -          Issuance  of  485,500  Class  B  Common  Shares  to  holders  of  Senior
            Promissory Notes.......................................................      1,942
</TABLE>
 
(c) STOCK OPTION  PLANS--On May 26,  1994, the Company  terminated the  existing
    stock  option plan and canceled all related outstanding options. The Company
    then approved a new stock option plan and granted options to certain members
    of management to purchase 208,250 Class A Common Shares. The option price is
    $1.96  per  share,  which  was  fair  market  value  based  on   third-party
    transactions occurring at that time. The options become exercisable upon the
    third  anniversary  of  the date  the  options were  granted.  Under certain
    conditions, including a  qualified public  offering, options  granted to  an
    optionee  will become immediately  exercisable. All options  expire 10 years
    from the date of issuance.
 
    On October 11, 1995, the Company approved a new stock option plan,  granting
    options  to certain members of management  to purchase 64,500 Class A Common
    Shares. The option  price is $4.00  per share, which  was fair market  value
    based on third-party transactions occurring at that time. The options become
    exercisable upon the third anniversary of the date the options were granted.
    Under  certain conditions,  including a  qualified public  offering, options
    granted to  an optionee  will become  immediately exercisable.  All  options
    expire 10 years from the date of issuance.
 
    In  October 1995, the  FASB issued SFAS No.  123 "Accounting for Stock-Based
    Compensation," which establishes new accounting and disclosure  requirements
    for  stock-based employee  compensation plans.  The Company  will adopt this
    standard in fiscal 1996 by continuing to follow the accounting prescribed by
    Accounting Principles Board Opinion No.  25 "Accounting for Stock Issued  to
    Employees" and presenting the required pro forma disclosures. Therefore, the
    application  of  this  standard  will  not have  a  material  impact  on the
    Company's financial position or results of operations.
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>
                  DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
       (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
(5) COMMON AND REDEEMABLE PREFERRED SHARES (CONTINUED)
    A summary of  changes in options  for Class  A Common Shares  for the  years
ended December 31, 1993, 1994, and 1995 is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    NUMBER OF     PRICE PER
                                                                     SHARES         SHARE
                                                                   -----------  --------------
<S>                                                                <C>          <C>
Outstanding at December 31, 1992.................................       1,000          $250.00
Granted..........................................................         300           250.00
Exercised........................................................          --               --
Canceled.........................................................          --               --
                                                                   -----------  --------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1993.................................       1,300           250.00
Granted..........................................................     208,250             1.96
Exercised........................................................          --               --
Canceled.........................................................      (1,300)          250.00
                                                                   -----------  --------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1994.................................     208,250             1.96
Granted..........................................................      64,500             4.00
Exercised........................................................          --               --
Canceled.........................................................          --               --
                                                                   -----------  --------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1995.................................     272,750      $1.96-$4.00
                                                                   -----------  --------------
                                                                   -----------  --------------
Exercisable at:
  December 31, 1993..............................................         350          $250.00
  December 31, 1994..............................................          --               --
  December 31, 1995..............................................          --               --
</TABLE>
 
    All  of the  options outstanding would  be exercisable upon  completion of a
qualified public offering.
 
(6) BENEFIT PLANS
    The Company has pension or  profit sharing plans covering substantially  all
of  its  employees.  The  Company does  not  provide  any  other post-employment
benefits.
 
(a) COMPANY-SPONSORED  PENSION  PLANS--The  pension plans  cover  virtually  all
    salaried  and hourly employees  not covered by  multi-employer pension plans
    and provide benefits of  stated amounts for each  year of credited  service.
    The  Company funds such  plans at a  rate that meets  or exceeds the minimum
    amounts required by applicable regulations. The plans' assets are  primarily
    invested  in mutual funds comprised primarily  of common stock and corporate
    and U.S.  government  obligations. In  determining  the amounts  below,  the
    Company  has used 7% in 1994 and 1995 for its weighted average discount rate
    and has used 8% in 1994 and 1995  for its expected rate of return on  assets
    assumptions.
 
    Effective  May 1,  1994, the Company  amended the benefit  obligation of The
    Dayton Superior Corporation Pension Plan for the Parsons union employees  so
    that  these employees do  not earn additional  benefits for future services.
    The Parsons  union employees  are now  covered by  a multi-employer  pension
    plan. Future service will be counted towards vesting of benefits accumulated
    based on past service.
 
    This   event  qualifies  as  a  curtailment   of  a  defined  benefit  plan.
    Accordingly, the unrecognized prior service cost has been recognized and  is
    included  as  a curtailment  loss of  $33.  The Company  does not  intend to
    terminate the plan.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>
                  DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
       (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
(6) BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)
    The components  of pension  expense  for these  plans  for the  years  ended
December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              1993       1994       1995
                                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                         <C>        <C>        <C>
Service cost..............................................................       $363       $426       $459
Interest on projected benefit obligation..................................        301        325        366
Actual return on plan assets..............................................       (266)       (49)    (1,047)
Net amortization and deferral.............................................         (1)      (268)       720
Curtailment loss..........................................................         --         33         --
                                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------
Total.....................................................................       $397       $467       $498
                                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The  Company-sponsored pension plans' funded status  as of December 31, 1994
and 1995 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 1994
                                                               -----------------------------------------
                                                                ASSETS EXCEED    ACCUMULATED
                                                                 ACCUMULATED      BENEFITS
                                                                  BENEFITS      EXCEED ASSETS    TOTAL
                                                               ---------------  -------------  ---------
<S>                                                            <C>              <C>            <C>
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
  Vested benefit obligation..................................     $   2,209       $   1,903    $   4,112
                                                                    -------     -------------  ---------
                                                                    -------     -------------  ---------
  Accumulated benefit obligation.............................     $   2,346       $   2,142    $   4,488
                                                                    -------     -------------  ---------
                                                                    -------     -------------  ---------
  Projected benefit obligation...............................     $   3,090       $   2,142    $   5,232
Plan assets at fair market value.............................         2,506           1,679        4,185
                                                                    -------     -------------  ---------
Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets........           584             463        1,047
Unrecognized net loss........................................          (220)           (295)        (515)
Prior service cost not yet recognized in net periodic pension
 costs.......................................................            --             (63)         (63)
Adjustment required to recognize minimum liability...........            --             358          358
                                                                    -------     -------------  ---------
Pension liability............................................           $364           $463         $827
                                                                     -------    -------------  ---------
                                                                     -------    -------------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
                  DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
       (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
(6) BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 1995
                                                               -----------------------------------------
                                                                ASSETS EXCEED    ACCUMULATED
                                                                 ACCUMULATED      BENEFITS
                                                                  BENEFITS      EXCEED ASSETS    TOTAL
                                                               ---------------  -------------  ---------
<S>                                                            <C>              <C>            <C>
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
  Vested benefit obligation..................................     $   2,576       $   2,145    $   4,721
                                                                    -------     -------------  ---------
                                                                    -------     -------------  ---------
  Accumulated benefit obligation.............................     $   2,687       $   2,244    $   4,931
                                                                    -------     -------------  ---------
                                                                    -------     -------------  ---------
  Projected benefit obligation...............................     $   3,688       $   2,244    $   5,932
Plan assets at fair market value.............................         3,211           2,050        5,261
                                                                    -------     -------------  ---------
Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets........           477             194          671
Unrecognized net loss........................................           130             (48)          82
Prior service cost not yet recognized in net periodic pension
 costs.......................................................            --             (57)         (57)
Adjustment required to recognize minimum liability...........            --             108          108
                                                                    -------     -------------  ---------
Pension liability............................................           $607           $197         $804
                                                                     -------    -------------  ---------
                                                                     -------    -------------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    As of December  31, 1994  and 1995, the  minimum liability  is reflected  as
intangible assets of $63 and $57, respectively, and a reduction of shareholders'
equity of $295 and $50, respectively.
 
(b)  MULTI-EMPLOYER PENSION PLANS--Approximately 14%  of the Company's employees
    are currently  covered  by collectively  bargained,  multi-employer  pension
    plans.  Contributions are  determined in  accordance with  the provisions of
    negotiated union contracts and  generally are based on  the number of  hours
    worked. The Company does not have the information available to determine its
    share  of the accumulated plan benefits or net assets available for benefits
    under the  multi-employer pension  plans. The  aggregate amount  charged  to
    expense under these plans was $23, $61, and $77 for the years ended December
    31, 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
(c)  401(K) SAVINGS PLAN--Virtually all employees are eligible to participate in
    Company sponsored 401(k) savings plans. Company matching contributions  vary
    from  0% to 50% (on the first 2%) according to terms of the individual plans
    and collective  bargaining  agreements.  The  aggregate  amount  charged  to
    expense  under these  plans was  $172, $218,  and $242  for the  years ended
    December 31, 1993, 1994, and 1995, respectively.
 
(7) INCOME TAXES
    The following is  a summary of  the components of  the Company's income  tax
provision (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994, and 1995:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    1993        1994        1995
                                                                                  ---------     -----     ---------
<S>                                                                               <C>        <C>          <C>
Currently payable (receivable):
  Federal.......................................................................  $     (41)  $      30        $789
  State and local...............................................................        (48)         65          21
Deferred........................................................................         --          --        (120)
                                                                                        ---         ---   ---------
Total provision (benefit).......................................................  $     (89)  $      95        $690
                                                                                        ---         ---   ---------
                                                                                        ---         ---   ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>
                  DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
       (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
(7) INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    The  effective income tax rate differs from the statutory federal income tax
rate for the years  ended December 31,  1993, 1994, and  1995 for the  following
reasons:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           1993         1994         1995
                                                                        -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                     <C>          <C>          <C>
Statutory income tax rate.............................................       34.0%        34.0%        34.0%
State income taxes (net of federal tax benefit).......................       (0.3)        (7.2)         0.3
Unrecognized benefit of losses........................................      (25.8)        (7.2)          --
Reduction in valuation allowance......................................         --         42.6        (29.5)
Nondeductible goodwill amortization...................................       (6.7)       (78.4)        10.4
Incremental Canadian income tax rate..................................        0.3           --           --
Other, net............................................................         --           --          0.5
                                                                            -----        -----        -----
Effective income tax rate.............................................        1.5%       (16.2)%       15.7%
                                                                            -----        -----        -----
                                                                            -----        -----        -----
</TABLE>
 
    The  components of the Company's future income tax benefits and deferred tax
liabilities as of December 31, 1994 and 1995 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      1994       1995
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                 <C>        <C>
Current deferred taxes:
  Net operating loss carryforwards................................................     $1,860        $--
  Inventory reserves..............................................................       (847)      (868)
  Allowance for doubtful accounts.................................................        285        267
  Alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards....................................         95        563
  Accrued liabilities.............................................................      1,063      1,465
  Other...........................................................................          4        (34)
  Valuation allowance.............................................................     (1,297)        --
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
    Total.........................................................................      1,163      1,393
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
Long-term deferred taxes:
  Accelerated depreciation........................................................     (1,323)    (3,509)
  Other long-term liabilities.....................................................        306        865
  Other...........................................................................       (146)      (137)
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
    Total.........................................................................     (1,163)    (2,781)
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
    Net deferred taxes............................................................        $--  $  (1,388)
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    As of December 31, 1994, the  Company had recorded a valuation allowance  on
the  net deferred tax asset  as realization of this  asset was uncertain. During
1995, the Company eliminated its valuation  allowance due to the utilization  of
its net operating loss carryforwards.
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>
                  DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
       (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
(8) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
(a)   OPERATING  LEASES--Rental  expense  for   property,  plant  and  equipment
    (principally office and warehouse facilities and office equipment) was $990,
    $1,163 and $1,288  for the years  ended December 31,  1993, 1994, and  1995,
    respectively.  Terms generally range from one  to ten years and some contain
    renewal options. The approximate aggregate minimum annual rental commitments
    under non-cancelable operating leases are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDING
DECEMBER 31,                                                                           AMOUNT
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------
<S>                                                                                   <C>
1996................................................................................  $   1,510
1997................................................................................      1,308
1998................................................................................        947
1999................................................................................        653
2000................................................................................        270
                                                                                      ---------
                                                                                      $   4,688
                                                                                      ---------
                                                                                      ---------
</TABLE>
 
(b) LITIGATION--The Company is a defendant in various legal proceedings  arising
    out  of the  conduct of  its business. While  the ultimate  outcome of these
    lawsuits cannot be  determined at this  time, management is  of the  opinion
    that  any liability,  notwithstanding recoveries  from insurance,  would not
    have a  material  adverse effect  on  the Company's  consolidated  financial
    position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
(c)  SELF-INSURANCE--The  Company  is  self-insured  for  certain  of  its group
    medical, workers' compensation and product and general liability claims. The
    Company has stop loss insurance coverage  at various per occurrence and  per
    annum  levels depending  on type of  claim. The Company  consults with third
    party administrators to estimate the reserves required for these claims.  No
    material  revisions were made to the  estimates for the years ended December
    31,  1993,  1994  and  1995.The  estimated  range  of  losses  for  possible
    self-insurance  losses as of December 31, 1995  is $1,000 to $2,500, and the
    Company has reserved $2,021.
 
(9) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
    During 1995,  the Company  paid  Ripplewood a  management  fee of  $30.  The
Company  will  pay Ripplewood  a  fee of  $600 at  the  time the  initial public
offering is completed for  additional services provided  in connection with  the
offering  and related  transactions. See  Note 10(b).  In addition,  the Company
reimburses Ripplewood  for the  allocable costs  of certain  insurance  policies
purchased   by  Ripplewood  which   cover  both  the   Company  and  Ripplewood.
Approximately $175 of such  costs were allocated to  the Company for the  period
October 13, 1995 through October 13, 1996.
 
    The Company paid a director/shareholder a management fee of $156 in 1993 and
$25 in each of 1994 and 1995.
 
    The  Company paid Onex a management fee of $94, $225, and $195 in 1993, 1994
and 1995, respectively. In  addition, in October 1995,  the Company paid Onex  a
fee  of $400 for financial advisory  services in connection with the acquisition
of Dur-O-Wal, Inc. and related financing transactions.
 
(10) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
   
(a) STOCK SPLIT--On June 18, 1996, the Company authorized a 50-for-1 stock split
    for Class A and B Common Shares. All references in the financial  statements
    to number of shares or share prices have been restated to reflect the split.
    Immediately   prior  to   the  consummation   of  the   Offering,  1,486,550
    
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>
                  DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
       (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
(10) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (CONTINUED)
    Class A Common Shares  held by Ripplewood  as of December  31, 1995 and  the
    36,000 Class A Common Shares acquired by Ripplewood on April 4, 1996 will be
    converted  to 1,522,550 Class B Common Shares. Class B Common Shares have 10
    votes per share.
 
(b) PUBLIC OFFERING OF  COMPANY SHARES--On March 29,  1996, the Company filed  a
    Registration Statement with respect to Class A Common Shares with a proposed
    maximum  aggregate offering price  of $63,825,000. Reference  is made to the
    "Risk Factors" section of the Registration Statement for further discussion.
 
   
    The proceeds from the sale of the Company's shares will be used to repay the
    Unsecured Senior Promissory  Notes described in  Note 4, totalling  $40,000,
    plus  accrued interest thereon and a prepayment premium of $2,400 negotiated
    by the Company. If the offering had occurred on January 1, 1995, net  income
    for  the year ended December  31, 1995, would have  been $5,290 and earnings
    per share would have been $0.30.
    
 
    All stock options described in Note 5  and the warrants described in Note  3
    become immediately exercisable upon the closing of the offering. There is no
    effect  on the accounting treatment  of the stock options  and warrants as a
    result of the accelerated exercisability because there has been no change to
    the provisions of the stock options  and warrants. There has been no  change
    to   the  number  of  shares  or   price  per  share,  and  the  accelerated
    exercisability feature existed on the date of grant.
 
(c) ACQUISITION--On April 29, 1996, the  Company acquired certain of the  assets
    and  assumed certain of the liabilities  of a privately held concrete paving
    products manufacturer based  in Kankakee,  Illinois for  cash. The  purchase
    price,  including acquisition costs, is estimated to be approximately $5,000
    and is subject to post-closing adjustments.
 
   
(d) AMENDMENT TO CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS--On June 17, 1996, the Company entered into
    an Amended Credit Facility (as so amended, the Amended Credit Facility) with
    Bank One,  Dayton,  NA  and  Bank of  America  Illinois  (collectively,  the
    "Banks")  conditional  upon  consummation of  the  offering and  will  pay a
    commitment fee of  $170 to the  Banks in connection  therewith. The  Amended
    Credit Facility will provide for (i) a Term Loan and (ii) a Revolving Credit
    Facility.  Amounts  available under  the Revolving  Credit Facility  will be
    equal to the lesser of  (i) $37,000 or (ii) the  sum of (x) 85% of  eligible
    accounts receivable, (y) 60% of eligible inventories and (z) an amount up to
    $12,000 upon closing of the offering, decreasing in steps to zero on October
    1,  1997. At March  29, 1996, if  the Revolving Credit  Facility had been in
    place, $29,700 would  have been  available thereunder, of  which $17,070  of
    borrowings  would have been outstanding.  The Revolving Credit Facility will
    terminate in  four years,  with  interest options  based  on (a)  Bank  One,
    Dayton,  NA's prime rate or (b) LIBOR plus an amount between 1.00% and 2.75%
    (LIBOR plus 1.75% immediately following the offering) depending on the level
    of certain financial ratios.  A commitment fee of  between 0.125% and  0.50%
    per  annum will  be payable  on the average  unused amount  depending on the
    level of certain financial ratios (0.25% per annum immediately following the
    offering). The principal amount of the Term Loan initially will be  $13,000,
    but,  upon completion of  appraisals of the Company's  fixed assets, will be
    the lesser of $13,000 or 70% of  the appraised value of the Company's  fixed
    assets.  An appraisal  is currently  being conducted  and will  be completed
    within 60 days of the consummation  of the offering. If the appraised  value
    of the Company's fixed assets is equal to the depreciated book value of such
    assets  at March 29, 1996, the amount of  the Term Loan will be $12,185. The
    Term Loan will  be due in  full four years  from its date  of issuance  with
    mandatory quarterly principal payments of $813 (subject to adjustment if the
    amount  of the  Term Loan is  reduced as a  result of the  appraisals of the
    Company's fixed assets) plus interest. The Term Loan will permit the Company
    to choose from various interest rate options.
    
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>
                  DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                            CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                     AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND MARCH 29, 1996
                                       ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                           1995
                                                                                      --------------
                                                                                                       MARCH 29,
                                                                                                          1996
                                                                                                      ------------
                                                                                                      (UNAUDITED)
                                                                                         (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS,
                                                                                         EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                                                                   <C>             <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash..............................................................................           $643          $103
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance for
   doubtful accounts of $708 and $720...............................................         11,724        13,221
  Inventories (Note 2)..............................................................         12,392        14,664
  Rental equipment, net.............................................................          1,235         1,541
  Prepaid expenses..................................................................            474           751
  Prepaid income taxes..............................................................            436           427
  Future income tax benefits........................................................          1,393         1,393
                                                                                      --------------  ------------
    Total current assets............................................................         28,297        32,100
                                                                                      --------------  ------------
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Note 3):                                                      27,560        28,205
  Less accumulated depreciation.....................................................        (10,000 )     (10,798 )
                                                                                      --------------  ------------
      Net property, plant and equipment.............................................         17,560        17,407
                                                                                      --------------  ------------
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS,
 net of accumulated amortization....................................................         57,734        57,276
OTHER ASSETS........................................................................            269           269
                                                                                      --------------  ------------
    Total assets....................................................................  $     103,860   $   107,052
                                                                                      --------------  ------------
                                                                                      --------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
                      LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                          <C>           <C>
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Current portion of long-term debt........................................          $32          $32
  Accounts payable.........................................................        8,043        9,796
  Accrued liabilities......................................................        7,876        6,096
  Accrued interest.........................................................        2,063        1,845
                                                                             ------------  -----------
    Total current liabilities..............................................       18,014       17,769
LONG-TERM DEBT ............................................................       52,980       56,777
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES......................................................        2,781        2,729
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES................................................        2,600        2,693
                                                                             ------------  -----------
    Total liabilities......................................................       76,375       79,968
                                                                             ------------  -----------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
  Class A Common Shares....................................................       17,483       17,483
  Class B Common Shares....................................................        1,942        1,942
  Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment.......................         (139 )       (139 )
  Excess pension liability.................................................          (50 )        (50 )
  Retained earnings........................................................        8,330        7,929
  Treasury shares, Class A Common, at cost.................................          (81 )        (81 )
                                                                             ------------  -----------
    Total shareholders' equity.............................................       27,485       27,084
                                                                             ------------  -----------
      Total liabilities and shareholders' equity...........................  $   103,860   $  107,052
                                                                             ------------  -----------
                                                                             ------------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
          The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
           are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>
                  DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
      FOR THE THREE FISCAL MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1995 AND MARCH 29, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         MARCH 31,     MARCH 29,
                                                                                            1995          1996
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                                                                        (UNAUDITED)   (UNAUDITED)
                                                                                          (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS,
                                                                                           EXCEPT SHARE AND PER
                                                                                              SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                                                                     <C>           <C>
NET SALES.............................................................................      $17,977       $23,615
COST OF SALES.........................................................................       12,555        16,146
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
  Gross profit........................................................................        5,422         7,469
 
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES..........................................        4,664         6,035
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
  Income from operations..............................................................          758         1,434
 
OTHER EXPENSES:
  Interest expense, net...............................................................          909         1,585
  Other, net..........................................................................           --             8
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
  Income (loss) before income taxes...................................................         (151 )        (159 )
 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES............................................................           --           242
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
  Net loss............................................................................         (151 )        (401 )
 
Dividends on Redeemable Preferred Shares..............................................         (150 )          --
Accretion on Redeemable Preferred Shares..............................................          (62 )          --
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
Net loss available to common shareholders.............................................        $(363 )       $(401 )
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
Net loss per share....................................................................       $(0.12 )      $(0.12 )
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding......................    2,956,789     3,333,389
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
          The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
             are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>
                  DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
      FOR THE THREE FISCAL MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1995 AND MARCH 29, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            1995          1996
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                                                                        (UNAUDITED)   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                                     <C>           <C>
                                                                                            (AMOUNTS)IN THOUSANDS
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net loss............................................................................   $     (151)   $     (401)
  Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
    Depreciation......................................................................          579           908
    Amortization of goodwill and intangibles..........................................          349           406
    Deferred income taxes.............................................................           --           (52)
    Amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs........................           73            70
    Loss (gain) on sales of assets....................................................           (2)           (2)
Change in assets and liabilities:
    Accounts receivable...............................................................       (1,428)       (1,497)
    Inventories.......................................................................       (2,578)       (2,666)
    Prepaid income taxes..............................................................         (217)            9
    Accounts payable..................................................................        1,269         1,753
    Accrued liabilities...............................................................           60        (1,998)
    Other, net........................................................................          (87)         (182)
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
      Net cash used in operating activities...........................................       (2,133)       (3,652)
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Property, plant and equipment additions.............................................         (505)         (667)
  Proceeds from sales of assets.......................................................            2             2
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
      Net cash used in investing activities...........................................         (503)         (665)
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Issuance of long-term debt, net.....................................................        2,170         3,777
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
      Net cash provided by financing activities.......................................        2,170         3,777
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH...............................................            2            --
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
      Net increase (decrease) in cash.................................................         (464)         (540)
CASH, beginning of period.............................................................          464           643
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
CASH, end of period...................................................................   $       --    $      103
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES:
  Cash paid for income taxes..........................................................   $      216    $      248
  Cash paid for interest..............................................................           22         1,783
SUPPLEMENTAL NONCASH DISCLOSURES:
  Accretion of preferred stock........................................................           62            --
  Accrual of preferred stock dividends................................................          150            --
</TABLE>
 
          The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
             are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>
                  DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                      DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND MARCH 29, 1996
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
(1) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
    The interim  consolidated financial  statements  included herein  have  been
prepared  by  the  Company,  without  audit,  and  include,  in  the  opinion of
management, all adjustments necessary to state fairly the information set  forth
therein.  Any  such  adjustments  were of  a  normal  recurring  nature. Certain
information and footnote disclosures  normally included in financial  statements
prepared  in accordance with generally  accepted accounting principles have been
omitted, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make
the information presented not misleading.  It is suggested that these  unaudited
consolidated  financial statements be read  in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements  and the  notes thereto  included in  the Company's  annual
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1995.
 
(2) ACCOUNTING POLICIES
    The   interim  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in
accordance with the accounting policies described in the notes to the  Company's
consolidated  financial statements for  the year ended  December 31, 1995. While
management believes that the procedures  followed in the preparation of  interim
financial  information are reasonable, the accuracy of some estimated amounts is
dependent upon facts that will exist  or calculations that will be  accomplished
at  year end.  Examples of  such estimates include  changes in  the LIFO reserve
(based upon the  Company's best estimate  of inflation to  date) and  management
bonuses.  Any adjustments pursuant  to such estimates  during the fiscal quarter
were of a normal recurring nature.
 
    (a) FISCAL QUARTER--The Company's fiscal quarters are defined as the periods
       ending on the last Friday in March, June or September.
 
    (b) INVENTORIES--Substantially all finished  products and raw materials  are
       stated  at the lower of  last in, first out  (LIFO) cost or market (which
       approximates current cost). Following is  a summary of the components  of
       inventories as of March 29, 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     DECEMBER 31,    MARCH 29,
                                                                         1995          1996
                                                                    --------------  -----------
<S>                                                                 <C>             <C>
Raw materials.....................................................    $    2,562     $   2,996
Finished goods....................................................         9,830        11,668
                                                                    --------------  -----------
                                                                          12,392        14,664
LIFO reserve......................................................        --            --
                                                                    --------------  -----------
                                                                      $   12,392     $  14,664
                                                                    --------------  -----------
                                                                    --------------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    (c)  GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS--In March 1995, the Financial Accounting
       Standards Board issued Statement No. 121, "Accounting for the  Impairment
       of  Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of" ("SFAS
       121"). SFAS 121 establishes standards on accounting for the impairment of
       long-lived assets, goodwill,  intangibles and assets  to be disposed  of.
       The  Company adopted SFAS 121 on January  1, 1996. There was no effect on
       the consolidated financial statements as a result of the adoption of SFAS
       121.
 
(3) REVOLVING LINES OF CREDIT
    Borrowings outstanding bear interest at between 8.00% and 8.59% as  selected
by  the Company. A commitment  fee of 0.25% per annum  is payable on the average
unused amount.
 
    Average borrowings under the agreements  were $14,959 and $1,127 during  the
three fiscal months ended March 29, 1996 and March 31, 1995, respectively, at an
approximate  weighted average interest rate of 8.8% and 13.3%, respectively. The
maximum borrowings outstanding during  the three fiscal  months ended March  29,
1996 and March 31, 1995, was $17,240 and $2,590, respectively.
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
To the Board of Directors
and Stockholders of
Dur-O-Wal, Inc.
 
    We  have audited the accompanying  consolidated statements of operations and
cash flows of  DUR-O-WAL, INC. AND  SUBSIDIARY for the  year ended December  31,
1994.  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 audit.
 
    We  conducted  our  audit  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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In  our  opinion, the  consolidated financial  statements referred  to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated results of operations
and cash flows of Dur-O-Wal, Inc. and subsidiary for the year ended December 31,
1994 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
    As discussed in Note 1(c) to  the financial statements, the Company  changed
its method of accounting for certain inventories in 1994.
 
ALTSCHULER, MELVOIN AND GLASSER LLP
 
Chicago, Illinois
April 21, 1995
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
Board of Directors
DUR-O-WAL, Inc.
 
    We  have audited the accompanying  consolidated statements of operations and
cash flows of Dur-O-Wal,  Inc. and Subsidiary for  the years ended December  31,
1992 and 1993. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of
the  Company's management. Our responsibility is  to express an opinion on these
consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
 
    We conducted  our  audits in  accordance  with generally  accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence  supporting
the  amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the  accounting  principles used  and  significant estimates  made  by
management,  as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In our opinion, the financial  statements referred to above present  fairly,
in  all material respects, the consolidated results of operations and cash flows
of Dur-O-Wal, Inc. and Subsidiary for the years ended December 31, 1992 and 1993
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
Chicago, Illinois
April 20, 1994
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>
                         DUR-O-WAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1992, 1993 AND 1994
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   1992       1993       1994
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                     (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<S>                                                                              <C>        <C>        <C>
Net sales......................................................................  $  21,469  $  22,149  $  25,512
Cost of goods sold.............................................................     14,812     15,385     16,934
Depreciation and amortization..................................................        832        413        287
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------
Gross profit...................................................................      5,825      6,351      8,291
Selling, general and administrative expenses...................................      4,280      4,343      5,208
Depreciation and amortization..................................................        792        290        300
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------
Income from operations.........................................................        753      1,718      2,783
Other expenses:
  Interest.....................................................................        838        726        456
  Miscellaneous, net...........................................................        136        297        157
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------
Income (loss) before income tax provision......................................       (221)       695      2,170
Income tax provision...........................................................         55         64        855
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------
Net income (loss)..............................................................  $    (276) $     631  $   1,315
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>
                         DUR-O-WAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1992, 1993 AND 1994
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    1992       1993       1994
                                                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                      (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                               <C>        <C>        <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income (loss).............................................................      $(276)      $631     $1,315
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating
   activities:
    Depreciation of property, plant and equipment...............................        874        443        317
    Amortization of goodwill and other assets...................................        750        260        271
    Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes...............................        (11)        --        243
    Provision for doubtful accounts receivable..................................         60         26         50
    Provision for loss on inventories...........................................         --        125         (9)
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
      (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable................................         58       (396)      (633)
      (Increase) decrease in inventories........................................       (137)       749       (792)
      (Increase) decrease in other current assets...............................         63        (22)        87
      Increase in other assets..................................................         --         --       (130)
      Increase (decrease) in accounts payable...................................        312        (79)       950
      Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses...................................       (288)       128        315
      Decrease in other liabilities.............................................         --         --        (76)
                                                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Net cash provided by operating activities.....................................      1,405      1,865      1,908
                                                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Capital expenditures..........................................................       (251)      (161)      (173)
                                                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Borrowings under loan agreements..............................................      5,594      7,668         --
  Repayments under loan agreements..............................................     (6,080)        --     (4,000)
  Repayment of working capital revolver.........................................         --     (8,980)      (583)
  Refinancing proceeds from new term loan.......................................         --         --      4,500
  Refinancing proceeds from new working capital revolver........................         --         --         83
  Payments under new term loan..................................................         --         --     (1,367)
  Borrowings under new working capital revolver.................................         --         --      9,524
  Payments under new working capital revolver...................................         --         --     (9,608)
  Payments under debt issued in conjunction with acquisition....................       (427)      (428)      (468)
  Common stock purchase.........................................................         --        (15)        --
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock........................................         --         --          5
  Increase (decrease) in checks issued in excess of funds on deposit............       (273)        38        170
                                                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Net cash used in financing activities.........................................     (1,186)    (1,717)    (1,744)
                                                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net effects of exchange rate changes on cash....................................         44         18         (6)
                                                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------
Net increase (decrease) in cash.................................................         12          5        (15)
Cash, beginning of year.........................................................         10         22         27
                                                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------
Cash, end of year...............................................................        $22        $27        $12
                                                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------
  Supplemental disclosures of cash flows information:
    Cash paid during the year for:
      Interest..................................................................       $846       $739       $505
      Income taxes..............................................................         78        100        468
</TABLE>
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>
                         DUR-O-WAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        DECEMBER 31, 1992, 1993 AND 1994
                             (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
 
(1) NATURE OF ACTIVITIES AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
    (a)  NATURE OF ACTIVITIES--Dur-O-Wal, Inc.  and its wholly-owned subsidiary,
       Dur-O-Wal Limited (together referred to as "the Company"), are engaged in
       the manufacture of masonry wall reinforcement products, sold  principally
       to  masonry  block  manufacturers and  wholesalers  of  masonry materials
       throughout the United  States and Canada.  Operations are conducted  from
       company  owned premises in  Aurora, Illinois and  Baltimore, Maryland and
       leased facilities in Ontario, Canada and other various leased  facilities
       throughout  the United States. The Company grants uncollateralized credit
       to approximately 1,500 customers, none of which accounts for more than 4%
       of net sales.
 
    (b)  PRINCIPLES  OF  CONSOLIDATION--The  consolidated  financial  statements
       include  the accounts of Dur-O-Wal, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary.
       All  significant  intercompany  accounts   and  transactions  have   been
       eliminated.
 
    (c)  COST OF GOODS SOLD--Cost of goods sold in the United States is recorded
       on the last-in, first-out (LIFO)  method. Effective January 1, 1994,  the
       Company  changed its  method of  accounting for  purchased finished goods
       from the  first-in,  first-out (FIFO)  method  to the  LIFO  method.  The
       Company  believes that the use of  the LIFO method better matches current
       costs with  current revenues.  There was  no cumulative  effect for  this
       accounting change. The effect of this change decreased 1994 net income by
       approximately  $61. Foreign  cost of goods  sold is recorded  on the FIFO
       method.
 
    (d)  DEPRECIATION  AND  AMORTIZATION--Property,  plant  and  equipment   are
       depreciated  or  amortized over  their estimated  useful lives  using the
       straight-line method. Upon  asset retirement or  other disposition,  cost
       and  related accumulated depreciation are  removed from the accounts, and
       any  gain  or  loss  is  included  in  the  consolidated  statements   of
       operations.   Significant  renewals  and   betterments  are  capitalized.
       Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations.
 
    (e) AMORTIZATION  OF  GOODWILL  AND OTHER  ASSETS--Goodwill  represents  the
       excess  of  purchase price  paid  over the  fair  market value  of assets
       acquired and is  amortized on  a straight-line basis  over twenty  years.
       Other  assets,  which  consist  primarily of  capitalized  loan  fees and
       noncompete agreements, are  stated at their  fair values at  the date  of
       acquisition  and are amortized on a  straight-line basis over the term of
       the related loans and agreements of five and six years.
 
    (f)   INCOME  TAX  PROVISION--Income  tax expense  is  the  total  of  taxes
       currently  payable for  the period  and the  change during  the period in
       deferred tax  assets  and liabilities.  The  Company uses  the  liability
       method  of accounting for  income taxes, under  which deferred tax assets
       and liabilities  are  recorded  based  on  the  differences  between  the
       financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using the tax
       rates  in effect when such differences are expected to reverse. Valuation
       allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets
       to the amount expected to be realized.
 
    (g) FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION--The financial statements of the  Company's
       operations  located outside the United  States are translated into United
       States  dollars  in  accordance  with  SFAS  No.  52,  "Foreign  Currency
       Translation."  Profit  and loss  accounts are  translated at  the average
       monthly exchange rate prevailing during the year.
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>
                         DUR-O-WAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        DECEMBER 31, 1992, 1993 AND 1994
                             (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
 
(2) TERM AND WORKING CAPITAL REVOLVING DEBT
    On January  14, 1994,  the  Company refinanced  its  term loan  and  working
capital revolver with another lender. The proceeds of the refinancing were used,
in  part, to pay certain  obligations under noncompete/consulting agreements and
to retire outstanding bank debt. The  agreement provides revolving credit of  up
to  $3,000 (limited to the lesser of $3,000 or the borrowing base, computed as a
percentage of eligible  inventory and accounts  receivable) and a  term loan  of
$4,500.  While the agreement  matures January 14, 1997,  the Company can request
and the lender  can grant additional  one-year extensions (the  effect of  which
extension  would be  to continue the  agreement for an  additional three years),
commencing April 30, 1995, 1996 and 1997. Interest on the term loan and revolver
is payable monthly and through December 31, 1994 is computed at 1.50% and  1.25%
above  the lender's current  corporate prime rate,  respectively (prime rate was
8.50% at December 31, 1994).  For the period January  1, 1995 through March  31,
1995, interest on the term loan and revolver was 1.25% and 1% above the lender's
current corporate prime rate. Effective April 1, 1995, the agreement was amended
to  adjust interest on the term  loan and the revolver to  1% and 0.5% above the
lender's current corporate prime rate.  The agreement includes covenants  which,
among  other things,  require the Company  to maintain  various financial ratios
concerning collateral obligations,  net worth, and  debt service.  Additionally,
the  agreement requires the Company to  meet or exceed specific pre-tax earnings
thresholds and limits the Company's total amount of annual capital expenditures.
Under the agreement, the  Company is also  prohibited from incurring  additional
borrowings.  The term loan and the  revolver borrowings under the Secured Credit
Agreement (the agreement) are collateralized by substantially all the assets  of
the Company.
 
    Interest  expense on the above  borrowings totaled approximately $697, $594,
and $435 for the years ended December 31, 1992, 1993 and 1994, respectively.
 
(3) INCOME TAXES
 
    The Company adopted SFAS No.  109, "Accounting for Income Taxes,"  effective
January 1, 1993. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on
the  Company's  financial statements.  As permitted  under  SFAS No.  109, prior
years' financial statements were not restated.
 
    The income tax provision  (benefit) for the years  ended December 31,  1992,
1993 and 1994 consisted of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                1992         1993        1994
                                                                                                -----        -----     ---------
<S>                                                                                          <C>          <C>          <C>
Current:
  Federal..................................................................................   $      --    $      --   $     476
  State....................................................................................          --           --         109
  Foreign..................................................................................          66           64          27
                                                                                                    ---          ---   ---------
                                                                                                     66           64         612
Deferred...................................................................................         (11)          --         243
                                                                                                    ---          ---   ---------
                                                                                                    $55          $64        $855
                                                                                                    ---          ---   ---------
                                                                                                    ---          ---   ---------
</TABLE>
 
    For  1994, the difference between the statutory  federal tax rate of 34% and
the effective tax rate of 39.4%,  related primarily to state and foreign  income
taxes.  For 1993, the difference  between the statutory federal  tax rate of 34%
and the effective tax rate of 9.3%  related primarily to the utilization of  net
operating  loss carryforwards.  For 1992,  the difference  between the statutory
federal rate of 34% and the effective  tax rate of (24.9%) related primarily  to
there being no benefit from the net operating losses and taxes payable on income
of the foreign subsidiary.
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>
                         DUR-O-WAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        DECEMBER 31, 1992, 1993 AND 1994
                             (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
 
(3) INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    The valuation allowance decreased by $251 during the year ended December 31,
1994.
 
(4) COMPENSATION AGREEMENTS
 
    The Company's deferred compensation agreement with its President permits the
President  to  defer a  portion of  his salary  for payment  in the  future plus
accrued interest. Expense under  this plan was  $5 for each  of the years  ended
December  31, 1992, 1993 and 1994. The Company's deferred compensation agreement
with its subsidiary's General Manager resulted  in the grant of "phantom  stock"
shares  whereby the value of the shares  was modified each year for a guaranteed
yearly increase  as specified  by the  agreement, plus  an increase  if  certain
performance goals were achieved for the year. This plan was discontinued in 1993
with  payments of  the deferred  balance to be  paid beginning  in 1995. Expense
under this plan was $10 and $71 for the years ended December 31, 1992 and  1993,
respectively.
 
    The  Company's  supplemental compensation  agreement  with its  President is
funded with  life insurance  and provides  compensation benefits  upon death  or
retirement to the extent of the cash value of such insurance policy. The Company
has  agreed to fund  the premiums under  the policy and  charges the premiums to
expense when  paid. The  Company has  funded four  annual premium  payments  and
borrowed  against the cash value  of the policy to  fund five annual premiums to
date. During  1994,  $29 was  charged  to expense  relating  to the  payment  of
interest on policy loans.
 
    The  Company's  Subscription Stock  Purchase  and Stock  Appreciation Rights
Agreements with certain executives provides for the annual purchase of a defined
number of common shares at  an amount determined by  a formula. In addition,  in
lieu  of exercising their stock options, participants may elect to receive stock
appreciation rights  ("SAR's") on  a  share-for-share basis.  Upon sale  of  the
Company, holders of the SAR's will receive, on a per share basis, the difference
between  their cost per share and the sale  price per share. The SAR's expire on
the earlier of the sale of  the Company, termination of employment, or  December
31,  1998.  At December  31, 1994,  422.2  SAR's were  outstanding at  per share
amounts ranging from $389 to $463. No accruals have been provided for the  SAR's
as management believes there has been no increase in value.
 
5)  OPERATING LEASES
 
    The  Company conducts a portion of its operations in leased facilities under
noncancellable operating  leases  expiring at  various  dates through  1999.  In
addition,  the  Company leases  certain  equipment, principally  automobiles and
trucks, which are  used in  its operations.  Most leases  contain options  which
allow  the Company  to renew  the leases  at the  fair market  rental value. The
Company also leases certain office equipment under short-term agreements.
 
    Rental expense under all  operating leases was $434,  $450 and $462 for  the
years ended December 31, 1992, 1993 and 1994, respectively.
 
6)  SUBSEQUENT EVENT -- UNAUDITED
 
    On  October 16, 1995, the shareholders of  the Company sold the stock of the
Company to Dayton Superior Corporation for $21,875 in cash.
 
                                      F-30
<PAGE>
                         DUR-O-WAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
          FOR THE PERIODS JANUARY 1 THROUGH OCTOBER 15, 1994 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         1994          1995
                                                                                     ------------  ------------
                                                                                            (UNAUDITED)
                                                                                       (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                  <C>           <C>
Net sales..........................................................................   $   18,998    $   20,893
Cost of goods sold.................................................................       13,717        15,080
Depreciation and amortization......................................................          222           238
                                                                                     ------------  ------------
  Gross profit.....................................................................        5,059         5,575
Selling, general and administrative expenses.......................................        2,788         3,348
Depreciation and amortization......................................................          201           203
                                                                                     ------------  ------------
  Income from operations...........................................................        2,070         2,024
Other expenses:
  Interest.........................................................................          366           449
  Miscellaneous, net...............................................................          125            24
                                                                                     ------------  ------------
  Income before income tax provision...............................................        1,579         1,551
Income tax provision...............................................................          556           674
                                                                                     ------------  ------------
  Net income.......................................................................   $    1,023    $      877
                                                                                     ------------  ------------
                                                                                     ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                      F-31
<PAGE>
                         DUR-O-WAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
          FOR THE PERIODS JANUARY 1 THROUGH OCTOBER 15, 1994 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         1994          1995
                                                                                     ------------  -------------
                                                                                             (UNAUDITED)
                                                                                       (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                  <C>           <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income.......................................................................   $    1,023     $     877
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
    Depreciation of property, plant and equipment..................................          251           260
    Amortization of goodwill.......................................................          172           181
    Amortization of deferred financing costs.......................................           31            83
    Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes..................................            4           (35)
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
    Accounts receivable............................................................         (778)          (20)
    Inventories....................................................................          (60)          474
    Prepaid income taxes...........................................................           --          (137)
    Accounts payable and checks issued in excess of funds on deposit...............          329          (750)
    Accrued expenses...............................................................          108          (410)
    Other long-term liabilities....................................................          (93)          348
    Other, net.....................................................................           84            23
                                                                                     ------------       ------
      Net cash provided by operating activities....................................        1,071           894
                                                                                     ------------       ------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Capital expenditures.............................................................          (68)         (436)
                                                                                     ------------       ------
      Net cash used in investing activities........................................          (68)         (436)
                                                                                     ------------       ------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Repayments under loan agreement..................................................         (655)         (527)
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock...........................................            5            65
                                                                                     ------------       ------
      Net cash used in financing activities........................................         (650)         (462)
                                                                                     ------------       ------
NET EFFECTS OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH.......................................           11             5
                                                                                     ------------       ------
      Net increase in cash.........................................................          364             1
CASH, beginning of period..........................................................           27            12
                                                                                     ------------       ------
CASH, end of period................................................................   $      391     $      13
                                                                                     ------------       ------
                                                                                     ------------       ------
Supplemental disclosures of cash flows information:
  Cash paid during the period for:
    Interest.......................................................................   $      335     $     324
    Income taxes...................................................................          299         1,016
</TABLE>
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                      F-32
<PAGE>
                         DUR-O-WAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS
                           OCTOBER 15, 1994 AND 1995
 
(1) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
    The interim  consolidated financial  statements  included herein  have  been
prepared  by  the  Company,  without  audit,  and  include,  in  the  opinion of
management, all adjustments necessary to state fairly the information set  forth
therein.  Any  such  adjustments  were of  a  normal  recurring  nature. Certain
information and footnote disclosures  normally included in financial  statements
prepared  in accordance with generally  accepted accounting principles have been
omitted, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make
the information presented not misleading.  It is suggested that these  unaudited
consolidated  financial statements be read  in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements and  the notes  thereto included in  the Company's  audited
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1994.
 
(2) ACCOUNTING POLICIES
    The   interim  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in
accordance with the accounting policies described in the notes to the  Company's
consolidated   financial  statements  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  1994
consolidated financial statements. While management believes that the procedures
followed in the preparation of interim financial information are reasonable, the
accuracy of some estimated  amounts is dependent upon  facts that will exist  or
calculations  that will  be accomplished  at fiscal  year end.  Examples of such
estimates include changes  in the LIFO  reserve (based upon  the Company's  best
estimate  of inflation to date) and management bonuses. Any adjustments pursuant
to such estimates during the quarter were of a normal recurring nature.
 
                                      F-33
<PAGE>
NO  DEALER, SALESPERSON  OR ANY  OTHER PERSON  HAS BEEN  AUTHORIZED TO  GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE  ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN  THOSE CONTAINED IN  THIS
PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR
MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED  BY THE COMPANY, ANY SELLING  SHAREHOLDER OR ANY UNDERWRITER. NEITHER
THE DELIVERY OF  THIS PROSPECTUS NOR  ANY SALE MADE  HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER  ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES,  CREATE  ANY IMPLICATION  THAT THERE  HAS BEEN  NO CHANGE  IN THE
AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATES AS OF WHICH INFORMATION IS GIVEN IN  THIS
PROSPECTUS.  THIS PROSPECTUS  DOES NOT  CONSTITUTE AN  OFFER OR  SOLICITATION BY
ANYONE IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT AUTHORIZED
OR IN WHICH THE PERSON MAKING SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT QUALIFIED TO  DO
SO OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION.
 
                            ------------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    PAGE
                                                    -----
<S>                                              <C>
Prospectus Summary.............................           3
Risk Factors...................................          10
Use of Proceeds................................          14
Dividend Policy................................          14
Capitalization.................................          15
Dilution.......................................          16
Selected Financial Data........................          17
Pro Forma Combined Financial Information.......          19
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
 Financial Condition and Results of
 Operations....................................          21
Business.......................................          29
Management.....................................          42
Certain Relationships and Related Party
 Transactions..................................          48
Principal and Selling Shareholders.............          50
Description of Capital Shares..................          53
Shares Eligible for Future Sale................          56
Description of Certain Indebtedness............          57
Underwriting...................................          58
Legal Matters..................................          59
Experts........................................          60
Available Information..........................          60
Index to Financial Statements..................         F-1
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
 
    UNTIL             ,  1996 (25 DAYS  AFTER THE DATE  OF THIS PROSPECTUS), ALL
DEALERS EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS  IN THE  CLASS A  COMMON SHARES,  WHETHER OR  NOT
PARTICIPATING  IN THIS  DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE  REQUIRED TO  DELIVER A PROSPECTUS.
THIS IS IN ADDITION TO  THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS  TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS  WHEN
ACTING   AS  UNDERWRITERS  AND  WITH  RESPECT  TO  THEIR  UNSOLD  ALLOTMENTS  OR
SUBSCRIPTIONS.
 
3,700,000 SHARES
 
DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION
 
CLASS A COMMON SHARES
(WITHOUT PAR VALUE)
 
tuvw
 
SALOMON BROTHERS INC
LAZARD FRERES & CO. LLC
ROBERT W. BAIRD & CO.
       INCORPORATED
BT SECURITIES CORPORATION
 
PROSPECTUS
DATED           , 1996
<PAGE>
                                    PART II
                   INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 13.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
    The  following  is  an  itemized  statement of  the  expenses  (all  but the
Securities and Exchange Commission registration  fees, the NASD filing fee,  The
New  York  Stock  Exchange  listing  fee and  the  fee  paid  to  Ripplewood are
estimates) in connection with  the issuance of the  Class A Common Shares  being
registered  hereunder,  other  than  the  Underwriters'  discounts  and  certain
expenses to be reimbursed by the Underwriters.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                             <C>
Securities and Exchange Commission registration fees..........................  $    22,009
NASD filing fee...............................................................        6,882
The New York Stock Exchange listing fee.......................................       81,142
Transfer agent fees...........................................................        3,500
Blue Sky fees and expenses....................................................       10,000
Printing and engraving expenses...............................................      135,000
Legal fees and expenses.......................................................      230,000
Accounting fees and expenses..................................................      250,000
Fee paid to Ripplewood........................................................      600,000
Miscellaneous.................................................................       71,467
                                                                                -----------
  TOTAL.......................................................................  $ 1,410,000
                                                                                -----------
                                                                                -----------
</TABLE>
 
    No  portion  of  the  foregoing  expenses  will  be  borne  by  the  Selling
Shareholders.
 
ITEM 14.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
    Article Eighth of the Company's Amended Articles of Incorporation sets forth
certain rights of directors and officers of the Company to indemnification. Such
rights  provide indemnification by  the Company to the  extent permitted by Ohio
law. The liabilities against which a director and officer may be indemnified and
factors employed to  determine whether  a director  and officer  is entitled  to
indemnification  in a particular  instance depend on  whether the proceedings in
which the claim for indemnification arises were brought (a) other than by and in
the right of the Company ("Third-Party Actions")  or (b) by and in the right  of
the Company ("Derivative Actions").
 
    In  Third-Party Actions, the Company is  required to indemnify each director
and officer  against expenses,  including attorneys'  fees, judgments,  decrees,
fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred
by  such person in connection with any  threatened or actual proceeding in which
such person may be involved by reason of having acted in such capacity, if  such
person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be
in  or not opposed to the best interests of the Company and, with respect to any
matter the subject of a criminal proceeding, such person had no reasonable cause
to believe that such person's conduct was unlawful.
 
    In Derivative Actions, the  Company is required  to indemnify each  director
and officer against expenses, including attorneys' fees, actually and reasonably
incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of any such
proceeding  if  such person  acted in  good faith  and in  a manner  such person
reasonably believed  to be  in  or not  opposed to  the  best interests  of  the
Company,  except that  no indemnification is  permitted with respect  to (a) any
matter as to which such person has been adjudged to be liable for negligence  or
misconduct  in the  performance of  such person's duty  to the  Company unless a
court determines  such  person  is  entitled  to  indemnification  and  (b)  any
liability  asserted in connection with  unlawful loans, dividends, distribution,
distributions of assets and repurchases of  shares of the Company under  Section
1701.95 of the Ohio Revised Code.
 
    Unless  indemnification  is  ordered by  a  court, the  determination  as to
whether or not a person has  satisfied the applicable standards of conduct  (and
therefore  may be indemnified) is made by  the Board of Directors of the Company
by a  majority vote  of a  quorum consisting  of directors  of the  Company  who
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>
were  not parties to the action; or if such  a quorum is not obtainable, or if a
quorum of disinterested directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in  a
written opinion; or by the shareholders of the Company.
 
    Article  Eighth of the  Amended Articles of Incorporation  does not limit in
any way other indemnification rights to which those seeking indemnification  may
be entitled.
 
    The Company maintains insurance policies which presently provide protection,
within  the maximum liability limits of the policies and subject to a deductible
amount for each claim, to the Company under its indemnification obligations  and
to  the directors  and officers  with respect to  certain matters  which are not
covered by the Company's indemnification obligations.
 
ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.
 
    The following table sets forth certain  information as to all securities  of
the  Registrant sold  by the Registrant  in the  past three years  that were not
registered under the Securities Act.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DATE OF SALE                    AGGREGATE PRICE         DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES                 PURCHASER
- ------------------------------  ----------------  -------------------------------------  ---------------------------
<S>                             <C>               <C>                                    <C>
May 26, 1994 (1)..............   $    1,700,000   17,268 Old Class B Common Shares       The Prudential Insurance
                                                                                         Company of America and
                                                                                         affiliate
 
May 26, 1994 (1)..............   $   10,000,000   50,000 Series A and 50,000 Series B    The Prudential Insurance
                                                   Preferred Shares                      Company of America and
                                                                                         affiliate
 
May 26, 1994 (1)(2)...........   $   25,000,000   11.75% Senior Notes due 2002 and       John Hancock Mutual Life
                                                   Warrants to purchase 346,600 Class A  Insurance Company and
                                                   Common Shares                         affiliates and The Paul
                                                                                         Revere Life Insurance
                                                                                         Company and affiliates
                                                                                         (collectively, the
                                                                                         "Noteholders")
 
May 26, 1994 (1)..............   $    4,000,000   2,000,000 Class A Common Shares        Existing shareholders
 
October 16, 1995 (2)(3).......   $      748,200   187,050 Class A Common Shares          Management of the Company
 
October 16, 1995 (1)(2).......   $    2,309,800   577,450 Class A Common Shares          Existing shareholders and
                                                                                         two individuals
 
October 16, 1995 (1)(2).......   $   15,000,000   11.75% Senior Notes due 2003           The Noteholders
 
October 31, 1995 (1)(2).......   $    1,942,000   485,500 Old Class B Common Shares      The Noteholders
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
(1)  Exemption was  claimed  under  Section  4(2) of  the  Securities  Act.  The
     Registrant  relied upon  the fact that  such securities were  acquired by a
     sophisticated investor who  had access to  complete information  concerning
     the  Registrant  and  acquired  such  securities  without  a  view  to  the
     distribution thereof.
 
(2)  Smith Barney Inc.  earned a  fee of $0.75  million in  connection with  the
     issuance  on May 26, 1994 of the Senior  Notes due 2002 and $1.0 million in
     connection  with   the   Dur-O-Wal  Acquisition   and   related   financing
     transactions consummated in October 1995.
 
(3)  Exemption  was  claimed  under  Rule  701  under  the  Securities  Act. The
     Registrant relied upon the fact that  the securities were sold pursuant  to
     an employees' compensatory plan and not for capital raising purposes.
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
 
    (a)  EXHIBITS.   See  Exhibit Index  following the  signature pages  to this
Registration Statement.
 
    (b) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.  The following is a list of the Financial
Statement Schedules furnished:
 
         (i) Dayton Superior Corporation and Subsidiary Schedule II-Valuation of
    Qualifying Accounts
 
ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS.
 
    The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
 
    (a) To provide the underwriter at the closing specified in the  underwriting
agreements,  certificates in such denominations and  registered in such names as
required by the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
 
    (b) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the  Securities
Act  of 1933 (the "Act") may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the registrant pursuant  to the foregoing provisions described  under
Item 14 above, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion
of the Securities and 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.
 
    (c)  For purposes of determining any liability under the Act 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 Act shall be
deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was  declared
effective.
 
    (d)  For  the  purpose of  determining  any  liability under  the  Act, 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.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
    Pursuant  to the requirements of the  Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Miamisburg,
State of Ohio, on June 18, 1996.
    
 
                                          DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION
 
   
                                          By: ______/s/ JOHN A. CICCARELLI______
    
                                              John A. Ciccarelli
                                             PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE
                                              OFFICER
 
    Pursuant to the requirements of the  Securities Act of 1933, this  Amendment
to  the Registration Statement has  been signed by the  following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
   
<TABLE>
<C>                                                     <S>                              <C>
                         NAME                                        TITLE                         DATE
- ------------------------------------------------------  -------------------------------  ------------------------
 
*                                                       President, Chief                      June 18, 1996
John A. Ciccarelli                                       Executive Officer
                                                         and Director
                                                         (principal executive
                                                         officer)
 
*                                                       Vice President, Finance               June 18, 1996
Richard L. Braswell                                      (principal financial
                                                         and accounting officer)
 
*                                                       Director                              June 18, 1996
Timothy C. Collins
 
*                                                       Director                              June 18, 1996
Matthew O. Diggs, Jr.
 
*                                                       Director                              June 18, 1996
Matthew M. Guerreiro
 
                                                        Director
Robert B. Holmes
</TABLE>
    
 
    * John A. Ciccarelli, by signing  his name hereto, does hereby execute  this
Amendment  to the Registration Statement on behalf of the directors and officers
of the Registrant indicated above by  asterisks, pursuant to powers of  attorney
duly  executed  by such  directors and  officers  and filed  as exhibits  to the
Registration Statement.
 
   
                                          By: ______/s/ JOHN A. CICCARELLI______
    
                                              John A. Ciccarelli
                                             ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      EXHIBIT NO.                                            DESCRIPTION                                          PAGE
- -----------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------
<C>           <C>        <S>                                                                                   <C>
         (1)                                                                                     UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
                                                                                                                       **
                   1.1   Form of Underwriting Agreement......................................................
 
         (3)                                                                      ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS
                                                                                                                        +
                   3.1   Amended Articles of Incorporation of the Company....................................
                                                                                                                       **
                   3.2   Proposed Amended Articles of Incorporation (to be effective immediately prior to the
                          consummation of the Offering)......................................................
                                                                                                                        +
                   3.3   Code of Regulations of the Company (as amended).....................................
 
         (4)                                  INSTRUMENTS DEFINING THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS, INCLUDING INDENTURES
                                                                                                                        +
                   4.1   Form of Class A Common Share Certificate............................................
 
         (5)                                                                                        OPINION RE LEGALITY
                                                                                                                       **
                   5.1   Opinion of Thompson Hine & Flory P.L.L..............................................
 
        (10)                                                                                         MATERIAL CONTRACTS
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.1   Securities Purchase Agreements dated as of May 24, 1994 between the Company and each
                          of the purchasers of the Company's 11.75% Senior Notes due 2002....................
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.2   Supplemental Agreement dated as of October 12, 1995 between the Company and each of
                          the purchasers of the Company's 11.75% Senior Notes due 2002.......................
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.3   Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of October 15, 1995 between the Company and
                          each of the purchasers of the Company's 11.75% Senior Notes due 2003...............
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.4   Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated as of October 16, 1995 between the Company
                          and Bank One, Dayton, NA...........................................................
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.5   Loan Agreement dated as of October 16, 1995 between Dur-O-Wal, Inc. and Bank One,
                          Dayton, NA.........................................................................
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.6   Amended and Restated Shareholder Agreement dated as of October 13, 1995 among the
                          Company and certain shareholders of the Company....................................
                                                                                                                       **
                  10.7   Proposed Amended and Restated Shareholder Agreement (to be effective immediately
                          following consummation of the Offering)............................................
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.8   Management Incentive Program........................................................
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.9   1994 Stock Option Plan..............................................................
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.10  1995 Stock Option Plan..............................................................
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.11  1995 Management Stock Purchase Plan.................................................
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.12  1996 Stock Option Plan..............................................................
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.13  Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of October 16, 1995 by and among the Company,
                          Dur-O-Wal, Inc., Omni Investors, Inc. and certain individuals......................
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.14  Employment Agreement between Dur-O-Wal, Inc. and Mario Catani dated as of October
                          16, 1995...........................................................................
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.15  Supplemental Retirement Benefit Trust Agreement dated as of June 20, 1996 betwen
                          Dur-O-Wal, Inc. and Stanley M. Pillman, as trustee.................................
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      EXHIBIT NO.                                            DESCRIPTION                                          PAGE
- -----------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------
<C>           <C>        <S>                                                                                   <C>
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.16  Deferred Compensation Trust Agreement dated as of November 14, 1986 between
                          Dur-O-Wal, Inc. and Stanley M. Pillman, as trustee.................................
                                                                                                                       **
                  10.17  Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated as of June 17, 1996 among Dayton Superior
                          Corporation, Bank One, Dayton, NA and Bank of America Illinois.....................
                                                                                                                       **
                  10.18  Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated as of June 17, 1996 among Dur-O-Wal, Inc.,
                          Bank One, Dayton, NA and Bank of America Illinois..................................
 
        (11)                                                             STATEMENT RE COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS
                                                                                                                        +
                  11.1   Computation of Earnings Per Share...................................................
 
        (21)                                                                             SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
                                                                                                                        +
                  21.1   Subsidiaries of the Company.........................................................
 
        (23)                                                                            CONSENTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
                                                                                                                       **
                  23.1   Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP......................................................
                                                                                                                       **
                  23.2   Consent of Coopers & Lybrand LLP....................................................
                                                                                                                       **
                  23.3   Consent of Altschuler, Melvoin and Glasser LLP......................................
                  23.4   Consent of Thompson Hine & Flory P.L.L. is included in Exhibit 5.1
 
        (24)                                                                                         POWERS OF ATTORNEY
                                                                                                                        +
                  24.1   Powers of Attorney contained on the signature pages of the registration statement on
                          Form S-1...........................................................................
 
        (99)                                                                                    FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE
                                                                                                                        +
                  99.1   Financial Data Schedule.............................................................
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
   
** Filed herewith
    
 
 + Previously filed
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>
   
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
    
 
    We  have audited, in accordance  with generally accepted auditing standards,
the  consolidated  financial  statements  of  Dayton  Superior  Corporation  and
Subsidiaries included in this registration statement, and have issued our report
thereon,  dated February 10, 1996. Our audit was made for the purpose of forming
an opinion on  the basic  financial statements taken  as a  whole. The  schedule
listed  is the responsibility  of the Company's management  and is presented for
purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is
not part of the basic financial statements. This schedule has been subjected  to
the  auditing procedures applied in the  audit of the basic financial statements
and, in our opinion, fairly states  in all material respects the financial  data
required  to be set forth therein in  relation to the basic financial statements
taken as a whole.
 
Dayton, Ohio
   
February 10, 1996(except with respect to the matters discussed in Note 10,
                as to which the date is June 18, 1996).
    
 
                                      II-7
<PAGE>
                  DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 SCHEDULE II--VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      DEDUCTIONS
                                                                     CHARGED                      -------------------
                                                                  (CREDITED) TO                    CHARGES FOR WHICH
                                                 BALANCE AT         COSTS AND         OTHER          RESERVES WERE      BALANCE AT
DESCRIPTION                                  BEGINNING OF YEAR      EXPENSES        ADDITIONS           CREATED        END OF YEAR
- -------------------------------------------  ------------------  ---------------  --------------  -------------------  ------------
<S>                                          <C>                 <C>              <C>             <C>                  <C>
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
  For the year ended December 31, 1993.....      $    1,525              (256)          --                  (139)       $    1,130
  For the year ended December 31, 1994.....           1,130              (349)          --                   (17)              764
  For the year ended December 31, 1995.....             764               (86)            47(1)              (17)              708
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1)  Acquisition of Dur-O-Wal
 
                                      II-8
<PAGE>
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      EXHIBIT NO.                                            DESCRIPTION                                          PAGE
- -----------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------
<C>           <C>        <S>                                                                                   <C>
         (1)                                                                                     UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
                                                                                                                       **
                   1.1   Form of Underwriting Agreement......................................................
 
         (3)                                                                      ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS
                                                                                                                        +
                   3.1   Amended Articles of Incorporation of the Company....................................
                                                                                                                       **
                   3.2   Proposed Amended Articles of Incorporation (to be effective immediately prior to the
                          consummation of the Offering)......................................................
                                                                                                                        +
                   3.3   Code of Regulations of the Company (as amended).....................................
 
         (4)                                  INSTRUMENTS DEFINING THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS, INCLUDING INDENTURES
                                                                                                                        +
                   4.1   Form of Class A Common Share Certificate............................................
 
         (5)                                                                                        OPINION RE LEGALITY
                                                                                                                       **
                   5.1   Opinion of Thompson Hine & Flory P.L.L..............................................
 
        (10)                                                                                         MATERIAL CONTRACTS
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.1   Securities Purchase Agreements dated as of May 24, 1994 between the Company and each
                          of the purchasers of the Company's 11.75% Senior Notes due 2002....................
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.2   Supplemental Agreement dated as of October 12, 1995 between the Company and each of
                          the purchasers of the Company's 11.75% Senior Notes due 2002.......................
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.3   Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of October 15, 1995 between the Company and
                          each of the purchasers of the Company's 11.75% Senior Notes due 2003...............
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.4   Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated as of October 16, 1995 between the Company
                          and Bank One, Dayton, NA...........................................................
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.5   Loan Agreement dated as of October 16, 1995 between Dur-O-Wal, Inc. and Bank One,
                          Dayton, NA.........................................................................
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.6   Amended and Restated Shareholder Agreement dated as of October 13, 1995 among the
                          Company and certain shareholders of the Company....................................
                                                                                                                       **
                  10.7   Proposed Amended and Restated Shareholder Agreement (to be effective immediately
                          following consummation of the Offering)............................................
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.8   Management Incentive Program........................................................
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.9   1994 Stock Option Plan..............................................................
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.10  1995 Stock Option Plan..............................................................
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.11  1995 Management Stock Purchase Plan.................................................
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.12  1996 Stock Option Plan..............................................................
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.13  Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of October 16, 1995 by and among the Company,
                          Dur-O-Wal, Inc., Omni Investors, Inc. and certain individuals......................
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.14  Employment Agreement between Dur-O-Wal, Inc. and Mario Catani dated as of October
                          16, 1995...........................................................................
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.15  Supplemental Retirement Benefit Trust Agreement dated as of June 20, 1996 between
                          Dur-O-Wal, Inc. and Stanley M. Pillman, as trustee.................................
                                                                                                                        +
                  10.16  Deferred Compensation Trust Agreement dated as of November 14, 1986 between
                          Dur-O-Wal, Inc. and Stanley M. Pillman, as trustee.................................
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      EXHIBIT NO.                                            DESCRIPTION                                          PAGE
- -----------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------
<C>           <C>        <S>                                                                                   <C>
                                                                                                                       **
                  10.17  Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated as of June 17, 1996 among Dayton Superior
                          Corporation, Bank One, Dayton, NA and Bank of America Illinois.....................
                                                                                                                       **
                  10.18  Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated as of June 17, 1996 among Dur-O-Wal, Inc.,
                          Bank One, Dayton, NA and Bank of America Illinois..................................
 
        (11)                                                             STATEMENT RE COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS
                                                                                                                        +
                  11.1   Computation of Earnings Per Share...................................................
 
        (21)                                                                             SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
                                                                                                                        +
                  21.1   Subsidiaries of the Company.........................................................
 
        (23)                                                                            CONSENTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
                                                                                                                       **
                  23.1   Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP......................................................
                                                                                                                       **
                  23.2   Consent of Coopers & Lybrand LLP....................................................
                                                                                                                       **
                  23.3   Consent of Altschuler, Melvoin and Glasser LLP......................................
                  23.4   Consent of Thompson Hine & Flory P.L.L. is included in Exhibit 5.1
        (24)                                                                                         POWERS OF ATTORNEY
                                                                                                                        +
                  24.1   Powers of Attorney contained on the signature pages of the registration statement on
                          Form S-1...........................................................................
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
   
** Filed herewith
    
 
 + Previously filed

<PAGE>

                           DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION

                                    3,700,000
                             Class A Common Shares*
                               (without par value)

                             Underwriting Agreement


                                                              New York, New York
                                                               ___________, 1996

Salomon Brothers Inc
Lazard Freres & Co. LLC
Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated 
BT Securities Corporation
As Representatives of the several Underwriters,
c/o Salomon Brothers Inc
Seven World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048


Dear Sirs:

          Dayton Superior Corporation, an Ohio corporation (the "COMPANY"),
proposes to issue and sell to the underwriters named in Schedule I hereto (the
"UNDERWRITERS"), for whom you (the "REPRESENTATIVES") are acting as
representatives, 1,900,000 Class A Common Shares, without par value ("the COMMON
SHARES"), of the Company, and the persons named in Schedule II hereto (the
"SELLING SHAREHOLDERS") propose to sell to the Underwriters 1,800,000 Common
Shares (said shares to be issued and sold by the Company and shares to be sold
by the Selling Shareholders collectively being hereinafter called the
"UNDERWRITTEN SECURITIES").  The Company and the Selling Shareholder named in
Schedule III hereto also propose to grant to the Underwriters an option to
purchase up to 555,000 additional Common Shares (the "OPTION SECURITIES"; the
Option Securities, together with the Underwritten Securities, being hereinafter
called the "SECURITIES").


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

*    Plus an option to purchase from Dayton Superior Corporation and the other
     person named in Schedule III hereto up to 555,000 additional shares to
     cover overallotments.

<PAGE>

          1.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

          (a)  The Company represents and warrants to, and agrees with, each
Underwriter as set forth below in this Section 1.  Certain terms used in this
Section 1 are defined in paragraph (iii) hereof.

          (i)  The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
     (the "COMMISSION") a registration statement (file number 333-2974) on Form
     S-1, including a related preliminary prospectus, for the registration under
     the Securities Act of 1933 (the "ACT") of the offering and sale of the
     Securities.  The Company may have filed one or more amendments thereto,
     including the related preliminary prospectus, each of which has previously
     been furnished to you.  The Company will next file with the Commission
     either (A) prior to effectiveness of such registration statement, a further
     amendment to such registration statement (including the form of final
     prospectus) or (B) after effectiveness of such registration statement, a
     final prospectus in accordance with Rules 430A and 424(b)(1) or (4).  In
     the case of clause (B), the Company has included in such registration
     statement, as amended at the Effective Date, all information (other than
     Rule 430A Information) required by the Act and the rules thereunder to be
     included in the Prospectus with respect to the Securities and the offering
     thereof.  As filed, such amendment and form of final prospectus, or such
     final prospectus, shall contain all Rule 430A Information, together with
     all other such required information, with respect to the Securities and the
     offering thereof and, except to the extent the Representatives shall agree
     in writing to a modification, shall be in all substantive respects in the
     form furnished to you prior to the Execution Time or, to the extent not
     completed at the Execution Time, shall contain only such specific
     additional information and other changes (beyond that contained in the
     latest Preliminary Prospectus) as the Company has advised you, prior to the
     Execution Time, will be included or made therein.

         (ii)  On the Effective Date, the Registration Statement did or will,
     and when the Prospectus is first filed (if required) in accordance with
     Rule 424(b) and on the Closing Date, the Prospectus (and any supplements
     thereto) will, comply in all material respects with the applicable
     requirements of the Act and the 


<PAGE>

     rules thereunder; on the Effective Date, the Registration Statement did not
     or will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
     state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order
     to make the statements therein not misleading; and, on the Effective Date,
     the Prospectus, if not filed pursuant to Rule 424(b), did not or will not,
     and on the date of any filing pursuant to Rule 424(b) and on the Closing
     Date, the Prospectus (together with any supplement thereto) will not,
     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 they were made, not misleading; PROVIDED,
     HOWEVER, that the Company makes no representations or warranties as to the
     information contained in or omitted from the Registration Statement or the
     Prospectus (or any supplement thereto) in reliance upon and in conformity
     with information furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of any
     Underwriter through the Representatives specifically for inclusion in the
     Registration Statement or the Prospectus (or any supplement thereto).

        (iii)  The terms which follow, when used in this Agreement, shall have
     the meanings indicated.  The term THE "EFFECTIVE DATE" shall mean each date
     that the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment or
     amendments thereto became or becomes effective.  "EXECUTION TIME" shall
     mean the date and time that this Agreement is executed and delivered by the
     parties hereto.  "PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS" shall mean any preliminary
     prospectus referred to in paragraph (i) of this Section 1 and any
     preliminary prospectus included in the Registration Statement at the
     Effective Date that omits Rule 430A Information.  "PROSPECTUS" shall mean
     the prospectus relating to the Securities that is first filed pursuant to
     Rule 424(b) after the Execution Time or, if no filing pursuant to Rule
     424(b) is required, shall mean the form of final prospectus relating to the
     Securities included in the Registration Statement at the Effective Date. 
     "REGISTRATION STATEMENT" shall mean the registration statement referred to
     in paragraph (i) of this Section 1, and the exhibits thereto and financial
     statements contained therein, as amended at the Execution Time (or, if not
     effective at the Execution Time, in the form in which it shall become
     effective) and, in the event any post-effective amendment thereto becomes
     effective prior to


<PAGE>

     the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined), shall also mean such
     registration statement as so amended.  Such term shall include Rule 430A
     Information deemed to be included therein at the Effective Date as provided
     by Rule 430A.  "RULE 424"  and "RULE 430A" refer to such rules under the
     Act.  "RULE 430A INFORMATION" means information with respect to the
     Securities and the offering thereof permitted to be omitted from the
     Registration Statement when it becomes effective pursuant to Rule 430A.

          (iv)  Each of the Company and its subsidiaries set forth on Schedule
     IV hereto (individually a "SUBSIDIARY" and collectively the "SUBSIDIARIES")
     has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good
     standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is chartered or
     organized, with full corporate power and authority to own, lease and
     operate its properties and conduct its business as described in the
     Prospectus.  Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries is duly qualified to
     do business as a foreign corporation and is in good standing under the laws
     of each jurisdiction which requires such qualification wherein it owns or
     leases material properties or conducts material business, except where the
     failure to so qualify or be in good standing would not, individually or in
     the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial
     condition or results of operation of the Company and its consolidated
     subsidiaries taken as a whole (a "Material Adverse Effect"); no proceeding
     has been instituted in any such jurisdiction seeking to revoke, limit or
     curtail such power and authority or qualification which, if successful,
     would, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. 
     Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries is in possession of and operating
     in compliance with all authorizations, licenses, certificates, consents,
     orders and permits from state, federal and other regulatory authorities,
     all of which are valid and in full force and effect, with such exceptions
     as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse
     Effect.  The Company does not own or control, directly or indirectly, any
     material equity interest in any corporation, association or other entity
     other than the Subsidiaries.  Except as otherwise described in the
     Prospectus, all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of each of the
     Subsidiaries are owned by the Company either directly or through wholly
     owned 


<PAGE>

     subsidiaries free and clear of any liens, encumbrances, security interests
     and claims whatsoever.

         (v)  The Company has full legal right, power and authority to enter
     into this Agreement and perform the transactions contemplated hereby.  This
     Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company. 
     The performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
     herein contemplated will not result in a breach or violation of any of the
     terms and provisions of, or constitute a default under, (A) any bond,
     debenture, note or other evidence of indebtedness, lease, contract,
     indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, joint venture or other
     agreement or instrument to which the Company or any Subsidiary is a party
     or by which either of their properties may be bound, (B) the Amended
     Articles of Incorporation or Code of Regulations of the Company or the
     charter or bylaws of any Subsidiary, or (C) any law, order, rule,
     regulation, writ, injunction, judgment or decree binding upon the Company
     or any Subsidiary or over either of their properties other than, in the
     case of clauses (A) and (C) above, any breach, violation or default which,
     individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
     No consent, approval, authorization or order of any court, government or
     governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over
     the Company or over its properties is required for the execution and
     delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
     contemplated herein, except such as may be required under the Act or the
     Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "EXCHANGE ACT") (all of
     which requirements have been or will be satisfied in all material
     respects), and such as may be required under state or other securities or
     blue sky laws of any jurisdiction.

        (vi)  All outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company have been
     duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable. 
     The authorized and outstanding capital stock of the Company is as set forth
     in the Prospectus.  The Securities to be sold by the Company hereunder have
     been duly authorized for issuance and sale to the Underwriters pursuant to
     this Agreement and, when issued and delivered by the Company against
     payment therefor in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will be
     duly and validly issued and fully paid and nonassessable, and will be sold
     free and


<PAGE>

     clear of all liens, encumbrances, security interests and claims whatsoever;
     and no preemptive right, registration right, right of first refusal or
     other similar right of shareholders exists with respect to any of the
     Securities or the issuance and sale thereof except for the rights of the
     Selling Shareholders to participate in the offering and sale of the
     Securities as disclosed in or contemplated by the Prospectus.  Except as
     disclosed in or contemplated by the Prospectus at the Closing Time (A)
     neither the Company nor any Subsidiary will have outstanding any options to
     purchase, or any preemptive rights or other rights to subscribe for or to
     purchase, any securities or obligations convertible into, or will be a
     party to any contracts or commitments to issue or sell, shares of capital
     stock of the Company or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, or any such
     options, rights, convertible securities or obligations and (B) there are no
     registration rights or similar rights of any person with respect to the
     capital stock of the Company. 

         (vii)  There is not any pending or, to the best of the Company's
     knowledge, threatened action, suit, claim or proceeding against the Company
     or any Subsidiary, or any of their respective properties, assets or rights
     or, to the Company's knowledge, any of their respective officers before any
     court, government or governmental agency, authority or body, domestic or
     foreign, having jurisdiction over the Company or such Subsidiaries,
     respectively, or over their respective properties or officers that (A)
     could reasonably be expected to result in any Material Adverse Effect, (B)
     could reasonably be expected to prevent consummation of the transactions
     contemplated hereby or (C) is required to be disclosed in the Registration
     Statement or Prospectus and is not so disclosed.

          (viii)  Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries is in
     violation or default of (A) its respective articles of incorporation, Code
     of Regulations, charter or bylaws (as the case may be), (B) any obligation,
     agreement, covenant or condition contained in any bond, debenture, note or
     other evidence of indebtedness, lease, contract, indenture, mortgage, deed
     of trust, loan agreement, joint venture or other agreement or instrument to
     which the Company or such Subsidiary, respectively, is a party or by which
     its properties may be bound or (C) any law, order, rule, regulation, writ,
     injunction, judgment or 


<PAGE>

     decree of any court, government or governmental agency or body, domestic or
     foreign, having jurisdiction over the Company or such Subsidiary,
     respectively, or over its properties of which it has knowledge, except
     violations or defaults which, in the case of clauses (B) and (C) above,
     either individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse
     Effect.

         (ix)  Arthur Andersen LLP, Altschuler, Melvoin and Glasser LLP, and
     Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. are independent accountants within the meaning of
     the Act and the rules thereunder.  The financial statements, together with
     the related schedules and notes, included in the Registration Statement and
     the Prospectus, present fairly in all material respects the financial
     position and results of operations of the Company and its consolidated
     subsidiaries or Dur-O-Wal and its consolidated subsidiary, as the case may
     be, on the basis stated in the Registration Statement at the respective
     dates or for the respective periods to which they apply, and such financial
     statements and related schedules and notes have been prepared in accordance
     with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis
     throughout the periods involved, except as disclosed in the notes thereto. 
     The selected and summary financial data included in the Registration
     Statement have been derived from and compiled on a basis consistent with
     the audited and unaudited financial statements presented therein. 

        (x) The Company and the Subsidiaries have filed all foreign, federal,
     state and local tax returns that are required to be filed or have requested
     extensions thereof (except in any case in which the failure so to file
     would not have a Material Adverse Effect) and have paid all taxes required
     to be paid by them and any other assessment, fine or penalty levied against
     them, to the extent that any of the foregoing is due and payable, except
     for any such tax, assessment, fine or penalty that is currently being
     contested in good faith or as would not, individually or in the aggregate,
     have a Material Adverse Effect.

       (xi)  Except as set forth in the Registration Statement and Prospectus,
     (A) each of the Company and the Subsidiaries is in compliance with all
     rules, laws and regulations relating to the use, treatment, storage and
     disposal of toxic substances and protection of health or the environment
     ("ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS") which 


<PAGE>

     are currently applicable to its business except for noncompliance that
     would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse
     Effect, (B) neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries have received
     any notice from any governmental authority or third party of an asserted
     claim under Environmental Laws, which claim is required to be disclosed in
     the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, (C) the Company does not
     expect the costs of complying with currently applicable Environmental Laws
     to be material to its consolidated results of operations and (D) to the
     Company's knowledge, no property which is owned, leased or occupied by the
     Company or any Subsidiary has been designated as a Superfund site pursuant
     to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability
     Act of 1980, as amended (42 U.S.C. Section 9601, ET SEQ.), or otherwise
     designated as a contaminated site under applicable state or local law.

          (b)  Each Selling Shareholder severally and not jointly represents and
warrants to, and agrees with, each Underwriter that:

          (i)  Such Selling Shareholder is the lawful owner of the Securities to
     be sold by such Selling Shareholder hereunder and upon sale and delivery
     of, and payment for, such Securities, as provided herein, such Selling
     Shareholder will convey good and marketable title to such Securities, free
     and clear of all liens, encumbrances, security interests and claims
     whatsoever.

         (ii)  Such Selling Shareholder has not taken and will not take,
     directly or indirectly, any action designed to or which has constituted or
     which might reasonably be expected to cause or result, under the Exchange
     Act or otherwise, in stabilization or manipulation of the price of any
     security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Securities
     and has not effected any sales of Common Shares which, if effected by the
     Company, would be required to be disclosed in response to Item 701 of
     Regulation S-K.

        (iii)  Warrants exercisable for Common Shares or certificates
     representing Common Shares or Class B Common Shares, without par value (the
     "CLASS B COMMON SHARES"), of the Company in negotiable form have been
     placed in custody for delivery pursuant to the terms of this Agreement
     (and, in the case of such warrants and 


<PAGE>

Class B Common Shares, for exercise or conversion, as the case may be) under an
irrevocable Power of Attorney and Custody Agreement (the "CUSTODY AGREEMENT")
executed and delivered by such Selling Shareholder, and duly authorized in the
case of corporate Selling Shareholders, in the form heretofore furnished to you
with John A. Cicarelli, Richard L. Braswell and John Duryea, acting jointly or
individually, as custodians and attorneys-in-fact (the "ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT").

         (iv)  No consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or
     governmental agency or body is required for the consummation by such
     Selling Shareholder of the transactions contemplated herein, except such as
     may be required under the Act or under state of other securities or the
     blue sky laws of any jurisdiction in connection with the purchase and
     distribution of the Securities by the Underwriters and such other approvals
     as have been obtained.

          (v)  Neither the sale of the Securities being sold by such Selling
     Shareholder nor the consummation of any other of the transactions herein
     contemplated by such Selling Shareholder or the fulfillment of the terms
     hereof by such Selling Shareholder will conflict with, result in a breach
     or violation of, or constitute a default under any law or, in the case of
     corporate or trust Selling Shareholders, the charter or by-laws or trust
     documents of such Selling Shareholder or the terms of any material
     agreement or instrument to which such Selling Shareholder is a party or
     bound or to which any of the property or assets of such Selling Shareholder
     is subject, or any judgement, order or decree applicable to such Selling
     Shareholder of any court, regulatory body, administrative agency,
     governmental body or arbitrator having jurisdiction over such Selling
     Shareholder, except such as would not materially impair the ability of such
     Selling Shareholder to perform its obligations hereunder.

        (vi)  All information furnished by or on behalf of such Selling
     Shareholder for use in connection with the Registration Statement is now
     and, upon effectiveness of such document, will be, true and correct in all
     material respects and will not omit any material fact necessary to make
     such information not misleading.

          2.   PURCHASE AND SALE.  (a)  Subject to the terms and conditions and
in reliance upon the representations and 


<PAGE>

warranties herein set forth, the Company agrees to sell 1,900,000 Common Shares
and each Selling Shareholder agrees, severally and not jointly, to sell the
number of Common Shares set forth opposite its name on Schedule II hereto to the
Underwriters, and each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to
purchase from the Company and the Selling Shareholders, at a purchase price of
$      per share, the amount of the Underwritten Securities set forth opposite
such Underwriter's name in Schedule I hereto.

          (b)  Subject to the terms and conditions and in reliance upon the
representations and warranties herein set forth, the Company and the Selling
Shareholder named on Schedule III hereto hereby grant an option to the several
Underwriters to purchase, severally and not jointly, up to    555,000 shares of
the Option Securities (in the respective maximum amounts set forth opposite
their names) at the same purchase price per share as the Underwriters shall pay
for the Underwritten Securities.  Such option may be exercised only to cover
over-allotments in the sale of the Underwritten Securities by the Underwriters. 
Such option may be exercised in whole or in part at any time (but not more than
once) on or before the 30th day after the date of the Prospectus upon written or
telegraphic notice by the Representatives to the Company and such Selling
Shareholder setting forth the number of shares of the Option Securities as to
which the several Underwriters are exercising the option and the settlement
date.  Delivery of certificates for the shares of Option Securities by the
Company and such Selling Shareholder, and payment therefor to the Company and
such Selling Shareholder, shall be made as provided in Section 3 hereof.  The
maximum number of shares of the Option Securities to be sold by the Company and
such Selling Shareholder is set forth in Schedule III hereto.  In the event that
the Underwriters exercise less than their full over-allotment option, the number
of shares of the Option Securities to be sold by each party listed on Schedule
III shall be, as nearly as practicable, in the same proportion to each other as
are the number of shares of the Option Securities listed opposite their
respective names on said Schedule III.  The number of shares of the Option
Securities to be purchased by each Underwriter shall be the same percentage of
the total number of shares of the Option Securities to be purchased by the
several Underwriters as such Underwriter is purchasing of the Underwritten
Securities, subject to such adjustments as you in your absolute discretion shall
make to eliminate any fractional shares.


<PAGE>

          3.   DELIVERY AND PAYMENT.  Delivery of and payment for the
Underwritten Securities and the Option Securities (if the option provided for in
Section 2(b) hereof shall have been exercised on or before the third business
day prior to the Closing Date) shall be made at 10:00 AM, New York City time, on
____________, 1996, or such later date as the Representatives, the Company and
the Selling Shareholders may agree upon in writing, which date and time may be
postponed by agreement among the Representatives, the Company and the Selling
Shareholders or as provided in Section 10 hereof (such date and time of delivery
and payment for the Securities being herein called the "CLOSING DATE"). 
Delivery of the Securities shall be made to the Representatives for the
respective accounts of the several Underwriters against payment by the several
Underwriters through the Representatives of the respective aggregate purchase
prices of the Securities being sold by the Company and each of the Selling
Shareholders to or upon the order of the Company and the Selling Shareholders,
which payment shall be made by wire transfers of Federal Funds, payable in same
day funds on the Closing Date to the accounts of the Company and the Attorney-
in-Fact as shall be designated in writing by the Company and the Attorney-in-
Fact to the Representatives at least two business days prior to the Closing
Date.  Delivery of the Underwritten Securities and the Option Securities shall
be made at such location as the Representatives shall reasonably designate at
least one business day in advance of the Closing Date.  Certificates for the
Securities shall be registered in such names and in such denominations as the
Representatives may request not less than three full business days in advance of
the Closing Date.

          The Company and the Selling Shareholders agree to have the Securities
available for inspection, checking and packaging by the Representatives in New
York, New York, not later than 1:00 PM on the business day prior to the Closing
Date.

          Each Selling Shareholder will pay all applicable state transfer taxes,
if any, involved in the transfer to the several Underwriters of the Securities
to be purchased by them from such Selling Shareholder and the respective
Underwriters will pay any additional stock transfer taxes involved in further
transfers.

          If the option provided for in Section 2(b) hereof is exercised after
the third business day prior to the Closing Date, the Company will deliver (at
the expense of 


<PAGE>

the Company) to the Representatives, at One New York Plaza, New York, New York,
on the date specified by the Representatives (which shall be within three
business days after exercise of said option), certificates for the Option
Securities in such names and denominations as the Representatives shall have
requested against payment of the purchase price thereof to or upon the order of
the Company and the Selling Shareholder identified in Schedule III, which
payment shall be made by wire transfers of Federal Funds, payable in same day
funds on the Closing Date to the accounts of the Company and the Selling
Shareholder named on Schedule III hereto as shall be designated in writing by
the Company and such Selling Shareholder to the Representatives at least two
business days prior to the Closing Date.  If settlement for the Option
Securities occurs after the Closing Date, the Company and such Selling
Shareholder will deliver to the Representatives on the settlement date for the
Option Securities, and the obligation of the Underwriters to purchase the Option
Securities shall be conditioned upon receipt of, supplemental opinions,
certificates and letters confirming as of such date the opinions, certificates
and letters delivered by the Company and such Selling Shareholder on the Closing
Date pursuant to Section 6 hereof.

          4.   INDEPENDENT UNDERWRITER.  (a)  The Company hereby confirms its
engagement of the services of Salomon Brothers Inc as, and Salomon Brothers Inc
hereby confirms its agreement with the Company to render services as, a
"qualified independent underwriter" (in such capacity, the "Independent
Underwriter") within the meaning of Section 2(o) of Schedule E of the By-laws of
the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("Schedule E") with respect
to the offering and sale of the Securities.  As compensation for the services of
the Independent Underwriter hereunder, the Underwriters agree to pay the
Independent Underwriter a fee of $10,000 on the Closing Date.  

          (b)  The Independent Underwriter hereby represents and warrants to,
and agrees with, the Company, the Selling Shareholders and the other
Underwriters that with respect to the offering and sale of Securities as
described in the Prospectus:

          (i)  the Independent Underwriter is a "qualified independent
     underwriter" within the meaning of Section 2(o) of Schedule E;


<PAGE>

         (ii)  the Independent Underwriter has participated in the preparation
     of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and has exercised the
     usual standards of "due diligence" with respect thereto; and

        (iii)  the Independent Underwriter has undertaken the legal
     responsibilities and liabilities of an underwriter under the Act, including
     those contained in Section 11 thereof, subject to the limitations on such
     liabilities set forth in Section 9 hereof (including without limitation,
     the nature of Salomon Brothers Inc's underwriting commitment as several and
     not joint).  It is specifically understood, however, that Salomon Brothers
     Inc will bear such legal responsibilities and liabilities only to the
     extent, if any, that a court of competent jurisdiction rules in a judgment
     which has become final, and not subject to further appeal, that Salomon
     Brothers Inc, as Independent Underwriter, bears the legal responsibilities
     and liabilities of an "underwriter," and in such case only to the extent of
     the fee paid to such Independent Underwriter.

          (c)  The Independent Underwriter hereby consents to the references to
it as set forth under the caption "Underwriting" in the Prospectus.

          5.   OFFERING BY UNDERWRITERS.  It is understood that the several
Underwriters propose to offer the Securities for sale to the public as set forth
in the Prospectus.

          6.   AGREEMENTS.

          (a)  The Company agrees with the several Underwriters that:

          (i)  The Company will use its best efforts to cause the Registration
     Statement, if not effective at the Execution Time, and any amendment
     thereof, to become effective.  Prior to the termination of the offering of
     the Securities, the Company will not file any amendment of the Registration
     Statement, any supplement to the Prospectus or any Rule 462(b) Registration
     Statement unless the Company has furnished you a copy for your review prior
     to filing and will not file any such proposed amendment, supplement or
     Rule 462(b) Registration Statement to which you reasonably object.  Subject
     to the foregoing sentence, if the Registration Statement has become or
     becomes


<PAGE>

     effective pursuant to Rule 430A, or filing of the Prospectus is otherwise
     required under Rule 424(b), the Company will cause the Prospectus, properly
     completed, and any supplement thereto to be filed with the Commission
     pursuant to the applicable paragraph of Rule 424(b) within the time period
     prescribed and will provide evidence satisfactory to the Representatives of
     such timely filing.  The Company will promptly advise the Representatives
     (A) when the Registration Statement, if not effective at the Execution
     Time, shall have become effective, (B) when the Prospectus, and any
     supplement thereto, shall have been filed (if required) with the Commission
     pursuant to Rule 424(b), (C) when, prior to termination of the offering of
     the Securities, any amendment to the Registration Statement shall have been
     filed or become effective, (D) of any request by the Commission for any
     amendment of the Registration Statement or supplement to the Prospectus or
     for any additional information, (E) of the issuance by the Commission of
     any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement
     or the institution or threatening of any proceeding for that purpose and
     (F) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the
     suspension of the qualification of the Securities for sale in any
     jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such
     purpose.  The Company will use its best efforts to prevent the issuance of
     any such stop order and, if issued, to obtain as soon as possible the
     withdrawal thereof.

         (ii)  If, at any time when a prospectus relating to the Securities is
     required to be delivered under the Act, any event occurs as a result of
     which the Prospectus as then supplemented would include any untrue
     statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary
     to make the statements therein in the light of the circumstances under
     which they were made not misleading, or if it shall be necessary to amend
     the Registration Statement, or supplement the Prospectus, to comply with
     the Act or the rules thereunder, the Company promptly will (A) prepare and
     file with the Commission, subject to the second sentence of paragraph
     (a)(i) of this Section 5, an amendment or supplement which will correct
     such statement or omission or effect such compliance and (B) supply any
     supplemented Prospectus to you in such quantities as you may reasonably
     request.


<PAGE>

        (iii)  As soon as practicable, the Company will make generally available
     to its security holders and to the Representatives an earnings statement or
     statements of the Company and its subsidiaries which will satisfy the
     provisions of Section 11(a) of the Act and Rule 158 under the Act.

         (iv)  The Company will furnish to the Representatives and counsel for
     the Underwriters, without charge, copies of the Registration Statement
     (including exhibits thereto) and to each other Underwriter a copy of the
     Registration Statement (without exhibits thereto) and, so long as delivery
     of a prospectus by an Underwriter or dealer may be required by the Act, as
     many copies of each Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus and any
     supplement thereto as the Representatives may reasonably request.  The
     Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Representatives copies
     of all reports on Form SR required by Rule 463 under the Act.  The Company
     will pay the expenses of printing or other production of all documents
     relating to the offering.

          (v)  The Company will (A) arrange for the qualification of the
     Securities for sale under the securities or blue sky laws of such
     jurisdictions in the United States and Canada as the Representatives may
     designate (PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Company shall not be obligated to
     qualify as a foreign corporation in any such jurisdiction or execute any
     general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction) and
     (B) will maintain such qualifications in effect so long as required for the
     distribution of the Securities and will pay the fee of the National
     Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., in connection with its review of
     the offering.

         (vi)  The Company will not, and will obtain the agreement of each of
     its directors, officers and employees who hold Common Shares or options
     exercisable into Common Shares that each such person will not, during the
     period of 360 days following the Execution Time, without the prior written
     consent of the Representatives, sell, offer to sell, contract to sell,
     grant any option for the sale of, otherwise dispose of, directly or
     indirectly, or announce the offering of, any other Common Shares or any
     securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, Common Shares; PROVIDED,
     HOWEVER, that (A) the Company may issue and sell Common


<PAGE>

     Shares pursuant to an employee stock option plan, stock ownership plan or
     dividend reinvestment plan of the Company in effect at the Execution Time,
     (B) the Company may issue Common Shares issuable upon the conversion of
     securities or the exercise of warrants outstanding at the Execution Time
     and (C) after the expiration of a period of 90 days following the Execution
     Time, the Company may issue and sell Common Shares or securities
     convertible into, or exchangeable for, Common Shares in a merger,
     acquisition or business combination, and PROVIDED, FURTHER, that such
     holders of Common Shares or options exercisable into Common Shares, other
     than the Company or Ripplewood, may transfer Common Shares or options
     exercisable into Common Shares (X) as bona fide gifts, (Y) pursuant to a
     final divorce decree, or (Z) pursuant to the laws of testamentary or
     intestate descent.

        (vii)  The Company confirms as of the date hereof that it is in
     compliance with all provisions of Section 1 of Laws of Florida, Chapter 92-
     198, AN ACT RELATING TO DISCLOSURE OF DOING BUSINESS WITH CUBA, and the
     Company further agrees that if it commences engaging in business with the
     government of Cuba or with any person or affiliate located in Cuba after
     the date the Registration Statement becomes or has become effective with
     the Commission or with the Florida Department of Banking and Finance (the
     "DEPARTMENT"), whichever date is later, or if the information reported in
     the Prospectus, if any, concerning the Company's business with Cuba or with
     any person or affiliate located in Cuba changes in any material way, the
     Company will provide the Department notice of such business or change, as
     appropriate, in a form acceptable to the Department.

        (viii)  The Company [(A) on or prior to the Effective Date, will amend
     its existing Credit Facility, dated ________,  with Bank One, Dayton NA, as
     such amendments are described under the headings "Management's Discussion
     and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
     "Description of Indebtedness" in the Prospectus and (B)] immediately
     following the Closing, will apply the net proceeds from the sale of its
     Common Shares to prepay its 11.75% Senior Notes due December 31, 2002 and
     its 11.75% Senior Notes due December 31, 2003 in the principal amounts of
     $25,000,000 and $15,000,000, respectively, 


<PAGE>

     in each case as is described under the heading "Use of Proceeds" in the
     Prospectus.

          (b)  Ripplewood agrees with the several Underwriters that it will not
during the period of 360 days following the Execution Time, without the prior
written consent of the Representatives, sell, offer to sell, contract to sell,
grant any option for the sale of, otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly,
or announce the offering of, any other Common Shares or Class B Common Shares
owned by Ripplewood, or any securities convertible into, or exchangeable for,
Common Shares or Class B Common Shares; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that Ripplewood may
transfer Common Shares to a Ripplewood Successor, but only if the Ripplewood
Successor agrees to be, and, during the 360-day period set forth above, remains,
subject to the terms of this subsection (b) of Section 6.  For purposes of this
Agreement, "RIPPLEWOOD SUCCESSOR" shall mean (X) any person, corporation,
partnership, limited liability company or other entity that is merged into
Ripplewood or with which Ripplewood is merged or consolidated or that succeeds,
directly or indirectly, to the ownership of the business of, or all or
substantially all of the assets and liabilities of, Ripplewood, whether by
formation of a holding company, transfer of assets or otherwise, and (Y) any
person who is employed by Ripplewood or a Ripplewood Successor referred to in
the foregoing clause (x) or who is a shareholder, partner, member or other
equity owner of Ripplewood or any such Ripplewood Successor, in each case so
long as such person remains so employed or such a shareholder, partner, member
or other equity owner.

          (c)  Each Selling Shareholder continuing to hold Common Shares after
the consummation of the Offering agrees with the several Underwriters that it
will not during the period of 360 days following the Execution Time, without the
prior written consent of the Representatives, sell, offer to sell, contract to
sell, grant any option for the sale of, otherwise dispose of, directly or
indirectly, or announce the offering of, any other Common Shares, or any
securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, Common Shares; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that each such Selling Shareholder may transfer Common Shares (I) as
bona fide gifts, (II) pursuant to a final divorce decree or (III) pursuant to
the laws of testamentary or intestate descent.

          7.   CONDITIONS TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE UNDERWRITERS.  The
obligations of the Underwriters to purchase the Underwritten Securities and the
Option Securities, as 


<PAGE>

the case may be, shall be subject to the accuracy of the representations and
warranties on the part of the Company and the Selling Shareholders contained
herein as of the Execution Time, the Closing Date and any settlement date
pursuant to Section 3 hereof, to the accuracy of the statements of the Company
and the Selling Shareholders made in any certificates pursuant to the provisions
hereof, to the performance by the Company and the Selling Shareholders of their
respective obligations hereunder and to the following additional conditions:

          (a)  If the Registration Statement has not become effective prior to
the Execution Time, unless the Representatives agree in writing to a later time,
the Registration Statement will become effective not later than (I) 6:00 PM, New
York City time, on the date of determination of the public offering price, if
such determination occurred at or prior to 3:00 PM, New York City time, on such
date or (II) 12:00 Noon, New York City time, on the business day following the
day on which the public offering price was determined, if such determination
occurred after 3:00 PM, New York City time, on such date; if filing of the
Prospectus, or any supplement thereto, is required pursuant to Rule 424(b), the
Prospectus, and any such supplement, will be filed in the manner and within the
time period required by Rule 424(b); and 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.

          (b)  (i)  The Company shall have furnished to the Representatives the
opinion of Thompson Hine & Flory P.L.L., counsel for the Company, dated the
Closing Date, to the effect that:

          (A)  each of the Company, Dur-O-Wal, Inc. ("DUR-O-WAL") and Omni
     Investors Inc. ("OMNI") has been duly incorporated and is validly existing
     as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in
     which it is chartered or organized, with full corporate power and authority
     to own, lease and operate its properties and conduct its business as
     described in the Prospectus, and is duly qualified to do business as a
     foreign corporation and is in good standing under the laws of each
     jurisdiction which requires such qualification wherein it owns or leases
     material properties or conducts material business except where the failure
     to so qualify would not have a Material Adverse Effect;


<PAGE>

          (B)  all the outstanding shares of capital stock of Dur-O-Wal and Omni
     have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and
     nonassessable, and, except as otherwise set forth in the Prospectus, all of
     the outstanding shares of capital stock of Dur-O-Wal and Omni are owned by
     the Company either directly or through wholly owned subsidiaries free and
     clear of any perfected security interest and, to the knowledge of such
     counsel, after due inquiry, any other liens, encumbrances, security
     interests and claims;

          (C)  the Company's authorized equity capitalization is as set forth in
     the Prospectus; the classes and description of capital shares of the
     Company conform to the description thereof contained in the Prospectus; the
     outstanding Common Shares (including the Securities being sold hereunder by
     the Selling Shareholders) have been duly authorized and validly issued and
     are fully paid and nonassessable; the Securities being sold hereunder by
     the Company have been duly authorized, and, when issued and delivered to
     and paid for by the Underwriters pursuant to this Agreement, will be
     validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable; the Securities being sold
     hereunder by the Company are duly authorized for listing, subject to
     official notice of issuance, on the New York Stock Exchange; the
     certificates for the Securities are in valid and sufficient form; and the
     holders of outstanding capital shares of the Company are not entitled to
     preemptive or other rights to subscribe for the Securities;

          (D)  to the best knowledge of such counsel, there is no pending or
     threatened action, suit, claim or proceeding against the Company or any
     Subsidiary, or any of their respective officers or any of their respective
     properties, assets or rights before any court, government or governmental
     agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or any of
     the Subsidiaries of a character required to be disclosed in the
     Registration Statement or Prospectus which is not so disclosed, and there
     is no franchise, contract or other document of a character required to be
     described in the Registration Statement or Prospectus, or to be filed as an
     exhibit, which is not described or filed as required;

          (E)  to the best knowledge of such counsel based solely upon a
     telephone conversation with the staff of 


<PAGE>

     the Commission, the Registration Statement has become effective under the
     Act; any required filing of the Prospectus, and any supplements thereto,
     pursuant to Rule 424(b) has been made in the manner and within the time
     period required by Rule 424(b); to the best knowledge of such counsel, no
     stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has
     been issued, no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or
     threatened and the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (other than
     the financial statements 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 thereunder; and such counsel has no reason to believe
     that at the Effective Date the Registration Statement contained any untrue
     statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact required
     to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
     misleading or that the Prospectus includes any untrue statement of a
     material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make
     the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they
     were made, not misleading;

          (F)  this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered
     by the Company;

          (G)  no consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or
     governmental agency or body is required for the execution and delivery of
     this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
     herein, except such as have been obtained under the Act and the Exchange
     Act, such as may be required under state or other securities or blue sky
     laws of any jurisdiction in connection with the purchase and distribution
     of the Securities by the Underwriters and such other approvals (specified
     in such opinion) as have been obtained;

          (H)  neither the issue and sale of the Securities, nor the
     consummation of any other of the transactions contemplated herein nor the
     fulfillment of the terms hereof will conflict with, result in a breach or
     violation of, or constitute a default under the articles of incorporation
     or Code of Regulations of the Company or under the charter or bylaws of the
     Subsidiaries or conflict in a material respect with, result in a material
     breach or violation of, or 


<PAGE>

     constitute a material default under any law or the terms of any agreement
     or instrument known to such counsel and to which the Company or any of the
     Subsidiaries is a party or bound or any judgment, order or decree known to
     such counsel to be applicable to or binding on the Company or any of the
     Subsidiaries; and

          (I)  no holders of securities of the Company have rights to the
     registration of such securities under the Registration Statement except as
     disclosed in the Prospectus.

In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely (A) as to matters involving the
application of laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Ohio or the
United States, to the extent they deem proper and specified in such opinion,
upon the opinion of other counsel of good standing whom they believe to be
reliable and who are satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters and (B) as to
matters of fact, to the extent they deem proper, on certificates of responsible
officers of the Company and public officials.  Reference to the Prospectus in
this paragraph (b) include any supplements thereto at the Closing Date. 

          (ii)  The Company shall have furnished to the Representatives the
statement of Cravath, Swaine & Moore, special counsel for the Company, dated the
Closing Date, to the effect that such counsel participated in conferences with
certain officers of, and the accountants for, the Company and with the
Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters concerning the preparation of
the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and that although such counsel
cannot and does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of
the statements made in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, such counsel's
work in connection with the Registration Statement and Prospectus did not
disclose any information that gave such counsel reason to believe that (A) the
Registration Statement, at the time the Registration Statement became effective,
or the Prospectus, as of the Closing Date (except the financial statements and
other statistical, accounting or financial information included therein, as to
which such counsel need not express any view), were not appropriately responsive
in all material respects to the requirements of the Securities Act, or (B) the
Registration Statement, at the time the Registration Statement became effective,
contained an 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 that the Prospectus, at the 


<PAGE>

Closing Date, included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to
state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading (in each
case except for the financial statements and other statistical, accounting or
financial information included therein, as to which such counsel need not
express any view).

        (iii)  The Company shall have furnished to the Representatives the
opinion of Cravath, Swaine & Moore, special counsel for the Company, dated the
Closing Date, to the effect that:  no authorization, approval or other action
by, and no notice to, consent of, order of, or filing with, any United States
Federal or New York court or governmental authority or regulatory body is
required for the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated
herein except such as have been obtained under the Act and the Exchange Act and
such as may be required under state or other securities or blue sky laws of any
jurisdiction in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Securities
by the Underwriters and such other approvals (specified in such opinion) as have
been obtained.

          (c)  Ripplewood shall have furnished to the Representatives the
opinion of Cravath, Swaine & Moore, special counsel for Ripplewood, dated the
Closing Date, to the effect that:

          (i)  this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered
     by Ripplewood and is valid and binding on Ripplewood and Ripplewood has
     full limited liability company authority to sell, transfer and deliver in
     the manner provided in this Agreement the Securities being sold by
     Ripplewood hereunder;

         (ii)  upon delivery of the Securities to be sold by Ripplewood to the
     Underwriters, payment therefor by the Underwriters, and registration of the
     certificates evidencing such Securities in the name of the Underwriters (or
     a nominee thereof), the Underwriters will acquire ownership of the
     Securities to be sold by Ripplewood free of any adverse claims (as such
     term is defined in Section 8-302 of the Uniform Commercial Code in the
     State of New York), assuming that each of the Underwriters is acting in
     good faith and has no notice of any adverse claim;


<PAGE>

        (iii)  no authorization, approval or other action by, and no notice to,
     consent of, order of, or filing with, any United States Federal or New York
     court or governmental authority or regulatory body is required for the
     consummation by Ripplewood of the transactions contemplated herein, except
     such as may have been obtained under the Act and the Exchange Act and such
     as may be required under state or other securities or blue sky laws of any
     jurisdiction in connection with the purchase and distribution of the
     Securities by the Underwriters and such other approvals (specified in such
     opinion) as have been obtained; and

        [(iv)  neither the sale of the Securities being sold by any Selling
     Shareholder nor the consummation of any other of the transactions herein
     contemplated by any Selling Shareholder or the fulfillment of the terms
     hereof by any Selling Shareholder will conflict with, result in a breach or
     violation of, or constitute a default under any law or any applicable
     charter or by-laws of the Selling Shareholder or the terms of any indenture
     or other agreement or instrument known to such counsel and to which any
     Selling Shareholder or any of its subsidiaries is a party or bound, or any
     judgment, order or decree known to such counsel to be applicable to any
     Selling Shareholder or any of its subsidiaries of any court, regulatory
     body, administrative agency, governmental body or arbitrator having
     jurisdiction over any Selling Shareholder or any of its subsidiaries].

In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely (A) as to matters involving the
application of laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York or the
United States, to the extent they deem proper and specified in such opinion,
upon the opinion of other counsel of good standing whom they believe to be
reliable and who are satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters, and (B) as to
matters of fact, to the extent they deem proper, on certificates of responsible
officers of Ripplewood and public officials.

          (d)  Counsel for each of the Selling Shareholders other than
Ripplewood shall have furnished to the Representatives an opinion on behalf of
such Selling Shareholder, dated the Closing Date, to the effect that:

          (i)  this Agreement and the Custody Agreement have been duly executed
     and delivered, and, in the case of a corporate or trust Selling
     Shareholder, duly 


<PAGE>

     authorized, by such Selling Shareholder; the Custody Agreement is valid and
     binding on such Selling Shareholder; such Selling Shareholder has full
     legal right and authority to sell, transfer and deliver in the manner
     provided in this Agreement and the Custody Agreement the Securities being
     sold by such Selling Shareholder hereunder;

         (ii)  upon delivery of the Securities to be sold by such Selling
     Shareholder to the Underwriters, payment therefor by the Underwriters, and
     registration of the certificates evidencing such Securities in the name of
     the Underwriters (or a nominee thereof), the Underwriters will acquire
     ownership of the Securities to be sold by such Selling Shareholder free of
     any adverse claims (as such term is defined in Section 8-302 of the Uniform
     Commercial Code in the State of New York), assuming that each of the
     Underwriters is acting in good faith and has no notice of any adverse
     claim; and

        (iii)  no consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or
     governmental agency or body is required for the consummation by such
     Selling Shareholder of the transactions contemplated herein, except such as
     may have been obtained under the Act and the Exchange Act and such as may
     be required under the blue sky laws of any jurisdiction in connection with
     the purchase and distribution of the Securities by the Underwriters and
     such other approvals (specified in such opinion) as have been obtained.

In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely (A) as to matters involving the
application of laws of any jurisdiction other than the state in which they are
admitted to practice, to the extent they deem proper and specified in such
opinion, upon the opinion of other counsel of good standing whom they believe to
be reliable and who are satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters, and (B) as
to matters of fact, to the extent they deem proper, on certificates of
responsible officers of such Selling Shareholder and public officials.

          (e)  The Representatives shall have received from Debevoise &
Plimpton, counsel for the Underwriters, such opinion or opinions, dated the
Closing Date, with respect to the issuance and sale of the Securities, the
Registration Statement, the Prospectus (together with any supplement thereto)
and other related matters as the Representatives may reasonably require, and the
Company and each Selling 


<PAGE>

Shareholder shall have furnished to such counsel such documents as they may
reasonably request for the purpose of enabling them to pass upon such matters. 
In rendering such opinion, Debevoise & Plimpton shall be entitled to rely on the
opinion delivered pursuant to 7(b)(i) as to all matters governed by the law of
the State of Ohio. 

          (f)  The Company shall have furnished to the Representatives a
certificate of the Company, signed by the President and the principal financial
or accounting officer of the Company, dated the Closing Date, to the effect that
the signers of such certificate have carefully examined the Registration
Statement, the Prospectus, any supplement to the Prospectus and this Agreement
and that:

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

        (iii)  since the date of the most recent financial statements included
     in the Prospectus (exclusive of any supplement thereto), there has been no
     material adverse change in the condition (financial or other), earnings,
     business or properties of the Company and its subsidiaries, whether or not
     arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, except as set
     forth in or contemplated in the Prospectus (exclusive of any supplement
     thereto).

          (g)  Each Selling Shareholder shall have furnished to the
Representatives a certificate, signed by such Selling Shareholder or, in the
case of a corporate or trust Selling Shareholder, the Chairman of the Board or
the President and the principal financial or accounting officer of such Selling
Shareholder, dated the Closing Date, to the effect that the representations and
warranties of such Selling Shareholder in this Agreement and the Custody
Agreement are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing
Date to the same effect as if made on the Closing Date and all of the agreements
and covenants of such Selling 


<PAGE>

Shareholder herein and therein have been complied with in all material respects
on or prior to the Closing Date and, in the case of Ripplewood, to the effect
that the signers of such certificate have carefully examined the Registration
Statement, the Prospectus, any supplement to the Prospectus and this Agreement.

          (h)  Each Selling Shareholder shall have furnished to the
Representatives on or prior to the Closing Date a properly completed and
executed United States Treasury Department Form W-9 or statement specified by
Treasury Department regulations in lieu thereof.

          (i)  At the Execution Time and at the Closing Date, Arthur Andersen
LLP shall have furnished to the Representatives a letter or letters, dated
respectively as of the Execution Time and as of the Closing Date, in the form
attached as Exhibit A hereto.

          (j)  At the Execution Time and at the Closing Date, Altschuler,
Melvoin and Glasser LLP shall have furnished to the Representatives a letter or
letters, dated respectively as of the Execution Time and as of the Closing Date,
in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives, confirming that they
are independent accountants within the meaning of the Act and the applicable
published rules and regulations thereunder and stating in effect that in their
opinion the audited financial statements for Dur-O-Wal, Inc. and its subsidiary
for the year ended December 31, 1994 included in the Registration Statement and
the Prospectus and reported on by them comply in form in all material respects
with the applicable accounting requirements of the Act and the related published
rules and regulations.

          (k)  At the Execution Time and at the Closing Date, Coopers & Lybrand
L.L.P. shall have furnished to the Representatives a letter or letters, dated
respectively as of the Execution Time and as of the Closing Date, in form and
substance satisfactory to the Representatives, confirming that they are
independent accountants within the meaning of the Act and the applicable
published rules and regulations thereunder and stating in effect that in their
opinion the audited financial statements for Dur-O-Wal, Inc. and its subsidiary
for the years ended December 31, 1993 and 1992 included in the Registration
Statement and the Prospectus and reported on by them comply in form in all
material respects with the applicable accounting


<PAGE>

requirements of the Act and the related published rules and regulations.

          (l)  Subsequent to the Execution Time or, if earlier, the dates as of
which information is given in the Registration Statement (exclusive of any
amendment thereof) and the Prospectus (exclusive of any supplement thereto),
there shall not have been (A) any change or decrease specified in the letter or
letters referred to in paragraph (i) of this Section 7 or (B) any change, or any
development involving a prospective change, in or affecting the business or
properties of the Company and its subsidiaries the effect of which, in any case
referred to in clause (A) or (B) above, is, in the judgment of the
Representatives, so material and adverse as to make it impractical or
inadvisable to proceed with the offering or delivery of the Securities as
contemplated by the Registration Statement (exclusive of any amendment thereof)
and the Prospectus (exclusive of any supplement thereto).

          (m)    At the Execution Time, each director, officer and employee of
the Company who holds Common Shares or options exercisable into Common Shares
shall have furnished to the Representatives a letter substantially in the form
of Exhibit B hereto in which each such person agrees not to sell, offer to sell,
contract to sell, grant any option for the sale of or otherwise dispose of,
directly or indirectly, or announce an offering of, any Common Shares
beneficially owned by such person or any securities convertible into, or
exchangeable for, Common Shares for a period of 360 days following the Execution
Time without the prior written consent of the Representatives, other than Common
Shares transferred (I) as bona fide gifts, (II) pursuant to a final divorce
decree or (III) pursuant to the laws of testamentary or intestate descent.

          (n)  Prior to the Closing Date, the Company and each Selling
Shareholder shall have furnished to the Representatives such further
information, certificates and documents as the Representatives may reasonably
request.

          If any of the conditions specified in this Section 7 shall not have
been fulfilled in all material respects when and as provided in this Agreement,
or if any of the opinions and certificates mentioned above or elsewhere in this
Agreement shall not be in all material respects reasonably satisfactory in form
and substance to the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters, this
Agreement and all obligations of the Underwriters hereunder may be can


<PAGE>

celed at, or at any time prior to, the Closing Date by the Representatives. 
Notice of such cancellation shall be given to the Company and each Selling
Shareholder in writing or by telephone or telegraph confirmed in writing.

          The documents required to be delivered by this Section 7 shall be
delivered at the office of Debevoise & Plimpton, counsel for the Underwriters,
at 875 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10022, on the Closing Date.

          8.   REIMBURSEMENT OF UNDERWRITERS' EXPENSES.  If the sale of the
Securities provided for herein is not consummated because any condition to the
obligations of the Underwriters set forth in Section 7 hereof is not satisfied,
because of any termination pursuant to Section 11 hereof or because of any
refusal, inability or failure on the part of the Company or any Selling
Shareholder to perform any agreement herein or comply with any provision hereof
other than by reason of a default by any of the Underwriters, the Company will
reimburse the Underwriters severally upon demand for all out-of-pocket expenses
(including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel) that shall have been
incurred by them in connection with the proposed purchase and sale of the
Securities.  If the Company is required to make any payments to the Underwriters
under this Section 8 because of any Selling Shareholder's refusal, inability or
failure to satisfy any condition to the obligations of the Underwriters set
forth in Section 7, such Selling Shareholder shall reimburse the Company on
demand for all amounts so paid.

          9.   INDEMNIFICATION AND CONTRIBUTION.  (a)  The Company agrees to
indemnify and hold harmless Salomon Brothers Inc in its capacity as Independent
Underwriter and each Underwriter (including Salomon Brothers Inc), the
directors, officers, employees and agents of each Underwriter and each person
who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of either the Act or the
Exchange Act against any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint
or several, to which they or any of them may become subject under the Act, the
Exchange Act or other Federal or state statutory law or regulation, at common
law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or
actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement
or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the registration
statement for the registration of the Securities as originally filed or in any
amendment thereof, or in any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, or in any
amendment thereof or supplement 


<PAGE>

thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to
state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statements therein not misleading, and agrees to reimburse each such
indemnified party, as incurred, for any legal or other expenses reasonably
incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such loss,
claim, damage, liability or action; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that (I) the Company will
not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage
or liability arises out of or is based upon any such untrue statement or alleged
untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made therein in reliance upon
and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by or on
behalf of any Underwriter through the Representatives specifically for inclusion
therein (it being understood that the statements set forth in the last paragraph
of the cover page, the paragraph regarding stabilization on the inside front
cover page and under the heading "Underwriting" (other than information about
Ripplewood contained therein) in any Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus
constitute the only information furnished in writing on behalf of the several
Underwriters for inclusion in any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus) and
(II) with respect to any untrue statement or omission of a material fact made in
any Preliminary Prospectus, the indemnity agreement contained in this Section
9(a) shall not inure to the benefit of any Underwriter (or any of the directors,
officers, employees and agents of such Underwriter or any controlling person of
such Underwriter) from whom the person asserting any such loss, claim, damage or
liability purchased Securities if a copy of the Prospectus (as amended or
supplemented if the Company shall have furnished any amendments or supplements
thereto prior to the time of the sale to such person) was not sent or given by
or on behalf of such Underwriter to such person, if required by law so to have
been delivered, at or prior to the written confirmation of the sale of the
Securities to such person, and if the Prospectus (as so amended or supplemented)
would have cured the defect giving rise to such losses, claims, damages or
liabilities.  This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability
which the Company may otherwise have.

          (b)  Each Selling Shareholder severally and not jointly agrees to
indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each of its directors, each of its
officers who signs the Registration Statement, Salomon Brothers Inc in its
capacity as Independent Underwriter and each Underwriter (including Salomon
Brothers Inc), the directors, officers, employees 


<PAGE>

and agents of each Underwriter and each person who controls any Underwriter
within the meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act and each other Selling
Shareholder to the same extent as the indemnity set forth in clause (a) of this
Section 9 from the Company, but only with reference to written information
furnished to the Company by or on behalf of such Selling Shareholder
specifically for inclusion in the documents referred to in the foregoing
indemnity; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that in no case shall the liability of any Selling
Shareholder under this Section 9(b) exceed the aggregate public offering price
of the Securities sold by such Selling Shareholder to the Underwriters minus the
underwriting discounts or commissions paid thereon to the Underwriters by such
Selling Shareholder.  The Company and each Underwriter acknowledge that (I) the
statements set forth in the footnotes to the table under the heading "Principal
and Selling Shareholders" in any Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus as
such statements relate to each Selling Shareholder, constitute the only
information furnished in writing by or on behalf of such Selling Shareholder
(other than Ripplewood) for inclusion in any Preliminary Prospectus or the
Prospectus, and each Selling Shareholder confirms that such statements, to the
extent they relate to such Selling Shareholder, are correct and (II) statements
set forth in the footnotes to the table under the heading "Principal and Selling
Shareholders," and under the subheading "Ripplewood" in such section; under the
subheading "Ripplewood" in the "Prospectus Summary" and under the headings
"Management" and "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions" in any
Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus constitute information furnished in
writing by or on behalf of Ripplewood for inclusion in any Preliminary
Prospectus or the Prospectus, and Ripplewood confirms that such statements, to
the extent they relate to Ripplewood, are correct.  This indemnity agreement
will be in addition to any liability which the Selling Shareholders may
otherwise have.

          (c)  Each Underwriter severally agrees to indemnify and hold harmless
the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who signs the
Registration Statement, and each person who controls the Company within the
meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act, Salomon Brothers Inc in its
capacity as Independent Underwriter and each Selling Shareholder and each person
who controls such Selling Shareholder within the meaning of either the Act or
the Exchange Act, to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity to each
Underwriter, but only with reference to written information relating to such
Underwriter furnished to the 


<PAGE>

Company by or on behalf of such Underwriter through the Representatives
specifically for inclusion in the documents referred to in the foregoing
indemnity.  The Company and the Selling Shareholders acknowledge that the
statements set forth in the last paragraph of the cover page, the last paragraph
on the inside front cover page regarding stabilization and under the heading
"Underwriting" (other than information about Ripplewood contained therein) in
any Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus constitute the only information
furnished in writing by or on behalf of the several Underwriters for inclusion
in any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, and you, as the
Representatives, confirm that such statements are correct.  This indemnity
agreement will be in addition to any liability which any Underwriter may
otherwise have.

          (d)  Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section
9 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 9, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof;
but the failure so to notify the indemnifying party (I) will not relieve it from
liability under paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 9 unless and to the
extent it did not otherwise learn of such action and such failure results in the
forfeiture by the indemnifying party of substantial rights and defenses and (II)
will not, in any event, relieve the indemnifying party from any obligations to
any indemnified party other than the indemnification obligation provided in
paragraph (a), (b) or (c) above.  The indemnifying party shall be entitled to
appoint counsel of the indemnifying party's choice at the indemnifying party's
expense to represent the indemnified party in any action for which
indemnification is sought (in which case the indemnifying party shall not
thereafter be responsible for the fees and expenses of any separate counsel
retained by the indemnified party or parties except as set forth below);
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory to the
indemnified party.  Notwithstanding the indemnifying party's election to appoint
counsel to represent the indemnified party in an action, the indemnified party
shall have the right to employ separate counsel (including not more than one
local counsel in any relevant jurisdiction for all indemnified parties), and the
indemnifying party shall bear the reasonable fees, costs and expenses of such
separate counsel if (A) the use of counsel chosen by the indemnifying party to
represent the indemnified party would present such counsel with a conflict of
interest, (B) the actual or potential defendants in, or 


<PAGE>

targets of, any such action include both the indemnified party and the
indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded
that there may be legal defenses available to it and/or other indemnified
parties which are different from or additional to those available to the
indemnifying party, (C) the indemnifying party shall not have employed counsel
reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified
party within a reasonable time after notice of the institution of such action or
(D) the indemnifying party shall authorize the indemnified party to employ
separate counsel at the expense of the indemnifying party.  The indemnifying
party shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without
its written consent, but if settled with such consent, the indemnifying party
agrees to indemnify the indemnified party from and against any loss or liability
by reason of such settlement or judgment.  An indemnifying party will not,
without the prior written consent of the indemnified parties, settle or
compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any pending
or threatened claim, action, suit or proceeding in respect of which
indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not the
indemnified parties are actual or potential parties to such claim or action)
unless such settlement, compromise or consent includes an unconditional release
of each indemnified party from all liability arising out of such claim, action,
suit or proceeding.

          (e)  In the event that the indemnity provided in paragraph (a), (b) or
(c) of this Section 9 is unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an
indemnified party for any reason, the Company, the Selling Shareholders, the
Underwriters and the Independent Underwriter agree to contribute to the
aggregate losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including legal or other
expenses reasonably incurred in connection with investigating or defending same)
(collectively "LOSSES") to which the Company, one or more of the Selling
Shareholders, one or more of the Underwriters or the Independent Underwriter may
be subject in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits
received by the Company, the Selling Shareholders, the Underwriters and the
Independent Underwriter from the offering of the Securities; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
that in no case shall (I) Salomon Brothers Inc in its capacity as Independent
Underwriter be responsible


<PAGE>

for any amount in excess of the compensation received by Salomon Brothers Inc
for acting in such capacity and (II) any Underwriter (except as may be provided
in any agreement among underwriters relating to the offering of the Securities)
be responsible for any amount in excess of the underwriting discount or
commission applicable to the Securities purchased by such Underwriter hereunder;
PROVIDED, FURTHER, HOWEVER, that in no case shall any Selling Shareholder be
responsible for any amount in excess of the aggregate public offering price of
the Securities sold by such Selling Shareholder to the Underwriters minus the
underwriting discounts or commissions paid thereon to the Underwriters by such
Selling Shareholder.  If the allocation provided by the immediately preceding
sentence is unavailable for any reason, the Company, the Selling Shareholders,
the Underwriters and the Independent Underwriter shall contribute in such
proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits but also
the relative fault of the Company, the Selling Shareholders, the Underwriters
and the Independent Underwriter in connection with the statements or omissions
which resulted in such Losses as well as any other relevant equitable
considerations.  Benefits received by the Company and a Selling Shareholder
shall be deemed to be equal to the total net proceeds from the offering (before
deducting expenses) received by it.  Benefits received by the Underwriters shall
be deemed to be equal to the total underwriting discounts and commissions, in
each case as set forth on the cover page of the Prospectus.  Benefits received
by Salomon Brothers Inc in its capacity as Independent Underwriter shall be
deemed to be equal to the compensation received by Salomon Brothers Inc for
acting in such capacity as set forth in Section 4 hereto.  Relative fault shall
be determined by reference to whether any alleged untrue statement or omission
relates to information provided by the Company, the Selling Shareholders or the
Underwriters.  The Company, the Selling Shareholders and the Underwriters agree
that it would not be just and equitable if contribution were determined by pro
rata allocation or any other method of allocation which does not take account of
the equitable considerations referred to above.  Notwithstanding the provisions
of this paragraph (e), no person guilty of 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 Section 9, each person who controls an Underwriter within the
meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act and each director, officer,
employee and agent of an Underwriter shall have the


<PAGE>

same rights to contribution as such Underwriter, and each person who controls
the Company within the meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act, each
officer of the Company who shall have signed the Registration Statement and each
director of the Company shall have the same rights to contribution as the
Company and each person who controls a Selling Shareholder within the meaning of
either the Act or the Exchange Act shall have the same rights to contribution as
such Selling Shareholder, subject in each case to the applicable terms and
conditions of this paragraph (e).

          10.  DEFAULT BY AN UNDERWRITER.  If any one or more Underwriters shall
fail to purchase and pay for any of the Securities agreed to be purchased by
such Underwriter or Underwriters hereunder and such failure to purchase shall
constitute a default in the performance of its or their obligations under this
Agreement, the remaining Underwriters shall be obligated severally to take up
and pay for (in the respective proportions which the amount of Securities set
forth opposite their names in Schedule I hereto bears to the aggregate amount of
Securities set forth opposite the names of all the remaining Underwriters) the
Securities which the defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed to
purchase; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that in the event that the aggregate amount of
Securities which the defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed to
purchase shall exceed 10% of the aggregate amount of Securities set forth in
Schedule I hereto, the remaining Underwriters shall have the right to purchase
all, but shall not be under any obligation to purchase any, of the Securities,
and if such nondefaulting Underwriters do not purchase all the Securities, this
Agreement will terminate without liability to any nondefaulting Underwriter, the
Selling Shareholders or the Company.  In the event of a default by any
Underwriter as set forth in this Section 10, the Closing Date shall be postponed
for such period, not exceeding seven days, as the Representatives shall
determine in order that the required changes in the Registration Statement and
the Prospectus or in any other documents or arrangements may be effected. 
Nothing contained in this Agreement shall relieve any defaulting Underwriter of
its liability, if any, to the Company, the Selling Shareholders and any
nondefaulting Underwriter for damages occasioned by its default hereunder.

          11.  TERMINATION.  This Agreement shall be subject to termination in
the absolute discretion of the Representatives, by notice given to the Company
prior to delivery of and payment for the Securities, if prior to such time
(A) trading in the Company's Common Shares shall have been suspended by the
Commission or the New York Stock Exchange or trading in securities generally on
the New York Stock Exchange shall have been suspended or limited (other than
pursuant to circuit breaker rules) or minimum prices shall 


<PAGE>

have been established on such Exchange, (B) a banking moratorium shall have been
declared either by Federal or New York State authorities or (C) there shall have
occurred any outbreak or escalation of hostilities, declaration by the United
States of a national emergency or war or other calamity or crisis the effect of
which on financial markets is such as to make it, in the judgment of the
Representatives, impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the offering or
delivery of the Securities as contemplated by the Prospectus (exclusive of any
supplement thereto).

          12.  REPRESENTATIONS AND INDEMNITIES TO SURVIVE.  The respective
agreements, representations, warranties, indemnities and other statements of the
Company, each Selling Shareholder, the Underwriters and the Independent
Underwriter set forth in or made pursuant to this Agreement will remain in full
force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any
Underwriter, the Independent Underwriter, any Selling Shareholder or the Company
or any of the officers, directors or controlling persons referred to in Section
9 hereof, and will survive delivery of and payment for the Securities.  The
provisions of Sections 8 and 9 hereof shall survive the termination or
cancellation of this Agreement.

          13.  NOTICES.  All communications hereunder will be in writing and
effective only on receipt, and, if sent to the Representatives, will be mailed,
delivered or telegraphed and confirmed to them, care of Salomon Brothers Inc, at
Seven World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048; or, if sent to the Company,
will be mailed, delivered or telegraphed and confirmed to it at 721 Richard
Street, Miamisburg, Ohio 45342; or if sent to the Selling Shareholders, will be
mailed, delivered or telegraphed and confirmed to it them at the addresses set
forth on Schedule V hereto.

          14.  SUCCESSORS.  This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and the officers
and directors and controlling persons referred to in Section 9 hereof, and no
other person will have any right or obligation hereunder.

          15.  APPLICABLE LAW.  This Agreement will be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to
applicable principles of conflicts of law to the extent that the application of
law of another jurisdiction would be required thereby.


<PAGE>

          16.  COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the
signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.


<PAGE>

          If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our
agreement, please sign and return to us the enclosed duplicate hereof, whereupon
this letter and your acceptance shall represent a binding agreement among the
Company, the several Selling Shareholders and the several Underwriters.


                         Very truly yours,

                         DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION

                         By:___________________________
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         RIPPLEWOOD HOLDINGS L.L.C.

                         By:___________________________
                            Name:
                            Title:


                         JOHN HANCOCK LIFE INSURANCE
                           COMPANY

                         JOHN HANCOCK MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE
                           COMPANY OF AMERICA

                         THE PAUL REVERE PROTECTIVE LIFE
                           INSURANCE COMPANY

                         THE PAUL REVERE LIFE INSURANCE
                           COMPANY

                         THE PAUL REVERE VARIABLE ANNUITY
                           INSURANCE COMPANY

                         RHODE ISLAND HOSPITAL TRUST 
                           NATIONAL BANK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE 

                           TEXTRON COLLECTIVE INVESTMENT
                           TRUST


<PAGE>

                         Thomas M. Begel
                         Damon Mezzacappa
                         Michel David-Weill
                         David B. Dillard
                         Steven Rattner
                         David McMillan, Jr.
                         Jonathan H. Kagan
                         Saundra L. Gulley
                         Dod A. Fraser
                         Stanley S. Shuman


                         By:_____________________________
                              Name:
                              as Attorney-in-Fact acting on behalf of each of
                              the Selling Shareholders named above



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

Salomon Brothers Inc


By:  ___________________________
     Name:
     Title:  


For themselves and the other
several Underwriters named in 
Schedule I to the foregoing
Agreement.


<PAGE>



                             FORM OF COMFORT LETTER


<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT B

                           DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION
                        PUBLIC OFFERING OF COMMON SHARES

                                                                  _______,  1996

Salomon Brothers Inc
Lazard Freres & Co. LLC
Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated
BT Securities Corporation
As Representatives of the several Underwriters, 
c/o Salomon Brothers Inc
Seven World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048

Dear Sirs:

          This letter is being delivered to you in connection with the proposed
Underwriting Agreement (the "Underwriting Agreement"), between Dayton Superior
Corporation, an Ohio corporation (the "Company"), certain Selling Shareholders
named therein and each of you as representatives of a group of Underwriters
named therein, relating to an underwritten public offering of Class A Common
Shares, without par value (the "Common Shares"), of the Company.

          In order to induce you and the other Underwriters to enter into the
Underwriting Agreement, the undersigned agrees, without your prior written
consent, not to sell, offer to sell, contract to sell, grant any option for the
sale of, otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, or announce an offering
of, any Common Shares of the Company beneficially owned by the undersigned or
any securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, Common Shares during the
360 days following the day on which the Underwriting Agreement is executed,
other than Common Shares or other securities transferred (I) as bona fide gifts,
(II) pursuant to a final divorce decree or (III) pursuant to the laws of
testamentary or intestate descent.


<PAGE>

          If for any reason the Underwriting Agreement
shall be terminated prior to the Closing Date (as defined in the Underwriting
Agreement), the agreement set forth herein shall likewise be terminated.

                         Yours very truly,



                         _________________________
                         Name:
                         Title: 


<PAGE>

                                   SCHEDULE I



                                                   Number of Shares of 
                                                 Underwritten Securities        
     Underwriters                                   To Be Purchased
- --------------------------------        ----------------------------------------
Salomon Brothers Inc

Lazard Freres & Co. LLC

Robert W. Baird & Co.
  Incorporated

BT Securities Corporation





                                                  ---------
               Total  . . . . . . . .             3,700,000 
                                                  ---------


<PAGE>

                                   SCHEDULE II


                                                          Number of Shares of 
                                                         Underwritten Securities
  Selling Shareholders                                         To Be Sold
- --------------------------------                         -----------------------

Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C.

John Hancock Mutual Life                                                       
     Insurance Company
John Hancock Life Insurance
     Company of America

The Paul Revere Life                                                           
     Insurance Company

The Paul Revere Protective
     Life Insurance Company

The Paul Revere Variable
     Annuity Insurance Company

Thomas M. Begel                                                         178,800

Daman Mezzacappa                                                         71,500

Michel David-Weill                                                       12,900

David B. Dillard                                                         30,717

Steven Rattner                                                            3,536

Dod A. Fraser                                                             9,000

Jonathan H. Kagan                                                        10,377

Saundra L. Gulley                                                         5,450

David McMillan, Jr.                                                       5,470

Society of the New York
Hospital Fund, Inc.                                                      20,000

Pierpont Morgan Library                                                   2,850

Educational Broadcasting
Corporation (Thirteen-WNET)                                               5,750

Stanley S. Shuman                                                       125,000


<PAGE>

                                                          Number of Shares of 
                                                         Underwritten Securities
  Selling Shareholders                                         To Be Sold
- --------------------------------                         -----------------------

Textron Collective                                                             
     Investment Trust                                                   168,000

                                                                      _________

                Total  . . . .                                       1,800,000 
                                                                      _________


<PAGE>

                                  SCHEDULE III



                                                              Maximum Number   
                                                                 of Option     
     Name                                                 Securities to be Sold

Dayton Superior Corporation                                       277,500      

Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C.                                        277,500      

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



                                                                 ---------     
               Total  . . . . . . . .                              555,000     
                                                                 ---------     


<PAGE>

                                   SCHEDULE IV

                                  Subsidiaries


Dayton Superior Canada Ltd.

Omni Investors Inc.

Dur-O-Wal, Inc.

Dur-O-Wal Ltd.


<PAGE>

                                   SCHEDULE V

                        Addresses of Selling Shareholders


<PAGE>
                                                                          061196



                                     AMENDED
                            ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
                                       OF
                           DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION


        FIRST:  The name of the Corporation is Dayton Superior Corporation.

        SECOND:  The place in the State of Ohio where the principal office of
the Corporation is located is Miamisburg in Montgomery County.

        THIRD:  The purposes for which the Corporation is formed is to
manufacture and supply concrete and masonry accessories and to engage in any
other lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be formed under Chapter
1701 of the Ohio Revised Code.

        FOURTH:  The Corporation shall have authority to issue 27,005,850
capital shares, classified as follows:

             (i) 20,000,000 Class A Common Shares, without par value ("Class A
        common Shares");

             (ii) 2,005,850 Class B Common Shares, without par value ("Class B
        Common Shares"); and

             (iii) 5,000,000 Preferred Shares, without par value ("Preferred
        Shares").

The Class A Common Shares and the Class B Common Shares sometimes are referred
to herein collectively as the "Common Shares".

             A.  COMMON SHARES.  The express terms of the Common Shares of each
class shall be as follows:

             1.  IDENTICAL RIGHTS.  Except as otherwise provided in this Article
Fourth, all Common Shares shall be identical and shall entitle the holder
thereof to the same rights and privileges.

             2.  DIVIDENDS.  From and after the date of issuance, the holders of
outstanding Common Shares shall be entitled to receive dividends on the Common
Shares when, as and if declared by the directors out of funds legally available
for such purpose.  All holders of Common Shares shall share ratably, in
accordance with the number of shares held by each such holder, in all dividends
or distributions payable in cash, in property or in securities (other than
Common Shares) of the Corporation.  All dividends or distributions declared on
the 

<PAGE>

Common Shares which are payable in Common Shares shall be declared at the same
rate on both classes of Common Shares, but shall be payable only in Class A
Common Shares to the holders of Class A Common Shares and in Class B Common
Shares to the holders of Class B Common Shares. 

             3.  SUBDIVISIONS AND COMBINATIONS OF SHARES.  The Corporation shall
not in any manner subdivide (by stock split, stock dividend or otherwise) or
combine (by stock split, stock dividend or otherwise) the outstanding Common
Shares of either class unless the outstanding Common Shares of the other class
are proportionately subdivided or combined.

             4.  LIQUIDATION.  In the event of any voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the affairs of the Corporation, the
holders of the Common Shares shall share ratably, in accordance with the number
of shares held by each such holder, in all of the assets of the Corporation
available for distribution to the holders of Common Shares.

             5.  VOTING RIGHTS.  Except as otherwise required by law, the holder
or holders of the Class A Common Shares and the Class B Common Shares shall vote
together as one class on all matters on which the holders of Common Shares are
entitled to vote.  The holder or holders of the Class A Common Shares shall be
entitled to one vote for each Class A Common Share held of record, and the
holder or holders of the Class B Common Shares shall be entitled to ten votes
for each Class B Common Share held of record. 

             6.  CONVERSION.  (a)  Each Class B Common Share shall be
convertible at any time, at the option of the holder, into one fully-paid and
non-assessable Class A Common Share by delivering to the principal office of the
Corporation: (i) the certificate or certificates representing the Class B Common
Shares to be converted, duly endorsed in blank or accompanied by proper
instruments of transfer, and (ii) written notice (a "Conversion Notice") to the
Corporation specifying the number of Class B Common Shares to be converted into
Class A Common Shares and stating the name or names (with addresses) and
denominations in which the certificate or certificates representing the Class A
Common Shares issuable upon such conversion are to be issued and including
instructions for the delivery of such certificate or certificates.  The
conversion of the Class B Common Shares for which a Conversion Notice is given
shall be effective at the time at which the Conversion Notice and the
certificate or certificates representing the Class B Common Shares to be
converted are delivered to the Corporation or such later time as may be
specified in the Conversion Notice.  At the time a conversion becomes effective:
(i) each person named in the Conversion Notice as the person to whom a
certificate or certificates representing Class A Common Shares is to be issued
shall be deemed to be the holder of record of the number of Class A Common
Shares to be represented by such certificate or certificates, (ii) the rights of
the holder with respect to the Class B Common Shares being converted shall cease
and terminate and (iii) the Corporation or its transfer agent thereafter
promptly shall issue and deliver a certificate or certificates representing the
number of Class A Common Shares to which each such record holder is entitled by
reason of the conversion to such holder at the address set forth in the
Conversion Notice.

                                       -2-
<PAGE>

             (b)  Each Class B Common Share which is sold or otherwise
transferred to any person other than a Ripplewood Successor (as hereinafter
defined) automatically shall convert upon such sale or transfer, without any
further action of the holder of such Class B Common Shares, into one fully-paid
and non-assessable Class A Common Share.  If at any time the aggregate number of
Class B Common Shares held by Ripplewood and all Ripplewood Successors is less
than the Minimum Number of Shares (as hereinafter defined), each outstanding
Class B Common Share automatically shall convert, without any further action of
any holder of any such Class B Common Shares, into one fully-paid and non-
assessable Class A Common Share.  Upon any such automatic conversion, each
record holder of a certificate that, immediately prior to the effectiveness of
the conversion, represented Class B Common Shares shall be entitled to receive
in exchange for such certificate, upon surrender of such certificate to the
Corporation at its principal office, a certificate representing the number of
Class A Common Shares to which such holder is entitled as a result of the
conversion.  Until surrendered and exchanged in accordance herewith, each
certificate that, immediately prior to effectiveness of the conversion,
represented Class B Common Shares shall represent the Class A Common Shares to
which the holder is entitled as a result of the conversion.  For purposes of
this Section 6(b):  (i) "Ripplewood Successor" means (x) any person,
corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity that is
merged into Ripplewood or with which Ripplewood is merged or consolidated or
that succeeds, directly or indirectly, to the ownership of the business of, or
all or substantially all of the assets and liabilities of, Ripplewood, whether
by formation of a holding company, transfer of assets or otherwise, and (y) any
person who is employed by, or a trustee of, Ripplewood or a Ripplewood Successor
referred in the foregoing clause (x) or who is a shareholder, partner, member or
other equity owner of Ripplewood or any such Ripplewood Successor, in each case
so long as such person remains so employed or such a shareholder, partner,
member or other equity owner, and (ii) "Minimum Number of Shares" means 622,525
Class B Common Shares, subject to proportionate adjustment to reflect any
subdivision (by stock split, stock dividend or otherwise) or combination (by
stock split, stock dividend or otherwise) of the outstanding Common Shares.
                 
             (c)  Upon the voluntary or automatic conversion of Class B Common
Shares into Class A Common Shares as provided in this Section 6, the Class B
Common Shares so converted automatically shall be retired and shall become
authorized and unissued Class A Common Shares.

             (d)  The Corporation at all times shall reserve and shall keep
available out of its authorized but unissued Class A Common Shares or Class A
Common Shares held in its treasury, solely for the purpose of issuance upon
conversion of the Class B Common Shares as provided in this Section 6, such
number of Class A Common Shares as then shall be issuable upon conversion of all
outstanding Class B Common Shares. 

             7.  MERGERS, ETC.  In the event of any merger, consolidation,
business combination or other reorganization in which any consideration is to be
received by the holders of Common Shares, the holders of the Class A Common
Shares and the holders of the Class B Common Shares shall receive the same
consideration on a per share basis; provided, however, 

                                       -3-
<PAGE>

that, if such consideration shall consist in any part of voting securities (or
of options or warrants to purchase, or securities convertible into or
exchangeable for, voting securities), the holders of the Class B Common Shares
may receive, on a per share basis, voting securities with ten times the number
of votes per share as those voting securities to be received by the holders of
the Class A Common Shares but otherwise with the same terms as those voting
securities to be received by the holders of the Class A Common Shares (or
options or warrants to purchase, or securities convertible into or exchangeable
for, voting securities with ten times the number of votes per share as those
voting securities issuable upon the exercise of the options or warrants to be
received by the holders of the Class A Common Shares but otherwise with the same
terms as those voting securities issuable upon the exercise of the options or
warrants to be received by the holders of the Class A Common Shares or into
which the convertible or exchangeable securities to be received by the holders
of the Class A Common Shares may be converted or exchanged).

             8.  PRE-EMPTIVE RIGHTS.  The holders of the Common Shares shall
not have any preemptive rights under Section 1701.15 of the Ohio Revised Code.

             B.  PREFERRED SHARES.  The express terms of the Preferred Shares
shall be as follows:

             1.  SERIES OF PREFERRED SHARES.  Within the limitations and
restrictions set forth in this Article Fourth, the directors are authorized, at
any time or from time to time, to adopt amendments to these Amended Articles of
Incorporation with respect to any authorized and unissued Preferred Shares to
fix or alter the division of such shares into series, the designation and number
of shares of each series, the dividend rates, dates of payment of dividends and
the dates from which they are cumulative, redemption rates, redemption prices,
liquidation prices, sinking fund requirements, conversion rights, any
restrictions on issuance of shares of the same series or of any other class or
series and any other terms not prohibited by law.

             2.  VOTING RIGHTS.  Except as otherwise provided by law, the
holders of the Preferred Shares shall have no voting rights; provided, however,
that so long as there are no Preferred Shares issued and outstanding, the
directors are authorized, at any time or from time to time, to adopt an
amendment to these Amended Articles of Incorporation to fix or alter the voting
rights of the Preferred Shares, as a class.  

        FIFTH:  When authorized by the affirmative vote of the directors,
without any action by the shareholders, the Corporation may purchase its own
shares for such prices, in such manner and upon such terms and conditions as the
directors from time to time may determine, except that no such purchase shall be
made if immediately thereafter the Corporation's assets would be less than its
liabilities plus stated capital, if any, or if the Corporation is insolvent (as
defined in Chapter 1701 of the Ohio Revised Code) or if there is reasonable
ground to believe that by such purchase it would be rendered insolvent.

                                       -4-
<PAGE>

        SIXTH:  The shareholders of the Corporation shall have no right to vote
cumulatively in the election of directors.

        SEVENTH:  Notwithstanding any provision of Chapter 1701 of the Ohio
Revised Code (or any successor provision) now or hereafter in force designating
for any purpose the vote or consent of the holders of shares entitling them to
exercise in excess of a majority of the voting power of the Corporation, or of
any particular class or classes of shares of the Corporation, such action,
unless otherwise expressly required by statute or these Amended Articles of
Incorporation, may be taken by the vote of the holders of shares entitling them
to exercise a majority of the voting power of the Corporation or of such class
or classes.

        EIGHTH:

        8.1  LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.  (a) No person shall be found to have
violated any duties to the Corporation as a director of the Corporation in any
action brought against the person (including actions involving or affecting any
of the following: (i) a change or potential change in control of the
Corporation; (ii) a termination or potential termination of the person's service
to the Corporation as a director; or (iii) the person's service in any other
position or relationship with the Corporation), unless it is proved by clear and
convincing evidence that the person did not act in good faith, in a manner the
person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
Corporation, or with the care that an ordinarily prudent person in a like
position would use under similar circumstances.

             (b)  In performing any duties to the Corporation as a director,
the director shall be entitled to rely on information, opinions, reports, or
statements, including financial statements and other financial data, that are
prepared or presented by: (i) one or more directors, officers, or employees of
the Corporation who the director reasonably believes are reliable and competent
in the matters prepared or presented; (ii) counsel, public accountants, or other
persons as to matters that the director reasonably believes are within the
person's professional or expert competence; or (iii) a committee of the
directors upon which the director does not serve, duly established in accordance
with the provisions of the Corporation's Code of Regulations, as to matters
within its designated authority, which committee the director reasonably
believes to merit confidence.  A director shall not be considered to be acting
in good faith if the director has knowledge concerning the matter in question
that would cause reliance on information, opinions, reports, or statements that
are prepared by the foregoing persons to be unwarranted.

             (c)  In determining what a director reasonably believes to be in
the best interests of the Corporation, the director shall consider the interests
of the shareholders and, in the director's discretion, may consider any of the
following: (i) the interests of the Corporation's employees, suppliers,
creditors, and customers; (ii) the economy of the state and nation; (iii)
community and societal considerations; and (iv) the long-term as well as short-
term interests of the Corporation and its shareholders, including the
possibility that these interests may be best served by the continued
independence of the Corporation.

                                       -5-
<PAGE>

             (d)  A director shall be liable in damages for any action the
director takes or fails to take as a director only if it is proved by clear and
convincing evidence in a court of competent jurisdiction that the action or
failure to act involved an act or omission undertaken with deliberate intent to
cause injury to the Corporation or undertaken with reckless disregard for the
best interests of the Corporation.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing
contained in this paragraph (d) affects the liability of directors under Section
1701.95 of the Ohio Revised Code or limits relief available under Section
1701.60 of the Ohio Revised Code.

        8.2  THIRD PARTY ACTION INDEMNIFICATION.  The Corporation shall
indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party,
to any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether
civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative (other than an action by or in
the right of the Corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a
director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of
the Corporation as a director, trustee, officer, employee, member, manager or
agent of another corporation, domestic or foreign, nonprofit or for profit,
limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other
enterprise, against expenses, including attorney's fees, judgments, fines, and
amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in
connection with such action, suit, or proceeding if the person acted in good
faith and in a manner the person 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 the conduct was unlawful.  The
termination of any action, suit, or 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 the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the Corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, the person had reasonable cause to believe that the conduct was
unlawful.

        8.3  DERIVATIVE ACTION INDEMNIFICATION.  The Corporation shall
indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party,
to any threatened, pending, or completed action or suit by or in the right of
the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that
the person is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was
serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, trustee, officer,
employee, member, manager or agent of another corporation, domestic or foreign,
nonprofit or for profit, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture,
trust, or other enterprise, against expenses, including attorney's fees,
actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the defense or
settlement of such action or suit if the person acted in good faith and in a
manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the Corporation, except that no indemnification shall be made in
respect of any of the following:

        (i)  any claim, issue, or matter as to which the person is adjudged to
    be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of the person's
    duty to the Corporation unless, and only to the extent that, the court of
    common pleas or the court in which such action or suit was brought
    determines upon application that, despite the adjudication of liabilities,
    but in view of all the circumstances of the case, the person is fairly and

                                       -6-
<PAGE>

    reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the court of common
    pleas or such other court shall deem proper; or

        (ii)  any action or suit in which the only liability asserted against
    the director is pursuant to Section 1701.95 of the Ohio Revised Code.

        8.4  SUCCESS ON MERITS.  To the extent that a director, trustee,
officer, employee, or agent has been successful on the merits or otherwise in
defense of any action, suit, or proceeding referred to in Section 8.2 or 8.3, or
in defense of any claim, issue, or matter therein, the person shall be
indemnified against expenses, including attorney's fees, actually and reasonably
incurred by the person in connection with the action, suit or proceeding.

        8.5  AUTHORIZATION OF INDEMNIFICATION.  Any indemnification under
Section 8.2 or 8.3, unless ordered by a court, shall be made by the Corporation
only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that
indemnification of the director or officer is proper in the circumstances
because the person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in
Section 8.2 or 8.3.  Such determination shall be made as follows:

        (i)  by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors of the
    Corporation who were not and are not parties to or threatened with any such
    action, suit, or proceeding;

        (ii)  if the quorum described in subparagraph (a) of this Section 8.5
    is not obtainable or if a majority vote of a quorum of disinterested
    director so directs, in a written opinion by independent legal counsel
    other than an attorney, or a firm having associated with it an attorney,
    who has been retained by or who has performed services for the Corporation
    or any person to be indemnified within the past five years;

        (iii)  by the shareholders; or

        (iv)  by the court of common pleas or the court in which the action,
    suit, or proceeding was brought.

In the case of an action or suit brought by or in the right of the Corporation
under Section 8.3, any determination made by the disinterested directors under
subparagraph (i) of this Section 8.5 or by independent legal counsel under
subparagraph (ii) of this Section 8.5 shall be communicated promptly to the
person who threatened or brought the action or suit, and within ten days after
receipt of the notification, the person shall have the right to petition the
court of common pleas or the court in which such action or suit was brought to
review the reasonableness of such determination.

        8.6  PAYMENT OF EXPENSES IN ADVANCE.  (a) Unless the only liability
asserted against a director in an action, suit, or proceeding referred to in
Section 8.2 or 8.3 is pursuant to Section 1701.95 of the Ohio Revised Code,
expenses, including attorney's fees, incurred by the director in defending the
action, suit, or proceeding shall be paid by the Corporation as they are

                                       -7-
<PAGE>

incurred, in advance of the final disposition of the action, suit, or
proceeding, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director in
which the director agrees to do both of the following: (i) repay such amount if
it is proved by clear and convincing evidence in a court of competent
jurisdiction that the director's action or failure to act involved an act or
omission undertaken with deliberate intent to cause injury to the Corporation or
undertaken with reckless disregard for the best interests of the Corporation;
and (ii) reasonably cooperate with the Corporation concerning the action, suit,
or proceeding.

             (b)   Expenses, including attorney's fees, incurred by a director
or officer in defending any action, suit, or proceeding referred to in Section
8.2 or 8.3, may be paid by the Corporation as they are incurred, in advance of
the final disposition of the action, suit, or proceeding as authorized by the
directors in the specific case upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of
the director or officer to repay such amount, if it ultimately is determined
that the director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified by the
Corporation.

        8.7  NONEXCLUSIVITY.  The indemnification authorized by this Article
Eighth shall not be exclusive of, and shall be in addition to, any other rights
granted to those seeking indemnification under these Amended Articles of
Incorporation, the Code of Regulations or any agreement, vote of shareholders or
disinterested directors, or otherwise, both as to action in the person's
official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such
office, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or
officer, and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, and
administrators of such a person.

        8.8  INSURANCE.  The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance or
furnish similar protection including but not limited to trust funds, letters of
credit, or self-insurance, on behalf of or for 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, trustee, officer, employee, or
agent of another corporation, domestic or foreign, nonprofit or for profit,
partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against any liability
asserted against the person and incurred by the person in any such capacity, or
arising out of the person's status as such, whether or not the Corporation would
have the power to indemnify the person against such liability under this Article
Eighth.  Insurance may be purchased from or maintained with a person in which
the Corporation has a financial interest.

        8.9  NO LIMITATION.  The authority of the Corporation to indemnify
persons pursuant to Sections 8.2 and 8.3 does not limit the payment of expenses
as they are incurred, indemnification, insurance, or other protection that may
be provided pursuant to Sections 8.6, 8.7 and 8.8.  Sections 8.2 and 8.3 do not
create any obligation to repay or return payments made by the Corporation
pursuant to Sections 8.6, 8.7 and 8.8.

        NINTH:  The provisions of Section 1701.831 of the Ohio Revised Code
shall not apply to control share acquisitions of shares of the Corporation.

                                       -8-
<PAGE>

        TENTH:  These Amended Articles of Incorporation supersede the existing
Amended Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation.

        ELEVENTH:  At the time these Amended Articles of Incorporation are
filed with the Secretary of State of Ohio (the "Effective Time"), the following
changes in the outstanding capital shares of the Corporation (the
"Recapitalization") shall occur automatically in the order set forth below and
without further action by any holder of any such capital shares:
               
             (i)  each Class B Common Share outstanding immediately prior to
        the Effective Time shall be converted into and shall become one fully-
        paid and non-assessable Class A Common Share;

             (ii)  each Class A Common Share outstanding immediately prior to
        the Effective Time (including, without limitation, those issued upon
        conversion of the Class B Common Shares into Class A Common Shares
        pursuant to subparagraph (i) above) shall be converted into and shall
        become 50 fully-paid and non-assessable Class A Common Shares with the
        express terms set forth in these Amended Articles of Incorporation; 

             (iii)  each Class A Common Share outstanding immediately prior to
        the Effective Time and held by Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C. (consisting
        of those issued upon conversion of each Class A Common Share into 50
        Class A Common Shares pursuant to subparagraph (ii) above) shall be
        converted into and shall become one fully-paid and non-assessable Class
        B Common Share with the express terms set forth in these Amended
        Articles of Incorporation;

             (iv)    all of the Class B Common Shares outstanding immediately
        prior to the Effective Time which are converted into Class A Common
        Shares at the Effective Time pursuant to the foregoing provisions
        shall, upon such conversion, be retired and restored to the status of
        authorized and unissued Class A Common Shares, and all outstanding
        Class A Common Shares outstanding immediately prior to the Effective
        Time which are converted into Class B Common Shares at the Effective
        Time pursuant to the foregoing provisions shall, upon such conversion,
        be retired and shall become authorized and unissued Class A Common
        Shares; and

             (v)  the stated capital, if any, of the Class A Common Shares and
        the Class B Common Shares shall be eliminated.

Promptly after the Effective Time, each record holder of a certificate that,
immediately prior to the Effective Time, represented Class A Common Shares or
Class B Common Shares shall be entitled to receive in exchange for such
certificate, upon surrender of such certificate to the Corporation at its
principal office, a certificate for the number of Class A Common Shares or Class
B Common Shares to which such holder is entitled as a result of the
Recapitalization.  Until surrendered and exchanged in accordance herewith, each
certificate that, immediately prior 

                                       -9-
<PAGE>

to the Effective Time, represented Common Shares shall represent the number and
class of Common Shares to which the holder is entitled as a result of the
Recapitalization.

                                      -10-


<PAGE>

                                   [LETTER HEAD]


                                  June 18, 1996




Dayton Superior Corporation
721 Richard Street
Miamisburg, OH   45342

Gentlemen:

        We have acted as counsel to Dayton Superior Corporation, an Ohio
corporation (the "COMPANY"), in connection with the offering by the Company and
certain shareholders of the Company (the "SELLING SHAREHOLDERS") of up to an
aggregate of 3,700,000 of the Company's Class A Common Shares, without par value
("CLASS A COMMON SHARES"), pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1
(Registration No. 333-2974) (the "REGISTRATION STATEMENT") filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
and up to an additional 555,000 Class A Common Shares which may be issued
pursuant to the Registration Statement upon the exercise of an over-allotment
option granted to the Underwriters named in the Registration Statement.  Of the
Class A Common Shares being offered, 1,974,750 Class A Common Shares plus up to
an additional 277,500 Class A Common shares subject to the over-allotment option
are being offered by the Company (the "COMPANY SHARES") and 1,725,250 Class A
Common Shares plus up to an additional 277,500 Class A Common Shares subject to
the over-allotment option are being offered by the Selling Shareholders (the
"SELLING SHAREHOLDER SHARES").

        In connection with this opinion, we have examined the Company's Amended
Articles of Incorporation as they now are in effect and as they are proposed to
be amended in connection with the consummation of the offering, various
corporate records and proceedings with respect to the organization of the
Company and the issuance of the Class A Common Shares and such other matters as
we considered important in order to render an informed opinion on the matters
set forth herein.  Based upon the foregoing, it is our opinion that:

<PAGE>

THOMPSON HINE & FLORY

Dayton Superior Corporation
June 18, 1996
Page 2



        1.  The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing
    and in good standing under the laws of the State of Ohio.

        2.  Upon the filing of Amended Articles of Incorporation in the
    form filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement with the
    Secretary of State of Ohio immediately prior to the consummation of the
    offering as described in the Registration Statement, the Company Shares
    will be duly authorized and, upon issuance of such shares and payment
    therefor in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement filed as an
    exhibit to the Registration Statement, the Company Shares will be
    validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

        3.  The Selling Shareholder Shares are duly authorized, validly issued,
    fully paid and nonassessable.

        This opinion is solely for your information in connection with the
Registration Statement and is not to be quoted or otherwise referred to in any
of your financial statements or public releases, filed with any governmental
agency or given to any other person without our prior written consent.  This
opinion may not be relied upon by any other person or used by you for any other
purpose without our prior written consent.

        We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement, and we consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Legal
Matters" in the Prospectus forming a part of the Registration Statement.

                              Very truly yours,

                              /s/ Thompson Hine & Flory P.L.L.


<PAGE>

                                                                          060596











                           DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION

                              AMENDED AND RESTATED
                              SHAREHOLDER AGREEMENT






                            Dated as of [ (1) ], 1996

















_________________
(1)  Agreement to be dated as of the closing date of the Company's initial
public offering.

<PAGE>

                                    ARTICLE I

                                   DEFINITIONS
                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----

SECTION 1.1    Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

                                   ARTICLE II

                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS

SECTION 2.1    Amendment of Prior Agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
SECTION 2.2    1994 Stock Option Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

                                   ARTICLE III

                      BOARD OF DIRECTORS; VOTING AGREEMENTS

SECTION 3.1    Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
SECTION 3.2    Voting Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
SECTION 3.3    Termination of Voting Agreements
                and Proxies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

                                   ARTICLE IV

                           TRANSFER OF COMMON SHARES

SECTION 4.1    General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
SECTION 4.2    Restrictions on Transfer; Legend on
                Certificates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
SECTION 4.3    Tag-Along Rights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
SECTION 4.4    Drag-Along Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

                                    ARTICLE V

                               REGISTRATION RIGHTS

SECTION 5.1    Registration on Request . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
SECTION 5.2    Incidental Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
SECTION 5.3    Registration Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
SECTION 5.4    Underwritten Offerings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
SECTION 5.5    Preparation; Reasonable Investigation . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
SECTION 5.6    Indemnification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
SECTION 5.7    Rule 144. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

                                       -i-
<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE VI

                                CERTAIN COVENANTS

SECTION 6.1    Action by Shareholders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
SECTION 6.2    Further Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

                                   ARTICLE VII

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 7.1    Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
SECTION 7.2    Binding Nature of Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
SECTION 7.3    Descriptive Headings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
SECTION 7.4    Specific Performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
SECTION 7.5    Governing Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
SECTION 7.6    Counterparts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
SECTION 7.7    Severability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
SECTION 7.8    Entire Agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
SECTION 7.9    Amendment and Waiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
SECTION 7.10   Additional Parties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
SECTION 7.11   No Third Party Beneficiaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
SECTION 7.12   Agent for Management Investors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

                                      -ii-
<PAGE>

                           DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION

                              AMENDED AND RESTATED
                              SHAREHOLDER AGREEMENT

          THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED SHAREHOLDER AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is
made as of [ (1)], 1996 by and among DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION, an Ohio
corporation (the "Company"), each of the holders of Common Shares (as such term
is defined herein) or options or warrants to acquire Common Shares indicated at
the end of this Agreement, and such other holders of Common Shares or options or
warrants to acquire Common Shares as, from time to time, may become parties to
this Agreement in accordance with the provisions hereof (individually, a
"Shareholder" and, collectively, the "Shareholders"), under the following
circumstances:

          A.  The Company and each of the holders of its capital shares entered
     into an Amended and Restated Shareholder Agreement dated as of October 13,
     1995 (the "Prior Agreement") in order to make certain provisions with
     respect to their ownership of capital shares of the Company; and

          B.  Certain of the parties to the Prior Agreement (the "Selling
     Shareholders") have sold their Common Shares in the Company's initial
     public offering (the "Offering"); and

          C.  The Company and the Shareholders now desire to amend and restate
     the Prior Agreement in certain respects to reflect the completion of the
     Offering and the sale by the Selling Shareholders of their Common Shares
     and to set forth certain other agreements.

          NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual
agreements and covenants contained herein, the sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

                                   DEFINITIONS

          Section 1.1  DEFINITIONS.  Unless otherwise defined herein, the
following terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings specified below:

          "AFFILIATE" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any of (a) a
director or executive officer of such Person, (b) a spouse, parent, sibling or
descendant of such Person (or a spouse, parent, sibling or descendant of any
director or executive officer of such

                                       -1-
<PAGE>

Person), and (c) any other Person that, directly or indirectly, controls, or is
controlled by or is under common control with such Person.  For the purpose of
this definition, "control" (including the terms "controlling", "controlled by"
and "under common control with"), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean
the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the
direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the
ownership of voting securities or by contract or agency or otherwise.

          "CLASS A COMMON SHARES" shall mean Class A Common Shares, without par
value, of the Company.

          "CLASS B COMMON SHARES" shall mean Class B Common Shares, without par
value, of the Company.

          "COMMISSION" shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission or any
other Federal agency at the time administering the Securities Act.

          "COMMON SHARES" shall mean the Class A Common Shares and the Class B
Common Shares.

          "EXCHANGE ACT" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or any
similar Federal statute, and the rules and regulations of the Commission
thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect at the time.  Reference to a
particular section of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 shall include a
reference to the comparable section, if any, of any such similar Federal
statute.

          "MANAGEMENT INVESTORS" shall mean those members of the management of
the Company (other than Matthew O. Diggs, Jr.) who own Class A Common Shares or
options to acquire such shares granted under an employee stock option plan of
the Company.

          "PERSON" shall mean an individual or a corporation, association,
partnership, limited liability company, organization, business or other entity,
including a government or a subdivision thereof or a governmental agency.

          "PUBLIC SALE" shall mean any sale of Common Shares to the public
pursuant to an offering registered under the Securities Act or to the public
through a broker, dealer or market maker pursuant to the provisions of Rule 144
(or any similar provision then in force) adopted under the Securities Act.

          "REGISTRABLE SECURITIES" shall mean, as to any Shareholder, (a) any
issued and outstanding Common Shares owned or acquired by such Shareholder and
(b) any securities issued or issuable with respect to any Common Shares referred
to in (a) above by way of shares dividend or shares split or in connection with
a combination of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other
reorganization or otherwise.  As to any particular Registrable Securities, once
issued such securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities when (w) a

                                       -2-
<PAGE>

registration statement with respect to the sale of such Registrable Securities
shall have become effective under the Securities Act and such Registrable
Securities shall have been disposed of in accordance with such registration
statement, (x) such Registrable Securities shall have been distributed to the
public pursuant to Rule 144 (or any successor provision) under the Securities
Act, (y) such Registrable Securities shall have been otherwise transferred, new
certificates for such Registrable Securities not bearing a legend restricting
further transfer shall have been delivered by the Company and a subsequent
disposition of such Registrable Securities shall not require registration or
qualification under the Securities Act or any similar state law then in force,
or (z) such Registrable Securities shall have ceased to be outstanding.

          "REGISTRATION EXPENSES" shall mean all reasonable expenses incident to
the Company's performance of its obligations under Sections 5.1 through 5.6
hereof, including, without limitation (i) all registration, filing and NASD
fees, (ii) all fees and expenses of complying with securities or blue sky laws,
(iii) all word processing, duplicating and printing expenses, (iv) all messenger
and delivery expenses, (v) the fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company
and of its independent public accountants, including the expenses of any special
audits or "cold comfort" letters required by or incident to such performance,
(vi) the fees and disbursements of any one counsel retained by the holder or
holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities being registered (or, if
Ripplewood has requested the registration under Section 5.1, any one counsel
selected by Ripplewood to represent all holders of Registrable Securities being
registered) and (vii) any fees and disbursements of underwriters customarily
paid by issuers or sellers of securities, but excluding underwriting discounts
and commissions and transfer taxes.

          "RESTRICTED SECURITIES" shall mean all Common Shares and any
securities obtained upon exchange for or upon conversion or transfer of or as a
distribution on such Common Shares or any such securities and except that any
particular Restricted Securities shall cease to be such when (w) a registration
statement with respect to the sale of such securities shall have become
effective under the Securities Act and such securities shall have been disposed
of in accordance with such registration statement, (x) they shall have been
distributed to the public pursuant to Rule 144 (or any successor provision)
under the Securities Act, (y) they shall have been otherwise transferred, new
certificates for them not bearing a legend restricting further transfer shall
have been delivered by the Company and subsequent disposition of them shall not
require registration or qualification of them under the Securities Act or any
similar state law then in force, or (z) they shall have ceased to be
outstanding.  Whenever any particular securities cease to be Restricted
Securities, the holder thereof shall be entitled to receive from the issuer
thereof or its transfer agent, without expense (other than transfer taxes, if
any), new securities of like tenor not bearing a legend of the character set
forth in Section 4.2.

     "RIPPLEWOOD GROUP" shall mean Ripplewood and its Affiliates and all other
Shareholders owning Common Shares as to which Ripplewood controls the voting
rights.

                                       -3-
<PAGE>

          "SECURITIES ACT" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or
any similar Federal statute, and the rules and regulations of the Commission
thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect at the time.

          "SUBSIDIARIES" means, as to any Person, any corporation, limited or
general partnership, limited liability company, trust, association or other
business entity of which an aggregate of at least a majority of the outstanding
voting shares or other equivalent controlling interest is, at the time, directly
or indirectly, owned by such Person and/or one or more Subsidiaries of such
Person.

          "VOTING SHARES" shall mean all of the Company's capital shares
entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the Company.


                                   ARTICLE II

                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS

          SECTION 2.1.  AMENDMENT OF PRIOR AGREEMENT.  (a) The Prior Agreement
hereby is amended and restated in its entirety as set forth in this Agreement.

          (b)  Each of the parties to the Prior Agreement who is a party hereto
hereby releases and discharges all other parties to the Prior Agreement and
their respective present or former officers, directors, employees, affiliates,
representative, shareholders, successors and assigns (collectively, the
"Releasee") from all claims, rights, causes of actions, suits or recoveries,
known or unknown, whether absolute or contingent or due or to become due, that
might be brought against the Releasee under the Prior Agreement.

          SECTION 2.2.  1994 STOCK OPTION PLAN.  Each Management Investor who
holds an option granted under the 1994 Stock Option Plan hereby acknowledges and
agrees that all references in such plan and options to the Prior Agreement
hereafter shall refer to this Agreement, as it may be amended from time to time.

                                   ARTICLE III

                      BOARD OF DIRECTORS; VOTING AGREEMENTS

          SECTION 3.1.  BOARD OF DIRECTORS.  From and after the date hereof,
each of the Shareholders shall vote all Voting Shares held by such Shareholder,
and shall take all other necessary or desirable actions within the control of
such Shareholder:

               (i)  to cause the number of directors of the Company (the
          "Board") to be fixed at such number as Ripplewood may specify;

                                       -4-
<PAGE>

               (ii)  to cause the election to the Board (whether at a meeting of
          the shareholders or pursuant to an action by written consent of the
          shareholders in lieu of a meeting) of the Persons designated by
          Ripplewood ("Ripplewood Designees");

               (iii)  at the written request of Ripplewood given at any time, to
          cause the immediate removal from the Board (with or without cause) of
          any Ripplewood Designee(s) specified by Ripplewood (and if any such
          request is given during any meeting, at the option of Ripplewood, to
          cause such meeting to be adjourned pending filling the vacancy caused
          by such removal in accordance with clause (iv) below); and

               (iv)  in the event that any Ripplewood Designee for any reason
          ceases to serve as a director during such person's term of office, to
          cause the resulting vacancy on the Board to be filled with a
          Ripplewood Designee immediately upon the written request of
          Ripplewood, whether at a meeting of the shareholders or pursuant to an
          action by written consent of the shareholders in lieu of a meeting.

          SECTION 3.2.  VOTING AGREEMENTS.  From and after the date hereof and
until the provisions of this Section 3.2 shall terminate as provided in Section
3.3 hereof, each of the Management Investors: (a) shall vote all of the Voting
Shares held by such Person (including shares acquired after the date hereof) in
the same manner as the Voting Shares held by Ripplewood are voted on all matters
acted upon at any annual or special meeting of shareholders or by written
consent in lieu of a meeting, and (b) irrevocably constitutes and appoints the
Person who is at the time the Senior Managing Director and Chief Executive
Officer of Ripplewood its proxy to vote all of the Voting Shares held by such
Person in the same manner as the Voting Shares held by Ripplewood are voted on
all matters acted upon at any annual or special meeting of shareholders or by
written consent in lieu of a meeting; PROVIDED, that this Section 3.2 shall be
inapplicable with respect to any matters which would both adversely affect the
rights of Voting Shares held by any such Person and treat such Person
differently from other holders of Voting Shares.  The voting agreements and
proxies granted pursuant to this Section 3.2 are coupled with an interest.  Each
Person subject to a voting agreement and proxy pursuant to this Section 3.2
represents that he or it has not granted and is not a party to any proxy, voting
trust or other agreement which in each case is inconsistent with or conflicts
with the provisions of this Agreement, and no such Person shall grant any proxy
or become a party to any voting trust or other agreement which in each case is
inconsistent with or conflicts with the provisions of this Agreement.  The
Company shall cause any Person who hereafter becomes a Management Investor to
become a party to this Agreement and to become subject to all of the provisions
of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the provisions of this Section
3.2.

          SECTION 3.3.  TERMINATION OF VOTING AGREEMENTS AND PROXIES.  With
respect to Voting Shares subject to a voting agreement and proxy pursuant to
Sections 3.1 and 3.2, such

                                       -5-
<PAGE>

voting agreement and proxy shall terminate automatically (without any action on
behalf of the holder of such shares or any other party) and be of no further
force and effect at such time as all of the Class B Common Shares are converted
into Class A Common Shares in accordance with their terms.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                            TRANSFER OF COMMON SHARES

          SECTION 4.1.  GENERAL.  Except as otherwise provided in the Amended
Articles of Incorporation, this Agreement or by law, each Shareholder may
transfer its Common Shares at any time to any Person.

          SECTION 4.2.  RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER; LEGEND ON CERTIFICATES.  (a)
Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, Restricted Securities shall not
be transferable except:  (i) pursuant to an effective registration statement
under the Securities Act, (ii) pursuant to Rule 144 (or any successor
provisions) under the Securities Act, or (iii) upon receipt by the Company of an
opinion of counsel (which may be an in-house counsel) reasonably satisfactory to
the Company to the effect that such transfer is exempt from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act.

          (b)  Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, each certificate for
Restricted Securities and each certificate issued in exchange for or upon
transfer of any thereof shall be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend in
substantially the following form:

          "The securities represented by this certificate have not been
     registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the transfer
     of such securities is subject to the conditions specified in that certain
     Amended and Restated Shareholder Agreement among Dayton Superior
     Corporation and the shareholders listed therein, as the same may be amended
     from time to time, a counterpart of which has been placed on file by the
     issuer at its principal place of business and its registered office.  The
     issuer reserves the right to refuse the transfer of such securities until
     such conditions have been fulfilled with respect to such transfer."

          (c)  Any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary
notwithstanding, no transfer of any Common Shares other than a Public Sale may
be made to any Person unless such Person shall have agreed in writing that such
Person, as a Shareholder, and the Common Shares it acquires shall be bound by
and be entitled to the benefits of all the provisions of this Agreement
applicable to shares of the type acquired by such Person.  Any purported
transfer of Common Shares without compliance with the applicable provisions of
this Agreement shall be void and of no effect, and the purported transferee
shall have no rights hereunder.  In the event of such non-complying transfer,
the Company shall not transfer any such Common Shares on its books or recognize
the purported transferee as a shareholder or partner, for any purpose, until all
applicable provisions of this Agreement have been complied with.

                                       -6-
<PAGE>

          SECTION 4.3.  TAG-ALONG RIGHTS.  If Ripplewood proposes to transfer to
any Person (the "Transferee"), in one or a series of related transactions other
than in a Public Sale, Common Shares representing 40% or more of the Common
Shares then owned by Ripplewood, Ripplewood shall first give to each Shareholder
a written notice (a "Transfer Notice"), setting forth: (a) the number of Common
Shares that the Transferee proposes to acquire from Ripplewood, (b) the name and
address of the Transferee, (c) the proposed purchase price, terms of payment and
other material terms and conditions of the Transferee's offer (including
representations, warranties and indemnities) and (d) a representation from
Ripplewood to the effect that Ripplewood will not transfer its shares to the
Transferee unless the Transferee agrees to purchase, upon the purchase by the
Transferee of any Common Shares owned by Ripplewood and for the same per share
consideration, that number of Common Shares (or if such number is not an
integral number, the next integral number which is greater than such number)
which shall be the product of (i) the total number of Common Shares then owned
by such Shareholder and (ii) a fraction, the denominator of which shall be the
total number of Common Shares then held by Ripplewood and the numerator of which
shall be the number of Common Shares held by Ripplewood indicated in the
Transfer Notice as subject to purchase by the Transferee.  Such Shareholder
shall have the right, for a period of 15 days after the Transfer Notice is
given, to accept such offer in whole or in part, exercisable by delivering a
written notice to Ripplewood and the Company within such 15-day period, setting
forth therein the number and class of Common Shares (which may be the number of
shares set forth in the offer by the Transferee or a portion thereof) to be sold
by such Shareholder.  Prior to the earlier of (x) the end of such 15-day period,
(y) the acceptance of the Transferee's offer (whether based directly on the
offer pursuant to the Transfer Notice or on an agreement reached between the
Shareholder and the Transferee) or (z) the rejection of the offer, Ripplewood
shall not complete any sale of Common Shares to the Transferee.  Thereafter, for
a period of 120 days after the prohibition under the preceding sentence
terminates, Ripplewood may sell to the Transferee, for the consideration and on
the terms set forth in the Transfer Notice, the Common Shares stated in the
Transfer Notice as subject to purchase by the Transferee; PROVIDED, that the
Transferee shall simultaneously purchase all such Common Shares from those who
have accepted the Transferee's offer.

          SECTION 4.4.  DRAG-ALONG RIGHTS.  If Ripplewood proposes to transfer
to any Person (the "Proposed Transferee") Common Shares representing 40% or more
of the Common Shares then owned by Ripplewood other than in a Public Sale,
Ripplewood shall have the right (the "Drag-Along Right") to require each other
Shareholder to sell to the Proposed Transferee for the same per share
consideration received by Ripplewood that number of Common Shares (or if such
number is not an integral number, the next integral number which is greater than
such number) which is the product of (i) the total number of Common Shares then
owned by such Shareholder, and (ii) a fraction, the denominator of which is the
total number of Common Shares then owned by Ripplewood, and the numerator of
which is the number of such shares indicated in the Drag-Along Notice (as
hereinafter defined) as subject to purchase by the Proposed Transferee.  To
exercise the Drag-Along Right, Ripplewood shall first give to the Company and
each other Shareholder (pursuant to a list provided by the Company) a written
notice (a "Drag-Along Notice") setting forth: (a)

                                       -7-
<PAGE>

the number of Common Shares that the Proposed Transferee proposes to acquire
from Ripplewood, (b) the name and address of the Proposed Transferee, (c) the
proposed purchase price, terms of payment and other material terms and
conditions of the Proposed Transferee's offer and (d) the aggregate number of
Common Shares owned by each such Shareholder as to which Ripplewood desires to
exercise its Drag-Along Right pursuant to this Section 4.4 (which may be the
number of shares determined pursuant to the previous sentence or a portion
thereof, provided that the proportion of shares as to which Ripplewood desires
to exercise its Drag-Along Right is the same for all Shareholders).  Each
Shareholder thereafter shall be obligated to sell the Common Shares subject to
such Drag-Along Notice and to make his proportionate share of the
representations, warranties and indemnities contained in the transfer agreement;
PROVIDED, that the sale to the Proposed Transferee is consummated within 120
days of delivery of the Drag-Along Notice.  If the sale is not consummated
within such 120-day period, then each Shareholder no longer shall be obligated
to sell such Shareholder's shares pursuant to that specific Drag-Along Right but
shall remain subject to the provisions of this Section 4.4.  The provisions of
this Section 4.4 shall not apply to transfers by Ripplewood to any Affiliate of
Ripplewood, transfers by any Affiliate of Ripplewood to Ripplewood or transfers
by any Affiliate of Ripplewood to any other Affiliate of Ripplewood but shall
apply to transfers by any Affiliate of Ripplewood to any Person other than
Ripplewood or any Affiliate of Ripplewood.

                                    ARTICLE V

                               REGISTRATION RIGHTS

          SECTION 5.1.  REGISTRATION ON REQUEST.  (a) Upon the written request
of Ripplewood requesting that the Company effect the registration under the
Securities Act of all or a portion of Ripplewood's Registrable Securities and
specifying the intended method of disposition thereof, the Company will promptly
give written notice of such requested registration to all holders of Registrable
Securities, and thereupon the Company will use its best efforts to effect the
registration under the Securities Act of:

               (i)  the Registrable Securities which the Company has been so
          requested to register by Ripplewood for disposition in accordance with
          the intended method of disposition stated in such request;

               (ii)  all other Registrable Securities the holders of which shall
          have made a written request to the Company for registration thereof
          within 20 days after the giving of such written notice by the Company
          (which request shall specify the intended method of disposition of
          such Registrable Securities if the method of disposition stated in
          Ripplewood's request is other than an underwritten offering); and

                                       -8-
<PAGE>

               (iii)  all  Common Shares which the Company may elect to register
          in connection with the offering of Registrable Securities pursuant to
          this Section 5.1,

all to the extent requisite to permit the disposition (in accordance with the
intended methods thereof as aforesaid) of the Registrable Securities and the
additional shares of Common Shares, if any, so to be registered: PROVIDED, that
Ripplewood shall be entitled to not more than two registrations upon request;
and PROVIDED, FURTHER, that no registration shall be counted as a registration
requested by Ripplewood for purposes of this Section 5.1 unless at least 75% of
the Registrable Securities requested to be registered by Ripplewood are
registered and the registration statement with respect thereto has become
effective.

          (b)  Registrations under this Section 5.1 shall be on such appropriate
registration form of the Commission (i) as shall be selected by the Company and
(ii) as shall permit the disposition of such Registrable Securities in
accordance with the intended method or methods of disposition specified in their
request for such registration.

          (c)  The Company will pay all Registration Expenses in connection with
the registration requested pursuant to this Section 5.1.

          (d)  If a requested registration pursuant to this Section 5.1 involves
an underwritten offering, the underwriter or underwriters thereof shall be
selected by the Company and shall be reasonably acceptable to Ripplewood.

          (e)  If a requested registration pursuant to this Section 5.1 involves
an underwritten offering, and the managing underwriter shall advise the Company
in writing (with a copy to each holder of Registrable Securities requesting
registration) that, in its opinion, the number of securities requested to be
included in such registration (including securities of the Company which are not
Registrable Securities) exceeds the number which can be sold in such offering
within a price range acceptable to the holders of a majority of the Registrable
Securities so requested to be included, the Company will include in such
registration, to the extent of the number which the Company is so advised can be
sold in such offering, (i) first, Registrable Securities requested to be
included in such registration by the holder or holders of Registrable
Securities, PRO RATA among such holders on the basis of the number of such
securities requested to be included by such holders, and (ii) second, securities
the Company proposes to sell and other securities of the Company included in
such registration by the holders thereof.

          SECTION 5.2.  INCIDENTAL REGISTRATION.  (a) If the Company at any time
proposes to register any of its securities under the Securities Act (other than
by a registration on Form S-4, S-8, S-14 or S-15 or any successor or similar
forms), whether or not for sale for its own account, it will each such time give
prompt written notice to all holders of Registrable Securities of its intention
to do so and of such holders' rights under this Section 5.2.  Upon the written
request of any such holder made within 20 days after the receipt of any such

                                       -9-
<PAGE>

notice (which request shall specify the Registrable Securities intended to be
disposed of by such holder and the intended method of disposition thereof), the
Company will use its best efforts to effect the registration under the
Securities Act of all Registrable Securities which the Company has been so
requested to register by the holders thereof, to the extent requisite to permit
the disposition (in accordance with the intended methods thereof as aforesaid)
of the Registrable Securities so to be registered, by inclusion of such
Registrable Securities in the registration statement which covers the securities
which the Company proposes to register, PROVIDED that if, at any time after
giving written notice of its intention to register any securities and prior to
the effective date of the registration statement filed in connection with such
registration, the Company shall determine for any reason either not to register
or to delay registration of such securities, the Company may, at its election,
give written notice of such determination to each holder of Registrable
Securities and, thereupon, (i) in the case of a determination not to register,
shall be relieved of its obligation to register any Registrable Securities in
connection with such registration (but not from its obligation to pay the
Registration Expenses in connection therewith) and (ii) in the case of a
determination to delay registering, shall be permitted to delay registering any
Registrable Securities, for the same period as the delay in registering such
other securities.  The Company will pay all Registration Expenses in connection
with each registration of Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section 5.2.

          (b)  If (i) a registration pursuant to this Section 5.2 involves an
underwritten offering of the securities so being registered, whether or not for
sale for the account of the Company, to be distributed (on a firm commitment
basis) by or through one or more underwriters of recognized standing under
underwriting terms appropriate for such a transaction, and (ii) the managing
underwriter of such underwritten offering shall inform the Company and holders
of the Registrable Securities requesting such registration by letter of its
belief that the distribution of all or a specified number of such Registrable
Securities concurrently with the securities being distributed by such
underwriters would interfere with the successful marketing of the securities
being distributed by such underwriters (such writing to state the basis of such
belief and the approximate number of such Registrable Securities which may be
distributed without such effect), then the Company may, upon written notice to
all holders of such Registrable Securities, reduce PRO RATA (if and to the
extent stated by such managing underwriter to be necessary to eliminate such
effect) the number of such Registrable Securities the registration of which
shall have been requested by each holder of Registrable Securities so that the
resultant aggregate number of such Registrable Securities so included in such
registration shall be equal to the number of shares stated in such managing
underwriter's letter.

          SECTION 5.3.  REGISTRATION PROCEDURES.  If and whenever the Company is
required to use its best efforts to effect the registration of any Registrable
Securities under the Securities Act as provided in Section 5.1 or 5.2, the
Company shall, as expeditiously as possible:

                                      -10-
<PAGE>

               (i)  prepare and (within 60 days after the end of the period
          within which requests for registration may be given to the Company or
          in any event as soon thereafter as possible) file with the Commission
          the requisite registration statement to effect such registration
          (including such audited financial statements as may be required by the
          Securities Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder)
          and thereafter use its best efforts to cause such registration
          statement to become and remain effective; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the
          Company may discontinue any registration of its securities which are
          not Registrable Securities (and, under the circumstances specified in
          Section 5.2(a), its securities which are Registrable Securities) at
          any time prior to the effective date of the registration statement
          relating thereto; PROVIDED, further, that before filing such
          registration statement or any amendments thereto, the Company will
          furnish to the counsel selected by the holders of Registrable
          Securities which are to be included in such registration copies of all
          such documents proposed to be filed, which documents will be subject
          to the review of such counsel;

               (ii)  prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and
          supplements to such registration statement and the prospectus used in
          connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such registration
          statement effective and to comply with the provisions of the
          Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all securities
          covered by such registration statement until 90 days after such
          registration statement becomes effective;

               (iii)  furnish to each seller of Registrable Securities covered
          by such registration statement and each underwriter, if any, of the
          securities being sold by such seller such number of conformed copies
          of such registration statement and of each such amendment and
          supplement thereto (in each case including all exhibits), such number
          of copies of the prospectus contained in such registration statement
          (including each preliminary prospectus and any summary prospectus) and
          any other prospectus filed under Rule 424 under the Securities Act, in
          conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act, and such other
          documents, as such seller and underwriter, if any, may reasonably
          request in order to facilitate the public sale or other disposition of
          the Registrable Securities owned by such seller;

               (iv)  use its best efforts to register or qualify all Registrable
          Securities and other securities covered by such registration statement
          under such other securities laws or blue sky laws of such
          jurisdictions as any seller thereof and any underwriter of the
          securities being sold by such seller shall reasonably request, to keep
          such registrations or qualifications in effect for so long as such
          registration statement remains in effect, and take any other action
          which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable such seller
          and underwriter to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of
          the securities owned by such seller, except that the Company shall not
          for any such purpose be required to

                                      -11-
<PAGE>

          qualify generally to do business as a foreign corporation in any
          jurisdiction wherein it would not but for the requirements of this
          subdivision (iv) be obligated to be so qualified, to subject itself to
          taxation in any such jurisdiction or to consent to general service of
          process in any such jurisdiction;

               (v)  use its best efforts to cause all Registrable Securities
          covered by such registration statement to be registered with or
          approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities as may be
          necessary to enable the seller or sellers thereof to consummate the
          disposition of such Registrable Securities;

               (vi)  furnish to each seller of Registrable Securities a copy of
          (x) any opinion of counsel received by the Company, and (y) any
          "comfort" letter received by the Company;

               (vii)  notify the holders of Registrable Securities and the
          managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, promptly and confirm
          such advice in writing promptly thereafter:

               (A)  when the registration statement, the prospectus or any
          prospectus supplement related thereto or post-effective amendment to
          the registration statement has been filed, and, with respect to the
          registration statement or any post-effective amendment thereto, when
          the same has become effective;

               (B)  of any request by the Commission for amendments or
          supplements to the registration statement or the prospectus or for
          additional information;

               (C)  of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order
          suspending the effectiveness of the registration or the initiation of
          any proceedings by any Person for that purpose;

               (D)  if at any time the representations and warranties of the
          Company made as contemplated by Section 5.4 below cease to be true and
          correct; or

               (E)  of the receipt by the Company of any notification with
          respect to the suspension of the qualification of any Registrable
          Securities for sale under the securities or blue sky laws of any
          jurisdiction or the initiation or threat of any proceeding for such
          purpose; and

               (viii)  notify each seller of Registrable Securities covered by
          such registration statement, at any time when a prospectus relating
          thereto is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, upon the
          Company's discovery that, or upon the happening of any event as a
          result of which, the prospectus included in such registration
          statement, as then in effect, includes an untrue statement of a
          material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be
          stated therein

                                      -12-
<PAGE>

          or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the
          light of the circumstances then existing, and at the request of any
          such seller promptly prepare and furnish to such seller and each
          underwriter, if any, a reasonable number of copies of a supplement to
          or an amendment of such prospectus as may be necessary so that, as
          thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such securities, such
          prospectus shall not include an 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 in the light
          of the circumstances then existing;

               (ix)  make every reasonable effort to obtain the withdrawal of
          any order suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement
          at the earliest possible moment;

               (x)  otherwise use its best efforts to comply with all applicable
          rules and regulations of the Commission, and make available to its
          security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earnings
          statement covering the period of at least twelve months, but not more
          than eighteen months, beginning with the first full calendar quarter
          after the effective date of such registration statement, which
          earnings statement shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of
          the Securities Act, and will furnish to each such seller at least five
          business days prior to the filing thereof a copy of any amendment or
          supplement to such registration statement or prospectus and shall not
          file any thereof to which any such seller shall have reasonably
          objected on the grounds that such amendment or supplement does not
          comply in all material respects with the requirements of the
          Securities Act or of the rules or regulations thereunder;

               (xi)  make available for inspection by a representative of the
          holders of Registrable Securities, any underwriter participating in
          any disposition pursuant to the registration and any attorney or
          accountant retained by such selling holders or underwriter (each, an
          "Inspector"), all financial and other records, pertinent corporate
          documents and properties of the Company (the "Records"), and cause the
          Company's officers, directors and employees to supply all information
          reasonably requested by any such Inspector in connection with such
          registration; PROVIDED, that the Company shall not be required to
          comply with this subdivision (xi) if there is a reasonable likelihood,
          in the judgment of the Company, that such delivery could result in the
          loss of any attorney-client privilege related thereto; and PROVIDED,
          FURTHER, that Records which the Company determines, in good faith, to
          be confidential and which it notifies the Inspectors are confidential
          shall not be disclosed by the Inspectors (other than to any holder of
          Registrable Securities) unless (x) such Records have become generally
          available to the public or (y) the disclosure of such Records may be
          necessary or appropriate (A) in compliance with any law, rule,
          regulation or order applicable to any such Inspectors or holder of
          Registrable Securities, (B)

                                      -13-
<PAGE>

          in response to any subpoena or other legal process, (C) in connection
          with any litigation to which such Inspectors or any holder of
          Registrable Securities is a party or (D) to avoid or correct material
          misstatements or omissions in the prospectus;

               (xii)  provide and cause to be maintained a transfer agent and
          registrar for all Registrable Securities covered by such registration
          statement from and after a date not later than the effective date of
          such registration statement;

               (xiii)  use its best efforts to list all Registrable Securities
          covered by such registration statement on any securities exchange on
          which any of the Registrable Securities are then listed; and

               (xiv)  use its best efforts to provide a CUSIP number for the
          Registrable Securities, not later than the effective date of the
          registration.

The Company may require each seller of Registrable Securities as to which any
registration is being effected to furnish the Company such information regarding
such seller and the distribution of such securities as the Company may from time
to time reasonably request in writing.

          The Company will not file any registration statement or amendment
thereto or any prospectus or any supplement thereto (including such documents
incorporated by reference and proposed to be filed after the initial filing of
the registration) to which the holders of at least a majority of the Registrable
Securities covered by such registration statement or the underwriter or
underwriters, if any, shall reasonably object; PROVIDED, that the Company may
file such document in a form required by law or upon the advice of its counsel.

          Upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the occurrence of any
event of the kind described in subdivision (viii) of this Section 5.3, each
holder of Registerable Securities shall forthwith discontinue such holder's
disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to the registration statement
relating to such Registrable Securities until such holder's receipt of the
copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by subdivision
(viii) of this Section 5.3 and, if so directed by the Company, will deliver to
the Company (at the Company's expense) all copies, other than permanent file
copies, then in such holder's possession of the prospectus relating to such
Registrable Securities current at the time of receipt of such notice.  In the
event the Company shall give any such notice, the period mentioned in
subdivision (ii) of this Section 5.3 shall be extended by the length of the
period from and including the date when each seller of any Registrable
Securities covered by such registration statement shall have received such
notice to the date on which each such seller has received the copies of the
supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by subdivision (viii) of this
Section 5.3.

                                      -14-
<PAGE>

          If any such registration or comparable statement refers to any holder
of Registrable Securities by name or otherwise as the holder of any securities
of the Company, then such holder shall have the right to require (i) the
insertion therein of language, in form and substance satisfactory to such
holder, to the effect that the holding by such holder of such securities is not
to be construed as a recommendation by such holder of the investment quality of
the Company's securities covered thereby and that such holding does not imply
that such holder will assist in meeting any future financial requirements of the
Company, or (ii) in the event that such reference to such holder by name or
otherwise is not required by the Securities Act or any other applicable statute
then in force, the deletion of the reference to such holder.

          SECTION 5.4.  UNDERWRITTEN OFFERINGS.  (a)  The holders of Registrable
Securities to be distributed in any underwritten offering shall be parties to
the underwriting agreement between the Company and such underwriters.

               (b) (i)  Each holder of Registrable Securities agrees by
     acquisition.of such Registrable Securities, if so required by the managing
     underwriter, not to sell, make any short sale of, loan, grant any option
     for the purchase of, effect any public sale or distribution of or otherwise
     dispose of any equity securities of the Company, during the seven days
     prior to and the 90 days after any underwritten registration pursuant to
     Section 5.1 or 5.2 has become effective, except as part of such
     underwritten registration, whether or not such holder participates in such
     registration.  Each holder of Registrable Securities agrees that the
     Company may instruct its transfer agent to place stop transfer notations in
     its records to enforce this Section 5.4.

               (ii)  The Company shall (x) if so required by the managing
     underwriter, not sell, make any short sale of, loan, grant any option for
     the purchase of, effect any public sale or distribution of or otherwise
     dispose of its equity securities or securities convertible into or
     exchangeable or exercisable for any of such securities during the seven
     days prior to and the 90 days after any underwritten registration pursuant
     to Section 5.1 or 5.2 has become effective, except as part of such
     underwritten registration and except pursuant to registrations on Form S-4,
     S-8, S-14 or S-15 or any successor or similar forms thereto, and (y) cause
     each holder of its equity securities or any securities convertible into or
     exchangeable or exercisable for any of such securities, in each case
     purchased from the Company at any time after the date of this Agreement
     (other than in a Public Sale) to agree not to sell, make any short sale of,
     loan, grant any option for the purchase of, effect any public sale or
     distribution of or otherwise dispose of such securities during such period
     except as part of such underwritten registration.

          (c)  No Person may participate in any underwritten offering hereunder
unless such Person (i) agrees to sell such Person's securities on the basis
provided in any underwriting arrangements approved, subject to the terms and
conditions hereof, by the Company and the holders of a majority of Registrable
Securities to be included in such

                                      -15-
<PAGE>

underwritten offering, (ii) completes and executes all questionnaires providing
information about such person and other documents (other than powers of
attorney) required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements and (iii)
makes representations and warranties with respect to information provided by
such Person as may be reasonably requested.

          SECTION 5.5.  PREPARATION; REASONABLE INVESTIGATION.  In connection
with the preparation and filing of each registration statement under the
Securities Act pursuant to this Agreement, the Company will give the holders of
Registrable Securities registered under such registration statement, their
underwriters, if any, and their respective counsel and accountants, the
opportunity to participate in the preparation of such registration statement,
each prospectus included therein or filed with the Commission, and each
amendment thereof or supplement thereto, and will give each of them such access
to its books and records and such opportunities to discuss the business of the
Company with its officers and the independent public accountants who have
certified its financial statements as shall be necessary, in the opinion of such
holders' and such underwriters' respective counsel, to conduct a reasonable
investigation within the meaning of the Securities Act.

          SECTION 5.6.  INDEMNIFICATION.  (a) In the event any registration
statement is filed under the Securities Act pursuant to Section 5.1 or 5.2, the
Company shall agree at such time to indemnify and hold harmless the holder of
any Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement, its directors
and officers, each other Person who participates as an underwriter in the
offering or sale of such securities and each other Person, if any, who controls
such holder or any such underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act,
against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which
such holder or any such director or officer or underwriter or controlling person
may become subject under the Securities Act or otherwise, insofar as such
losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions or proceedings, whether
commenced or threatened, in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any
untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in
any registration statement under which such securities were registered under the
Securities Act, any preliminary prospectus, final prospectus or summary
prospectus contained therein, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any
omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and
the Company will reimburse such holder and each such director, officer,
underwriter and controlling person for any legal or any other expenses
reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any
such loss, claim, liability, action or proceeding; PROVIDED, that the Company
shall not be liable in any such case (i) to any such holder, any such officer or
director of any such holder or any Person who controls any such holder to the
extent that any such loss, claim, damage, liability (or action or proceeding in
respect thereof) or expense arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement
or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in such
registration statement, any such preliminary prospectus, final prospectus,
summary prospectus, amendment or supplement in reliance upon and in conformity
with written information furnished to the Company through an instrument duly
executed by such holder specifically stating that it is for use in the
preparation thereof, (ii) to any such underwriter or any such Person who

                                      -16-
<PAGE>

controls any such underwriter to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage,
liability (or action or proceeding in respect thereof) or expense arises out of
or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or
alleged omission made in such registration statement, any such preliminary
prospectus, final prospectus, summary prospectus, amendment or supplement in
reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the
Company through an instrument duly executed by such underwriter specifically
stating that it is for use in the preparation thereof; and PROVIDED, further
that the Company shall not be liable to any Person who participates as an
underwriter in the offering or sale of Registrable Securities or to any other
Person, if any, who controls such underwriter within the meaning of the
Securities Act, in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim,
damage, liability (or action or proceeding in respect thereof) or expense arises
out of such Person's failure to send or give a copy of the final prospectus, as
the same may be then supplemented or amended, within the time required by the
Securities Act to the Person asserting the existence of an untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission at or prior to the
written confirmation of the sale of Registrable Securities to such Person if
such statement or omission was corrected in such final prospectus.  Such
indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation
made by or on behalf of such holder or any such director, officer, underwriter
or controlling person and shall survive the transfer of such securities by such
holder.

          (b)  The Company may require, as a condition to including any
Registrable Securities in any registration statement filed pursuant to Section
5.1 or 5.2, that the Company shall have received an undertaking satisfactory to
it from the prospective seller of such Registrable Securities, to indemnify and
hold harmless (in the same manner and to the same extent as set forth in
subdivision (a) of this Section 5.6) the Company, each director of the Company,
each officer of the Company and each other person, if any, who controls the
Company within the meaning of the Securities Act, with respect to any statement
or alleged statement in or omission or alleged omission from such registration
statement, any preliminary prospectus, final prospectus or summary prospectus
contained therein, or any amendment or supplement thereto, if such statement or
alleged statement or omission or alleged omission was made in reliance upon and
in conformity with written information furnished to the Company through an
instrument duly executed by such seller specifically stating that it is for use
in the preparation of such registration statement, preliminary prospectus, final
prospectus, summary prospectus, amendment or supplement; PROVIDED, that such
indemnification shall be limited to the net proceeds to be received by the
prospective seller of such Registrable Securities.  Any such indemnity shall
remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on
behalf of the Company or any such director, officer or controlling person and
shall survive the transfer of such securities by such seller.

          (c)  Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party of notice of the
commencement of any action or proceeding involving a claim referred to in the
preceding subdivisions of this Section 5.6, such indemnified party will, if a
claim in respect thereof is to be made against an indemnifying party, give
written notice to the latter of the

                                      -17-
<PAGE>

commencement of such action; PROVIDED, that the failure of any indemnified party
to give notice as provided herein shall not relieve the indemnifying party of
its obligations under the preceding subdivisions of this Section 5.6, except to
the extent that the indemnifying party is actually prejudiced by such failure to
give notice.  In case any such action is brought against an indemnified party,
unless in such indemnified party's reasonable judgment a conflict of interest
between such indemnified and indemnifying parties may exist in respect of such
claim, the indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate in and to assume
the defense thereof, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly
notified, to the extent that the indemnifying party may wish, with counsel
reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party, and after notice from the
indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election so to assume the
defense thereof, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to such indemnified
party for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the latter in
connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of
investigation.  No indemnifying party shall, without the consent of the
indemnified party, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement
of any such action which does not include as an unconditional term thereof the
giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of a release from
all liability in respect to such claim or litigation.  No indemnified party
shall consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement of any such
action the defense of which has been assumed by an indemnifying party without
the consent of such indemnifying party.

          (d)  Indemnification similar to that specified in the preceding
subdivisions of this Section 5.6 (with appropriate modifications) shall be given
by the Company and each seller of Registrable Securities with respect to any
required registration or other qualification of securities under any Federal or
state law or regulation of any governmental authority, other than the Securities
Act.

          (e)  The indemnification required by this Section 5.6 shall be made by
periodic payments of the amount thereof during the course of the investigation
or defense, as and when bills are received or expense, loss, damage or liability
is incurred.

          (f)  If the indemnification provided for in the preceding subdivisions
of this Section 5.6 is unavailable to an indemnified party in respect of any
expense, loss, claim, damage or liability referred to therein, then each
indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, shall
contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result
of such expense, loss, claim, damage or liability (i) in such proportion as is
appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one
hand and the holder or underwriter, as the case may be, on the other from the
distribution of the Registrable Securities or (ii) if the allocation provided by
clause (i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is
appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i)
above but also the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and of the
holder or underwriter, as the case may be, on the other in connection with the
statements or omissions which resulted in such expense, loss, damage or
liability, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.  The relative
benefits received by the Company

                                      -18-
<PAGE>

on the one hand and the holder or underwriter, as the case may be, on the other
in connection with the distribution of the Registrable Securities shall be
deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds received by the
Company from the initial sale of the Registrable Securities by the Company to
the purchasers bear to the gain realized by the selling holder or the
underwriting discounts and commissions received by the underwriter, as the case
may be.  The relative fault of the Company on the one hand and of the holder or
underwriter, as the case may be, on the other shall be determined by reference
to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a
material fact or omission to state a material fact relates to information
supplied by the Company, by the holder or by the underwriter and the parties'
relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or
prevent such statement or omission; PROVIDED, that the foregoing contribution
agreement shall not inure to the benefit of any indemnified party if
indemnification would be unavailable to such indemnified party by reason of the
provisions contained in the first sentence of subdivision (a) of this Section
5.6, and in no event shall the obligation of any indemnifying party to
contribute under this subdivision (f) exceed the amount that such indemnifying
party would have been obligated to pay by way of indemnification if the
indemnification provided for under subdivisions (a) or (b) of this Section 5.6
had been available under the circumstances.

          The Company and the holders of Registrable Securities agree that it
would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this subdivision (f)
were determined by PRO RATA allocation (even if the holders, Requesting Holders
and any underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any
other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable
considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph and
subdivision (c) of this Section 5.6, any legal or other expenses reasonably
incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending
any such action or claim.

          Notwithstanding the provisions of this subdivision (f), no holder of
Registrable Securities or underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount
in excess of the amount by which (i) in the case of any such holder, the net
proceeds received by such holder from the sale of Registrable Securities or (ii)
in the case of an underwriter, the total price at which the Registrable
Securities purchased by it and distributed to the public were offered to the
public exceeds, in any such case, the amount of any damages that such holder or
underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or
alleged untrue statement or omission.  No Person guilty of fraudulent
misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) the Securities Act) shall
be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such
fraudulent misrepresentation.

          SECTION 5.7.  RULE 144.  The Company shall file the reports required
to be filed by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules
and regulations adopted by the Commission thereunder and shall take such further
action as any holder of Registrable Securities may reasonably request, all to
the extent required from time to time to enable such holder to sell Registrable
Securities without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation
of the exemptions provided by (a) Rule 144 under the Securities Act, as such
Rule

                                      -19-
<PAGE>

may be amended from time to time, or (b) any similar rule or regulation
hereafter adopted by the Commission.  Upon the request of any holder of
Registrable Securities, the Company shall deliver to such holder a written
statement as to whether it has complied with such requirements.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                                CERTAIN COVENANTS


          SECTION 6.1.  ACTION BY SHAREHOLDERS.  The Shareholders shall from
time to time vote their Common Shares as may be required to cause the Company to
comply with the provisions of this Agreement.

          SECTION 6.2.  FURTHER ACTIONS.  In case at any time after the date
hereof any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of
this Agreement, each party hereto shall take all such necessary action.

                                   ARTICLE VII

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

          SECTION 7.1.  NOTICES.  All notices and other communications provided
for hereunder shall be dated and in writing and shall be deemed to have been
given (i) when delivered, if delivered personally or sent by confirmed telecopy,
(ii) on the next business day if sent by overnight courier and (iii) when
received if delivered otherwise.  Such notices shall be addressed to the
appropriate party to the attention of the person who executed this Agreement at
the address set forth under such party's name at the end of this Agreement (or
to the attention of such other person or to such other address as such party
shall have furnished to each other party in accordance with this Section 7.1),
provided that (A) notice to any of the Management Investors shall be given to
the Agent for the Management Investors, Dayton Superior Corporation, 721 Richard
Street, Miamisburg, Ohio 45342, Attention: John A. Ciccarelli, or such other
Person designated pursuant to Section 8.12 hereof.  A copy of any notice sent to
the Company shall be sent by the party sending such notice to the Company to
David A. Neuhardt, Thompson Hine & Flory P.L.L., 2000 Courthouse Plaza
Northwest, Dayton, Ohio 45402.

          SECTION 7.2.  BINDING NATURE OF AGREEMENT.  This Agreement shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties
hereto or their successors in interest, except as expressly otherwise provided
herein.

          SECTION 7.3.  DESCRIPTIVE HEADINGS.  The descriptive headings of the
several sections and paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for reference
only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

                                      -20-
<PAGE>

          SECTION 7.4.  SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE.  Without limiting the rights of
each party hereto to pursue all other legal and equitable rights available to
such party for the other parties' failure to perform their obligations under
this Agreement, the parties hereto acknowledge and agree that the remedy at law
for any failure to perform their obligations hereunder would be inadequate and
that each of them, respectively, shall be entitled to specific performance,
injunctive relief or other equitable remedies in the event of any such failure.

          SECTION 7.5.  GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement shall be construed and
enforced in accordance with, and the rights of the parties shall be governed by,
the laws of the State of Ohio, without regard to the principles of conflicts of
law.

          SECTION 7.6.  COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed
simultaneously in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an
original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same
instrument.

          SECTION 7.7.  SEVERABILITY.  In the event that any one or more of the
provisions contained herein, or the application thereof in any circumstances, is
held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect for any reason, the
validity, legality and enforceability of any such provision in every other
respect and of the remaining provisions contained herein shall not be in any way
impaired thereby, it being intended that all of the rights and privileges of the
parties hereto shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

          SECTION 7.8.  ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  This Agreement is intended by the
parties hereto as a final and complete expression of their agreement and
understanding in respect to the subject matter contained herein.  This Agreement
supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, written or oral, between the
parties with respect to such subject matter.

          SECTION 7.9.  AMENDMENT AND WAIVER.  Any provision of this Agreement
may be amended if, but only if, such amendment is in writing and is signed by
the Company and Shareholders owning at least a majority of the then outstanding
Common Shares held by all Shareholders who are parties to this Agreement at the
time (taken together as a single class); PROVIDED that (i) no such amendment may
adversely affect the rights of any Shareholder without the prior written consent
of such Shareholder and (ii) no such amendment may both (x) adversely affect the
rights of Shareholders of any class and (y) treat the holders of such class
differently from holders of another class in a manner not contemplated by this
Agreement without the prior written consent of holders of a majority of shares
(whether outstanding or issuable) of the class so adversely affected.  The
Company shall provide notice to all Shareholders of any amendment to this
Agreement which was not approved in writing by such Shareholder.  Any provision
of this Agreement may be waived if, but only if, such waiver is in writing and
is signed by or on behalf of the party waiving such provision.

          SECTION 7.10.  ADDITIONAL PARTIES.  A Person who holds or acquires any
Common Shares or any security which is convertible into or exchangeable for, or
any option, warrant

                                      -21-
<PAGE>

or other right to acquire, Common Shares after the date of this Agreement may
become a party to this Agreement if the Company so agrees by executing and
delivering to the Company a dated, counterpart signature page to this Agreement
or other instrument acceptable to the Company evidencing such Person's agreement
to become a party to this Agreement and bound hereby, and such Person shall
become a party to and bound by this Agreement effective upon acceptance of such
signature page or other instrument by the Company (to be evidenced by the
Company's execution thereof).

          SECTION 7.11.  NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES.  Nothing in this
Agreement shall convey any rights upon any person or entity which is not a party
or an assignee of a party to this Agreement.

          SECTION 7.12.  AGENT FOR MANAGEMENT INVESTORS.  John A. Ciccarelli or
such other person who is the President of the Company at the time shall act as
agent for each of the Management Investors (the "Agent for the Management
Investors") for all purposes of this Agreement, and all payments, obligations,
notices or other deliveries from the Company or any other Shareholder may be
made to the Agent for the Management Investors.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties indicated below have entered into this
Agreement as of the date first above written.

                                        DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION
                                        721 Richard Street
                                        Miamisburg, Ohio 45342
                                        Attention:  President

                                        RIPPLEWOOD HOLDINGS L.L.C.
                                        712 Fifth Avenue, 40th floor
                                        New York, NY 10019

                                        MATTHEW O. DIGGS, JR.
                                        The Diggs Group Inc.
                                        40 North Main Street
                                        Dayton, OH   45402

                                        STEVEN RATTNER
                                        Lazard Freres & Co. LLC
                                        30 Rockefeller Plaza
                                        New York, New York  10020

                                        "Management Investors"

                                        JOHN A. CICCARELLI

                                        -22-
<PAGE>

                                        MICHAEL C. DEIS

                                        MARK K. KALER

                                        JAMES C. STEWART

                                        J.R. PAINE, JR.

                                        RICHARD L. BRASWELL

                                        JAMES FENNESSY

                                        GREGORY ARNETT

                                        MICHAEL BARNETT

                                        MARIO CATANI

                                        WILLIAM S. JAGGER

                                        MYRON JORNOV

                                        J. DALE LEATH

                                        DENNIS MALLANEY

                                        JAMES METZ

                                        ROY L. EDGAR

                                        KEITH E. KELLER

                                        DONALD VAN GERVE

                                        STEVEN GETZ

                                        KEVIN KRIEBS

                                        JEFFREY MATTHEWS

                                        LARRY MONGOLE

                                        JAMES SWAFFAR

                                      -23-

<PAGE>

















                                       24

<PAGE>



                           AMENDED AND RESTATED
                             LOAN AGREEMENT



      This Amended and Restated Loan Agreement is made as of the 17th day of
June, 1996 by and among DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION, an Ohio corporation, with
its principal place of business at 721 Richard Street, Miamisburg, Ohio  45342
(the "Borrower"), and BANK ONE, DAYTON, N.A. ("Bank One") in its individual
capacity and as Bank Agent, with its principal place of business at Kettering
Tower, P.O. Box 1103, Dayton, Ohio 45401-1103, BANK OF AMERICA ILLINOIS
("BOA") in its individual capacity, an Illinois banking corporation with an
office located at 231 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60697, and BANK
OF AMERICA ILLINOIS in its capacity as Collateral Agent, an Illinois banking
corporation with an office located at 231 South LaSalle Street, Chicago,
Illinois 60697.

                                 RECITALS

      A.    As of May 26, 1994, the Borrower entered into a Loan Agreement and
various ancillary and related agreements with National Canada Finance Corp.
("NCFC") and Bank One with respect to a Nineteen Million Dollar ($19,000,000)
revolving credit facility (the "Original Credit Facility").

      B.    As of October 16, 1995, NCFC assigned its entire interest in the
Original Credit Facility to Bank One.

      C.    As of October 16, 1995, the Borrower and Bank One entered into an
Amended and Restated Loan Agreement and various ancillary and related
agreements, which amended and restated the Original Credit Facility, and which
increased the revolving credit facility to Twenty-Five Million Dollars
($25,000,000) (the "Amended Credit Facility").

      D.    As of October 16, 1995, the Borrower's wholly-owned subsidiary,
Dur-O-Wal, Inc. ("Dur-O-Wal") and Bank One entered into a Loan Agreement and
various ancillary and related agreements with respect to a Five Million Dollar
($5,000,000) revolving credit facility (the "Dur-O-Wal Facility") which facility
was guaranteed by Borrower.

      E.    The parties intend to further modify and amend the Amended Credit
Facility by the execution of this Agreement so as to (i) add BOA as a co-lender
with Bank One, (ii) increase the total revolving credit facility to Thirty-Two
Million Dollars ($32,000,000), (iii) provide for a term loan facility in the
amount of Eight Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($8,500,000), (iv) modify
various pricing terms, and (v) modify and amend various other matters as more
full set forth in this Agreement.



<PAGE>



      NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants
hereinafter set forth, the parties agree as follows:



                                  ARTICLE 1

                                 DEFINITIONS

      1.1  CAPITALIZED TERMS.  As used in this Agreement the following
capitalized terms shall have the following meanings:

       "Accumulated Funding Deficiency" means an "accumulated funding
deficiency" as defined in Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412(a) of the Code.

      "Advance" means a borrowing and disbursement of the Revolving Credit Loan.

      "Affiliate" means any Person directly or indirectly controlling,
controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Borrower.  A
Person shall be deemed to control another Person if the controlling Person owns
10% or more of any class of voting securities of the controlled Person or
possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of
the management or policies of the controlled Person, whether through ownership
of stock, by contract or otherwise.  All of Borrower's parent corporations and
subsidiary corporations shall be deemed to be affiliates of Borrower for
purposes of this Agreement.

      "Agents" means the Bank Agent and the Collateral Agent.

      "Aggregate Commitment" means the aggregate of the Commitments of the Banks
hereunder.

      "Agreement" means this Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, as it may be
amended or modified and in effect from time to time.

      "Authorized Officer" means any of the President, Vice President Finance,
or any officer of the Borrower authorized by its Board of Directors, acting
singly.

      "Bank Agent" means Bank One, in such capacity, and not in its individual
capacity as a Bank, and any successor appointed pursuant to Section 9.

      "Bank One" means Bank One, Dayton, N.A., its successors and assigns.

      "BOA" means Bank of America Illinois, its successors and assigns. 


                                     -2-
<PAGE>



      "Banks" means BOA and Bank One and their respective successors and
assigns.

      "Borrower" means Dayton Superior Corporation.

      "Borrowing Base Certificate" is defined in Section 2.1(e).

      "Borrowing Date" means a date on which an Advance is made hereunder.

      "Borrowing Notice" is defined in Section 2.6(a).

      "Business Day" means (i) with respect to any borrowing, payment or rate
selection of Libor Rate Advances, a day other than Saturday or Sunday on which
banks are open for business in Dayton and New York and on which dealings in U.S.
dollars are carried on in the London interbank market and (ii) for all other
purposes, a day other than Saturday or Sunday on which banks are open for
business in Dayton.

      "Capitalized Lease" of a Person means any lease of property by such person
as lessee which would be capitalized on a balance sheet of such Person prepared
in accordance with GAAP.

      "Capitalized Lease Obligations" of a Person means the amount of the
obligations of such Person under Capitalized Leases which would be shown as a
liability on a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP.

      "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the income
tax regulations issued thereunder from time to time.

      "Collateral" means the "Collateral" under and as defined in the Security
Documents.

      "Collateral Agent" means BOA, in such capacity, and not in its capacity as
a Bank, and any successor appointed pursuant to Section 9.
      "Commitment" means, for each Bank, the obligation of the Bank to make
Revolving Credit Loans not exceeding the amount set forth in Section 2.1, as
such amount may be modified from time to time.

      "Compliance Certificate" means a compliance certificate in substantially
the form of EXHIBIT 1(a) hereto, with appropriate insertions, signed by an
Authorized Officer, showing the calculations necessary to determine compliance
with this Agreement and stating that no Event of Default or Unmatured Default
exists, or if any Event of Default or Unmatured Default exists, describing the
nature thereof and any action the Borrower is taking or proposes to take with
respect thereto.



                                     -3-
<PAGE>



      "Consolidated Current Assets" shall mean all assets of the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries which may be properly classified as consolidated current assets
in accordance with GAAP.

      "Consolidated Current Liabilities" shall mean, as of any date of
determination, all liabilities of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries which may be
properly classified as consolidated current liabilities in accordance with GAAP.

      "Current Obligations" is defined in Section 6.12.

      "Debt" shall mean all items (on a consolidated basis) which, in accordance
with GAAP (as hereinafter defined), would be included in determining total
liabilities, as shown on the liability side of Borrower's balance sheet as of
the date Debt is to be determined and, in any event, shall include any liability
secured by a mortgage, pledge, lien, or security interest on property owned or
acquired, whether or not such liability shall have been assumed, and guarantees,
endorsements (other than for collection in the ordinary course of business), and
other contingent obligations in respect of obligations of others.  A Capitalized
Lease creates Debt for purposes of this definition.

      "Default Rate" means the interest rate determined pursuant to Section 2.9.

      "Dollars" means United States dollars.

      "DOW" means Dur-O-Wal, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

      "DOW Loan Agreement" means that certain Amended and Restated Loan
Agreement entered into by DOW and the Banks in their individual capacity and in
their capacity as Bank Agent and Collateral Agent, as of even date herewith.

      "EBITDA" means Borrower's Net Income (on a consolidated basis) before
interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization.  EBITDA will (i) be
calculated utilizing the last in-first out method of cost accounting for
inventory and (ii) not include any gains recognized by Borrower as earnings
which relate to adjustments made by Borrower as a result of the Tax Reform Act
of 1986 or any other extraordinary accounting adjustments or non-recurring items
of income.

      "Eligible Account Receivable" means an account receivable owned by
Borrower as to which the Collateral Agent has a fully perfected first priority
security interest and which meet the following requirements at the time it comes
into existence and continues to meet such requirements until it is collected in
full:

            (a)   the account receivable is not more than ninety (90) days old
      according to the date of its original invoice;


                                     -4-
<PAGE>



            (b)   the account receivable arose from the performance of services
      or an outright sale of goods by Borrower with such services having been
      performed or goods having been shipped to the account debtors, and
      Borrower being in possession of, or having delivered to the Banks,
      shipping and delivery receipts or other evidence of such performance or
      shipment;

            (c)   the account debtor shall have accepted the goods or services
      of the Borrower without dispute or claim of any kind;

            (d)   the account receivable is not subject to any Lien (other than
      Liens in favor of the Collateral Agent), and except as set forth herein,
      Borrower has not made any other assignment thereof nor created any other
      security interest therein, nor permitted any of its rights therein to be
      reached by any other attachment, levy, garnishment or other judicial
      process;

            (e)   the account receivable shall be legally enforceable and shall
      not be subject to set-off, credit, counterclaim, allowance or adjustment
      by the account debtors (except normal discount allowed for prompt payment,
      refunds, returns, allowances and warranty obligations in the ordinary
      course of business (subject to Section 6.14)), nor represent retainage
      being held by the account debtor, and the account debtors have not
      returned any of the goods from the sale of which the account receivable
      arose;

            (f)   the account receivable arose in the ordinary course of its
      business and did not arise from the performance of services or sale of
      goods to any Affiliate, supplier, or employee of the Borrower;

            (g)   none of the transactions underlying or giving rise to the
      account receivable shall, to the best knowledge of Borrower, violate any
      applicable state or federal laws or regulations and all documents relating
      to the account receivable shall be legally enforceable in accordance with
      their terms;

            (h)   no notice of bankruptcy or insolvency of the account debtor
      has been received by or is known to the Borrower;

            (i)   the account debtor shall not have 50% or more of its payment
      obligations to the Borrower unpaid over 90 days from invoice date;

            (j)   if the account debtor is the United States or any department,
      agency, or instrumentality thereof, the Banks have been so notified and
      the Borrower has executed any instruments and taken any steps required by
      the Banks in order that all moneys due or to become due under any such
      contract shall be


                                     -5-
<PAGE>



      assigned to the Banks and notice thereof given to the Government under and
      in compliance with the Federal Assignment of Claims Act; and

            (k)   in the case of an account receivable evidenced by a promissory
      note, such note shall have been endorsed and delivered to the Collateral
      Agent;

            (l)   the account debtor with respect thereto is a resident or
      citizen of, and is located within, the United States of America, Canada,
      or a United States possession, unless the sale of goods giving rise to
      such account receivable is on letter of credit, banker's acceptance or
      other credit support terms satisfactory to the Banks; and

            (m)   the Banks, in their reasonable discretion, have not deemed the
      account or the account debtor ineligible.

      "Eligible Inventory" means only items of finished goods inventories,
work-in-process, semi-finished goods, and raw materials owned by Borrower as to
which the Collateral Agent has a fully perfected first priority security
interest, which are valued at the lower of cost or fair market value, determined
in accordance with the "first in, first out" cost accounting system, and which
meet the following requirements:

            (a)   the item consists of finished goods inventories held for sale
      in the ordinary course of Borrower's business, work-in-process,
      semi-finished goods, or raw materials used in the manufacture of finished
      goods inventories, provided, however, that Eligible Inventory shall not
      include any furniture, fixtures, equipment or machinery, nor any item that
      is obsolete or not of merchantable quality and condition;

            (b)   the item is not subject to any Lien (other than Liens in favor
      of the Collateral Agent) and Borrower has not made any assignment thereof
      nor created any security interest therein, nor permitted any of its
      interest therein to be reached by attachment, levy, garnishment or other
      judicial process;

            (c)   the item is located on property owned or leased by Borrower
      and is not located in any jurisdiction other than as provided in EXHIBIT
      A to the Security Agreement or such other locations permitted pursuant to
      Section 12 of the Security Agreement;

            (d)   the item has not been sold on a consignment or "sale or
      return" basis to others;

            (e)   the item is not rented to a customer of Borrower, provided,
      however, that an item shall be treated as Eligible


                                     -6-
<PAGE>



      Inventory after termination of the rental arrangement when the item has
      been returned to Borrower's place of business; provided, further, that
      such item shall be included in Eligible Inventory at the book value for
      such item;

            (f)   the item is not held by a bailee or warehouseman unless the
      Banks have received an executed bailee waiver/agreement and accompanying
      UCC financing statements all in form and substance satisfactory to the
      Banks;

            (g)   the item is located at a processing facility of another
      Person, to the extent the Collateral Agent has a perfected first security
      interest in such item and the Collateral Agent has received from such
      Person an executed waiver/agreement in form and substance satisfactory to
      the Collateral Agent; and

            (h)   the item is not located at a facility for which the Collateral
      Agent has not received a Landlord's Waiver as contemplated by Section 3.2
      of the Agreement.

            (i)   the Banks, in their reasonable discretion, have not deemed the
      item ineligible.

      "Environmental Compliance and Indemnification Agreement" means the
Environmental Compliance and Indemnification Agreement executed by Borrower in
favor of the Banks, as the same may be amended or modified and in effect from
time to time.

      "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended from time to time.

      "Event of Default" is defined in Section 7.1.

      "Fixed Rate" means the per annum rate of interest (rounded up to the
nearest 1/16 of 1%), plus [250 basis points in the event Borrower selects the
one year Fixed Rate Interest Period, 275 basis points in the event Borrower
selects the two year Fixed Rate Interest Period, or 300 basis points in the
event Borrower selects the three year Fixed Rate Interest period] that is
determined by dividing:  (i) the per annum rate of interest or yield available
with respect to United States Treasury Securities with a maturity of equal to
the Fixed Rate Interest Period selected by Borrower in an aggregate amount
comparable to the amount outstanding as to which the determination of the Fixed
Rate is being made at or about 10:00 A.M. New York time [or such later time as
near to 10:00 A.M. New York time as is reasonably practicable, if the Bank does
not establish such rate at or about 10:00 A.M. New York time] two (2) Business
Days immediately prior to the first day of the related Fixed Rate Interest
Period; all as conclusively determined in good faith by the Bank Agent, such
rate to be rounded up, if necessary, to the nearest whole multiple of 1/100 of
1%; by (ii) a percentage


                                     -7-
<PAGE>



equal to one hundred percent (100%) minus the maximum stated rate of all Reserve
Requirements as specified in Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System, including, without limitation, any marginal, emergency,
supplemental, special or other reserves, that would be applicable to any member
bank of the Federal Reserve System during such Fixed Rate Period in respect of a
Treasury in an amount comparable to the amount bearing interest at the Fixed
Rate and with a term equal to the Fixed Rate Interest Period selected by
Borrower.

      "Fixed Rate Option" means the right of Borrower exercisable as set forth
in Section 2.8 hereof, to have the interest rate applicable to all or a portion
of the Term Loan computed based on a Fixed Rate.

      "Fixed Rate Interest Period" means, with respect to all or a portion of
the Term Loan, a period of one, two, or three years commencing on a Business Day
selected by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement.  If such Fixed Rate Period
would end on a day which is not a Business Day, such Fixed Rate Period shall end
on the next successive Business Day.  The Fixed Rate Interest Period shall not
extend beyond the Termination Date.

      "Fixed Rate Prepayment Premium" means for the prepaid portion of the Term
Loan as to which the Borrower has selected the Fixed Rate Option, the amount, if
any, by which (a) the present value as of the prepayment date of all payments of
principal and interest scheduled to be paid with respect to the portion of the
Term Loan being prepaid during the period from the prepayment date through the
end of the applicable Fixed Rate Interest Period, exceeds (b) the total
principal scheduled to be paid with respect to the portion of the Term Loan
being prepaid during the remainder of such Fixed Rate Interest Period.  The
present value of each such scheduled payment of principal and interest shall be
calculated by using the number of months (including any fraction of a month)
from the prepayment date to the scheduled payment date, and a discount rate
which, when compounded monthly, is equivalent to the Applicable Treasury Rate.
As used herein, "Applicable Treasury Rate" means, as of any prepayment date, the
average "ask yield" per annum for U.S. Government bonds and notes maturing in
the calendar month in which the applicable Fixed Rate Interest Period ends (or
if none matures in such month, the next preceding month in which any such bonds
or notes mature), as reported in the WALL STREET JOURNAL five (5) business
days prior to such prepayment date, or if no longer reported in the WALL STREET
Journal, in another similar daily publication reporting such yields.

      "GAAP" means Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

      "Interest Period" means a Libor Interest Period or a Fixed Rate Interest
Period.



                                     -8-
<PAGE>



      "Investment" of a Person means any loan, advance, extension of credit
(excluding accounts receivable arising in the ordinary course of business on
terms customary in the trade), deposit account or contribution of capital by
such Person to any other Person or any investment in, or purchase or other
acquisition of, the stock, notes, debentures or other securities of any other
Person made by such Person.

      "Lending Installation" means any office, branch, subsidiary or affiliate
of any Bank or Agent.

      "Libor Interest Period" means, with respect to a Libor Rate Advance, a
period of one, two, three, four, or six months commencing on a Business Day
selected by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement.  If such Libor Interest
Period would end on a day which is not a Business Day, such Libor Interest
Period shall end on the next succeeding Business Day.

      "Libor Rate" means the per annum rate of interest (rounded up to the
nearest 1/16 of 1%), plus the Libor Spread, that is determined by dividing:  (i)
the per annum rate of interest that is offered for deposits in United States
Dollars ("Dollars") in immediately available funds in an aggregate amount
comparable to the amount outstanding as to which the determination of the Libor
Rate is being made and for periods comparable to the Libor Interest Period
selected by Borrower to the Bank Agent by other prime banks in the London
interbank market, selected by the Bank Agent in the Bank Agent's discretion, at
or about 10:00 A.M. New York time [or such later time as near to 10:00 A.M. New
York time as is reasonably practicable, if the Bank Agent does not establish
such rate at or about 10:00 A.M. New York time] two (2) Business Days
immediately prior to the first day of the related Libor Interest Period; all as
conclusively determined in good faith by the Bank Agent, such rate to be rounded
up, if necessary, to the nearest whole multiple of 1/100 of 1%; by (ii) a
percentage equal to one hundred percent (100%) minus the maximum stated rate of
all Reserve Requirements as specified in Regulation D of the Board of Governors
of the Federal Reserve System including, without limitation, any marginal,
emergency, supplemental, special or other reserves, that would be applicable to
any member bank of the Federal Reserve System during such Libor Interest Period
in respect of eurocurrency or eurofunding lending or liabilities.

      "Libor Rate Advance" means an Advance which bears interest at the Libor
Rate for a particular Libor Rate Interest Period.

      "Libor Rate Option" means the option of Borrower, exercisable as set forth
in Sections 2.7 and 2.8 hereof, to have the interest rate under the Notes
computed based upon the Libor Rate, in the case of the Revolving Credit Notes,
and the Term Loan Libor Rate, in the case of the Term Notes.



                                     -9-
<PAGE>



      "Libor Spread" means (i) 225 basis points (2.25%) if, as of the Measuring
Date (as hereinafter defined), the ratio of Borrower's EBITDA to interest
expense is greater than 2.00 to 1.00 AND the ratio of Borrower's Total Debt to
EBITDA is less than 5.00 to 1.00; (ii) 175 basis points (1.75%) if, as of the
Measuring Date, the ratio of Borrower's EBITDA to interest expense is greater
than 2.50 to 1.00 and the ratio of Borrower's Total Debt to EBITDA is less than
4.00 to 1.00; (iii) 150 basis points (1.50%) if, as of the Measuring Date, the
ratio of Borrower's EBITDA to interest expense is greater than 3.00 to 1.00 AND
the ratio of Borrower's Total Debt to EBITDA is less than 3.50 to 1.00; (iv) 125
basis points (1.25%) if, as of the Measuring Date, the ratio of Borrower's
EBITDA to interest expense is greater than 3.50 to 1.00 AND the ratio of
Borrower's Total Debt to EBITDA is less than 3.00 to 1.00; and (v) 100 basis
points (1.00%) if, as of the Measuring Date, the ratio of Borrower's EBITDA to
interest expense is greater than 4.00 to 1.00 AND the ratio of Borrower's
Total Debt to EBITDA is less than 2.50 to 1.00.  In the event Borrower fails to
maintain any of the specified combinations of EBITDA to interest expense and
Total Debt to EBITDA set forth above as of any Measuring Date, the Libor Spread
shall be 275 basis points (2.75%).  As used herein, "Measuring Date" shall mean
the last day of the fiscal quarter of the Borrower immediately preceding each
date of determination of the Libor Spread hereunder.  The Libor Spread will be
reset quarterly (based on the ratios herein set forth as of the Measuring Date)
with such reset Libor Spread in effect for three calendar months beginning on
the first day of the third full calendar month after the end of each Measuring
Date, and such reset Libor Spread shall be applicable to all outstanding Loans
utilizing the Libor Spread and new Advances of the Revolving Credit Loan and
conversions of the Term Loan making reference thereto.

      "Lien" means any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, claim, charge,
encumbrance, title retention agreement, lessor's interest under a Capitalized
Lease or analogous instrument, whether consensual or non-consensual, in, of or
on any Person's assets or properties in favor of any other Person.

      "Loans" means collectively the Revolving Credit Loan and the Term Loan.

      "Loan Documents" means this Agreement, the Notes and the Security
Documents.

      "Lock Box Agreement" is defined in Section 3.10.

      "Long-Term Debt" means, for any period of determination thereof, the
long-term debt of the Borrower as of such date as determined in accordance with
GAAP.



                                     -10-
<PAGE>



      "Material Adverse Effect" means a material adverse effect on the financial
condition, properties, results of operations and/or business of the Borrower and
its consolidated Subsidiaries.

      " Mortgaged Property" means the real property owned by Borrower and
identified in EXHIBIT 1(b).

      "Mortgages" means the Open-End Mortgages, Assignments of Rents and Leases,
and Security Agreements granted by Borrower in favor of the Collateral Agent, as
the same may be amended or modified and in effect from time to time.

      "Multiemployer Plan" means a Plan maintained pursuant to a collective
bargaining agreement or any other arrangement to which the Borrower or any
member of the controlled group is a party to which more than one employer is
obligated to make contributions.

      "Net Fixed Assets" means the net book value determined based on Borrower's
most recent monthly financial statement of all furniture, fixtures, equipment
and real estate owned by Borrower

      "Net Income" means, for any period of determination thereof, the net
income of the Borrower, as reflected in the income statement of the Borrower for
such period, and as determined in accordance with GAAP.

      "Net Worth" shall be determined in accordance with GAAP.

      "Notes" mean the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Note, the Revolving
Credit Note, and the Term Notes.

      "Obligations" means all unpaid principal of and accrued and unpaid
interest on the Notes, all accrued and unpaid fees and all other obligations of
the Borrower to the Bank arising under the Loan Documents.

      "Omni" means Omni Investors, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

      "Overadvance Amount" means subject to adjustment as provided in Section
2.1(g):

            Up to $10,000,000 from closing through 08/31/96;
            Up to $7,500,000 from 09/01/96 through 12/31/96;
            Up to $10,000,000 from 01/01/97 through 03/31/97;
            Up to $7,500,000 from 04/01/97 through 05/30/97;
            Up to $5,000,000 from 06/01/97 through 07/31/97/;
            Up to $2,500,000 from 08/01/97 through 09/30/97;
            and zero (0) thereafter.

      "PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and its successors
and assigns.



                                     -11-
<PAGE>



      "Permitted Liens" means:

            (a)   Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges not then
due and payable or the validity of which is being contested in good faith;
provided the Borrower has adequate reserves set aside for such contest and
provided further that no foreclosure actions have been instituted by any such
governmental entity;

            (b)   Liens arising in connection with court proceedings, provided
the execution of such liens is effectively stayed and the underlying action has
been appealed or is being contested in good faith and the Borrower has set aside
adequate reserves for such court proceedings;

            (c)   Liens arising in the ordinary cause of business (including (i)
Liens under workmen's compensation and similar laws, (ii) mechanics' and
warehousemen's Liens and similar Liens) that are not incurred in connection with
the borrowing of money and provided that such Liens will not result in a
Material Adverse Effect;

            (d)   any Lien incurred in connection with the Agreement and the
Loan Documents;

            (e)   subject to Section 6.8 and 6.9 of the Agreement, any Lien on
any property of any Person existing at the time it becomes a Subsidiary of the
Borrower; provided that such lien does not extend to any other assets of the
Borrower or its other Subsidiaries; and provided further that the indebtedness
secured by such Lien would be permitted under Section 6.1;

            (f)   Liens securing assets acquired or constructed after the date
of this Agreement; provided such liens do not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the
fair market value of such asset;

            (g)   Liens incurred in connection with the borrowing of money not
permitted by subsections (e) and (f) above; provided that immediately thereafter
the aggregate amount of debt secured by Liens incurred pursuant to this
subsection (g) would not exceed 5.0% of Total Capitalization as such term is
defined in the Senior Note Agreements; and

            (h)   any Lien resulting from renewing, extending or refunding a
Lien provided that the principal amount of the Debt secured thereby is not
increased and the Lien is not extended to any other property.

      "Person" means any corporation, natural person, firm, joint venture,
partnership, trust, unincorporated organization, enterprise, government or any
department or agency of any government.



                                     -12-
<PAGE>



      "Plan" means an employee pension benefit plan which is covered by Title IV
of ERISA or subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the
Code as to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary may have any liability.

      "Prime Based Rate" means a rate per annum equal to the Prime Rate changing
when and as the Prime Rate changes.

      "Prime Based Rate Advance" means an Advance which bears interest at the
Prime Based Rate for a particular Prime Based Rate Interest Period.

      "Prime Based Rate Interest Period" means any period during which Prime
Based Rate Advance is outstanding.

      "Prime Based Rate Option" means the option of Borrower to have interest
rate under the Note computed based on the Prime Based Rate.

      "Prime Rate" means a rate per annum announced by the Bank Agent from time
to time, as its prime rate of interest for short term, unsecured commercial
loans based on its consideration of economic, money market, business, and
competitive factors.  The Prime Rate is a reference rate for the information and
use of the Bank Agent in establishing the actual rate to be charged to its
borrower and is not necessarily the Bank Agent's most favored rate.  In the
event of a change in the Prime Rate, the Prime Based Rate shall be adjusted
accordingly as of the date of each such change, it being the intent that the
Prime Based Rate shall increase or decrease simultaneously with each increase or
decrease in the Prime Rate.  Any change in  the Prime Based Rate shall become
effective automatically without notice to the Borrower.

      "Prohibited Transaction" means a "prohibited transaction" as defined in
Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.

      "Rate Option" means the Libor Rate Option, the Fixed Rate Option or the
Prime Based Rate Option.

      "Regulation D" means Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System from time to time in effect and shall include any successor or
other regulation or official interpretation of said Board of Governors relating
to reserve requirements applicable to member banks of the Federal Reserve
System.

      "Regulation U" means Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System from time to time in effect and shall include any successor or
other regulation or official interpretation of said Board of Governors relating
to the extension of credit by banks for the purpose of purchasing or carrying
margin stocks applicable to member banks of the Federal Reserve System.



                                     -13-
<PAGE>



      "Reportable Event" means a reportable event as defined in Section 4043 of
ERISA and the regulations issued under such Section, with respect to a Plan,
excluding, however, such events as to which the PBGC by regulation waived the
requirement of Section 4043(a) of ERISA that it be notified within 30 days of
the occurrence of such event, provided that a failure to meet the minimum
funding standard of Section 412 of the Code and of Section 302 of ERISA shall be
a reportable event regardless of the issuance of any such waivers in accordance
with Section 412(d) of the Code.

      "Reserve Requirement" means, with respect to a Libor Interest Period, the
maximum aggregate reserve requirement (including all basic, supplemental,
marginal and other reserves) which is imposed under Regulation D on new
non-personal time deposits of $100,000 or more with a maturity equal to that of
the Libor liabilities (in the case of Libor Advances).

      "Revolving Credit Loan" means the Loan in the aggregate amount not to
exceed Thirty-Two Million Dollars ($32,000,000) by the Banks to Borrower as more
fully set forth in Section 2.1.

      "Revolving Credit Notes" means collectively the promissory notes made by
Borrower in favor of the Banks pursuant to Section 2.1(b) evidencing the
Revolving Credit Loan, and any amendment, modification, renewal or replacement
of any such note

      "Section" means a numbered section of this Agreement, unless another
document is specifically referenced.

      "Security Agreement" means the Amended and Restated Security Agreement of
even date herewith made by and between the Collateral Agent and the Borrower, as
the same may be amended or modified and in effect from time to time.

      "Security Documents" means the Security Agreement and all other
instruments and documents referred to in Article 3, and all other documents
executed pursuant to or in connection with any of the foregoing.

      "Senior Debt" means all Debt of the Borrower from time to time reflected
as a liability on Borrower's balance sheet, which is not expressly subordinated
to the Loans.

      "Senior Notes" means collectively (i) the Smith Barney Senior Notes and
(ii) the Fifteen Million Dollar (15,000,000) 11 3/4% Notes issued by Borrower on
October 16, 1995.

      "Senior Note Agreements" means the instruments and agreements executed by
Borrower in connection with the Senior Notes.



                                     -14-
<PAGE>



      "Shareholders' Equity" means the shareholders' equity, as determined in
accordance with GAAP (on a consolidated basis), of the Borrower.

      "Single Employer Plan" means a Plan maintained by the Borrower or any
member of the Controlled Group for employees of the Borrower or any member of
the Controlled Group.

      "Smith Barney Senior Notes" means the Twenty-Five Million Dollar
($25,000,000) Senior Notes issued through Smith Barney Shearson, Inc. on May 24,
1994.

      "Subsidiary" means any corporation or other entity the majority of
outstanding shares having the ability to elect a majority of the directors of
which is at the time owned by the Borrower or another Subsidiary.

      "Tangible Net Worth" shall mean the Borrower's consolidated Net Worth
determined in accordance with GAAP, based on a FIFO method of cost accounting
for inventory (including the sum of common stock, paid in capital, and earned
surplus), LESS (i) employee, officer, or Affiliate accounts receivable, LESS
(ii) all capitalized organizational or closing costs, LESS (iii) the then
amount of deferred debt or equity issuance costs and deferred financing costs,
LESS (iv) goodwill, LESS (v) investments in any stock, obligations, or
securities of, or any other interest in, any Person, LESS (vi) any other asset
considered under GAAP as an intangible asset.

      "Term Loan Libor Rate" means the Libor Rate plus 50 basis points (0.50%).

      "Term Loan" means the loan in the aggregate amount of Eight Million Five
Hundred Thousand Dollars ($8,500,000) by the Banks to Borrower as more fully set
forth in Section 2.2.

      "Term Notes" mean collectively the promissory notes made by Borrower in
favor of the Banks pursuant to Section 2.2(b) evidencing the Term Loan, and any
amendment, modification, renewal or replacement of any such promissory note.

      "Termination Date" means June 16, 2000.

      "Total Debt" means all Debt of Borrower.

      "Unfunded Liabilities" means, (i) in the case of Single Employer Plans,
the amount (if any) by which the present value of all vested nonforfeitable
benefits under such Plan exceeds the fair market value of all Plan assets
allocable to such benefits, all determined as of the then most recent valuation
date for such Plan, and (ii) in the case of Multiemployer Plans, the withdrawal
liability of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries.


                                     -15-
<PAGE>



      "Unmatured Default" means a circumstance that with the giving of notice,
the passage of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

      1.2  OTHER DEFINITIONAL PROVISIONS; CONSTRUCTION.  Unless otherwise
specified,

            (i)   All terms defined in this Agreement, whether or not defined in
Section 1, have the defined meanings provided in this Agreement when used in
this Agreement, in any other of the Loan Documents, or any other certificate,
instrument or other document madeor delivered pursuant to this Agreement or any
other Loan Document, unless otherwise defined therein.

            (ii)  As used in this Agreement, in any other of the Loan Documents,
or in any other certificate, instrument or document made or delivered pursuant
hereto or thereto, accounting terms relating to Borrower not defined in this
Agreement have the respective meanings given to them in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as in
effect at the time any determination is made or financial statement or
information is required or furnished under this Agreement ("GAAP").

          (iii)   References to the Uniform Commercial Code, or UCC, mean as
enacted in the particular jurisdictions encompassed by the reference.

            (iv)  The definition of any document or instrument includes all
schedules, attachments and exhibits thereto and all renewals, extensions,
supplements, restatements and amendments thereof.

            (v)   "Hereunder," "herein," "hereto," "this Agreement" and words of
similar import refer to this entire document; "including" is used by way of
illustration and not by way of limitation, unless the context clearly indicates
the contrary; the singular includes the plural and conversely.

            (vi)  All of the uncapitalized terms contained in the Loan Documents
which are defined under the UCC will, unless the context indicates otherwise,
have the meanings provided for in the UCC.

      1.3  CALCULATION OF FINANCIAL COVENANTS.  All financial statements
of Borrower required hereunder and all financial ratios and covenants referred
to or agreed to hereunder shall be prepared and/or determined (i) in accordance
with GAAP except to the extent otherwise specified in this Agreement (ii) on a
consolidated basis and (iii) in a manner consistent with the immediately
preceding like period except for such changes required under GAAP.



                                     -16-
<PAGE>



                                 ARTICLE 2

                    LOANS, ADVANCES, FEES AND PAYMENTS

      2.1 REVOLVING CREDIT LOAN.

            (a) Subject to, and in accordance with the terms, conditions, and
provisions of this Agreement, the Banks will lend and re-lend to the Borrower
and the Borrower will borrow and re-borrow from the Banks such amounts as the
Borrower may request from time to time (such amounts outstanding under this
Section 2.1 from time to time collectively will be designated the "Revolving
Credit Loan"), up to a maximum amount outstanding at any one time of Nineteen
Million Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($19,200,000) in the case of Bank One and
Twelve Million Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars ($12,800,000) in the case of BOA,
or Thirty Two Million Dollars ($32,000,000) in the aggregate for both Banks.
The Revolving Credit Loan at all times will be subject to the terms and
conditions and made upon the representations and warranties and covenants of the
Borrower set forth in this Agreement.

            (b) The Revolving Credit Loan shall be evidenced by promissory
notes of the Borrower (collectively, the "Revolving Credit Notes") in the form
attached hereto and made a part hereof as EXHIBIT 2.1.  The Revolving Credit
Loan will bear interest and be repayable in the manner set forth herein and in
the Revolving Credit Notes and the Revolving Credit Loan will be subject to all
of the terms and conditions specified in the Revolving Credit Notes and in this
Agreement.

            (c) Borrower may borrow, repay or prepay, without premium or
penalty (subject to Section 2.12 regarding prepayments of Libor Rate Advances),
and re-borrow the Revolving Credit Loan under this Agreement.

            (d) Subject to Section 2.1(f) below, the Banks will advance the
Revolving Credit Loan in the maximum aggregate amount of Thirty Two Million
Dollars ($32,000,000) to Borrower based on Borrower's Eligible Accounts
Receivable or Eligible Inventory and the Overadvance Amount.  Subject to Section
2.1(f), the amounts of such Advances outstanding at any one time shall in no
event be greater than the sum of (i) eighty-five percent (85%) of Borrower's
Eligible Accounts Receivable, (ii) sixty percent (60%) of Borrower's Eligible
Inventory, provided, however, that Advances against Eligible Inventory shall
not exceed Nine Million Dollars ($9,000,000), and (iii) the Overadvance Amount.

            (e)  On the 15th and 30th day of each month (or, if such day is
not a Business Day, on the Business Day next following) the Borrower shall
execute and deliver to the Banks a certificate (the "Borrowing Base
Certificate") on a form supplied by the Bank Agent,


                                     -17-
<PAGE>



which shall describe in detail the status of the Loan and the status of all
Collateral securing the Loan as of the 1st and 15th days of such month,
respectively, and shall contain such other information as may be requested by
the Banks, from time to time.  The Borrower shall execute and deliver to the
Banks a Borrowing Base Certificate on more frequent intervals than semi-monthly
if there exists any Event of Default or Unmatured Default.

            (f) The amount that the Banks shall be obligated to advance
pursuant to this Section 2.1 shall be reduced by the aggregate amount of all
letters of credit issued by the Banks for the benefit of Borrower from time to
time.  Such reduction shall be applied first to the amount available to be
advanced against Eligible Inventory and Eligible Accounts Receivable and then
against the Overadvance Amount.

            (g)  The Overadvance Amount will be increased by up to Two Million
Dollars ($2,000,000) (but in no event shall such increase exceed the amount of
the shortfall provided for in (i) and (ii) below) in the event (i) the
appraisals, referred to in Section 2.3 below, reflect an aggregate fair market
value for the appraised assets and properties which is not more than Two Million
Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,800,000) lower than the net book value of
such assets (as reflected in the May 31, 1996 interim financial statements of
the Borrower delivered to the Banks), AND/OR (ii) the Borrower receives less
than Twenty One Million Dollars ($21,000,000) (but more than the Twenty Million
Dollars ($20,000,000)) needed to satisfy the condition set forth in Section 8.1
below) from Borrower's initial public offering of its shares.

            (h) The Overadvance Amount set forth in Section 1 shall be repaid
by Borrower by the dates set forth in the definition of such term in Section 1.

      2.2  TERM LOAN.

            (a) Subject to, and in accordance with the terms, conditions, and
provisions of this Agreement, the Banks will lend to the Borrower and the
Borrower will borrow from the Banks Five Million One Hundred Thousand Dollars
($5,100,000) in the case of Bank One and Three Million Four Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($3,400,000) in the case of BOA, or Eight Million Five Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($8,500,000) in the aggregate for both Banks, combined (such amounts
outstanding under this Section 2.2 from time to time collectively will be
designated the "Term Loan").  The Banks shall advance the amount of the Term
Loan to the Borrower upon the closing of this Agreement.  The Borrower shall not
be entitled to reborrow any installment payment or other amount paid by Borrower
to the Banks with respect to the Term Loan.  The Term Loan at all times will be
subject to the terms and conditions and made upon the representations and
warranties and covenants of the Borrower set forth in this Agreement.  


                                     -18-
<PAGE>



            (b) The Term Loan shall be evidenced by promissory notes of the
Borrower (collectively, the "Term Notes") in the form attached hereto and made a
part hereof as EXHIBIT 2.2.  The Term Loan will bear interest and be
repayable in the manner set forth herein and in the Term Notes and the Term Loan
will be subject to all of the terms and conditions specified in the Term Notes
and in this Agreement.

            (c)  In the event any portion of a Term Loan as to which the
Borrower has selected the Fixed Rate, is prepaid, whether voluntarily or
involuntarily (including, without limitation, upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default under this Agreement or as provided for in Sections 3.6.2 and 3.9 of the
Mortgages), prior to the end of the Fixed Rate Interest Period applicable to
such Term Loan, such prepayment shall be accompanied by the Fixed Rate
Prepayment Premium, together with interest on the amount prepaid.

      2.3 TERM LOAN ADJUSTMENTS.  Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the
Banks will be advancing funds for the Term Loan to Borrower on the basis of
assumed values for the Mortgaged Property and certain equipment of Borrower,
which are subject to confirmation by certain appraisals which have not yet been
completed.  The parties anticipate that all appraisals required by the Banks
will be obtained within sixty (60) days of the date of this Agreement.  In the
event seventy percent (70%) of the appraised values (on a fair market value
analysis) as set forth in the appraisals is less than Eight Million Five Hundred
Thousand Dollars ($8,500,000) the Term Loan shall be immediately repaid by
Borrower by the amount of such shortfall.  The amount of such shortfall shall
increase the amount of the Revolving Credit Loan and the Overadvance Amount as
provided in Section 2.1(g) above, and the Borrower may use the increased
Revolving Credit Loan, subject to the provisions of Section 2.1(d) above, to so
repay the Term Loan.  The failure to obtain appraisals within one hundred twenty
(120) days of the date of this Agreement shall be an Event of Default under this
Agreement, if such failure is the result of the actions or inactions of
Borrower.

      2.4 LETTERS OF CREDIT.

            (a) In addition to cash Advances, as set forth in Section 2.1,
Bank Agent agrees to issue up to Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000) of letters
of credit for Borrower as account party for purposes directly related to the
purchase of Eligible Inventory, which issuance shall be considered the same as
an advance of Revolving Credit Loan proceeds for purposes hereof.  The Bank
Agent shall not be obligated to issue a letter of credit unless the Banks would
be obligated if so requested to make a cash Advance to Borrower under Section
2.1.  No such letter of credit shall have an expiration date beyond the
Termination Date.  The Bank Agent shall send copies of all such letters of
credit to the Collateral Agent.



                                     -19-
<PAGE>



            (b)  The Bank Agent may condition any issuance of a letter of
credit upon the execution and delivery by Borrower of a reimbursement agreement
and such other documents as Bank Agent may require.  The Borrower shall at all
times protect, indemnify and save harmless the Banks from and against any and
all claims, actions, suits and other legal proceedings, and from and against any
and all losses, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, charges, attorneys' fees
and other expenses which the Banks may, at any time sustain or incur by reason
of or in consequence of or arising out of the issuance of any letter of credit,
other than as a result of the Bank Agent's gross negligence or willful
misconduct.

            (c)  In the event any such letter of credit is drawn upon, the
amount paid by the Bank Agent on such draw shall be considered a Prime Based
Rate Advance of the Revolving Credit Loan, with the obligation to repay such
advance evidenced by the Revolving Credit Notes and secured by the Security
Documents.  The issuance of any letter of credit shall be subject generally to
the same conditions and requirements as set forth herein and, in addition, to
such additional conditions and requirements as the Bank Agent in its sole
discretion shall deem appropriate from time to time, including the payment of
out of pocket costs.

            (d) Each Bank and the Borrower agree that, in paying any drawing
under a letter of credit, the Bank Agent shall not have any responsibility to
obtain any document (other than any sight draft and certificates expressly
required by the letter of credit) or to ascertain or inquire as to the validity
of accuracy of any such document or the authority of the Person executing or
delivering any such document.

            (e) No Person nor any of the respective correspondents,
participants or assignees of the Bank Agent shall be liable to any Bank for: (i)
any action taken or omitted in connection herewith at the request or with the
approval of the Banks (ii) any action taken or omitted in the absence of gross
negligence or willful misconduct; or (iii) the due execution, effectiveness,
validity or enforceability of any letter of credit related document.

            (f) The Borrower hereby assumes all risks of the acts or omissions
of any beneficiary or transferee with respect to its use of any letter of
credit; provided, however, that this assumption is not intended to, and shall
not, preclude the Borrower's pursuing such rights and remedies as it may have
the beneficiary or transferee at law or under any other agreement.  No Person,
nor any of the respective correspondents, participants or assignee of the Bank
Agent shall be liable or responsible for any of the matters described in clauses
(i) through (vii) of Section 2.4(g) below; however, anything in such clauses to
the contrary notwithstanding, that the Borrower may have a claim against the
Bank Agent, and the Bank Agent may be liable to the Borrower, to the extent, but
only to the extent, of any direct, as opposed to consequential or


                                     -20-
<PAGE>



exemplary, damages suffered by the Borrower which the Borrower proves were
caused by the Bank Agent's willful misconduct or gross negligence or the Bank
Agent's willful failure to pay under any letter of credit after the presentation
to it by the beneficiary of a sight draft and certificate(s) strictly complying
with the terms and conditions of a letter of credit.  In furtherance and not in
limitation of the foregoing: (i) the Bank Agent may accept documents that appear
on their face to be in order, without responsibility for investigation; and (ii)
the Bank Agent shall not be responsible for the validity or sufficiency of any
instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign a
letter of credit or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof, in
whole or in part, which may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason.

            (g) The obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and any
documents related to the issuance of a letter of credit to reimburse the Bank
Agent for a drawing under a letter of credit, and to repay any drawing under a
letter of credit converted into a Revolving Credit Loan, shall be unconditional
and irrevocable, and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement and each such other document executed in connection with any letter of
credit under all circumstances, including the following:

                  (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of this Agreement
or any document related to any letter of credit;

                  (ii) any change in the time, manner or place of payment of,
or in any other term of, all or any of the obligations of the Borrower in
respect of any letter of credit or any other amendment or waiver of or any
consent to or departure from all or any of the documents related to any letter
of credit by any Person;

                  (iii) the existence of any claim, set-off, defense or other
right that the Borrower may have at any time against any beneficiary or any
transferee of any letter of credit (or any Person for whom any such beneficiary
or any other such transfer may be acting), the Bank Agent or any other Person,
whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby
or by the documents related to any letter of credit or any unrelated
transactions;

                  (iv) any draft demand, certificate or other document
presented under any letter of credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid
or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or
inaccurate in any respect; or any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise
of any document required in order to make a drawing under any letter of credit;

                  (v) any payment by the Bank Agent under any letter of credit
against presentation of a draft or certificate that does not strictly comply
with the terms of any letter of credit; or any


                                     -21-
<PAGE>



payment made by the Bank Agent under any letter of credit to any Person
purporting to be a trustee in bankruptcy, debtor-in-possession, assignee for the
benefit of creditors, liquidator, receiver or other representative of or
successor to any beneficiary or any transferee of any letter of credit,
including any arising in connection with any bankruptcy or insolvency
proceeding;

                  (vi) any exchange, release or non-perfection of any
collateral, or any release or amendment or waiver of or consent to or departure
from any other guarantee by any Person for all or any of the obligations of the
Borrower in respect of any letter of credit; or

                  (vii)  any other circumstance or happening whatsoever,
whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, including any other circumstance
that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, the
Borrower or a guarantor.

            (h) The Borrower shall pay to the Bank Agent from time to time on
demand the normal issuance, presentation amendment and other processing fees,
and other standard costs and charges, of the Bank Agent relating to letters of
credit as from time to time in effect.

            (i) The Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits as
published by the International Chamber of Commerce ("UCP") most recently at the
time of issuance of any letter of credit shall (unless otherwise expressly
provided in the letters of credit) apply to the letters of credit.

      2.5  EXPIRATION.

            (a) The obligation of the Banks to make Advances pursuant to this
Agreement shall expire on the Termination Date.

            (b) The Obligations (regardless of the stated maturity dates of
the Notes), shall be immediately due and payable on the Termination Date and
upon acceleration of the Obligations pursuant to Article 7 below.

      2.6 FEES.

            (a) FACILITY FEE.  The Borrower agrees to pay to the Bank
Agent a facility fee on the excess of the daily average unused amount of the
Aggregate Commitment over the outstanding principal amount of the Revolving
Credit Loan (including the stated amount of any letters of credit issued by the
Bank Agent for the account of the Borrower), for the period from the date of
this Agreement to but excluding the Termination Date, at a rate equal to
one-quarter of one percent (.25%) per annum through December 31, 1996 and
thereafter at a rate determined based on the following table:



                                     -22-
<PAGE>



                  Test                                     Facility Fee
                  ----                                     ------------

(a)   (1)   Ratio of Borrower's EBITDA
            to Borrower's total interest
            expense greater than 2.00:1

                        and                                       .375%

      (ii)  Ratio of Borrower's Total Debt
            to Borrower's EBITDA less
            than 5.00:1

(b)   (i)   Ratio of Borrower's EBITDA to
            Borrower's total interest
            expense greater than 2.50:1

                        and                                       . 25%

      (ii)  Ratio of Borrower's Total Debt
            to Borrower's EBITDA less
            than 4.00:1

(c)   (i)   Ratio of Borrower's EBITDA
            to Borrower's total interest
            expense greater than 3.00:1

                        and                                       . 25%

      (ii)  Ratio of Borrower's Total Debt
            to Borrower's EBITDA less
            than 3.50:1

(d)   (i)   Ratio of Borrower's EBITDA
            to Borrower's total interest
            expense greater than 3.50:1

                        and                                       .125%

      (ii)  Ratio of Borrower's Total Debt
            to Borrower's EBITDA less
            than 3.00:1

(e)   (i)   Ratio of Borrower's EBITDA
            to Borrower's total interest
            expense greater than 4.00:1

                        and                                       .125%

      (ii)  Ratio of Borrower's Total Debt
            to Borrower's EBITDA less
            than 2.50:1
                  


                                     -23-
<PAGE>



Each Test set forth above shall be computed as of the Computation Date.  As used
herein, "Computation Date" shall mean the last day of the fiscal quarter of the
Borrower immediately preceding the date of determination of the Facility Fee
hereunder.  In the event the Borrower fails to maintain any of the specified
combinations of EBITDA to interest expense and Total Debt to EDITDA set forth
above as of any Computation Date, the Facility Fee shall be 0.50%.  The Facility
Fee shall be computed based on a 360 day year.  The Facility Fee will be
computed quarterly (based on the ratios herein set forth as of the Computation
Date), with such recomputed Facility Fee in effect for three calendar months
beginning on the first day of the third full calendar month after the end of
each Computation Date.  The Facility Fee shall be distributed to the Banks by
the Bank Agent ratably in accordance with the respective Commitments of the
Banks.

            (b) CLOSING FEE.  The Borrower agrees to pay the Bank Agent a
closing fee of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) and the Collateral Agent a
closing fee of One Hundred Twenty Thousand Dollars ($120,000), on the Closing
Date.

            (c) AUDIT FEES/CUSTOMARY CHARGES.  Borrower shall pay to the
Collateral Agent an audit fee of Thirty Thousand Dollars $30,000) per year (on a
consolidated basis with Dur-O-Wal, Inc.) payable annually in advance.  The audit
fee for the first year shall be paid upon execution of this Agreement.  The
Borrower will pay the Banks throughout the term of the Loans customary banking
charges applicable to all commercial customers.

            (d) LETTER OF CREDIT FEES.  Borrower shall pay to the Banks a
fee determined by multiplying the principal amount of each letter of credit
issued by the Bank Agent for Borrower as account party by the lesser of (i)
1.50% or (ii) the then Applicable Libor Spread.  Each renewal of an outstanding
letter of credit shall be deemed to be an issuance of a letter of credit for
this purpose.

      2.7 REVOLVING CREDIT LOAN ADVANCES AND RATE ELECTIONS.

            (a) The Borrower shall give the Bank Agent notice (a "Borrowing
Notice") in such form as the Bank Agent may require from time to time of its
request for each Advance of the Revolving Credit Loan not later than (i) 12:00
p.m. Dayton time two Business Days prior to the date such Advance is requested
to be made if such Advance is to be made as a Libor Rate Advance, and (ii) by
2:00 p.m. on the Business Day the Advance is requested to be made in all other
cases, which notice shall specify the amount of the requested Advance, the date
of the requested Advance (which shall be a Business Day), whether a Libor Rate
Advance or Prime Rate Based Advance is requested and, in the case of each
requested Libor Rate Advance, the Libor Interest Period to be initially
applicable to such Advance.  The Libor Rate Option shall not be available if the


                                     -24-
<PAGE>



Libor Interest Period sought to be elected would extend beyond the Termination
Date.

          (b) Each Advance shall be in the minimum amount of One Hundred
Thousand Dollars ($100,000) and in multiples of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000)
if in excess thereof.

          (c) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the
proceeds of each such requested Advance shall be made available to the Borrower
by depositing the proceeds thereof, in immediately available funds, in an
account maintained and designated by the Borrower at the principal office of the
Bank.

          (d) The Bank Agent shall immediately provide by facsimile a copy
of the Borrowing Notice to each Bank.  Each Bank, on the date an Advance is to
be made, shall provide to the Bank Agent its pro rata share (based on the
Commitments of the Banks) of such Advance in immediately available funds at the
principal office of the Bank Agent for disbursement to the Borrower.  Unless the
Bank Agent shall have received notice from any Bank prior to the making of such
Advance under this Section 2.5 that such Bank will not make available to the
Bank Agent such Bank's portion of such Advance, the Bank Agent may assume that
such Bank has made such portion available to the Bank Agent on the date such
Advance is requested to be made in accordance with this Section 2.5.  If and to
the extent such Bank shall not have so made such portion available to the Bank
Agent prior to the making of such Advance, the Bank Agent may (but shall not be
obligated to) make such amount available to the Borrower, and such Bank agrees
to pay to the Bank Agent upon demand such amount together with interest thereon,
for each day from the date such amount is made available to the Borrower by the
Bank Agent until the date such amount is repaid to the Bank Agent, at a rate per
annum equal to the opening federal funds rate paid by the Bank Agent in its
regional federal funds market for overnight borrowings from other banks.  If
such Bank shall pay such amount to the Bank Agent together with interest, such
amount so paid shall constitute a part of the related Loan for purposes of this
Agreement.  The failure of any Bank to make its portion of any such Loan
available to the Bank Agent shall not relieve any other Bank of its obligations
to make available its portion of such Advance on the date such Advance is
requested to be made, but no Bank shall be responsible for failure of any other
Bank to make such portion available to the Bank Agent on the date of any such
Advance.

          (e)  All Advances made under this Section 2.6 shall be evidenced
by the Revolving Credit Notes and all such Advances shall be due and payable and
bear interest as provided in the Revolving Credit Notes.  The Bank Agent shall
maintain computerized records reflecting the date, amount and type of each
Advance and the duration of the related Interest Period (if applicable), the
amount of each payment or prepayment of principal thereon, which records


                                     -25-
<PAGE>



shall constitute prima facie evidence of the information so recorded,
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that failure of the Bank Agent to record, or any error in
recording, any such information shall not relieve the Borrower of its obligation
to repay the outstanding principal amount of the Notes.

            (f) By notice (a "Continuation/Conversion Notice") delivered to
the Bank Agent at or before 12:00 p.m. (Dayton time) on any Business Day, the
Borrower may elect, from time to time on not less than three (3) Business Days'
notice:

                  (i)  that all or any portion of any Advances be converted
      from Prime Based Rate Advances into Libor Rate Advances; and

                  (ii) on the expiration of the Interest Period applicable to
      any Libor Rate Advances, that all or any portion of such Advance be
      continued as Libor Rate Advances, or converted into Prime Based Rate
      Advances, as the case may be;

      PROVIDED that no portion of the outstanding principal amount of any
      Advances may be continued as, or be converted into, Libor Rate Advances
      when any Event of Default or Unmatured Default has occurred and is
      continuing.

            (g) No Advance may be made or continued as, or converted into, a
Libor Rate Advance if, after giving effect to such action, the aggregate
principal amount of any Libor Rate Advances having a particular Interest Period
is less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) in the aggregate or not in a
multiple of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000).

            (h) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, any Advance
for which the Libor Rate Option is not effectively elected in accordance with
this Agreement, or for which the Libor Rate Option is otherwise prohibited,
shall be a Prime Based Rate Advance.

            (i)  All Rate Option notices given by the Borrower to the Bank
Agent shall be in writing in the form of the Borrowing Notice or such other form
as the Bank Agent may require from time to time, or a Continuation/Conversion
Notice, in such form as the Bank Agent may require from time to time.

      2.8  TERM LOAN RATE ELECTIONS.

            (a) Interest on the Term Loan shall initially be computed at the
Term Loan Libor Rate.

            (b) By Notice (a "Term Loan Continuation/Conversion Notice")
delivered to the Bank Agent at or before 12:00 p.m.


                                     -26-
<PAGE>



(Dayton time) on any Business Day, the Borrower may elect, from time to time on
not less than three (3) Business Days' notice:

                  (i) that the interest rate applicable to all or a portion of
      the Term Loan be converted from Prime Based Rate to the Term Loan Libor
      Rate or the Fixed Rate; and

                  (ii) on the expiration of the Interest Period applicable in
      the event the Term Loan Libor Rate or the Fixed Rate is applicable, that
      the interest rate continue to be the Term Loan Libor rate or Fixed Rate,
      as the case may be, or be converted to be the Fixed Rate or the Term Loan
      Libor Rate, or the Prime Based Rate as the case may be;

      PROVIDED that the interest rate on the Term Loan may not be continued
      as, or be converted into, the Term Loan Libor Rate or Fixed Rate when any
      Event of Default or Unmatured Default has occurred and is continuing.

            (c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, any Advance
for which neither the Libor Rate Option nor the Fixed Rate Option is effectively
elected in accordance with this Agreement, or for which the Libor Rate Option or
the Fixed Rate Option, whichever is elected, is otherwise prohibited, shall be a
Prime Based Rate Advance.

            (d) The Bank Agent shall maintain computerized records reflecting
the duration of the related Interest Period (if applicable), and the amount of
each payment or prepayment of principal thereon, which records shall constitute
prima facie evidence of the information so recorded, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
failure of the Bank Agent to record, or any error in recording, any such
information shall not relieve the Borrower of its obligation to repay the
outstanding principal amount of the Term Notes.

            (e) The interest rate on the Term Loan may not be made or
continued as, or converted to, the Term Loan Libor Rate if, after giving effect
to such action, the aggregate principal amount of the Term Loan having a
particular Interest Period is less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) in the
aggregate or not in a multiple of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000).

            (f) All Rate Option notices given by the Borrower to the Bank
Agent shall be in writing in the form of the Borrowing Notice or such other form
as the Bank Agent may required from time to time, or a Continuation/Conversion
Notice, in such form as the Bank Agent may require from time to time.

      2.9  HANDLING OF PAYMENTS.

            (a) All payments to be made by the Borrower hereunder shall be
made in Dollars and in immediately available funds to the


                                     -27-
<PAGE>



Bank Agent for the account of the Banks at the Bank Agent's address referred to
in Section 10.6 not later than 2:00 p.m. Dayton time on the date on which such
payment shall become due.  To the extent of availability of funds, all payments
will be debited by the Bank Agent from Borrower's designated account on the due
dates.  Payments received after 2:00 p.m. Dayton time shall be deemed to be
payments made prior to 2:00 p.m. Dayton time on the next succeeding Business
Day.

            (b) On the day such payments are deemed received, the Bank Agent
shall remit to the Banks their pro rata shares of such payments in immediately
available funds (based on the relative Commitments of the Banks).  If and to the
extent the Bank Agent shall not remit to any Bank any amount to be remitted
hereunder on the date required, the Bank Agent shall compensate such Bank for
the late remittance at a rate per annum equal to the opening federal funds rate
paid by the Bank in its regional federal funds market for overnight borrowings
from other banks.

            (c) All payments which are available to be applied to the payment
of principal pursuant to any Note shall be applied first to the payment of
principal as to which the Prime Based Rate is applicable, and then, if all
principal as to which the Prime Based Rate is applicable have been paid in full,
to the payment of principal as to which the Libor Rate, the Term Loan Libor
Rate, or the Fixed Rate is applicable.

      2.10 RATE AFTER MATURITY.  Any Obligation not paid at maturity,
whether by acceleration or otherwise, shall bear interest until paid in full at
a rate per annum equal to the Prime Based Rate plus four percent (4%) per annum
(such rate being the "Default Rate").

      2.11 LENDING INSTALLATIONS.  Subject to Section 2.15 hereof, each Bank
may book its loans at any Lending Installation selected by such Bank and may
change its Lending Installation from time to time.  All terms of this Agreement
shall apply to any such Lending Installation and the Notes shall be deemed held
by each Bank for the benefit of such Lending Installation.  Each Bank may, by
written or telex notice to the Borrower, designate a Lending Installation
through which Loans will be made by it and for whose account Loan payments are
to be made.

      2.12 EARLY PAYMENT OF LIBOR LOANS.  If any amount as to which a Libor
Rate Option election is in effect is repaid on a day other than the last day of
the applicable Libor Interest Period, or becomes payable on a day other than the
last day of the applicable Libor Interest Period due to acceleration or
otherwise, Borrower shall pay, on demand by the Bank Agent, such amount (as
determined by the Bank) as is required to compensate the Banks for any losses,
costs, or expenses which the Banks may reasonably incur as a result of such
payment or acceleration, including, without limitation, any


                                     -28-
<PAGE>



loss, cost, or expense (including loss of profit) incurred by reason of
liquidation or reemployment of deposits or other funds acquired by the Banks to
fund or maintain such amount bearing interest at a Libor Rate.

      2.13 YIELD PROTECTION.  If any law or any governmental rule,
regulation, policy, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of
law), or any interpretation thereof, or compliance by any Bank therewith,

            (a)   subjects any Bank to any tax, duty, charge or withholding on
      or from payments due from the Borrower (excluding taxation of or measured
      by the overall net income of such Bank), or changes the basis of taxation
      of payments to any Bank in respect of its Loans or other amounts due it
      hereunder, or

            (b)   imposes or increases or deems applicable any reserve,
      assessment, insurance charge, special deposit or similar requirement
      against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended
      by, any Bank (other than reserves and assessments taken into account in
      determining the interest rate applicable to Libor Rate Advances), or

            (c)   imposes any other condition the result of which is to
      increase the cost to any Bank of making, funding or maintaining loans or
      reduces any amount receivable by any Bank in connection with loans, or
      requires such Bank to make any payment calculated by reference to the
      amount of loans held or interest received by it, by an amount deemed
      material by the Banks, or

            (d)   affects the amount of capital required or expected to be
      maintained by any Bank or any corporation controlling any Bank and the
      Banks determines the amount of capital required is increased by or based
      upon the existence of this Agreement or their obligation to make Loans
      hereunder or of commitments of this type,

then, within 15 days of written demand by the Bank in question, the Borrower
shall pay such Bank that portion of such increased expense incurred (including,
in the case of Section 2.11(d), any reduction in the rate of return on capital
to an amount below that which it could have achieved but for such changes in
regulation after taking into account such Bank's policies as to capital
adequacy) or reduction in an amount received which such Bank determines is
attributable to making, funding and maintaining the Loan in question and its
Commitment.

      2.14 AVAILABILITY OF RATE OPTIONS.  If any Bank determines that
maintenance of its Libor Rate at a suitable Lending Installation would violate
any applicable law, rule, regulation, or


                                     -29-
<PAGE>



directive, whether or not having the force of law, or if the Bank determines
that a Rate Option does not accurately reflect the cost of making or maintaining
Loans bearing interest at such Rate Option, then the Bank Agent shall suspend
the availability of the affected Rate Option.

      2.15 MITIGATION.  (a) At any time that any of its Libor Rate Loans are
affected by the circumstances described in Section 2.12 or Section 2.13, the
Borrower shall either (i) if the affected Libor Rate Loans are to be made
pursuant to an Advance, withdraw the related Borrowing Notice by giving the Bank
Agent written notice thereof on the same date that the Borrower was notified by
a Bank Agent pursuant to Section 2.12 or 2.13, before such Bank's match funds,
or (ii) if the affected Libor Rate Loan or Loans are then outstanding, reborrow
each Libor Rate Loan so affected (after the maturity thereof) as a Prime Rate
Loan or a Fixed Rate Loan.

            (b)     Promptly after giving notice to the Borrower pursuant to
Section 2.12 or Section 2.13, any Bank giving such notice will upon the written
request of Borrower specifying an alternate Lending Installation, use its
reasonable efforts to designate such Lending Installations as the office from
which any of its Loans bearing interest in accordance with such Rate Option will
be made after such designation if such designation will avoid the need for, or
reduce the amount of, any payment to which such Bank would otherwise be entitled
pursuant to Section 2.11 and will not, in the sole discretion of such Bank, be
otherwise disadvantageous to such Bank.

      2.16 BANK CERTIFICATES; SURVIVAL OF INDEMNITY.  The Bank Agent shall
deliver to the Borrower a certificate of the Banks as to the amount due under
Sections 2.11, 2.12, and/or 2.13 which certificate shall be prepared in good
faith, show in reasonable detail the basis of its calculations and shall be
final, conclusive and binding on the Borrower in the absence of manifest error.
Unless otherwise provided herein, the amount specified in the certificate shall
be payable on demand after receipt by the Borrower of the certificate.  The
obligations of the Borrower under Sections 2.11, 2.12, and 2.13 shall survive
payment of the Obligations and termination of this Agreement.

      2.17 BASIC CONDITIONS TO EACH ADVANCE.  The following conditions
precedent must be satisfied on each Borrowing Date in order for an Advance to be
made:

            (a)   There exists no Event of Default or Unmatured Default;

            (b)   The representations and warranties contained in Article 4
      are true and correct as of such Borrowing Date except for changes in the
      Exhibits hereto reflecting transactions permitted by this Agreement; and


                                     -30-
<PAGE>



            (c)   The Borrower has furnished the Bank Agent with a duly
      completed Borrowing Notice.

      The making of each Advance shall constitute a representation and warranty
by the Borrower that the conditions contained in Article 8 and this Section 2.17
have been satisfied.


                                  ARTICLE 3

                                 COLLATERAL

      In order to secure the repayment of the Obligations, Borrower shall
execute and deliver, and/or cause to be executed and delivered, the following
(the "Security Documents"):

      3.1 The Amended and Restated Security Agreement in the form attached
hereto as EXHIBIT 3.1, which shall grant, subject only to Permitted Liens,
the Collateral Agent a first and only security interest, on all of the
Borrower's Accounts, Inventory, Equipment, General Intangibles, Intellectual
Property, Deposit Accounts, Proceeds, Books and Records, and other property
defined as Collateral in the Amended and Restated Security Agreement.

      3.2 Landlord's Waivers in the form attached as EXHIBIT 3.2.

      3.3 Open-End Mortgages, Assignment of Rents and Leases, and Security
Agreements in the form attached hereto as EXHIBIT 3.3, which shall grant the
Collateral Agent a first and only mortgage lien, subject to Permitted
Encumbrances, on the Mortgaged Property and the other property described
therein.

      3.4 Environmental Compliance and Indemnification Agreement attached
hereto as EXHIBIT 3.4 relating to the property described therein.

      3.5  The Stock Pledge Agreements attached hereto as EXHIBIT 3.5
relating to the DOW and Omni shares described therein.

      3.6  The Negative Pledge Agreement in the form attached hereto as
EXHIBIT 3.6.

      3.7 The Guarantees executed by Borrower and Omni in favor of the Banks
in the form attached hereto as EXHIBIT 3.7.

      3.8 Such UCC financing statements and other documents as may be
determined by the Collateral Agent to be necessary or desirable to grant and
perfect a first priority security interest in the Collateral and the property
described in the Mortgages, and such other documents and agreements as may be
requested by any Bank in connection with the documents listed in Section 3.1
through 3.5.



                                     -31-
<PAGE>



      3.9 If requested by the Bank Agent, a Lock Box Agreement in the form
prescribed by the Bank Agent.

      3.10The Borrower shall have ninety (90) days from the date of this
Agreement within which to obtain and to deliver to the Banks, the Landlord
Waivers referred to in Section 3.2 above.


                                  ARTICLE 4

                       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

      To induce the Banks to make the Loan, the Borrower hereby represents
and warrants to the Banks as follows:

      4.1  GOOD STANDING.  The Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries (i) is
a corporation duly organized, existing, and in good standing under the laws of
the state or other jurisdiction of their incorporation, and (ii) has the power
to own its property and to carry on its business and is qualified to do business
and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the character of its
properties owned by it or the transaction of its business makes such
qualification necessary.

      4.2  AUTHORITY.  The Borrower has full power and authority to enter
into this Agreement, to make the borrowing hereunder, to execute and deliver the
Notes and the Security Documents, and to perform and comply with the terms and
conditions, set forth herein and therein, all of which have been duly authorized
by all proper and necessary corporate action of the Borrower.  No consent or
approval of the shareholders of the Borrower or of any governmental authority is
required as a condition to the validity of this Loan Agreement, the Notes, or
the Security Documents.

      4.3  SUBSIDIARIES.  Each Subsidiary of Borrower is set forth on
EXHIBIT 4.3 which exhibit sets forth the Subsidiary(s) (i) full corporate
name, (ii) the state or other jurisdiction of incorporation, and (iii) the
ownership of such entity, by number of shares and percentage of ownership.  Each
Subsidiary (i) is a corporation duly organized, existing, and in good standing
under the laws of the states set forth on EXHIBIT 4.3, and (ii) has the
power to own its property and to carry on its business and is qualified to do
business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the character of
its properties or the transaction of its business makes such qualification
necessary.

      4.4  BINDING AGREEMENT.  This Agreement constitutes, and the Notes and
the Security Documents constitute or will constitute when issued and delivered
for value received, the valid and legally binding obligations of the Borrower
enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, subject to bankruptcy,
insolvency,


                                     -32-
<PAGE>



reorganization and other similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally and
general equitable principles.

      4.5  LITIGATION.  Except as set forth on EXHIBIT 4.5, there are no
proceedings pending or, so far as any person signing below on behalf of the
Borrower knows, threatened before any court or administrative agency which would
reasonably be expected, if concluded adversely to Borrower or any Subsidiary,
result in a Material Adverse Effect, nor, so far as any person signing below on
behalf of Borrower knows, is any investigation pending that could lead to any
such proceedings, nor does any basis for any proceeding exist.

      4.6  NO CONFLICTING AGREEMENTS.  There are no provisions of the
Borrower's Articles of Incorporation or Code of Regulations and no provisions of
any existing mortgage, deed of trust, indenture, contract, lease, or agreement
binding on the Borrower or affecting its property which would conflict with or
in any way prevent the execution, delivery, or carrying out of the terms of this
Loan Agreement, the Notes, and the Security Documents.

      4.7  FINANCIAL CONDITION.  The Borrower's consolidated financial
statements, copies of which are attached hereto as EXHIBIT 4.7, were
prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and are complete and
correct and fairly and accurately present the financial condition of the
Borrower, and its consolidated Subsidiaries, as of their date and the results of
its operations for the period then ended.  There has been no Material Adverse
Effect since the date of such financial statements.

      4.8  INFORMATION.  All information contained in any financial
statement, application, schedule, report, certificate, opinion, or any other
document given by the Borrower with any of the Security Documents is in all
material respects true and accurate, and the Borrower has not omitted to state
any material fact or any fact necessary to make such information not misleading.

      4.9  ASSETS AND PROPERTIES.  Upon the execution of the Loan Agreement,
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries will have good and marketable title or legal
and equitable ownership to all of its assets and properties and there will be no
Liens outstanding against any of the assets and properties except Liens in favor
of the Collateral Agent and Permitted Liens.

      4.10 TAXES.  All taxes imposed upon the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
and their properties, operations, and income have been paid and discharged prior
to the date when any interest or penalty would accrue for the nonpayment thereof
except for those taxes being contested in good faith and by appropriate
proceedings by the Borrower, or the Subsidiaries, as the case may be.



                                     -33-
<PAGE>



      4.11 ERISA.  Any Plan established and maintained by the Borrower and
any Subsidiary is a qualifying plan under the applicable requirements of ERISA,
and there is no current matter which would materially adversely affect the
qualified tax-exempt status of any Plan; the Borrower has not engaged in or is
engaging in any Prohibited Transaction or has incurred any Accumulated Funding
Deficiency in connection with any such Plan, whether or not waived, and no
Reportable Event has occurred with respect to any Plan subject to the minimum
funding requirements of Section 412 of the Code, no Multiemployer Plan has
"terminated," as that term is defined in ERISA; (except with respect to the
withdrawal from the National Industrial Group Pension Plan No. 00742 as to which
there is no withdrawal liability) the Borrower has not "withdrawn" or "partially
withdrawn" from any Multiemployer Plan; and no Multiemployer Plan is in
"reorganization" nor has notice been received from the administrator of any
Multiemployer Plan that any such Plan will be placed in "reorganization."

      4.12 NAMES OF BORROWER.  During the period commencing five (5) years
prior to the date of this Agreement the Borrower has not done business under any
name other than the name of the Borrower set forth in this Agreement and the
name "Robert Screw Products Corporation."

      4.13 MARGIN STOCK.  The Borrower does not own and has no present
intention of acquiring any "margin stock" within the meaning of Regulation U.
None of the proceeds of the Loan will be used, directly or indirectly, by the
Borrower for the purpose of purchasing or carrying, or for the purpose of
reducing or retiring any indebtedness which was originally incurred to purchase
or carry, any margin stock or for any other purpose which might constitute the
transactions contemplated hereby a "purpose credit" within the meaning of
Regulation U, or cause this Agreement to violate any other regulation of the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 or the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, as amended, or any rules
or regulations promulgated under any such statutes.

      4.14 TRADEMARKS, ETC.  The Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries
possesses all trademarks, trade names, brand names, copyrights, licenses, or
rights in any thereof, necessary to the conduct of its business as now
conducted, without conflict with the rights or claimed rights of others, except
where the failure to do so would not result in a Material Adverse Effect.

      4.15 VIOLATION OF LAWS, ETC.  Neither the consummation of the Loan
nor the use, directly or indirectly, of all or any portion of the proceeds of
the Loan hereunder, nor (except where the failure to do so would not result in a
Material Adverse Effect) the present or contemplated future operation of the
business of Borrower, violates or will violate or result in a violation of any
provision of any applicable statute, regulation or order of, or any restriction




                                     -34-
<PAGE>




imposed by the United States of America, any state thereof in which Borrower
does business or owns property, or any authorized official, board, department,
instrumentality, or agency hereof without limiting the generality of the
foregoing.


                                  ARTICLE 5

                             AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

      The Borrower covenants and agrees that from the date of execution of
this Agreement until all Obligations of the Borrower to the Banks under this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents have been fully paid it will (and, with
respect to Sections 5.2, 5.11, 5.12, 5.13, and 5.19 will cause its Subsidiaries
to):

      5.1  USE OF LOAN PROCEEDS.  Use the proceeds of the Loans for the
repayment of the Senior Notes and, in the case of the Revolving Credit Loan, (i)
acquisitions as contemplated by Sections 6.8 and 6.9, (ii) capital expenditures
permitted by Section 6.10, and (iii) for short term working capital.

      5.2  BOOKS, RECORDS AND INSPECTIONS.  Maintain proper books of account
and other records and enter therein complete and accurate entries and records of
all of its transactions in accordance with GAAP, and give representatives of the
Banks access thereto at all reasonable times, including permission to examine,
copy and make abstracts from any of such books and records and such other
information which might be helpful to the Banks in evaluating the status of the
Loans as it may from time to time request and the Borrower will make available
to the Banks for examination copies of any reports, statements or returns which
the Borrower may make to or file with any governmental department, bureau or
agency, federal or state.

      5.3  ANNUAL FINANCIALS.  Furnish to the Banks as soon as available but
in no event later than ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the
Borrower, the consolidated and consolidating financial statements of the
Borrower, including balance sheet, statement of income, statement of shareholder
equity and statement of cash flow, for such fiscal year in comparative form with
the prior year, fully certified by independent certified public accountants
satisfactory to the Banks and containing the opinion of such independent
certified public accountants subject only to qualifications satisfactory to the
Banks.  Such financial statements shall be accompanied by the accountants'
statement that no Event of Default, nor any Unmatured Default, exists hereunder,
or, if an Event of Default or Unmatured Default exists, specifying the Event of
Default or Unmatured Default.

      5.4  INTERIM FINANCIALS.  Furnish to the Banks as soon as available
but in no event more than thirty (30) days after the end


                                     -35-
<PAGE>



of each calendar month (except the last month of each fiscal year), financial
statements, on a consolidated basis, of the Borrower, including balance sheet,
statement of income, statement of shareholder equity and statement of cash flow,
for such period and year to date in comparative form with the year earlier
periods, prepared and certified by the chief financial officer of the Borrower.

      5.5  ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND INVENTORY SCHEDULES.  Furnish the Banks,
by the 15th of each month (or if such day is not a Business Day, on the next
Business Day), a statement of accounts receivable, as of the end of the prior
month, of the Borrower in such detail as the Banks may reasonably request,
attested by an officer of the Borrower.  On each such statement, accounts
receivable will be broken down into 30-day, 60-day and 90-day categories.  In
addition, the Borrower shall furnish the Banks with monthly inventory balances
which report shall be in form and substance satisfactory to the Banks.

      5.6  FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS.  No later than sixty (60) days after the
end of each fiscal year, deliver to the Banks income statement financial
projections, in form and substance satisfactory to the Banks, for Borrower's
following fiscal year.  No later than ninety (90) days after the end of each
fiscal year deliver to the Banks balance sheet and statement of cash flow
financial projections in form and substance satisfactory to the Banks, for
Borrower's following fiscal year.  All such financial projections shall be
prepared on a consolidated and consolidating basis.

      5.7  PUBLIC FILINGS.  Copies of all documents filed by the Company
with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") pursuant to the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 shall be delivered to the Banks promptly after filing with
the SEC.

      5.8  OTHER INFORMATION.  Furnish to the Banks, promptly from time to
time, such information concerning the operations, business, affairs, and
financial condition of the Borrower as the Bank may reasonably request.

      5.9  LITIGATION.  Promptly upon the commencement thereof, provide the
Banks with written notice of any litigation, including arbitrations, and of any
proceedings before any governmental agency, involving Borrower or any Affiliate,
where the amount exceeds Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) or causes
the aggregate of all such claims to exceed Six Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand
Dollars ($625,000), to the extent not acknowledged in writing by the insurance
carrier to be fully covered by insurance.  Notify the Banks of any litigation
threatened against the Borrower or any Affiliate that would have a Material
Adverse Effect and of the entry of any judgment or lien, other than a Permitted
Lien, against any of the assets or properties of Borrower or any Affiliate.


                                     -36-
<PAGE>



      5.10 PRESERVATION OF PROPERTIES.  At all times (a) maintain its
properties, whether owned or leased, in good operating condition, and from time
to time will make all proper repairs, renewals, replacements, additions, and
improvements thereto needed to maintain such properties in good operating
condition, (b) comply (i) with the provisions of all leases to which it is a
party or under which it occupies property so as to prevent any loss or
forfeiture thereof or thereunder, and (ii) as more fully set forth in Section
5.13 below, comply with all laws, rules, regulations, and orders applicable to
the properties or any part thereof; provided, however, that nothing contained in
this Section shall require the making of any repair, renewal, replacement,
addition, or improvement to a particular property or the continued maintenance
of any property which would not be required in the exercise of sound business
judgment.

      5.11 INSURANCE.  At all times maintain with well-rated and responsible
insurance companies reasonably satisfactory to the Banks such insurance as is
required by applicable laws and such other insurance in such amounts, of such
types, and against such risks, hazards, liabilities, casualties, and
contingencies as is customarily maintained by companies similarly situated, and
(b) file with the Banks upon request a detailed list of the insurance then in
effect and stating the names of the insurance companies, the types, the amounts,
and rates of the insurance, dates of the expiration thereof and the properties
and risks covered thereby, and, within thirty (30) days after notice in writing
from the Banks, obtain such additional insurance as the Banks may reasonably
request.  All insurance shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the
Banks.  The Banks shall be named as an Additional Insured on all liability
insurance policies and the Collateral Agent named as a loss payee and secured
creditor, pursuant to a lender loss payable endorsement, on all property
insurance maintained by Borrower to the extent of the Banks' interest in such
property.

      5.12 TAXES.  Except to the extent that the validity or amount thereof
is being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, the Borrower
will pay and discharge all taxes prior to the date when any interest or penalty
would accrue for the nonpayment thereof.

      5.13MAINTAIN EXISTENCE.  At all times maintain in full force and
effect its corporate existence, rights, privileges, and franchises and will
qualify and remain qualified in all jurisdictions where qualification is
required.

      The Borrower shall be entitled to physically relocate to a new
jurisdiction provided: (i) the Borrower gives thirty (30) days advance written
notification to the Banks; (ii) the Borrower qualifies to do business in such
jurisdiction; (iii) the Banks have a first perfected security interest in the
Collateral in such jurisdiction; and (iv) the Borrower pays all expenses, fees,
taxes,


                                     -37-
<PAGE>



and other costs which the Banks incur in perfecting their security interests in
such jurisdiction.

      5.14 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.  At all times comply with all applicable
federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations, and orders of any court
or other governmental authority having jurisdiction over Borrower, its business
or property except when the failure to do so would not result in a Material
Adverse Effect.

      5.15 NET WORTH.  The Borrower shall have and maintain a minimum
consolidated Net Worth as follows:

            (a)   From the date of this Agreement through December 30, 1996,
Forty Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($42,500,000);

            (b)   From December 31, 1996 through December 30, 1997, Forty Six
Million Dollars ($46,000,000);

            (c)   From December 31, 1997 through December 30, 1998, Forty Nine
Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($49,500,000);

            (d)   From December 31, 1998 and thereafter, Fifty Three Million
Dollars ($53,000,000).

The Borrower's Net Worth shall be tested each fiscal quarter in arrears.

      5.16 TANGIBLE NET WORTH.  The Borrower's consolidated negative
Tangible Net Worth shall not exceed Twelve Million Dollars ($12,000,000).  The
Borrower's Tangible Net Worth shall be tested each fiscal quarter in arrears.

    5.17 SCHEDULE OF SALARIES.  On an annual basis, the Borrower shall
furnish the Banks with a detailed statement of the salaries, and other
compensation, for each official position occupied by its officers.  The Borrower
shall be entitled to make normal and customary increases to its officers'
compensation provided the Borrower is in full compliance with the terms of this
Agreement, including, without limitation, all affirmative and negative covenants
contained herein.

      5.18 COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE.  Furnish the Banks with the items
furnished to the Banks pursuant to Sections 5.3 and 5.4, above, and in no event
less frequently than monthly, a duly executed Compliance Certificate.

      5.19 CHECKING ACCOUNT.  Borrower will maintain its checking account
and lock box with Bank Agent.

      5.20 ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE AND DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS.  Borrower,
and its Subsidiaries, will complete, execute, and deliver


                                     -38-
<PAGE>



to the Collateral Agent an Environmental Questionnaire and Disclosure form
("EQD") as requested by the Collateral Agent.  The EQD shall be satisfactorily
completed and delivered to the Collateral Agent within ninety (90) days of the
execution of this Agreement.

      5.21ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTS.  Borrower will deliver Phase I
Environmental Reports (in form and substance satisfactory to the Banks) to the
Banks with respect to the Mortgaged Properties within forty-five (45) days of
the execution of this Agreement.

      5.22 FURTHER ASSURANCES.  Upon the request of the Banks, the Borrower
shall duly execute and deliver to the Banks such further instruments and do and
cause to be done such further acts as may be necessary or proper in the
reasonable opinion of the Banks to carry out more effectively the provisions and
purposes of this Agreement.


                                  ARTICLE 6

                             NEGATIVE COVENANTS

      The Borrower covenants and agrees that from the date of execution of
this Agreement until all Obligations of the Borrower to the Banks under this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents have been fully paid Borrower, and
Borrower's Subsidiaries, will not, without the prior written consent of the
Banks:

      6.1 DEBT.  Incur any Debt other than:  (a) the Loans and any
subsequent Debt to the Banks; (b) open account obligations incurred in the
ordinary course of business having maturities of less than ninety (90) days; (c)
rental and lease payments as permitted by Section 6.2; (d) replacements and
refinancings of the foregoing provided the principal amount of Debt so replaced
or refinanced is not increased; (e) the Debt identified in EXHIBIT 6.1; and
(f) other indebtedness approved in writing by the Banks.

      6.2 LEASE OBLIGATIONS.  Enter into any rental or lease agreement for
real or personal property whereby Borrower's lease obligations for any fiscal
year would exceed Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000), in the aggregate, for all
such obligations.

      6.3  LIENS.  Create, assume or permit to exist any Lien upon any
assets now owned or hereafter acquired by Borrower or enter into any arrangement
for the acquisition of property subject to any conditional sales agreement,
except for Permitted Liens.

      6.4 GUARANTIES.  Become a guarantor or surety of, or otherwise
become or be responsible in any manner (whether by agreement to purchase any
obligations, stock, assets, goods, or services or otherwise) with respect to,
any undertaking of any other Person, other than with respect to the obligations
of Dur-O-Wal, 



                                     -39-
<PAGE>



Inc. to the Banks.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower
shall be entitled to guarantee mortgage loans for employees (not to exceed Two
Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) in the aggregate) on a short-term
basis, which are necessary in order to relocate Borrower's employees.

      6.5 AMENDMENTS TO ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS.  Amend or change its
Articles of Incorporation or Code of Regulations, recapitalize or otherwise
change or adjust its capital stock.

      6.6 ERISA COMPLIANCE.  Restate or amend any Plan established and
maintained by the Borrower in a manner designed to disqualify such Plan under
the applicable requirements of the Code; permit officers of the Borrower to
materially adversely affect the qualified tax-exempt status of any Plan of the
Borrower; engage in any Accumulated Funding Deficiency, whether or not waived in
connection with any Plan; take any action or fail to take any action which
causes a termination of any Plan in a manner which could result in the
imposition of a lien on the property of the Borrower pursuant to Section 4068 of
ERISA; fail to notify the Banks that notice has been received of a termination
of any Multiemployer Plan to which the Borrower has an obligation to contribute;
incur a complete or partial withdrawal from any Multiemployer Plan to which the
Borrower has an obligation to contribute; or fail to notify the Bank that notice
has been received from the administrator of any Multiemployer Plan to which the
Borrower has an obligation to contribute that any such plan will be placed in
"reorganization."

      6.7 PURCHASE OR REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES - DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS.
Purchase or redeem any shares of its capital stock, declare or pay any dividends
thereon (other than stock dividends), make any distribution to shareholders, or
set aside any funds for any such purpose, and not prepay, purchase, or redeem
any indebtedness of the Borrower other than the Loans.

      6.8 PROHIBITED INVESTMENTS.  Except as otherwise provided below,
purchase or hold beneficially any stock, other securities or evidences of
indebtedness of, make any loans or advances to, or make any investment or
acquire any interest whatsoever in, any other Person, firm, corporation, trust,
association or other entity, except for short term investments of excess working
capital invested in one or more of the following:  (a) investments (of one year
or less) in direct or guaranteed obligations of the United States, or any
agencies thereof; (b) investments in certificates of deposit, repurchase
agreements, Eurodollar deposits and banker's acceptances from commercial banks
having combined capital and surplus greater than One Hundred Million Dollars
($100,000,000) and having a long-term certificate of deposit rating of either A2
by Moody's or A by Standard and Poor's or higher; (c) investments in commercial
paper and short-term taxable or tax-exempt instruments, including debt of any
state or any political subdivision, assigned


                                     -40-
<PAGE>



either of the two highest ratings by Moody's and Standard & Poor's and maturing
within one year; (d) long-term instruments assigned either of the two highest
ratings by Moody's or Standard & Poor's, and having either "put" or rate reset
features recurring no less often than annually; and (e) investments approved in
writing from time to time by the Bank prior to the making thereof.

      The Borrower shall be entitled to purchase or own stock and other
securities of, and make loans to any Subsidiary of the Borrower, provided such
Subsidiary joins in the execution of the Loan Documents and provided further
that the Bank obtain a first perfected security interest in such Subsidiary's
Accounts, Inventory, Equipment, General Intangibles, Intellectual Property,
Deposit Accounts, and other property defined in the Amended and Restated
Security Agreement attached hereto as EXHIBIT 3.1.  Further, the Borrower
shall be entitled to make investments in joint ventures (whether such joint
ventures be structured as partnerships or corporations), in the same primary
line of business or an allied product line of the Borrower in an amount not to
exceed Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) in the aggregate, provided the joint
venture entity joins in the execution of the Loan Documents and provided further
that the Bank obtain a first perfected security interest in the joint venture
entity's Accounts, Inventory, Deposit Accounts, and other property defined in
the Security Agreement attached hereto as EXHIBIT 3.1.

      6.9 MERGERS, SALE OF ASSETS, DISSOLUTION, ETC.

            (a)   Enter into any transaction of merger or consolidation, or
transfer, sell, assign, lease, or otherwise dispose of (other than sales of
finished products in the ordinary course of business) all or a substantial part
of its properties or assets, or any of its assets or properties necessary for
the proper conduct of its business, or any stock or other equity interest in
Dur-O-Wal, Inc., or wind up, liquidate or dissolve, or agree to do any of the
foregoing.

            (b)   Except as otherwise provided, Borrower shall not engage in
any acquisitive corporate transaction, whether such transaction is structured as
a purchase of assets, a purchase of stock, or statutory merger, without the
prior written consent of the Banks.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower
shall be permitted to engage in acquisitive transactions, in its same primary
line of business or an allied product line, not exceeding in the aggregate an
amount equal to 5% of Borrower's Net Worth without the prior consent of the
Banks.  In the event the Borrower makes any such acquisition the Banks shall be
entitled to a first perfected security interest in the Accounts, Inventory,
Equipment, General Intangibles, Intellectual Property, Deposit Accounts,
Proceeds, and Books and Records, and other property defined in the Amended and
Restated Security Agreement attached hereto as EXHIBIT 3.1, of the entity
acquired.  In no event shall the Borrower


                                     -41-
<PAGE>



undertake any such acquisition of the stock or substantially all of the assets
of another entity unless a majority of the Board of Directors of the selling
entity have approved the transaction in writing.

      6.10 CAPITAL EXPENDITURES.

           (a)     Make capital expenditures in any fiscal year in excess of
three percent (3%) of gross sales for that fiscal year; provided, that if actual
capital expenditures in any fiscal year are less than the capital expenditures
permitted hereby, the difference between permitted capital expenditures
(including any carry forward from any previous year) and actual capital
expenditures may be carried forward and utilized in any subsequent fiscal year;
provided further that Borrower is in full compliance with this Agreement and
that after giving pro forma effect to such capital expenditure Borrower would
continue to be in full compliance with this Agreement.

         (b)     Sale-leaseback transactions and acquisitions permitted
under Section 6.9 shall not constitute capital expenditures for purposes of this
Section 6.10.

      6.11 EMPLOYEE LOANS.  Make any loans to any officer, director, or
other employee of the Borrower in excess of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars
($250,000) in the aggregate.

      6.12 RATIO OF EBITDA TO CURRENT OBLIGATIONS. The Borrower shall not
permit the ratio of Borrower's "EBITDA" to Borrower's "current obligations" to
be less than:

           (a)  2.00:1 through 12/30/96;

           (b)  2.50:1 beginning 12/31/96 and continuing through 12/30/97;

           (c)  3.00:1 beginning 12/31/97 and continuing through the
Termination Date.

      "Current obligations" shall mean, with respect to each three month period
(as provided below), the sum of (a) except as otherwise provided below, the
portion of Borrower's Long-Term Debt maturing less than one (1) year after the
date of determination; (b) interest expense; and (c) Capitalized Lease payments
accrued during the period.  During the third year of the Loans, the Loans shall
not be considered as having a maturity of less than one (1) year, unless there
exists an Event of Default or an Unmatured Default.  The interest expense
component for the first year of this Agreement shall be computed by annualizing
the interest expense on the Borrower's new senior debt as provided by this
Agreement.  The one-time charge associated with the retirement of Borrower's
Senior


                                     -42-
<PAGE>



Notes shall be excluded from the computation of "current obligations."

      This covenant shall be tested quarterly, in arrears, at the expiration of
each fiscal quarter of the Borrower, for the twelve (12) month period ending
with and including the immediately preceding quarter.  Until July 1, 1997, the
calculation shall be on an annualized basis based only on the months and/or
quarters elapsed during the term of the Loan.

      6.13 TOTAL DEBT TO EBITDA.  The Borrower shall not permit the ratio of
Borrower's Debt to Borrower's "EBITDA" to exceed the following:

            (a)    5.0:1 from the date of this Agreement through December 30,
1996;

            (b)   4.25:1 beginning December 31, 1996 and continuing through
December 30, 1997; and

            (c)   3.5:1 beginning December 31, 1997 and continuing through the
Termination Date.

      This covenant shall be tested quarterly, in arrears, at the expiration of
each fiscal quarter of the Borrower, for the twelve (12) month period ending
with and including the immediately preceding quarter.

      6.14 COMPROMISE OF RECEIVABLES.  Except for normal trade discounts
allowed by Borrower in the normal course of business, and accounts receivable
which are over ninety (90) days old from the original invoice date (in which
event the Borrower, in the exercise of its sound business discretion, may adjust
or compromise such accounts receivable as Borrower deems necessary), Borrower
shall not, without the prior consent of the Banks in each instance, except in
the ordinary course of Business, on a case by case basis, compromise or adjust
any of the accounts receivable (or extend the time for payment thereof) or
provide any additional discounts, allowances or credit thereon.  Notwithstanding
the foregoing, in the event any compromise or adjustment to an account
receivable results in the outstanding Loan to be greater than the amount of
permissible advances set forth in Section 2.1 above, the foregoing shall result
in an "overadvance" which shall be immediately paid by Borrower to the Banks.

      6.15 USE OF LOANS.  The Borrower does not extend or maintain, in the
ordinary course of business, credit for the purpose, whether immediate,
incidental, or ultimate, of buying or carrying margin stock (within the meaning
of Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), and no
part of the proceeds of any Loan will be used for the purpose, whether
immediate, incidental,


                                     -43-
<PAGE>



or ultimate, of buying or carrying any such margin stock or maintaining or
extending credit to others for such purpose.

      6.16 MANAGEMENT FEES.  Except with respect to a one-time only payment
of Six Hundred Thousand Dollars ($600,000) to Ripplewood Holdings, pay any
management or similar fee to any Affiliate.

      6.17  INTERCOMPANY ADVANCES.  The maximum amount of intercompany
obligations owed by all Subsidiaries to the Borrower (on a consolidated basis)
shall not exceed One Million Dollars ($1,000,000).

      6.18  CONSOLIDATED WORKING CAPITAL.  The Borrower shall not permit
its Consolidated Current Assets to be less than its Consolidated Current
Liabilities at any time prior to December 31, 1997, or less than 120% of its
Consolidated Current Liabilities at any time thereafter.


                                  ARTICLE 7

                         EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES

      7.1 EVENTS OF DEFAULT.  The occurrence of any one or more of the
following events for any reason whatsoever (and whether such occurrence be
voluntary or involuntary or come about or be effected by operation of law or
pursuant to or in compliance with any judgment, decree or order of any court or
any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body) shall
constitute an Event of Default:

            (a)   the non-payment of any principal, interest or other amount
payable under the Notes or any of the other Loan Documents when due, whether by
acceleration or otherwise;

            (b)   the occurrence of any Event of Default as set forth in the
Guarantees executed contemporaneously with this Agreement by the Borrower in
favor of the Banks with respect to the Dur-O-Wal Loan Agreement;

            (c)   the default in the due observance of any affirmative
covenant, negative covenant or agreement to be kept and performed by the
Borrower under the terms of this Agreement (provided however, that so long as
Borrower notifies the Banks in writing of any such default immediately after
Borrower or any of its agents knew or should have known of the existence of such
default, and provided that the default in question is determined by the Banks to
be reasonably susceptible of being cured, and provided that Borrower immediately
upon giving such notice commences such cure and thereafter diligently pursues
said cure to completion; Borrower shall have a period of thirty (30) days after
such notice to the Banks to cure such default before such default becomes an


                                     -44-
<PAGE>



Event of Default under this Section 7.1(c); provided further that,
notwithstanding the foregoing, if the default hereunder is related to a matter
for which a grace period is established by law, agreement or otherwise, any
grace period hereunder shall in no event extend beyond any applicable grace
period established by such law, agreement or otherwise);

            (d)   any representation or warranty made by the Borrower in this
Agreement or in the other Loan Documents shall be false or erroneous in any
respect or any breach thereof shall have been committed;

            (e)   the occurrence of a default by Borrower, or any Affiliate,
under any other obligation to the Banks, or any affiliate of the Banks, which
extends beyond any applicable grace or cure period, including, without
limitation, the occurrence of any Event of Default under the Dur-O-Wal, Inc.
Loan Agreement; provided that no Event of Default shall be deemed to have
occurred under this Section 7.1(e) by reason of a default under Section 7.1(k)
of the Dur-O-Wal, Inc. Loan Agreement unless the event which caused the default
under Section 7.1(k) of the Dur-O-Wal, Inc. Loan Agreement also causes an Event
of Default under Section 7.1(k) of this Agreement.

            (f)   the occurrence of any Event of Default under the other Loan
Documents;

           (g)     (i)       the validity or effectiveness of any Loan
Document or its transfer, grant, pledge, mortgage or assignment by the Borrower
or Dur-O-Wal, Inc. to the Banks or the Collateral Agent is materially impaired;

                   (ii)      the Borrower or DOW asserts that any Loan
Document is not a legal, valid or binding obligation of the party thereto (other
than the Banks) enforceable in accordance with its terms; or

                   (iii)     the security interest or lien purported to be
created by any of the Loan Documents will for any reason cease to be, or be
asserted by the Borrower or DOW not to be, a valid perfected lien with the
respect to more than a de minimis portion of the Collateral.

            (h)   the commencement of any foreclosure proceedings, proceedings
in aid of execution, attachment actions, levies against, or the filing by any
taxing authority of a lien (except any such tax lien currently being diligently
contested in good faith by proceedings for which the Borrower has set aside
adequate reserves with respect thereto and for which no foreclosure proceeding,
levy, or similar proceeding has commenced) against, any of the assets of the
Borrower or any party to the Security Documents;



                                     -45-
<PAGE>



            (i)   the Borrower becomes insolvent or generally does not pay its
debts as they become due, or if a petition for relief in a bankruptcy court is
filed by the Borrower, or if the Borrower applies for, consents to, or
acquiesces in the appointment of a trustee, custodian, or receiver for the
Borrower or any of its assets and property, or makes a general assignment for
the benefit of creditors; or in the absence of such application, consent, or
acquiescence, a trustee, custodian, or receiver is appointed for the Borrower or
for a substantial part of the assets and property of the Borrower; or any
bankruptcy, reorganization, debt arrangement, or other proceedings or case under
any bankruptcy or insolvency law or any dissolution or liquidation proceeding is
instituted against the Borrower; or the Borrower takes any action to authorize
any of the actions described in this paragraph;

            (j)   the default in the payment or performance of any Debt in a
principal amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) or greater after
giving affect to any applicable grace periods of the Borrower to others; and

            (k)   any event that, in the opinion of the Banks, has or may have
a material adverse effect on the Collateral, or which has or may have a Material
Adverse Effect.

      7.2 REMEDIES.

            (a)   Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event
of Default, the Banks, shall have the right to, by notice to the Borrower (i)
terminate the Commitments and/or (ii) declare the outstanding principal of, and
accrued interest on, the Notes, and all other amounts owing under this Agreement
and the other Loan Documents, to be immediately due and payable, whereupon the
Commitments shall terminate forthwith and all such amounts shall become
immediately due and payable, PROVIDED that in the case of any event or
condition described in Section 7.1(i), the Commitment shall automatically
terminate and all such amounts shall automatically become immediately due and
payable without notice; in all cases without demand, presentment, protest,
diligence, notice of dishonor or other formality, all of which are hereby
expressly waived.

            (b)   Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event
of Default, the Banks shall have the right to, in addition to the remedies
provided in Section 7.2(a), exercise and enforce any and all other rights and
remedies available to the Banks, whether arising under this Agreement, the
Security Documents, the Notes or under applicable law, in any manner deemed
appropriate by the Banks, including suit in equity, action at law, or other
appropriate proceedings, whether for the specific performance (to the extent
permitted by law) of any covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement, the
Security Documents, or


                                     -46-
<PAGE>



in the Notes or in aid of the exercise of any power granted in this Agreement,
the Security Documents, and the Notes.

            (c)   Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event
of Default, the Banks may at any time and from time to time, without notice to
the Borrower (any requirement for such notice being expressly waived by the
Borrower) set off and apply against any and all of the obligations of the
Borrower now or hereafter existing under this Agreement any and all deposits
(general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held and
other indebtedness at any time owing by the Banks to or for the credit or the
account of the Borrower and any property of the Borrower from time to time in
possession of the Banks, irrespective of whether or not the Banks shall have
made any demand hereunder and although such obligations may be contingent and
unmatured.  The rights of the Banks under this Section 7.2(c) are in addition to
other rights and remedies (including, without limitation, other rights of
set-off) which the Banks may have.

            (d)   Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event
of Default, the Banks shall have the right to adjust the percentage of Eligible
Accounts Receivable and Eligible Inventory against which they will advance, if
the Banks elect to continue to make Advances, which the Banks shall have no
obligation to do, and any such adjustment shall, at the Banks' option, continue
to be effective after the Event of Default is cured or waived.

            (e)    Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default or an Unmatured
Default, the Banks shall have the right to take dominion of all funds of the
Borrower and to implement such procedures, including, without limitation, daily
reporting on Borrowing Base Certificates as the Banks may deem appropriate in
their sole discretion.

            (f)   After  the existence of an Unmatured Default has been
declared by the Banks by written notice to Borrower, and any applicable cure
periods have expired without the Unmatured Default having been cured, such that
an Event of Default has occurred, no curative action by the Borrower shall be
deemed to cure the Event of Default and the Banks shall have no obligation to
accept any purported cure of the Event of Default by the Borrower.



                                     -47-
<PAGE>



    7.3  APPLICATION OF LIQUIDATION PROCEEDS.  Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Agreement, all funds received by the Banks from the exercise
of remedies under this Agreement, the Security Documents, or otherwise, shall,
unless otherwise required by applicable law, be applied in the manner set forth
as follows:

            (a)   First, to the payment of advances by the Banks or the
Collateral Agent for the protection and preservation of their liens and the
Collateral, and all out-of-pocket expenses (to the extent not paid by the
Borrower) and audit fees incurred by or payable to the Bank Agent or the
Collateral Agent in connection with the exercise of such rights and remedies, or
otherwise pursuant to the Security Documents, including, without limitation, all
costs and expenses of collection, attorneys' fees, court costs and foreclosure
expenses.

            (b)   Next, to the payment of such amounts as may be due and
payable under Sections 2.6, 2.12, 2.13, and/or 2.2(c).

            (c)    Next, to the payment of late charges and interest then owed
to the Banks under or with respect to the Loans, in such order as the Banks may
in their sole discretion determine.

            (d)    Next, to the payment of the principal balance then owed to
the Banks under the Loans and allocated between Prime Rate Based Advances, Libor
Rate Advances and Fixed Rate Advances as determined by the Banks.

            (e)    Next, to the payment of all other amounts owed by the
Borrower to any of the Banks, the Bank Agent, or the Collateral Agent under this
Agreement, or any Security Document.

            (f)   Next, to the payment of all other amounts owed by the
Borrower or any of its Affiliates to the Banks.

            (g)    Next, to the Borrower or such other Person as may be
legally entitled thereto.


                                  ARTICLE 8

                            CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

      The Banks' obligation to fund Advances and the Term Loan pursuant to
Article 2 of this Agreement is subject to the conditions that:

      8.1  The Borrower shall have completed an initial public offering of its
shares and shall have received at least Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000) of
net cash proceeds from such offering.  The Borrower shall deliver such documents
and other


                                     -48-
<PAGE>



papers to the Banks as the Banks may reasonably require in order to ascertain
that this condition has been satisfied.

      8.2  There does not exist any condition which would constitute an Event
of Default or an Unmatured Default.

      8.3  The representations, affirmative covenants, negative covenants and
warranties of the Borrower contained herein are true and correct in all material
respects.

      8.4  The Banks shall have been furnished copies, certified by the
secretary or assistant secretary of the Borrower, of resolutions of the Board of
Directors of the Borrower authorizing, as applicable, the execution of this
Agreement, the Notes, and the Security Documents and the other Loan Documents.

      8.5  The Banks shall have received an opinion satisfactory in form and
substance to the Banks as to such matters related to the Loan as may be required
by the Banks rendered by counsel for the Borrower satisfactory to the Banks.

      8.6  There shall not have occurred, in the opinion of the Banks, any
material adverse change in Borrower's business, operations or financial
condition.

      8.7  The Banks shall have received title insurance policies in form and
substance satisfactory to the Banks with respect to the Mortgaged Properties.

      8.8  The Banks shall have audited the Collateral and found the results of
such audit to be satisfactory.

      8.9  The Banks shall have received the insurance certificates required to
be delivered by Borrower.

      8.10 The Banks shall have filed all Uniform Commercial Code Financing
Statements in such jurisdictions as deemed necessary and/or advisable by the
Banks.

      8.11 The Banks shall have filed the Mortgages in the jurisdictions set
forth in each such document.

      8.12 The Banks shall have received Certificates of Good Standing from
each jurisdiction (which issues such certificates) in which the Borrower, or any
Subsidiary, does business, and a certified copy of the Borrower's, and each
Subsidiary's, Articles of Incorporation and Code of Regulation or By-Laws.

      8.13 The Borrower shall have executed and delivered to the Banks the
Security Documents and the Borrower shall have complied with the terms thereof.



                                     -49-
<PAGE>



      8.14 The Borrower shall have paid the Banks all closing and other fees
payable hereunder.

      8.15 The Banks shall have received such UCC and related lien searches as
the Banks deem necessary and/or advisable and the Banks shall be satisfied with
the results of such lien searches.

      8.16 The Borrower shall deliver documents, in form and substance
satisfactory to the Banks, to evidence that the Senior Notes are being paid in
full with the proceeds of the Loans.

      8.17 The Banks shall have received copies or originals of all other
documents which may have been reasonably required in connection with the
transactions provided for in this Agreement.

     8.18  The DOW Loan Agreement shall have been executed and delivered by
DOW and the Banks and all conditions contained therein satisfied.


                                  ARTICLE 9

                 AGENCY PROVISIONS AND RELATIONSHIP OF BANKS

      9.1  APPOINTMENT.  Bank One is hereby appointed as Bank Agent
hereunder, and BOA authorizes the Bank Agent to act as the agent of such Bank.
BOA is hereby appointed as Collateral Agent hereunder and under the other Loan
Documents and Bank One authorizes the Collateral Agent to act as the collateral
agent for Bank One.  The Bank Agent and the Collateral Agent agree to act as
such upon the express conditions contained in this Article 9 and the other Loan
Documents.  Neither the Bank Agent nor the Collateral Agent shall have a
fiduciary relationship in respect of any Bank by reason of this Agreement or any
Loan Document.

      9.2  POWERS.  The Bank Agent shall have and may exercise such powers
hereunder and the Loan Documents as are specifically delegated to the Bank Agent
by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such powers as are reasonably
incidental thereto.  The Bank Agent shall have no implied duties to the Banks,
or any obligation to the Banks to take any action hereunder or any Loan
Document, except any action specifically provided by this Agreement or any Loan
Document to be taken by the Bank Agent.  The Collateral Agent shall have and may
exercise such powers hereunder as are specifically delegated to the Collateral
Agent by the terms hereof, and the Security Documents, together with such powers
as are reasonably incidental thereto.  The Collateral Agent shall have no
implied duties to the Banks, or any obligation to the Banks to take any action
hereunder, or any Loan Document, except any action specifically provided by this
Agreement, or any Loan Document, to be taken by the Collateral Agent.



                                     -50-
<PAGE>



      9.3  GENERAL IMMUNITY.  Neither the Bank Agent nor any of its
directors, officers, agents or employees shall be liable to BOA for any action
taken or omitted to be taken by it or them hereunder or under or any Loan
Document or in connection herewith except for its or their own gross negligence
or wilful misconduct.  Neither the Collateral Agent nor any of its directors,
officers, agents or employees shall be liable to the Banks or any Bank for any
action taken or omitted to be taken by it or them hereunder or in connection
herewith except for its or their own gross negligence or wilful misconduct.

      9.4  NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOANS, RECITALS, ETC.  Neither the Bank
Agent nor the Collateral Agent shall be responsible to the Banks for any
recitals, reports, statements, warranties or representations herein or in any
other Loan Document or be bound to ascertain or inquire as to the performance or
observance of any of the terms of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

      9.5  ACTION ON INSTRUCTIONS OF BANKS.  Each of the Bank Agent and the
Collateral Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in
refraining from acting, hereunder and under the other Loan Documents in
accordance with written instructions signed by both of the Banks, and such
instructions and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be
binding on all of the Banks.

      9.6  EMPLOYMENT OF AGENTS AND COUNSEL.  Each of the Bank Agent and the
Collateral Agent may execute any of its duties as Agent hereunder or under the
other Loan Documents by or through employees, agents, and attorneys-in-fact and
shall not be answerable to the Banks, except as to money or securities received
by it or its authorized agents, for the default or misconduct of any such agents
or attorneys-in-fact selected by it with reasonable care.  Each of the Bank
Agent and the Collateral Agent shall be entitled to advice of counsel concerning
all matters pertaining to the agency created hereby and by the other Loan
Documents and its duties hereunder and thereunder.

      9.7  RELIANCE ON DOCUMENTS; COUNSEL.  Each of the Bank Agent and the
Collateral Agent shall be entitled to rely upon any note, notice, consent,
certificate, affidavit, letter, telegram, statement, paper or document believed
by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed or sent by the proper
person or persons, and, in respect to legal matters, upon the opinion of counsel
selected by the Bank Agent or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, which
counsel may be employees of the Bank Agent or the Collateral Agent, as the case
may be.

      9.8  BANK AGENT'S REIMBURSEMENT AND INDEMNIFICATION.  The Banks
agree to reimburse and indemnify each of the Bank Agent and the Collateral Agent
ratably in proportion to their respective Commitments (i) for any amounts not
reimbursed by the Borrower for


                                     -51-
<PAGE>



which the Bank Agent or the Collateral Agent is entitled to reimbursement by the
Borrower under the Loan Documents, (ii) for any other expenses incurred by the
Bank Agent or the Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks, in connection with
the preparation, execution, delivery, administration and enforcement of the Loan
Documents and (iii) for any liabilities, obligations losses, damages, penalties,
actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind and
nature whatsoever which may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the
Bank Agent or the Collateral Agent in any way relating to or arising out of this
Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other document delivered in connection
with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions contemplated
hereby or thereby or the enforcement of any of the terms hereof of any other
Loan Document or of any such other documents, provided that no Bank shall be
liable for any of the foregoing to the extent they arise from the gross
negligence or wilful misconduct of the Bank Agent or Collateral Agent, as the
case may be.

      9.9  RIGHTS AS A BANK.  With respect to its Commitment, Loans made by
it and the Note issued to it, each of the Bank Agent and the Collateral Agent
shall have the same rights and powers hereunder as any Bank and may exercise the
same as though it were not the Bank Agent or Collateral Agent, as the case may
be, and the term "Bank" or "Banks" shall, unless the context otherwise
indicates, include each of the Bank Agent and the Collateral Agent in their
respective individual capacities.  Each of the Bank Agent and the Collateral
Agent may accept deposits from, lend money to, and generally engage in any kind
of banking or trust business with the Borrower as if it were not the Bank Agent
or Collateral Agent, as the case may be.

      9.10 BANK CREDIT DECISION.  Each Bank acknowledges that it has,
independently and without reliance upon the Bank Agent, the Collateral Agent or
any other Bank and based on the financial statements prepared by the Borrower
and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its
own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents.  Each Bank also acknowledges that it will, independently and without
reliance upon the Bank Agent, the Collateral Agent or any other Bank and based
on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time,
continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under
this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

      9.11 SUCCESSOR AGENT.  Each of the Bank Agent and the Collateral Agent
may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Banks and the
Borrower, and each of the Bank Agent and the Collateral Agent may be removed at
any time with or without cause by written notice received by the Bank Agent or
the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, from the Banks.  Upon any such
resignation or removal, with the prior written approval of the


                                     -52-
<PAGE>



Borrower, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, the Banks shall have the
right to appoint, on behalf of the Borrower and the Banks, a successor Bank
Agent or Collateral Agent, as the case may be.  If no successor Bank Agent or
Collateral Agent shall have been so appointed by the Banks and shall have
accepted such appointment within thirty days after the retiring Bank Agent's or
Collateral Agent's giving notice of resignation, then the retiring Bank Agent or
Collateral Agent, as the case may be, may appoint with the prior written consent
of the Borrower, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, on behalf of the
Borrower and the Banks, a successor Bank Agent or Collateral Agent, as the case
may be.  Such successor Bank Agent or Collateral Agent shall be a commercial
bank having capital and retained earnings of at least Fifty Million dollars
($50,000,000).  Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Bank Agent or
Collateral Agent hereunder by a successor Bank Agent or Collateral Agent, as the
case may be, such successor Bank Agent or Collateral Agent, as the case may be,
shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers,
privileges and duties of the retiring Bank Agent or Collateral Agent, as the
case may be, and the retiring Bank Agent or Collateral Agent, as the case may
be, shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the
other Loan Documents.  After any retiring Bank Agent's or Collateral Agent's
resignation hereunder as Bank Agent or Collateral Agent, as the case may be, the
provisions of this Article 9 shall continue in effect for its benefit in respect
of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was acting as the
Bank Agent or Collateral Agent, as the case may be, hereunder and under the
other Loan Documents.

      9.12 COLLATERAL RELEASES.  The Collateral Agent shall be authorized to
execute and deliver to the Borrower releases of Collateral (including UCC-3's
and such other documents as the Borrower may reasonably require) which have been
approved by the Banks in writing.

      9.13 SHARING OF PAYMENTS.  The Banks agree among themselves that, in
the event that any Bank shall, subsequent to the occurrence and during the
continuance of an Event of Default, obtain payment of the principal of or
interest on any Loan made by it through the exercise of a right of set-off,
banker's lien or counterclaim or by provision of adequate protection of any
deposit treated as cash collateral under the federal Bankruptcy Code or
otherwise, such payment shall be applied as provided in Section 9.18 through the
purchase by such Bank from the other Banks participation in such Loans made by
them in such amounts, and make such other adjustments from time to time, as
shall be equitable to the end that all of the Banks share such payment as
provided in Section 9.18.  The Banks further agree among themselves that if
payment to a Bank obtained by such Bank through the exercise of a right of
set-off, banker's lien or counterclaim or otherwise as aforesaid shall be
rescinded or must otherwise be restored, each Bank which shall have shared the
benefit of such payment shall


                                     -53-
<PAGE>



return its share of that benefit to each Bank whose payment shall have been
rescinded or otherwise restored.  The Borrower agrees that any Bank so
purchasing a participation in such Loans to the Borrower by any other Bank may,
to the fullest extent permitted by law, exercise all rights of payment,
including set-off, banker's lien or counterclaim, with respect to such
participation as fully as if such Bank were a holder of such Loan made hereunder
to the Borrower in the amount of such participation.  If any Bank or the Bank
Agent shall fail to remit to the Bank Agent or any other Bank an amount payable
by such Bank or the Bank Agent to the Bank Agent or such other Bank pursuant to
this Agreement on the date when such amount is due, such payments shall be made
together with interest thereon for each date from the date such amount is due
until the date such amount is paid to the Bank Agent or such other Bank at a
rate per annum equal to the rate at which borrowings are available to the payee
in its overnight federal funds market.

      9.14 EVENTS OF DEFAULT.  Neither the Bank Agent nor the Collateral
Agent, shall be deemed to have knowledge of the occurrence of any Event of
Default, or any Unmatured Default, unless the Bank Agent or the Collateral
Agent, as the case may be, has received written notice from a Bank or the
Borrower specifying such Event of Default or Unmatured Default and stating that
such notice is a notice of Default.  In the event that the Bank Agent or the
Collateral Agent, as the case may be, receives such a notice, the Bank Agent
shall give written notice thereto to the Banks.  The Bank Agent or the
Collateral Agent, as the case may be, shall take only such action with respect
to such Event of Default or Unmatured Default as shall be reasonably directed in
writing by both of the Banks; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that, unless and until the
Bank Agent or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, shall have received such
direction, the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, may take such action, or
refrain from taking such action, with respect thereto as it shall deem advisable
in the best interests of the Banks.

    9.15 CONSENT OF BANKS REQUIRED.       No Agent, nor Bank, shall,
except to the extent it is required to do so under the Loan Documents or by law,
without the consent of both of the Banks:

            (a)   agree to modify or amend the Loan Documents; or

            (b)   grant any waivers under the Loan Documents; or

            (c)   consent to the placing of any lien on the Collateral other
      than that created by the Security Documents; or

            (d)   release any material collateral for the Loans (provided,
      however, that Collateral Agent may release Collateral for the Loans
      without the consent of any Bank in the event that the Collateral released
      in any calendar year does not have a value of more than Twenty-Five
      Thousand Dollars ($25,000); or


                                     -54-
<PAGE>



            (e)   consent or agree to any change in the pricing or interest
      rate or fees applicable of the Loan; or

            (f)   consent or agree to postpone the due date of any payment of
      principal and/or interest under either or both of the Loans; or

            (g)   sell or contract to sell any Collateral after acquisition of
      the title thereto; or

            (h)   waive compliance with any condition, covenant or other
      provision of the Loan Documents; or

            (i)    waive any Event of Default that has been declared by notice
      to Borrower.

      The Collateral Agent shall be entitled to rely conclusively upon a
certificate of value executed by an officer of the Borrower in connection with
any release of Collateral as set forth in Section 9.15(d) above.

      9.16 EXERCISE OF REMEDIES UNDER THIS AGREEMENT.  Notwithstanding any
other provision of this Agreement, or the other Loan Documents, the Banks agree
among themselves that neither the Bank Agent nor the Collateral Agent will be
required to take any action under Section 7.2 of this Agreement, or under the
other Loan Documents, unless directed to do so in writing by both of the Banks.

      9.17 EXERCISE OF REMEDIES UNDER ADDITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Banks agree among
themselves that no Bank shall take, or be permitted to take, any action under
any other arrangement with Borrower unless permitted to do so in writing by both
of the Banks.

     9.18  APPLICATION OF LIQUIDATION PROCEEDS.  Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Agreement, all funds received by the Bank Agent, the
Collateral Agent or any Bank from the exercise of remedies under this Agreement,
the Security Documents, or otherwise, shall, unless otherwise required by
applicable law, be applied in the manner set forth as follows:

            (a)   First, to the payment of advances by the Banks or the
Collateral Agent for the protection and preservation of their liens and the
Collateral, and all out-of-pocket expenses (to the extent not paid by the
Borrower) and audit fees incurred by or payable to the Bank Agent or the
Collateral Agent in connection with the exercise of such rights and remedies, or
otherwise pursuant to the Security Documents, including, without limitation, all
costs and expenses of collection, attorneys' fees, court costs and foreclosure
expenses.



                                     -55-
<PAGE>



            (b)   Next, to the payment of such amounts as may be due and
payable under Sections 2.6, 2.12, 2.13, and/or 2.2(c).

            (c)    Next, to the payment of late charges and interest then owed
to the Banks under or with respect to the Loans, in such order as the Banks may
in their sole discretion determine, in accordance with their respective pro rata
shares.

            (d)    Next, to the payment of the principal balance then owed to
the Banks under the Loans, in accordance with their respective pro rata shares
and allocated between Prime Rate Based Advances, Libor Rate Based Advances and
Fixed Rate Advances as determined by the Banks.

            (e)    Next, to the payment of all other amounts owed by the
Borrower to any of the Banks, the Bank Agent, or the Collateral Agent under this
Agreement, or any Security Document, in accordance with their pro rata shares.

            (f)   Next, to the payment of all other amounts owed by the
Borrower or any of its Affiliates to any of the Banks, the Bank Agent, or the
Collateral Agent, in accordance with their respective pro rata shares.

            (g)    Next, to the Borrower or such other Person as may be
legally entitled thereto.

      As used in this Section, "pro rata shares" with respect to any particular
amount owed by the Borrower on the Loan shall mean the proportion which the
total of such amount owed by the Borrower to each Bank bears to the total of
such amount owed by the Borrower to all of the Banks and, with respect to any
other amount owed by the Borrower or any of its Affiliates to the Banks, or any
of them, shall mean the proportion which the total of such amount owed by the
Borrower and its Affiliates to each Bank bears to the total of such amount owed
by the Borrower to all of the Banks.

      9.19 BENEFIT.  The provisions of this Article 9 are solely for the
benefit of the Bank Agent, the Collateral Agent and the Banks, and the Borrower
shall not have any rights as a third party beneficiary of any of the provisions
hereof.  In performing its functions and duties under this Agreement, the Bank
Agent and the Collateral Agent shall act solely as agent of the Banks and does
not assume and shall not be deemed to have assumed any obligation towards or
relationship of agency or trust with or for the Borrower.



                                     -56-
<PAGE>



                                 ARTICLE 10

                        PARTICIPATION; ASSIGNMENTS

      10.1 PARTICIPATION.

           (a)     PERMITTED PARTICIPANTS; EFFECT.  Subject to this  Section
10.1(a), either Bank may, in the ordinary course of its commercial banking
business and in accordance with applicable law, at any time sell to one or more
banks or other entities ("Participants") participating interests in the Loans,
the Notes and any other interest of such Bank under the Loan Documents.  In the
event of any such sale by a Bank of participating interests to a Participant,
such Bank's obligations under the Loan Documents shall remain unchanged.

            (b)    BENEFIT OF SETOFF AND INDEMNITIES.  The Borrower agrees
that each Participant shall be deemed to have the right of setoff provided in
Section 7.2(c) in respect of its participating interest in amounts owing under
the Loan Documents to the same extent as if the amount of its participating
interest were owing directly to it as a Bank under the Loan Documents, provided
that the Bank shall retain the right of setoff provided in Section 7.2(c) with
respect to the amount of participating interests sold to each Participant,
except to the extent such Participant has exercised its right of setoff.  The
Banks agree to share with each Participant, and each Participant, by exercising
the right of setoff provided in Section 7.2(c), agrees to share with the Banks,
any amount received pursuant to the exercise of its right of setoff pro rata in
accordance with the outstanding amount of the Loan held by each.  The Borrower
also agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections
2.2(c), 2.12, 2.13, and 2.15 with respect to its participation in the
Commitments and the Libor Rate Advances and Fixed Rate Advances outstanding from
time to time; provided, that no Participant shall be entitled to receive any
greater amount pursuant to such Sections than the Banks would have been entitled
to receive in respect of the amount of the participation transferred by such
Bank to such Participant had no such transfer occurred.

      10.2 ASSIGNMENTS.

            (a)    PERMITTED ASSIGNMENTS.  Subject to this Section
10.2(a), either Bank may, in the ordinary course of its commercial banking
business and in accordance with applicable law, at any time, in a minimum amount
of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000), assign to one or more banks or other
entities ("Purchasers") its rights and obligations under the Loan Documents.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any such assignment to a Purchaser shall be
subject to Borrower's prior written consent (which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed) and, provided, further, neither


                                     -57-
<PAGE>



Bank shall be entitled to assign more than fifty percent (50%) of their total
interest in the Loans and the Notes to any Purchaser.


            (b)    EFFECT; EFFECTIVE DATE.  Upon delivery to Borrower of a
notice of assignment, such assignment shall become effective on the effective
date specified in such notice of assignment.  Borrower shall execute and deliver
such amendments and modifications to the Loan Documents the Bank may require in
order to reflect and facilitate such assignment.

      10.3 DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION.  The Borrower authorizes each Bank
to disclose to any Participant, purchaser or any other Person acquiring an
interest in the Loan Documents by operation of law (each a "Transferee") and any
prospective Transferee any and all information in such Bank's possession
concerning the creditworthiness of the Borrower.


                                 ARTICLE 11

                                  GENERAL

      11.1 SURVIVAL OF PROVISIONS.  All representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements made by the Borrower herein will survive the execution
and delivery of this Loan Agreement, the Note, and the Security Documents.

      11.2 RELATIONSHIP OF PARTIES.  This Agreement and the Loan Documents
shall not in any respect be interpreted, deemed or construed as making the Bank
an agent, a partner, or joint venturer with the Borrower, nor shall it be
interpreted, deemed or construed as making the Bank the agent or representative
of the Borrower, and the Borrower agrees not to make any contrary assertion,
contention, claim or counterclaim in any action, suit or other legal proceeding
involving the Banks.  In no event shall the Banks be liable for debts or claims
accruing or arising against the Borrower.  The relationship of the Banks to the
Borrower is that of "lender" and "borrower."  The Banks shall not have any
fiduciary responsibilities to the Borrower.  The Banks undertake no
responsibility to the Borrower to review or inform the Borrower of any matter in
connection with any phase of the Borrower's business or operations.

      11.3 NEGOTIATIONS.  Each party acknowledges that it has participated
in the negotiation of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and no
provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents shall be construed
against or interpreted to the disadvantage of any party hereto or thereto by any
court or other governmental or judicial authority by reason of such party having
or being deemed to have structured, dictated or drafted such provision; that the
Borrower at all times has had access to an attorney in the negotiation of the
terms of and in the preparation


                                     -58-
<PAGE>



and execution of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and the Borrower
has had the opportunity to review and analyze this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents for a sufficient period of time prior to the execution and delivery
thereof; that no representations or warranties have been made by or on behalf of
the Bank, or relied upon by the Borrower pertaining to the subject matter of
this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, other than those that are set forth
in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and all prior statements,
representations and warranties, if any, are totally superseded and merged into
this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, which represent the final and sole
agreement of the parties with respect to the matters which are the subject
hereof and thereof; that all of the terms of this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents were negotiated at arm's length, and that this Agreement and the other
Loan Documents were prepared and executed without fraud, duress, undue influence
or coercion of any kind exerted by any of the parties upon the others; and that
the execution and delivery of this Agreement is the free and voluntary act of
the Borrower.

      11.4 RIGHTS AND REMEDIES CUMULATIVE.  The rights of the Banks arising
under the provisions and covenants contained in this Agreement, the Notes, the
Security Documents and any other of the Loan Documents, and under applicable
law, shall be separate, distinct and cumulative and none of them shall be
exclusive of the others.  No act of a Bank shall be construed as an election to
proceed under any one provision herein or in such other documents to the
exclusion of any other provision, anything herein or otherwise to the contrary
notwithstanding.

      11.5 WAIVER.  No waiver, amendment, release or modification of this
Agreement shall be established by conduct or by any oral agreement, custom or
course of dealing or by any delay or failure to act, but solely by an instrument
in writing duly executed by the  Bank.  In the event any provision contained in
this Agreement should be breached by the Borrower and thereafter be duly waived
by the Bank, such waiver shall be limited to the particular breach so waived and
shall not be deemed to waive any other breach hereunder.

      11.6 NOTICES.  All notices, demands, requests, consents or approvals
required hereunder shall be in writing and shall be conclusively deemed to have
been received by a party hereto and to be effective when (i) deposited in the
U.S. Mail if sent certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or
by recognized overnight courier service, (ii) sent via facsimile, or (iii) in
case of any other means of delivery, actually delivered to such party, in each
case addressed as set forth below (or at such other address as such party may
specify to the other party in writing):



                                     -59-
<PAGE>



            To Bank One:            Bank One, Dayton, NA
                                    Kettering Tower
                                    P.O. Box 1103
                                    Dayton, Ohio  45401-1103
                                    Attn: Mr. Paul Harris,
                                            Vice President
                                    Fax #: (513) 449-4885

            To BOA:                 Bank of America Illinois
                                    231 South LaSalle Street
                                    Chicago, Illinois 60697
                                    Attn: Mr. Charles A. Gonzalez,
                                            Vice President
                                    Fax #: (312) 828-1974

            To Collateral
            Agent:                  Bank of America Illinois
                                    231 South LaSalle Street
                                    Chicago, Illinois 60697
                                    Attn: Mr. David A. Johanson,
                                            Vice President and
                                            Senior Agency Officer
                                    Fax #: (312) 974-9102

            To the Borrower:        Dayton Superior Corporation
                                    721 Richard Street
                                    Miamisburg, Ohio  45342
                                    Attn: Mr. Richard L. Braswell,
                                           Vice President
                                    Fax #: (513) 866-9448

      11.7 PERFORMANCE BY THE BANK.  The Banks shall have the right (but
not the obligation) to do or cause to be done any reasonable thing which
Borrower or any party to the Loan Documents is obligated to do or cause to be
done, but has not done or caused to be done, which may in the opinion of the
Banks have an adverse effect on the Collateral or a Material Adverse Effect.
Borrower shall reimburse the Banks any amounts paid or advanced by the Banks for
any cost, expense or fee (including attorney's fees) in connection with any such
action and for any cost, expense or fee incurred in connection with the
enforcement or exercise of any right or remedy granted the Banks pursuant to the
Loan Documents or in connection with any other question or matter arising in
connection with the Loan Documents.  All such amounts shall be due and payable
upon demand and shall bear interest at the default rate specified in Section 2.8
from the date of demand until paid.  No such action by the Banks shall be deemed
to cure any default by Borrower.

      11.8 FURTHER ASSURANCES.  Borrower shall execute and deliver to the
Bank such agreements, instruments, documents, financing statements and other
writings as may be requested from time to time by the Bank to perfect and to
maintain the perfection of the Bank's


                                     -60-
<PAGE>



security title and security interest in and to the Collateral, or to properly
evidence the Loan.

      11.9 ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  This Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written
and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof; without
limiting the foregoing, the parties agree that this Agreement amends and
restates in full that certain Amended and Restated Loan Agreement between
Borrower and Bank One, dated October 16, 1995.

      11.10 COUNTERPART EXECUTION.  This Agreement may be executed in
several counterparts, each of which shall be regarded as an original, and all of
which together shall constitute one and the same instrument, notwithstanding the
fact that Borrower and the Banks have not each executed the same instrument.

      11.11 HEADINGS.  The headings to the Articles and Sections hereof
are for reference only and shall not limit or define in any way the content
thereof.

      11.12 REFERENCES.  All references in this Agreement to any of the
Loan Documents or any other documents or instruments shall be deemed to be
references to the Loan Documents or other documents or instruments as the same
may from time to time be modified, amended, renewed, consolidated or extended.

      11.13 APPROVAL OF PAPERS.  All papers and documents submitted, and
those to be prepared and executed in connection with this Agreement, including,
without limitation, the Loan Documents, shall be subject to the approval of the
Banks and its counsel as to form and substance.

      11.14 SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS.  If any provision of this
Agreement shall be held or deemed to be or shall, in fact, be inoperative or
unenforceable as applied in any particular case for any other reason, such
circumstances shall not have the effect of rendering the provision in question
inoperative or unenforceable in any other case or circumstance, or of rendering
any other provision or provisions herein contained invalid, inoperative, or
unenforceable to any extent whatever.  The invalidity of any one or more
provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the remaining provisions of this
Agreement, or any part thereof.

      11.15 TIME OF ESSENCE.  Wherever time is mentioned in this
Agreement, it shall be construed to mean that time is of the essence.

      11.16 GENDER AND NUMBER.  Whenever used herein, words of any gender
shall be construed to include any other gender, and words in the singular shall
be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise
requires.


                                     -61-
<PAGE>



      11.17 BINDING EFFECT.  The terms and provisions of the Loan
Documents shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower and the
Bank and their respective successors and assigns, except that the Borrower shall
not have the right to assign its rights under the Loan Documents.

      11.18 LEGAL LIMITATION OF EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT.  Anything
contained in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the Bank shall not
be obligated to extend credit to the Borrower in violation of any limitation or
prohibition provided by any applicable statute or regulation.

      11.19 TAXES.  Any taxes (excluding income taxes) payable or ruled
payable by Federal or State authority in respect of the execution and delivery
of the Loan Documents shall be paid by the Borrower, together with interest and
penalties, if any.

      11.20 REIMBURSEMENTS.  The Borrower shall reimburse the Banks for
any costs, internal charges and out-of-pocket expenses which shall be set forth
in a detailed invoice (including reasonable attorneys' fees and time charges of
attorneys for the Banks, which attorneys may be employees of the Banks) paid or
incurred by the Bank in connection with the preparation, review, execution,
delivery, amendment, modification, administration, collection and enforcement of
the Loan Documents.  The Borrower further agrees to indemnify the Banks, and its
directors, officers and employees against all losses, claims, damages,
penalties, judgments, liabilities and expenses (including, without limitation,
all expenses of litigation or preparation therefor whether or not the Bank is a
party thereto) which they may pay or incur arising out of or relating to this
Agreement, the other Loan Documents, the transactions contemplated hereby or
thereby or the direct or indirect application or proposed application of the
proceeds of any Loan hereunder; provided, however, that no such indemnification
shall be available if the claim is based upon the gross negligence or wilful
misconduct of the Banks.  The obligations of the Borrower under this Section
shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

      11.21 LIABILITY OF BANKS TO BORROWER.  The Borrower (i) agrees
that the Banks shall have no liability to the Borrower (whether sounding in
tort, contract or otherwise) for losses suffered by the Borrower in connection
with, arising out of, or in any way related to, the transactions contemplated
and the relationship established by the Loan Documents, or any act, omission or
event occurring in connection therewith, unless it is determined by a judgment
of a court that is binding on the Banks, final and not subject to review on
appeal, that such losses were the result of acts or omissions on the part of the
Banks, constituting gross negligence, wilful misconduct or knowing violations of
law and (ii) waives, releases and agrees not to sue upon any claim against the
Banks (whether sounding in tort, contract or otherwise) except a claim based
upon gross negligence, wilful misconduct or knowing violations of law. 


                                     -62-
<PAGE>



Whether or not such damages are related to a claim that is subject to the waiver
effected above and whether or not such waiver is effective, the Banks shall have
no liability with respect to, and the Borrower hereby waives, releases and
agrees not to sue upon any claim for, any special, indirect or consequential
damages suffered by the Borrower in connection with, arising out of, or in any
way related to the transactions contemplated or the relationship established by
the Loan Documents, or any act, omission or event occurring in connection
therewith, unless it is determined by a judgment of a court that is binding on
the Banks, final and not subject to review on appeal, that such damages were the
result of acts or omissions on the part of the Banks, constituting wilful
misconduct or knowing violations of law.

      11.22 JURISDICTION.  THE BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO
THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY UNITED STATES FEDERAL OR OHIO STATE COURT
SITTING IN DAYTON OR CINCINNATI, OHIO, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT
OF OR RELATING TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENTS AND THE BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AGREES
THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND
DETERMINED IN ANY SUCH COURT AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION IT MAY NOW OR
HEREAFTER HAVE AS TO THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN
SUCH A COURT OR THAT SUCH COURT IS AN INCONVENIENT FORUM.  NOTHING HEREIN SHALL
LIMIT THE RIGHT OF THE BANKS TO BRING PROCEEDINGS AGAINST THE BORROWER IN THE
COURTS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION.  ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BY THE BORROWER
AGAINST THE BANKS OR ANY AFFILIATE OF ANY BANK INVOLVING, DIRECTLY OR
INDIRECTLY, ANY MATTER IN ANY WAY ARISING OUT OF, RELATED TO, OR CONNECTED WITH
ANY LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL BE BROUGHT ONLY IN A COURT IN DAYTON OR CINCINNATI,
OHIO.

      11.23 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.  THE BORROWER AND THE BANKS HEREBY
WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING INVOLVING, DIRECTLY OR
INDIRECTLY, ANY MATTER (WHETHER SOUNDING IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) IN ANY
WAY ARISING OUT OF, RELATED TO, OR CONNECTED WITH ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE
RELATIONSHIP ESTABLISHED THEREUNDER.

      11.24 GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement has been negotiated, executed
and delivered in Ohio, is to be performed in Ohio and is to be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws (excluding the law of conflicts) of the
State of Ohio.



                                     -63-
<PAGE>



      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower and the Bank have caused this Agreement
to be duly executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of
the 17th day of June, 1996.


                                   DAYTON SUPERIOR CORPORATION


                                    By: ________________________________
                                    Name:_______________________________
                                    Title:______________________________


                                   BANK ONE, DAYTON, N.A. (in its individual
                                    capacity and as Bank Agent)


                                    By: ________________________________
                                    Name:_______________________________
                                    Title:______________________________


                                   BANK OF AMERICA ILLINOIS (in its individual
                                    capacity)


                                    By: ________________________________
                                    Name:_______________________________
                                    Title:______________________________


                                   BANK OF AMERICA ILLINOIS (in its capacity
                                    as Collateral Agent)


                                    By: ________________________________
                                    Name:_______________________________
                                    Title:______________________________



STATE OF OHIO            )
                         ) SS:
COUNTY OF MONTGOMERY     )

      The foregoing Agreement was acknowledged before me this ___ day of June,
1996, by ______________________________, as _____________ on behalf of DAYTON
SUPERIOR CORPORATION.


                                          ________________________________
                                          Notary Public


                                     -64-
<PAGE>



STATE OF OHIO            )
                         ) SS:
COUNTY OF MONTGOMERY     )

      The foregoing Agreement was acknowledged before me this ___ day of June,
1996, by _____________________, as _____________ on behalf of BANK ONE, DAYTON,
N.A.


                                          ________________________________
                                          Notary Public


STATE OF __________      )
                         ) SS:
COUNTY OF __________     )

      The foregoing Agreement was acknowledged before me this ___ day of
_______, 1996, by _____________________, as _____________ on behalf of BANK OF
AMERICA ILLINOIS.


                                          ________________________________
                                          Notary Public


STATE OF OHIO            )
                         ) SS:
COUNTY OF MONTGOMERY     )

      The foregoing Agreement was acknowledged before me this ___ day of June,
1996, by _____________________, as _____________ on behalf of BANK OF AMERICA
ILLINOIS as Collateral Agent.


                                          ________________________________
                                          Notary Public


                                       -65-

<PAGE>



                           AMENDED AND RESTATED
                             LOAN AGREEMENT



      This Amended and Restated Loan Agreement is made as of the ___ day of
June, 1996 by and among DUR-O-WAL, INC., a Delaware corporation, with its
principal place of business at 3115 N. Wilke Road, Suite A, Arlington Heights,
Illinois 60004 (the "Borrower"), and BANK ONE, DAYTON, N.A. ("Bank One") in
its individual capacity and as Bank Agent, with its principal place of business
at Kettering Tower, P.O. Box 1103, Dayton, Ohio 45401-1103, BANK OF AMERICA
ILLINOIS ("BOA") in its individual capacity, an Illinois banking corporation
with an office located at 231 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60697, and
BANK OF AMERICA ILLINOIS in its capacity as Collateral Agent, an Illinois
banking corporation with an office located at 231 South LaSalle Street, Chicago,
Illinois 60697.

                                 RECITALS

      A.    As of October 16, 1995, the Borrower and Bank One entered into a
Loan Agreement and various ancillary and related agreements, with respect to a
Five Million Dollar ($5,000,000) revolving credit facility (the "Original Credit
Facility") which facility was guaranteed by Dayton Superior Corporation ("DSC").

      B.    The parties intend to modify and amend the Original Credit Facility
by the execution of this Agreement so as to (i) add BOA as a co-lender with Bank
One, (ii) maintain the revolving credit facility at Five Million Dollars
($5,000,000), (iii) provide for a term loan facility in the amount of Four
Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($4,500,000), (iv) modify various pricing
terms, and (v) modify and amend various other matters as more full set forth in
this Agreement.

      NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants
hereinafter set forth, the parties agree as follows:



                                  ARTICLE 1

                                 DEFINITIONS

      1.1  CAPITALIZED TERMS.  As used in this Agreement the following
capitalized terms shall have the following meanings:

       "Accumulated Funding Deficiency" means an "accumulated funding
deficiency" as defined in Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412(a) of the Code.



<PAGE>



      "Advance" means a borrowing and disbursement of the Revolving Credit Loan.

      "Affiliate" means any Person directly or indirectly controlling,
controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Borrower.  A
Person shall be deemed to control another Person if the controlling Person owns
10% or more of any class of voting securities of the controlled Person or
possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of
the management or policies of the controlled Person, whether through ownership
of stock, by contract or otherwise.  All of Borrower's parent corporations and
subsidiary corporations shall be deemed to be affiliates of Borrower for
purposes of this Agreement.

      "Agents" means the Bank Agent and the Collateral Agent.

      "Aggregate Commitment" means the aggregate of the Commitments of the Banks
hereunder.

      "Agreement" means this Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, as it may be
amended or modified and in effect from time to time.

      "Authorized Officer" means any of the President, Vice President Finance,
or any officer of the Borrower authorized by its Board of Directors, acting
singly.

      "Bank Agent" means Bank One, in such capacity, and not in its individual
capacity as a Bank, and any successor appointed pursuant to Section 9.

      "Bank One" means Bank One, Dayton, N.A., its successors and assigns.

      "BOA" means Bank of America Illinois, its successors and assigns.

      "Banks" means BOA and Bank One and their respective successors and
assigns.

      "Borrower" means Dur-O-Wal, Inc..

      "Borrowing Base Certificate" is defined in Section 2.1(e).

      "Borrowing Date" means a date on which an Advance is made hereunder.

      "Borrowing Notice" is defined in Section 2.6(a).

      "Business Day" means (i) with respect to any borrowing, payment or rate
selection of Libor Rate Advances, a day other than Saturday or Sunday on which
banks are open for business in Dayton and New York and on which dealings in U.S.
dollars are carried on


                                     -2-
<PAGE>



in the London interbank market and (ii) for all other purposes, a day other than
Saturday or Sunday on which banks are open for business in Dayton.

      "Capitalized Lease" of a Person means any lease of property by such person
as lessee which would be capitalized on a balance sheet of such Person prepared
in accordance with GAAP.

      "Capitalized Lease Obligations" of a Person means the amount of the
obligations of such Person under Capitalized Leases which would be shown as a
liability on a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP.

      "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the income
tax regulations issued thereunder from time to time.

      "Collateral" means the "Collateral" under and as defined in the Security
Documents.

      "Collateral Agent" means BOA, in such capacity, and not in its capacity as
a Bank, and any successor appointed pursuant to Section 9.
      "Commitment" means, for each Bank, the obligation of the Bank to make
Revolving Credit Loans not exceeding the amount set forth in Section 2.1, as
such amount may be modified from time to time.

      "Compliance Certificate" means a compliance certificate in substantially
the form of EXHIBIT 1(a) hereto, with appropriate insertions, signed by an
Authorized Officer, showing the calculations necessary to determine compliance
with this Agreement and stating that no Event of Default or Unmatured Default
exists, or if any Event of Default or Unmatured Default exists, describing the
nature thereof and any action the Borrower is taking or proposes to take with
respect thereto.

      "Consolidated Current Assets" shall mean all assets of the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries which may be properly classified as consolidated current assets
in accordance with GAAP.

      "Consolidated Current Liabilities" shall mean, as of any date of
determination, all liabilities of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries which may be
properly classified as consolidated current liabilities in accordance with GAAP.

      "Current Obligations" is defined in Section 6.12.

      "Debt" shall mean all items (on a consolidated basis) which, in accordance
with GAAP (as hereinafter defined), would be included in determining total
liabilities, as shown on the liability side of Borrower's balance sheet as of
the date Debt is to be determined and, in any event, shall include any liability
secured by a mortgage, pledge, lien, or security interest on property owned or


                                     -3-
<PAGE>



acquired, whether or not such liability shall have been assumed, and guarantees,
endorsements (other than for collection in the ordinary course of business), and
other contingent obligations in respect of obligations of others.  A Capitalized
Lease creates Debt for purposes of this definition.

      "Default Rate" means the interest rate determined pursuant to Section 2.9.

      "Dollars" means United States dollars.

      "DSC" means Dayton Superior Corporation, an Ohio Corporation.

      "DSC Loan Agreement" means that certain Amended and Restated Loan
Agreement entered into by DSC and the Banks in their individual capacity and in
their capacity as Bank Agent and Collateral Agent, as of even date herewith.

      "EBITDA" means Borrower's Net Income (on a consolidated basis) before
interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization.  EBITDA will (i) be
calculated utilizing the last in-first out method of cost accounting for
inventory and (ii) not include any gains recognized by Borrower as earnings
which relate to adjustments made by Borrower as a result of the Tax Reform Act
of 1986 or any other extraordinary accounting adjustments or non-recurring items
of income.

      "Eligible Account Receivable" means an account receivable owned by
Borrower as to which the Collateral Agent has a fully perfected first priority
security interest and which meet the following requirements at the time it comes
into existence and continues to meet such requirements until it is collected in
full:

            (a)   the account receivable is not more than ninety (90) days old
      according to the date of its original invoice;

            (b)   the account receivable arose from the performance of services
      or an outright sale of goods by Borrower with such services having been
      performed or goods having been shipped to the account debtors, and
      Borrower being in possession of, or having delivered to the Banks,
      shipping and delivery receipts or other evidence of such performance or
      shipment;

            (c)   the account debtor shall have accepted the goods or services
      of the Borrower without dispute or claim of any kind;

            (d)   the account receivable is not subject to any Lien (other than
      Liens in favor of the Collateral Agent), and except as set forth herein,
      Borrower has not made any other assignment thereof nor created any other
      security interest therein, nor permitted any of its rights therein to be
      reached


                                     -4-
<PAGE>



      by any other attachment, levy, garnishment or other judicial process;

            (e)   the account receivable shall be legally enforceable and shall
      not be subject to set-off, credit, counterclaim, allowance or adjustment
      by the account debtors (except normal discount allowed for prompt payment,
      refunds, returns, allowances and warranty obligations in the ordinary
      course of business (subject to Section 6.14)), nor represent retainage
      being held by the account debtor, and the account debtors have not
      returned any of the goods from the sale of which the account receivable
      arose;

            (f)   the account receivable arose in the ordinary course of its
      business and did not arise from the performance of services or sale of
      goods to any Affiliate, supplier, or employee of the Borrower;

            (g)   none of the transactions underlying or giving rise to the
      account receivable shall, to the best knowledge of Borrower, violate any
      applicable state or federal laws or regulations and all documents relating
      to the account receivable shall be legally enforceable in accordance with
      their terms;

            (h)   no notice of bankruptcy or insolvency of the account debtor
      has been received by or is known to the Borrower;

            (i)   the account debtor shall not have 50% or more of its payment
      obligations to the Borrower unpaid over 90 days from invoice date;

            (j)   if the account debtor is the United States or any department,
      agency, or instrumentality thereof, the Banks have been so notified and
      the Borrower has executed any instruments and taken any steps required by
      the Banks in order that all moneys due or to become due under any such
      contract shall be assigned to the Banks and notice thereof given to the
      Government under and in compliance with the Federal Assignment of Claims
      Act; and

            (k)   in the case of an account receivable evidenced by a promissory
      note, such note shall have been endorsed and delivered to the Collateral
      Agent;

            (l)   the account debtor with respect thereto is a resident or
      citizen of, and is located within, the United States of America, Canada,
      or a United States possession, unless the sale of goods giving rise to
      such account receivable is on letter of credit, banker's acceptance or
      other credit support terms satisfactory to the Banks; and



                                     -5-
<PAGE>



            (m)   the Banks, in their reasonable discretion, have not deemed the
      account or the account debtor ineligible.

      "Eligible Inventory" means only items of finished goods inventories,
work-in-process, semi-finished goods, and raw materials owned by Borrower as to
which the Collateral Agent has a fully perfected first priority security
interest, which are valued at the lower of cost or fair market value, determined
in accordance with the "first in, first out" cost accounting system, and which
meet the following requirements:

            (a)   the item consists of finished goods inventories held for sale
      in the ordinary course of Borrower's business, work-in-process,
      semi-finished goods, or raw materials used in the manufacture of finished
      goods inventories, provided, however, that Eligible Inventory shall not
      include any furniture, fixtures, equipment or machinery, nor any item that
      is obsolete or not of merchantable quality and condition;

            (b)   the item is not subject to any Lien (other than Liens in favor
      of the Collateral Agent) and Borrower has not made any assignment thereof
      nor created any security interest therein, nor permitted any of its
      interest therein to be reached by attachment, levy, garnishment or other
      judicial process;

            (c)   the item is located on property owned or leased by Borrower
      and is not located in any jurisdiction other than as provided in EXHIBIT
      A to the Security Agreement or such other locations permitted pursuant to
      Section 12 of the Security Agreement;

            (d)   the item has not been sold on a consignment or "sale or
      return" basis to others;

            (e)   the item is not rented to a customer of Borrower, provided,
      however, that an item shall be treated as Eligible Inventory after
      termination of the rental arrangement when the item has been returned to
      Borrower's place of business; provided, further, that such item shall be
      included in Eligible Inventory at the book value for such item;

            (f)   the item is not held by a bailee or warehouseman unless the
      Banks have received an executed bailee waiver/agreement and accompanying
      UCC financing statements all in form and substance satisfactory to the
      Banks;

            (g)   the item is located at a processing facility of another
      Person, to the extent the Collateral Agent has a perfected first security
      interest in such item and the Collateral Agent has received from such
      Person an executed


                                     -6-
<PAGE>



      waiver/agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Collateral
      Agent; and

            (h)   the item is not located at a facility for which the Collateral
      Agent has not received a Landlord's Waiver as contemplated by Section 3.2
      of the Agreement.

            (i)   the Banks, in their reasonable discretion, have not deemed the
      item ineligible.

      "Environmental Compliance and Indemnification Agreement" means the
Environmental Compliance and Indemnification Agreement executed by Borrower in
favor of the Banks, as the same may be amended or modified and in effect from
time to time.

      "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended from time to time.

      "Event of Default" is defined in Section 7.1.

      "Fixed Rate" means the per annum rate of interest (rounded up to the
nearest 1/16 of 1%), plus [250 basis points in the event Borrower selects the
one year Fixed Rate Interest Period, 275 basis points in the event Borrower
selects the two year Fixed Rate Interest Period, or 300 basis points in the
event Borrower selects the three year Fixed Rate Interest period] that is
determined by dividing:  (i) the per annum rate of interest or yield available
with respect to United States Treasury Securities with a maturity of equal to
the Fixed Rate Interest Period selected by Borrower in an aggregate amount
comparable to the amount outstanding as to which the determination of the Fixed
Rate is being made at or about 10:00 A.M. New York time [or such later time as
near to 10:00 A.M. New York time as is reasonably practicable, if the Bank does
not establish such rate at or about 10:00 A.M. New York time] two (2) Business
Days immediately prior to the first day of the related Fixed Rate Interest
Period; all as conclusively determined in good faith by the Bank Agent, such
rate to be rounded up, if necessary, to the nearest whole multiple of 1/100 of
1%; by (ii) a percentage equal to one hundred percent (100%) minus the maximum
stated rate of all Reserve Requirements as specified in Regulation D of the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, including, without limitation,
any marginal, emergency, supplemental, special or other reserves, that would be
applicable to any member bank of the Federal Reserve System during such Fixed
Rate Period in respect of a Treasury in an amount comparable to the amount
bearing interest at the Fixed Rate and with a term equal to the Fixed Rate
Interest Period selected by Borrower.

      "Fixed Rate Option" means the right of Borrower exercisable as set forth
in Section 2.8 hereof, to have the interest rate applicable to all or a portion
of the Term Loan computed based on a Fixed Rate. 


                                     -7-
<PAGE>



      "Fixed Rate Interest Period" means, with respect to all or a portion of
the Term Loan, a period of one, two, or three years commencing on a Business Day
selected by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement.  If such Fixed Rate Period
would end on a day which is not a Business Day, such Fixed Rate Period shall end
on the next successive Business Day.  The Fixed Rate Interest Period shall not
extend beyond the Termination Date.

      "Fixed Rate Prepayment Premium" means for the prepaid portion of the Term
Loan as to which the Borrower has selected the Fixed Rate Option, the amount, if
any, by which (a) the present value as of the prepayment date of all payments of
principal and interest scheduled to be paid with respect to the portion of the
Term Loan being prepaid during the period from the prepayment date through the
end of the applicable Fixed Rate Interest Period, exceeds (b) the total
principal scheduled to be paid with respect to the portion of the Term Loan
being prepaid during the remainder of such Fixed Rate Interest Period.  The
present value of each such scheduled payment of principal and interest shall be
calculated by using the number of months (including any fraction of a month)
from the prepayment date to the scheduled payment date, and a discount rate
which, when compounded monthly, is equivalent to the Applicable Treasury Rate.
As used herein, "Applicable Treasury Rate" means, as of any prepayment date, the
average "ask yield" per annum for U.S. Government bonds and notes maturing in
the calendar month in which the applicable Fixed Rate Interest Period ends (or
if none matures in such month, the next preceding month in which any such bonds
or notes mature), as reported in the WALL STREET JOURNAL five (5) business
days prior to such prepayment date, or if no longer reported in the WALL STREET
Journal, in another similar daily publication reporting such yields.

      "GAAP" means Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

      "Interest Period" means a Libor Interest Period or a Fixed Rate Interest
Period.

      "Investment" of a Person means any loan, advance, extension of credit
(excluding accounts receivable arising in the ordinary course of business on
terms customary in the trade), deposit account or contribution of capital by
such Person to any other Person or any investment in, or purchase or other
acquisition of, the stock, notes, debentures or other securities of any other
Person made by such Person.

      "Lending Installation" means any office, branch, subsidiary or affiliate
of any Bank or Agent.

      "Libor Interest Period" means, with respect to a Libor Rate Advance, a
period of one, two, three, four, or six months commencing on a Business Day
selected by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement.  If such Libor Interest
Period would end on a day which


                                     -8-
<PAGE>



is not a Business Day, such Libor Interest Period shall end on the next
succeeding Business Day.

      "Libor Rate" means the per annum rate of interest (rounded up to the
nearest 1/16 of 1%), plus the Libor Spread, that is determined by dividing:  (i)
the per annum rate of interest that is offered for deposits in United States
Dollars ("Dollars") in immediately available funds in an aggregate amount
comparable to the amount outstanding as to which the determination of the Libor
Rate is being made and for periods comparable to the Libor Interest Period
selected by Borrower to the Bank Agent by other prime banks in the London
interbank market, selected by the Bank Agent in the Bank Agent's discretion, at
or about 10:00 A.M. New York time [or such later time as near to 10:00 A.M. New
York time as is reasonably practicable, if the Bank Agent does not establish
such rate at or about 10:00 A.M. New York time] two (2) Business Days
immediately prior to the first day of the related Libor Interest Period; all as
conclusively determined in good faith by the Bank Agent, such rate to be rounded
up, if necessary, to the nearest whole multiple of 1/100 of 1%; by (ii) a
percentage equal to one hundred percent (100%) minus the maximum stated rate of
all Reserve Requirements as specified in Regulation D of the Board of Governors
of the Federal Reserve System including, without limitation, any marginal,
emergency, supplemental, special or other reserves, that would be applicable to
any member bank of the Federal Reserve System during such Libor Interest Period
in respect of eurocurrency or eurofunding lending or liabilities.

      "Libor Rate Advance" means an Advance which bears interest at the Libor
Rate for a particular Libor Rate Interest Period.

      "Libor Rate Option" means the option of Borrower, exercisable as set forth
in Sections 2.7 and 2.8 hereof, to have the interest rate under the Notes
computed based upon the Libor Rate, in the case of the Revolving Credit Notes,
and the Term Loan Libor Rate, in the case of the Term Notes.

      "Libor Spread" means (i) 225 basis points (2.25%) if, as of the Measuring
Date (as hereinafter defined), the ratio of Borrower's EBITDA to interest
expense is greater than 2.00 to 1.00 AND the ratio of Borrower's Total Debt to
EBITDA is less than 5.00 to 1.00; (ii) 175 basis points (1.75%) if, as of the
Measuring Date, the ratio of Borrower's EBITDA to interest expense is greater
than 2.50 to 1.00 and the ratio of Borrower's Total Debt to EBITDA is less than
4.00 to 1.00; (iii) 150 basis points (1.50%) if, as of the Measuring Date, the
ratio of Borrower's EBITDA to interest expense is greater than 3.00 to 1.00 AND
the ratio of Borrower's Total Debt to EBITDA is less than 3.50 to 1.00; (iv) 125
basis points (1.25%) if, as of the Measuring Date, the ratio of Borrower's
EBITDA to interest expense is greater than 3.50 to 1.00 AND the ratio of
Borrower's Total Debt to EBITDA is less than 3.00 to 1.00; and (v) 100 basis
points (1.00%) if, as of the Measuring


                                     -9-
<PAGE>



Date, the ratio of Borrower's EBITDA to interest expense is greater than 4.00 to
1.00 AND the ratio of Borrower's Total Debt to EBITDA is less than 2.50 to
1.00.  In the event Borrower fails to maintain any of the specified combinations
of EBITDA to interest expense and Total Debt to EBITDA set forth above as of any
Measuring Date, the Libor Spread shall be 275 basis points (2.75%).  As used
herein, "Measuring Date" shall mean the last day of the fiscal quarter of the
Borrower immediately preceding each date of determination of the Libor Spread
hereunder.  The Libor Spread will be reset quarterly (based on the ratios herein
set forth as of the Measuring Date) with such reset Libor Spread in effect for
three calendar months beginning on the first day of the third full calendar
month after the end of each Measuring Date, and such reset Libor Spread shall be
applicable to all outstanding Loans utilizing the Libor Spread and new Advances
of the Revolving Credit Loan and conversions of the Term Loan making reference
thereto.

      "Lien" means any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, claim, charge,
encumbrance, title retention agreement, lessor's interest under a Capitalized
Lease or analogous instrument, whether consensual or non-consensual, in, of or
on any Person's assets or properties in favor of any other Person.

      "Loans" means collectively the Revolving Credit Loan and the Term Loan.

      "Loan Documents" means this Agreement, the Notes and the Security
Documents.

      "Lock Box Agreement" is defined in Section 3.10.

      "Long-Term Debt" means, for any period of determination thereof, the
long-term debt of the Borrower as of such date as determined in accordance with
GAAP.

      "Material Adverse Effect" means a material adverse effect on the financial
condition, properties, results of operations and/or business of the Borrower and
its consolidated Subsidiaries.

      " Mortgaged Property" means the real property owned by Borrower and
identified in EXHIBIT 1(b).

      "Mortgage" means the Open-End Mortgage, Assignment of Rents and Leases,
and Security Agreement granted by Borrower in favor of the Collateral Agent, as
the same may be amended or modified and in effect from time to time.

      "Multiemployer Plan" means a Plan maintained pursuant to a collective
bargaining agreement or any other arrangement to which the Borrower or any
member of the controlled group is a party to which more than one employer is
obligated to make contributions.



                                     -10-
<PAGE>



      "Net Fixed Assets" means the net book value determined based on Borrower's
most recent monthly financial statement of all furniture, fixtures, equipment
and real estate owned by Borrower

      "Net Income" means, for any period of determination thereof, the net
income of the Borrower, as reflected in the income statement of the Borrower for
such period, and as determined in accordance with GAAP.

      "Net Worth" shall be determined in accordance with GAAP.

      "Notes" mean the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Note, the Revolving
Credit Note, and the Term Notes.

      "Obligations" means all unpaid principal of and accrued and unpaid
interest on the Notes, all accrued and unpaid fees and all other obligations of
the Borrower to the Bank arising under the Loan Documents.

      "PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and its successors
and assigns.

      "Permitted Liens" means:

            (a)   Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges not then
due and payable or the validity of which is being contested in good faith;
provided the Borrower has adequate reserves set aside for such contest and
provided further that no foreclosure actions have been instituted by any such
governmental entity;

            (b)   Liens arising in connection with court proceedings, provided
the execution of such liens is effectively stayed and the underlying action has
been appealed or is being contested in good faith and the Borrower has set aside
adequate reserves for such court proceedings;

            (c)   Liens arising in the ordinary cause of business (including (i)
Liens under workmen's compensation and similar laws, (ii) mechanics' and
warehousemen's Liens and similar Liens) that are not incurred in connection with
the borrowing of money and provided that such Liens will not result in a
Material Adverse Effect;

            (d)   any Lien incurred in connection with the Agreement and the
Loan Documents;

            (e)   subject to Section 6.8 and 6.9 of the Agreement, any Lien on
any property of any Person existing at the time it becomes a Subsidiary of the
Borrower; provided that such lien does not extend to any other assets of the
Borrower or its other Subsidiaries; 



                                     -11-
<PAGE>



and provided further that the indebtedness secured by such Lien would be 
permitted under Section 6.1;

            (f)   Liens securing assets acquired or constructed after the date
of this Agreement; provided such liens do not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the
fair market value of such asset;

            (g)   Liens incurred in connection with the borrowing of money not
permitted by subsections (e) and (f) above; provided that immediately thereafter
the aggregate amount of debt secured by Liens incurred pursuant to this
subsection (g) would not exceed 5.0% of Total Capitalization as such term is
defined in the Senior Note Agreements; and

            (h)   any Lien resulting from renewing, extending or refunding a
Lien provided that the principal amount of the Debt secured thereby is not
increased and the Lien is not extended to any other property.

      "Person" means any corporation, natural person, firm, joint venture,
partnership, trust, unincorporated organization, enterprise, government or any
department or agency of any government.

      "Plan" means an employee pension benefit plan which is covered by Title IV
of ERISA or subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the
Code as to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary may have any liability.

      "Prime Based Rate" means a rate per annum equal to the Prime Rate changing
when and as the Prime Rate changes.

      "Prime Based Rate Advance" means an Advance which bears interest at the
Prime Based Rate for a particular Prime Based Rate Interest Period.

      "Prime Based Rate Interest Period" means any period during which Prime
Based Rate Advance is outstanding.

      "Prime Based Rate Option" means the option of Borrower to have interest
rate under the Note computed based on the Prime Based Rate.

      "Prime Rate" means a rate per annum announced by the Bank Agent from time
to time, as its prime rate of interest for short term, unsecured commercial
loans based on its consideration of economic, money market, business, and
competitive factors.  The Prime Rate is a reference rate for the information and
use of the Bank Agent in establishing the actual rate to be charged to its
borrower and is not necessarily the Bank Agent's most favored rate.  In the
event of a change in the Prime Rate, the Prime Based Rate shall be adjusted
accordingly as of the date of each such change, it being the intent that the
Prime Based Rate shall increase or


                                     -12-
<PAGE>



decrease simultaneously with each increase or decrease in the Prime Rate.  Any
change in  the Prime Based Rate shall become effective automatically without
notice to the Borrower.

      "Prohibited Transaction" means a "prohibited transaction" as defined in
Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.

      "Rate Option" means the Libor Rate Option, the Fixed Rate Option or the
Prime Based Rate Option.

      "Regulation D" means Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System from time to time in effect and shall include any successor or
other regulation or official interpretation of said Board of Governors relating
to reserve requirements applicable to member banks of the Federal Reserve
System.

      "Regulation U" means Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System from time to time in effect and shall include any successor or
other regulation or official interpretation of said Board of Governors relating
to the extension of credit by banks for the purpose of purchasing or carrying
margin stocks applicable to member banks of the Federal Reserve System.

      "Reportable Event" means a reportable event as defined in Section 4043 of
ERISA and the regulations issued under such Section, with respect to a Plan,
excluding, however, such events as to which the PBGC by regulation waived the
requirement of Section 4043(a) of ERISA that it be notified within 30 days of
the occurrence of such event, provided that a failure to meet the minimum
funding standard of Section 412 of the Code and of Section 302 of ERISA shall be
a reportable event regardless of the issuance of any such waivers in accordance
with Section 412(d) of the Code.

      "Reserve Requirement" means, with respect to a Libor Interest Period, the
maximum aggregate reserve requirement (including all basic, supplemental,
marginal and other reserves) which is imposed under Regulation D on new
non-personal time deposits of $100,000 or more with a maturity equal to that of
the Libor liabilities (in the case of Libor Advances).

      "Revolving Credit Loan" means the Loan in the aggregate amount not to
exceed Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) by the Banks to Borrower as more fully
set forth in Section 2.1.

      "Revolving Credit Notes" means collectively the promissory notes made by
Borrower in favor of the Banks pursuant to Section 2.1(b) evidencing the
Revolving Credit Loan, and any amendment, modification, renewal or replacement
of any such note

      "Section" means a numbered section of this Agreement, unless another
document is specifically referenced.



                                     -13-
<PAGE>



      "Security Agreement" means the Amended and Restated Security Agreement of
even date herewith made by and between the Collateral Agent and the Borrower, as
the same may be amended or modified and in effect from time to time.

      "Security Documents" means the Security Agreement and all other
instruments and documents referred to in Article 3, and all other documents
executed pursuant to or in connection with any of the foregoing.

      "Senior Debt" means all Debt of the Borrower from time to time reflected
as a liability on Borrower's balance sheet, which is not expressly subordinated
to the Loans.

      "Senior Notes" means collectively (i) the Smith Barney Senior Notes and
(ii) the Fifteen Million Dollar (15,000,000) 11 3/4% Notes issued by DSC on
October 16, 1995.

      "Senior Note Agreements" means the instruments and agreements executed by
DSC in connection with the Senior Notes.

      "Shareholders' Equity" means the shareholders' equity, as determined in
accordance with GAAP (on a consolidated basis), of the Borrower.

      "Single Employer Plan" means a Plan maintained by the Borrower or any
member of the Controlled Group for employees of the Borrower or any member of
the Controlled Group.

      "Smith Barney Senior Notes" means the Twenty-Five Million Dollar
($25,000,000) Senior Notes issued by DSC through Smith Barney Shearson, Inc. on
May 24, 1994.

      "Subsidiary" means any corporation or other entity the majority of
outstanding shares having the ability to elect a majority of the directors of
which is at the time owned by the Borrower or another Subsidiary.

      "Tangible Net Worth" shall mean the Borrower's consolidated Net Worth
determined in accordance with GAAP, based on a FIFO method of cost accounting
for inventory (including the sum of common stock, paid in capital, and earned
surplus), LESS (i) employee, officer, or Affiliate accounts receivable, LESS
(ii) all capitalized organizational or closing costs, LESS (iii) the then
amount of deferred debt or equity issuance costs and deferred financing costs,
LESS (iv) goodwill, LESS (v) investments in any stock, obligations, or
securities of, or any other interest in, any Person, LESS (vi) any other asset
considered under GAAP as an intangible asset.

      "Term Loan Libor Rate" means the Libor Rate plus 50 basis points (0.50%).


                                     -14-
<PAGE>



      "Term Loan" means the loan in the aggregate amount of Four Million Five
Hundred Thousand Dollars ($4,500,000) by the Banks to Borrower as more fully set
forth in Section 2.2.

      "Term Notes" mean collectively the promissory notes made by Borrower in
favor of the Banks pursuant to Section 2.2(b) evidencing the Term Loan, and any
amendment, modification, renewal or replacement of any such promissory note.

      "Termination Date" means June 16, 2000.

      "Total Debt" means all Debt of Borrower.

      "Unfunded Liabilities" means, (i) in the case of Single Employer Plans,
the amount (if any) by which the present value of all vested nonforfeitable
benefits under such Plan exceeds the fair market value of all Plan assets
allocable to such benefits, all determined as of the then most recent valuation
date for such Plan, and (ii) in the case of Multiemployer Plans, the withdrawal
liability of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries.

      "Unmatured Default" means a circumstance that with the giving of notice,
the passage of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

      1.2  OTHER DEFINITIONAL PROVISIONS; CONSTRUCTION.  Unless otherwise
specified,

            (i)   All terms defined in this Agreement, whether or not defined in
Section 1, have the defined meanings provided in this Agreement when used in
this Agreement, in any other of the Loan Documents, or any other certificate,
instrument or other document madeor delivered pursuant to this Agreement or any
other Loan Document, unless otherwise defined therein.

            (ii)  As used in this Agreement, in any other of the Loan Documents,
or in any other certificate, instrument or document made or delivered pursuant
hereto or thereto, accounting terms relating to Borrower not defined in this
Agreement have the respective meanings given to them in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as in
effect at the time any determination is made or financial statement or
information is required or furnished under this Agreement ("GAAP").

          (iii)   References to the Uniform Commercial Code, or UCC, mean as
enacted in the particular jurisdictions encompassed by the reference.

            (iv)  The definition of any document or instrument includes all
schedules, attachments and exhibits thereto and all renewals, extensions,
supplements, restatements and amendments thereof.


                                     -15-
<PAGE>



            (v)   "Hereunder," "herein," "hereto," "this Agreement" and words of
similar import refer to this entire document; "including" is used by way of
illustration and not by way of limitation, unless the context clearly indicates
the contrary; the singular includes the plural and conversely.

            (vi)  All of the uncapitalized terms contained in the Loan Documents
which are defined under the UCC will, unless the context indicates otherwise,
have the meanings provided for in the UCC.

      1.3  CALCULATION OF FINANCIAL COVENANTS.  All financial statements
of Borrower required hereunder and all financial ratios and covenants referred
to or agreed to hereunder shall be prepared and/or determined (i) in accordance
with GAAP except to the extent otherwise specified in this Agreement (ii) on a
consolidated basis with DSC and (iii) in a manner consistent with the
immediately preceding like period except for such changes required under GAAP.



                                 ARTICLE 2

                    LOANS, ADVANCES, FEES AND PAYMENTS

      2.1 REVOLVING CREDIT LOAN.

            (a) Subject to, and in accordance with the terms, conditions, and
provisions of this Agreement, the Banks will lend and re-lend to the Borrower
and the Borrower will borrow and re-borrow from the Banks such amounts as the
Borrower may request from time to time (such amounts outstanding under this
Section 2.1 from time to time collectively will be designated the "Revolving
Credit Loan"), up to a maximum amount outstanding at any one time of Three
Million Dollars ($3,000,000) in the case of Bank One and Two Million Dollars
($2,000,000) in the case of BOA, or Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) in the
aggregate for both Banks.  The Revolving Credit Loan at all times will be
subject to the terms and conditions and made upon the representations and
warranties and covenants of the Borrower set forth in this Agreement.

            (b) The Revolving Credit Loan shall be evidenced by promissory
notes of the Borrower (collectively, the "Revolving Credit Notes") in the form
attached hereto and made a part hereof as EXHIBIT 2.1.  The Revolving Credit
Loan will bear interest and be repayable in the manner set forth herein and in
the Revolving Credit Notes and the Revolving Credit Loan will be subject to all
of the terms and conditions specified in the Revolving Credit Notes and in this
Agreement.

            (c) Borrower may borrow, repay or prepay, without premium or
penalty (subject to Section 2.12 regarding prepayments


                                     -16-
<PAGE>



of Libor Rate Advances), and re-borrow the Revolving Credit Loan under this
Agreement.

            (d) Subject to Section 2.1(f) below, the Banks will advance the
Revolving Credit Loan in the maximum aggregate amount of Five Million Dollars
($5,000,000) to Borrower based on Borrower's Eligible Accounts Receivable and
Eligible Inventory.  Subject to Section 2.1(f), the amounts of such Advances
outstanding at any one time shall in no event be greater than the sum of (i)
eighty-five percent (85%) of Borrower's Eligible Accounts Receivable, (ii) sixty
percent (60%) of Borrower's Eligible Inventory, provided, however, that
Advances against Eligible Inventory shall not exceed One Million Dollars
($1,000,000).

            (e)  On the 15th and 30th day of each month (or, if such day is
not a Business Day, on the Business Day next following) the Borrower shall
execute and deliver to the Banks a certificate (the "Borrowing Base
Certificate") on a form supplied by the Bank Agent, which shall describe in
detail the status of the Loan and the status of all Collateral securing the Loan
as of the 1st and 15th days of such month, respectively, and shall contain such
other information as may be requested by the Banks, from time to time.  The
Borrower shall execute and deliver to the Banks a Borrowing Base Certificate on
more frequent intervals than semi-monthly if there exists any Event of Default
or Unmatured Default.

            (f) The amount that the Banks shall be obligated to advance
pursuant to this Section 2.1 shall be reduced by the aggregate amount of all
letters of credit issued by the Banks for the benefit of Borrower from time to
time.

      2.2  TERM LOAN.

            (a) Subject to, and in accordance with the terms, conditions, and
provisions of this Agreement, the Banks will lend to the Borrower and the
Borrower will borrow from the Banks Two Million Seven Hundred Thousand Dollars
($2,700,000) in the case of Bank One and One Million Eight Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($1,800,000) in the case of BOA, or Four Million Five Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($4,500,000) in the aggregate for both Banks, combined (such amounts
outstanding under this Section 2.2 from time to time collectively will be
designated the "Term Loan").  The Banks shall advance the amount of the Term
Loan to the Borrower upon the closing of this Agreement.  The Borrower shall not
be entitled to reborrow any installment payment or other amount paid by Borrower
to the Banks with respect to the Term Loan.  The Term Loan at all times will be
subject to the terms and conditions and made upon the representations and
warranties and covenants of the Borrower set forth in this Agreement.

            (b) The Term Loan shall be evidenced by promissory notes of the
Borrower (collectively, the "Term Notes") in the form


                                     -17-
<PAGE>



attached hereto and made a part hereof as EXHIBIT 2.2.  The Term Loan will
bear interest and be repayable in the manner set forth herein and in the Term
Notes and the Term Loan will be subject to all of the terms and conditions
specified in the Term Notes and in this Agreement.

            (c)  In the event any portion of a Term Loan as to which the
Borrower has selected the Fixed Rate, is prepaid, whether voluntarily or
involuntarily (including, without limitation, upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default under this Agreement or as provided for in Sections 3.6.2 and 3.9 of the
Mortgages), prior to the end of the Fixed Rate Interest Period applicable to
such Term Loan, such prepayment shall be accompanied by the Fixed Rate
Prepayment Premium, together with interest on the amount prepaid.

      2.3TERM LOAN ADJUSTMENTS.  Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the
Banks will be advancing funds for the Term Loan to Borrower on the basis of
assumed values for the Mortgaged Property and certain equipment of Borrower,
which are subject to confirmation by certain appraisals which have not yet been
completed.  The parties anticipate that all appraisals required by the Banks
will be obtained within sixty (60) days of the date of this Agreement.  In the
event seventy percent (70%) of the appraised values (on a fair market value
analysis) as set forth in the appraisals is less than Four Million Five Hundred
Thousand Dollars ($4,500,000) the Term Loan shall be immediately repaid by
Borrower by the amount of such shortfall.  The amount of such shortfall shall
increase the amount of the outstanding Revolving Credit Loan, and the Borrower
may use the Revolving Credit Loan, subject to the provisions of Section 2.1(d)
above, to so repay the Term Loan.  The failure to obtain appraisals within one
hundred twenty (120) days of the date of this Agreement shall be an Event of
Default under this Agreement, if such failure is the result of the actions or
inactions of Borrower.

      2.4 LETTERS OF CREDIT.

            (a) In addition to cash Advances, as set forth in Section 2.1,
Bank Agent agrees to issue up to Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000) of letters
of credit for Borrower and/or DSC (on a consolidated basis) as account party for
purposes directly related to the purchase of Eligible Inventory, which issuance
shall be considered the same as an advance of Revolving Credit Loan proceeds for
purposes hereof.  The Bank Agent shall not be obligated to issue a letter of
credit unless the Banks would be obligated if so requested to make a cash
Advance to Borrower under Section 2.1.  No such letter of credit shall have an
expiration date beyond the Termination Date.  The Bank Agent shall send copies
of all such letters of credit to the Collateral Agent.

            (b)  The Bank Agent may condition any issuance of a letter of
credit upon the execution and delivery by Borrower of a


                                     -18-
<PAGE>



reimbursement agreement and such other documents as Bank Agent may require.  The
Borrower shall at all times protect, indemnify and save harmless the Banks from
and against any and all claims, actions, suits and other legal proceedings, and
from and against any and all losses, claims, demands, liabilities, damages,
charges, attorneys' fees and other expenses which the Banks may, at any time
sustain or incur by reason of or in consequence of or arising out of the
issuance of any letter of credit, other than as a result of the Bank Agent's
gross negligence or willful misconduct.

            (c)  In the event any such letter of credit is drawn upon, the
amount paid by the Bank Agent on such draw shall be considered a Prime Based
Rate Advance of the Revolving Credit Loan, with the obligation to repay such
advance evidenced by the Revolving Credit Notes and secured by the Security
Documents.  The issuance of any letter of credit shall be subject generally to
the same conditions and requirements as set forth herein and, in addition, to
such additional conditions and requirements as the Bank Agent in its sole
discretion shall deem appropriate from time to time, including the payment of
out of pocket costs.

            (d) Each Bank and the Borrower agree that, in paying any drawing
under a letter of credit, the Bank Agent shall not have any responsibility to
obtain any document (other than any sight draft and certificates expressly
required by the letter of credit) or to ascertain or inquire as to the validity
of accuracy of any such document or the authority of the Person executing or
delivering any such document.

            (e) No Person nor any of the respective correspondents,
participants or assignees of the Bank Agent shall be liable to any Bank for: (i)
any action taken or omitted in connection herewith at the request or with the
approval of the Banks (ii) any action taken or omitted in the absence of gross
negligence or willful misconduct; or (iii) the due execution, effectiveness,
validity or enforceability of any letter of credit related document.

            (f) The Borrower hereby assumes all risks of the acts or omissions
of any beneficiary or transferee with respect to its use of any letter of
credit; provided, however, that this assumption is not intended to, and shall
not, preclude the Borrower's pursuing such rights and remedies as it may have
the beneficiary or transferee at law or under any other agreement.  No Person,
nor any of the respective correspondents, participants or assignee of the Bank
Agent shall be liable or responsible for any of the matters described in clauses
(i) through (vii) of Section 2.4(g) below; however, anything in such clauses to
the contrary notwithstanding, that the Borrower may have a claim against the
Bank Agent, and the Bank Agent may be liable to the Borrower, to the extent, but
only to the extent, of any direct, as opposed to consequential or exemplary,
damages suffered by the Borrower which the Borrower proves were caused by the
Bank Agent's willful misconduct or gross


                                     -19-
<PAGE>



negligence or the Bank Agent's willful failure to pay under any letter of credit
after the presentation to it by the beneficiary of a sight draft and
certificate(s) strictly complying with the terms and conditions of a letter of
credit.  In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing: (i) the Bank
Agent may accept documents that appear on their face to be in order, without
responsibility for investigation; and (ii) the Bank Agent shall not be
responsible for the validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or
assigning or purporting to transfer or assign a letter of credit or the rights
or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove
to be invalid or ineffective for any reason.

            (g) The obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and any
documents related to the issuance of a letter of credit to reimburse the Bank
Agent for a drawing under a letter of credit, and to repay any drawing under a
letter of credit converted into a Revolving Credit Loan, shall be unconditional
and irrevocable, and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement and each such other document executed in connection with any letter of
credit under all circumstances, including the following:

                  (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of this Agreement
or any document related to any letter of credit;

                  (ii)any change in the time, manner or place of payment of,
or in any other term of, all or any of the obligations of the Borrower in
respect of any letter of credit or any other amendment or waiver of or any
consent to or departure from all or any of the documents related to any letter
of credit by any Person;

                  (iii) the existence of any claim, set-off, defense or other
right that the Borrower may have at any time against any beneficiary or any
transferee of any letter of credit (or any Person for whom any such beneficiary
or any other such transfer may be acting), the Bank Agent or any other Person,
whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby
or by the documents related to any letter of credit or any unrelated
transactions;

                  (iv)any draft demand, certificate or other document
presented under any letter of credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid
or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or
inaccurate in any respect; or any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise
of any document required in order to make a drawing under any letter of credit;

                  (v) any payment by the Bank Agent under any letter of credit
against presentation of a draft or certificate that does not strictly comply
with the terms of any letter of credit; or any payment made by the Bank Agent
under any letter of credit to any Person purporting to be a trustee in
bankruptcy, debtor-in-



                                     -20-
<PAGE>


possession, assignee for the benefit of creditors, liquidator, receiver or other
representative of or successor to any beneficiary or any transferee of any 
letter of credit, including any arising in connection with any bankruptcy or 
insolvency proceeding;

                  (vi) any exchange, release or non-perfection of any
collateral, or any release or amendment or waiver of or consent to or departure
from any other guarantee by any Person for all or any of the obligations of the
Borrower in respect of any letter of credit; or

                  (vii)  any other circumstance or happening whatsoever,
whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, including any other circumstance
that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, the
Borrower or a guarantor.

            (h) The Borrower shall pay to the Bank Agent from time to time on
demand the normal issuance, presentation amendment and other processing fees,
and other standard costs and charges, of the Bank Agent relating to letters of
credit as from time to time in effect.

            (i) The Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits as
published by the International Chamber of Commerce ("UCP") most recently at the
time of issuance of any letter of credit shall (unless otherwise expressly
provided in the letters of credit) apply to the letters of credit.

      2.5  EXPIRATION.

            (a) The obligation of the Banks to make Advances pursuant to this
Agreement shall expire on the Termination Date.

            (b) The Obligations (regardless of the stated maturity dates of
the Notes), shall be immediately due and payable on the Termination Date and
upon acceleration of the Obligations pursuant to Article 7 below.

      2.6 FEES.

            (a) FACILITY FEE.  The Borrower agrees to pay to the Bank
Agent a facility fee on the excess of the daily average unused amount of the
Aggregate Commitment over the outstanding principal amount of the Revolving
Credit Loan (including the stated amount of any letters of credit issued by the
Bank Agent for the account of the Borrower), for the period from the date of
this Agreement to but excluding the Termination Date, at a rate equal to
one-quarter of one percent (.25%) per annum through December 31, 1996 and
thereafter at a rate determined based on the following table:



                                     -21-
<PAGE>



                  Test                                     Facility Fee
                  ----                                     ------------

(a)   (1)   Ratio of Borrower's EBITDA
            to Borrower's total interest
            expense greater than 2.00:1

                        and                                       .375%

      (ii)  Ratio of Borrower's Total Debt
            to Borrower's EBITDA less
            than 5.00:1

(b)   (i)   Ratio of Borrower's EBITDA to
            Borrower's total interest
            expense greater than 2.50:1

                        and                                       . 25%

      (ii)  Ratio of Borrower's Total Debt
            to Borrower's EBITDA less
            than 4.00:1

(c)   (i)   Ratio of Borrower's EBITDA
            to Borrower's total interest
            expense greater than 3.00:1

                        and                                       . 25%

      (ii)  Ratio of Borrower's Total Debt
            to Borrower's EBITDA less
            than 3.50:1

(d)   (i)   Ratio of Borrower's EBITDA
            to Borrower's total interest
            expense greater than 3.50:1

                        and                                       .125%

      (ii)  Ratio of Borrower's Total Debt
            to Borrower's EBITDA less
            than 3.00:1

(e)   (i)   Ratio of Borrower's EBITDA
            to Borrower's total interest
            expense greater than 4.00:1

                        and                                       .125%

      (ii)  Ratio of Borrower's Total Debt
            to Borrower's EBITDA less
            than 2.50:1
                  


                                     -22-
<PAGE>



Each Test set forth above shall be computed as of the Computation Date.  As used
herein, "Computation Date" shall mean the last day of the fiscal quarter of the
Borrower immediately preceding the date of determination of the Facility Fee
hereunder.  In the event the Borrower fails to maintain any of the specified
combinations of EBITDA to interest expense and Total Debt to EDITDA set forth
above as of any Computation Date, the Facility Fee shall be 0.50%.  The Facility
Fee shall be computed based on a 360 day year.  The Facility Fee will be
computed quarterly (based on the ratios herein set forth as of the Computation
Date), with such recomputed Facility Fee in effect for three calendar months
beginning on the first day of the third full calendar month after the end of
each Computation Date.  The Facility Fee shall be distributed to the Banks by
the Bank Agent ratably in accordance with the respective Commitments of the
Banks.

            (b) CLOSING FEE.  The Borrower (or DSC) agrees to pay the Bank
Agent a closing fee of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) and the Collateral Agent
a closing fee of One Hundred Twenty Thousand Dollars ($120,000), on the Closing
Date.  The payment of the Closing Fee may be allocated between the Borrower and
DSC, as determined by the Borrower and DSC.

            (c) AUDIT FEES/CUSTOMARY CHARGES.  Borrower shall pay to the
Collateral Agent an audit fee of Thirty Thousand Dollars $30,000) per year (on a
consolidated basis with DSC) payable annually in advance.  The audit fee for the
first year shall be paid upon execution of this Agreement.  The Borrower will
pay the Banks throughout the term of the Loans customary banking charges
applicable to all commercial customers.  The payment of the audit fees may be
allocated between the Borrower and DSC, as may be determined by the Borrower and
DSC.

            (d) LETTER OF CREDIT FEES.  Borrower shall pay to the Banks a
fee determined by multiplying the principal amount of each letter of credit
issued by the Bank Agent for Borrower as account party by the lesser of (i)
1.50% or (ii) the then Applicable Libor Spread.  Each renewal of an outstanding
letter of credit shall be deemed to be an issuance of a letter of credit for
this purpose.

      2.7 REVOLVING CREDIT LOAN ADVANCES AND RATE ELECTIONS.

            (a) The Borrower shall give the Bank Agent notice (a "Borrowing
Notice") in such form as the Bank Agent may require from time to time of its
request for each Advance of the Revolving Credit Loan not later than (i) 12:00
p.m. Dayton time two Business Days prior to the date such Advance is requested
to be made if such Advance is to be made as a Libor Rate Advance, and (ii) by
2:00 p.m. on the Business Day the Advance is requested to be made in all other
cases, which notice shall specify the amount of the requested Advance, the date
of the requested Advance (which shall be a Business Day), whether a Libor Rate
Advance or Prime Rate Based


                                     -23-
<PAGE>



Advance is requested and, in the case of each requested Libor Rate Advance, the
Libor Interest Period to be initially applicable to such Advance.  The Libor
Rate Option shall not be available if the Libor Interest Period sought to be
elected would extend beyond the Termination Date.

          (b) Each Advance shall be in the minimum amount of One Hundred
Thousand Dollars ($100,000) and in multiples of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000)
if in excess thereof.

            (c) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the
proceeds of each such requested Advance shall be made available to the Borrower
by depositing the proceeds thereof, in immediately available funds, in an
account maintained and designated by the Borrower at the principal office of the
Bank.

            (d) The Bank Agent shall immediately provide by facsimile a copy
of the Borrowing Notice to each Bank.  Each Bank, on the date an Advance is to
be made, shall provide to the Bank Agent its pro rata share (based on the
Commitments of the Banks) of such Advance in immediately available funds at the
principal office of the Bank Agent for disbursement to the Borrower.  Unless the
Bank Agent shall have received notice from any Bank prior to the making of such
Advance under this Section 2.5 that such Bank will not make available to the
Bank Agent such Bank's portion of such Advance, the Bank Agent may assume that
such Bank has made such portion available to the Bank Agent on the date such
Advance is requested to be made in accordance with this Section 2.5.  If and to
the extent such Bank shall not have so made such portion available to the Bank
Agent prior to the making of such Advance, the Bank Agent may (but shall not be
obligated to) make such amount available to the Borrower, and such Bank agrees
to pay to the Bank Agent upon demand such amount together with interest thereon,
for each day from the date such amount is made available to the Borrower by the
Bank Agent until the date such amount is repaid to the Bank Agent, at a rate per
annum equal to the opening federal funds rate paid by the Bank Agent in its
regional federal funds market for overnight borrowings from other banks.  If
such Bank shall pay such amount to the Bank Agent together with interest, such
amount so paid shall constitute a part of the related Loan for purposes of this
Agreement.  The failure of any Bank to make its portion of any such Loan
available to the Bank Agent shall not relieve any other Bank of its obligations
to make available its portion of such Advance on the date such Advance is
requested to be made, but no Bank shall be responsible for failure of any other
Bank to make such portion available to the Bank Agent on the date of any such
Advance.

            (e)  All Advances made under this Section 2.6 shall be evidenced
by the Revolving Credit Notes and all such Advances shall be due and payable and
bear interest as provided in the Revolving Credit Notes.  The Bank Agent shall
maintain computerized records


                                     -24-
<PAGE>



reflecting the date, amount and type of each Advance and the duration of the
related Interest Period (if applicable), the amount of each payment or
prepayment of principal thereon, which records shall constitute prima facie
evidence of the information so recorded, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that failure of
the Bank Agent to record, or any error in recording, any such information shall
not relieve the Borrower of its obligation to repay the outstanding principal
amount of the Notes.

            (f) By notice (a "Continuation/Conversion Notice") delivered to
the Bank Agent at or before 12:00 p.m. (Dayton time) on any Business Day, the
Borrower may elect, from time to time on not less than three (3) Business Days'
notice:

                  (i) that all or any portion of any Advances be converted
      from Prime Based Rate Advances into Libor Rate Advances; and

                  (ii)on the expiration of the Interest Period applicable to
      any Libor Rate Advances, that all or any portion of such Advance be
      continued as Libor Rate Advances, or converted into Prime Based Rate
      Advances, as the case may be;

     PROVIDED that no portion of the outstanding principal amount of any
      Advances may be continued as, or be converted into, Libor Rate Advances
      when any Event of Default or Unmatured Default has occurred and is
      continuing.

            (g) No Advance may be made or continued as, or converted into, a
Libor Rate Advance if, after giving effect to such action, the aggregate
principal amount of any Libor Rate Advances having a particular Interest Period
is less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) in the aggregate or not in a
multiple of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000).

            (h) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, any Advance
for which the Libor Rate Option is not effectively elected in accordance with
this Agreement, or for which the Libor Rate Option is otherwise prohibited,
shall be a Prime Based Rate Advance.

            (i)  All Rate Option notices given by the Borrower to the Bank
Agent shall be in writing in the form of the Borrowing Notice or such other form
as the Bank Agent may require from time to time, or a Continuation/Conversion
Notice, in such form as the Bank Agent may require from time to time.

      2.8  TERM LOAN RATE ELECTIONS.

            (a) Interest on the Term Loan shall initially be computed at the
Term Loan Libor Rate.



                                     -25-
<PAGE>



            (b) By Notice (a "Term Loan Continuation/Conversion Notice")
delivered to the Bank Agent at or before 12:00 p.m. (Dayton time) on any
Business Day, the Borrower may elect, from time to time on not less than three
(3) Business Days' notice:

                  (i) that the interest rate applicable to all or a portion of
      the Term Loan be converted from Prime Based Rate to the Term Loan Libor
      Rate or the Fixed Rate; and

                  (ii)on the expiration of the Interest Period applicable in
      the event the Term Loan Libor Rate or the Fixed Rate is applicable, that
      the interest rate continue to be the Term Loan Libor rate or Fixed Rate,
      as the case may be, or be converted to be the Fixed Rate or the Term Loan
      Libor Rate, or the Prime Based Rate as the case may be;

      PROVIDED that the interest rate on the Term Loan may not be continued
      as, or be converted into, the Term Loan Libor Rate or Fixed Rate when any
      Event of Default or Unmatured Default has occurred and is continuing.

            (c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, any Advance
for which neither the Libor Rate Option nor the Fixed Rate Option is effectively
elected in accordance with this Agreement, or for which the Libor Rate Option or
the Fixed Rate Option, whichever is elected, is otherwise prohibited, shall be a
Prime Based Rate Advance.

            (d) The Bank Agent shall maintain computerized records reflecting
the duration of the related Interest Period (if applicable), and the amount of
each payment or prepayment of principal thereon, which records shall constitute
prima facie evidence of the information so recorded, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
failure of the Bank Agent to record, or any error in recording, any such
information shall not relieve the Borrower of its obligation to repay the
outstanding principal amount of the Term Notes.

            (e) The interest rate on the Term Loan may not be made or
continued as, or converted to, the Term Loan Libor Rate if, after giving effect
to such action, the aggregate principal amount of the Term Loan having a
particular Interest Period is less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) in the
aggregate or not in a multiple of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000).

            (f) All Rate Option notices given by the Borrower to the Bank
Agent shall be in writing in the form of the Borrowing Notice or such other form
as the Bank Agent may required from time to time, or a Continuation/Conversion
Notice, in such form as the Bank Agent may require from time to time.

      2.9  HANDLING OF PAYMENTS.



                                     -26-
<PAGE>



            (a) All payments to be made by the Borrower hereunder shall be
made in Dollars and in immediately available funds to the Bank Agent for the
account of the Banks at the Bank Agent's address referred to in Section 10.6 not
later than 2:00 p.m. Dayton time on the date on which such payment shall become
due.  To the extent of availability of funds, all payments will be debited by
the Bank Agent from Borrower's designated account on the due dates.  Payments
received after 2:00 p.m. Dayton time shall be deemed to be payments made prior
to 2:00 p.m. Dayton time on the next succeeding Business Day.

            (b) On the day such payments are deemed received, the Bank Agent
shall remit to the Banks their pro rata shares of such payments in immediately
available funds (based on the relative Commitments of the Banks).  If and to the
extent the Bank Agent shall not remit to any Bank any amount to be remitted
hereunder on the date required, the Bank Agent shall compensate such Bank for
the late remittance at a rate per annum equal to the opening federal funds rate
paid by the Bank in its regional federal funds market for overnight borrowings
from other banks.

            (c) All payments which are available to be applied to the payment
of principal pursuant to any Note shall be applied first to the payment of
principal as to which the Prime Based Rate is applicable, and then, if all
principal as to which the Prime Based Rate is applicable have been paid in full,
to the payment of principal as to which the Libor Rate, the Term Loan Libor
Rate, or the Fixed Rate is applicable.

      2.10 RATE AFTER MATURITY.  Any Obligation not paid at maturity,
whether by acceleration or otherwise, shall bear interest until paid in full at
a rate per annum equal to the Prime Based Rate plus four percent (4%) per annum
(such rate being the "Default Rate").

      2.11 LENDING INSTALLATIONS.  Subject to Section 2.15 hereof, each Bank
may book its loans at any Lending Installation selected by such Bank and may
change its Lending Installation from time to time.  All terms of this Agreement
shall apply to any such Lending Installation and the Notes shall be deemed held
by each Bank for the benefit of such Lending Installation.  Each Bank may, by
written or telex notice to the Borrower, designate a Lending Installation
through which Loans will be made by it and for whose account Loan payments are
to be made.

      2.12EARLY PAYMENT OF LIBOR LOANS.  If any amount as to which a Libor
Rate Option election is in effect is repaid on a day other than the last day of
the applicable Libor Interest Period, or becomes payable on a day other than the
last day of the applicable Libor Interest Period due to acceleration or
otherwise, Borrower shall pay, on demand by the Bank Agent, such amount (as
determined by the Bank) as is required to compensate the Banks for any losses,


                                     -27-
<PAGE>



costs, or expenses which the Banks may reasonably incur as a result of such
payment or acceleration, including, without limitation, any loss, cost, or
expense (including loss of profit) incurred by reason of liquidation or
reemployment of deposits or other funds acquired by the Banks to fund or
maintain such amount bearing interest at a Libor Rate.

      2.13 YIELD PROTECTION.  If any law or any governmental rule,
regulation, policy, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of
law), or any interpretation thereof, or compliance by any Bank therewith,

            (a)   subjects any Bank to any tax, duty, charge or withholding on
      or from payments due from the Borrower (excluding taxation of or measured
      by the overall net income of such Bank), or changes the basis of taxation
      of payments to any Bank in respect of its Loans or other amounts due it
      hereunder, or

            (b)   imposes or increases or deems applicable any reserve,
      assessment, insurance charge, special deposit or similar requirement
      against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended
      by, any Bank (other than reserves and assessments taken into account in
      determining the interest rate applicable to Libor Rate Advances), or

            (c)   imposes any other condition the result of which is to
      increase the cost to any Bank of making, funding or maintaining loans or
      reduces any amount receivable by any Bank in connection with loans, or
      requires such Bank to make any payment calculated by reference to the
      amount of loans held or interest received by it, by an amount deemed
      material by the Banks, or

            (d)   affects the amount of capital required or expected to be
      maintained by any Bank or any corporation controlling any Bank and the
      Banks determines the amount of capital required is increased by or based
      upon the existence of this Agreement or their obligation to make Loans
      hereunder or of commitments of this type,

then, within 15 days of written demand by the Bank in question, the Borrower
shall pay such Bank that portion of such increased expense incurred (including,
in the case of Section 2.11(d), any reduction in the rate of return on capital
to an amount below that which it could have achieved but for such changes in
regulation after taking into account such Bank's policies as to capital
adequacy) or reduction in an amount received which such Bank determines is
attributable to making, funding and maintaining the Loan in question and its
Commitment.



                                     -28-
<PAGE>



      2.14 AVAILABILITY OF RATE OPTIONS.  If any Bank determines that
maintenance of its Libor Rate at a suitable Lending Installation would violate
any applicable law, rule, regulation, or directive, whether or not having the
force of law, or if the Bank determines that a Rate Option does not accurately
reflect the cost of making or maintaining Loans bearing interest at such Rate
Option, then the Bank Agent shall suspend the availability of the affected Rate
Option.

      2.15 MITIGATION.  (a) At any time that any of its Libor Rate Loans are
affected by the circumstances described in Section 2.12 or Section 2.13, the
Borrower shall either (i) if the affected Libor Rate Loans are to be made
pursuant to an Advance, withdraw the related Borrowing Notice by giving the Bank
Agent written notice thereof on the same date that the Borrower was notified by
a Bank Agent pursuant to Section 2.12 or 2.13, before such Bank's match funds,
or (ii) if the affected Libor Rate Loan or Loans are then outstanding, reborrow
each Libor Rate Loan so affected (after the maturity thereof) as a Prime Rate
Loan or a Fixed Rate Loan.

            (b)     Promptly after giving notice to the Borrower pursuant to
Section 2.12 or Section 2.13, any Bank giving such notice will upon the written
request of Borrower specifying an alternate Lending Installation, use its
reasonable efforts to designate such Lending Installations as the office from
which any of its Loans bearing interest in accordance with such Rate Option will
be made after such designation if such designation will avoid the need for, or
reduce the amount of, any payment to which such Bank would otherwise be entitled
pursuant to Section 2.11 and will not, in the sole discretion of such Bank, be
otherwise disadvantageous to such Bank.

      2.16 BANK CERTIFICATES; SURVIVAL OF INDEMNITY.  The Bank Agent shall
deliver to the Borrower a certificate of the Banks as to the amount due under
Sections 2.11, 2.12, and/or 2.13 which certificate shall be prepared in good
faith, show in reasonable detail the basis of its calculations and shall be
final, conclusive and binding on the Borrower in the absence of manifest error.
Unless otherwise provided herein, the amount specified in the certificate shall
be payable on demand after receipt by the Borrower of the certificate.  The
obligations of the Borrower under Sections 2.11, 2.12, and 2.13 shall survive
payment of the Obligations and termination of this Agreement.

      2.17 BASIC CONDITIONS TO EACH ADVANCE.  The following conditions
precedent must be satisfied on each Borrowing Date in order for an Advance to be
made:

            (a)   There exists no Event of Default or Unmatured Default;



                                     -29-
<PAGE>



            (b)   The representations and warranties contained in Article 4
      are true and correct as of such Borrowing Date except for changes in the
      Exhibits hereto reflecting transactions permitted by this Agreement; and

            (c)   The Borrower has furnished the Bank Agent with a duly
      completed Borrowing Notice.

      The making of each Advance shall constitute a representation and warranty
by the Borrower that the conditions contained in Article 8 and this Section 2.17
have been satisfied.


                                  ARTICLE 3

                                 COLLATERAL

      In order to secure the repayment of the Obligations, Borrower shall
execute and deliver, and/or cause to be executed and delivered, the following
(the "Security Documents"):

      3.1 The Amended and Restated Security Agreement in the form attached
hereto as EXHIBIT 3.1, which shall grant, subject only to Permitted Liens,
the Collateral Agent a first and only security interest, on all of the
Borrower's Accounts, Inventory, Equipment, General Intangibles, Intellectual
Property, Deposit Accounts, Proceeds, Books and Records, and other property
defined as Collateral in the Amended and Restated Security Agreement.

      3.2 Landlord's Waivers in the form attached as EXHIBIT 3.2.

      3.3 Open-End Mortgage, Assignment of Rents and Leases, and Security
Agreement in the form attached hereto as EXHIBIT 3.3, which shall grant the
Collateral Agent a first and only mortgage lien, subject to Permitted
Encumbrances, on the Mortgaged Property and the other property described
therein.

      3.4 Environmental Compliance and Indemnification Agreement attached
hereto as EXHIBIT 3.4 relating to the property described therein.

      3.5  The Stock Pledge Agreements attached hereto as EXHIBIT 3.5
relating to the Dur-O-Wal Limited shares described therein.

      3.6  The Negative Pledge Agreement in the form attached hereto as
EXHIBIT 3.6.

      3.7 The Guarantees executed by DSC in favor of the Banks in the form
attached hereto as EXHIBIT 3.7.

      3.8 Such UCC financing statements and other documents as may be
determined by the Collateral Agent to be necessary or desirable


                                     -30-
<PAGE>



to grant and perfect a first priority security interest in the Collateral and
the property described in the Mortgages, and such other documents and agreements
as may be requested by any Bank in connection with the documents listed in
Section 3.1 through 3.5.

      3.9 If requested by the Bank Agent, a Lock Box Agreement in the form
prescribed by the Bank Agent.

      3.10The Borrower shall have ninety (90) days from the date of this
Agreement within which to obtain and to deliver to the Banks, the Landlord
Waivers referred to in Section 3.2 above.


                                  ARTICLE 4

                       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

      To induce the Banks to make the Loan, the Borrower hereby represents
and warrants to the Banks as follows:

      4.1  GOOD STANDING.  The Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries (i) is
a corporation duly organized, existing, and in good standing under the laws of
the state or other jurisdiction of their incorporation, and (ii) has the power
to own its property and to carry on its business and is qualified to do business
and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the character of its
properties owned by it or the transaction of its business makes such
qualification necessary.

      4.2  AUTHORITY.  The Borrower has full power and authority to enter
into this Agreement, to make the borrowing hereunder, to execute and deliver the
Notes and the Security Documents, and to perform and comply with the terms and
conditions, set forth herein and therein, all of which have been duly authorized
by all proper and necessary corporate action of the Borrower.  No consent or
approval of the shareholders of the Borrower or of any governmental authority is
required as a condition to the validity of this Loan Agreement, the Notes, or
the Security Documents.

      4.3  SUBSIDIARIES.  Each Subsidiary of Borrower is set forth on
EXHIBIT 4.3 which exhibit sets forth the Subsidiary(s) (i) full corporate
name, (ii) the state or other jurisdiction of incorporation, and (iii) the
ownership of such entity, by number of shares and percentage of ownership.  Each
Subsidiary (i) is a corporation duly organized, existing, and in good standing
under the laws of the states set forth on EXHIBIT 4.3, and (ii) has the
power to own its property and to carry on its business and is qualified to do
business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the character of
its properties or the transaction of its business makes such qualification
necessary.



                                     -31-
<PAGE>



      4.4  BINDING AGREEMENT.  This Agreement constitutes, and the Notes and
the Security Documents constitute or will constitute when issued and delivered
for value received, the valid and legally binding obligations of the Borrower
enforceable in accordance with their respective terms, subject to bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization and other similar laws affecting creditors' rights
generally and general equitable principles.

      4.5  LITIGATION.  Except as set forth on EXHIBIT 4.5, there are no
proceedings pending or, so far as any person signing below on behalf of the
Borrower knows, threatened before any court or administrative agency which would
reasonably be expected, if concluded adversely to Borrower or any Subsidiary,
result in a Material Adverse Effect, nor, so far as any person signing below on
behalf of Borrower knows, is any investigation pending that could lead to any
such proceedings, nor does any basis for any proceeding exist.

      4.6  NO CONFLICTING AGREEMENTS.  There are no provisions of the
Borrower's Articles of Incorporation or Code of Regulations and no provisions of
any existing mortgage, deed of trust, indenture, contract, lease, or agreement
binding on the Borrower or affecting its property which would conflict with or
in any way prevent the execution, delivery, or carrying out of the terms of this
Loan Agreement, the Notes, and the Security Documents.

      4.7  FINANCIAL CONDITION.  The Borrower's consolidated financial
statements, copies of which are attached hereto as EXHIBIT 4.7, were
prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and are complete and
correct and fairly and accurately present the financial condition of the
Borrower, and its consolidated Subsidiaries, as of their date and the results of
its operations for the period then ended.  There has been no Material Adverse
Effect since the date of such financial statements.

      4.8  INFORMATION.  All information contained in any financial
statement, application, schedule, report, certificate, opinion, or any other
document given by the Borrower with any of the Security Documents is in all
material respects true and accurate, and the Borrower has not omitted to state
any material fact or any fact necessary to make such information not misleading.

      4.9  ASSETS AND PROPERTIES.  Upon the execution of the Loan Agreement,
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries will have good and marketable title or legal
and equitable ownership to all of its assets and properties and there will be no
Liens outstanding against any of the assets and properties except Liens in favor
of the Collateral Agent and Permitted Liens.

      4.10 TAXES.  All taxes imposed upon the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
and their properties, operations, and income have been paid and discharged prior
to the date when any interest or penalty


                                     -32-
<PAGE>



would accrue for the nonpayment thereof except for those taxes being contested
in good faith and by appropriate proceedings by the Borrower, or the
Subsidiaries, as the case may be.

      4.11 ERISA.  Any Plan established and maintained by the Borrower and
any Subsidiary is a qualifying plan under the applicable requirements of ERISA,
and there is no current matter which would materially adversely affect the
qualified tax-exempt status of any Plan; the Borrower has not engaged in or is
engaging in any Prohibited Transaction or has incurred any Accumulated Funding
Deficiency in connection with any such Plan, whether or not waived, and no
Reportable Event has occurred with respect to any Plan subject to the minimum
funding requirements of Section 412 of the Code, no Multiemployer Plan has
"terminated," as that term is defined in ERISA; (except with respect to the
withdrawal from the National Industrial Group Pension Plan No. 00742 as to which
there is no withdrawal liability) the Borrower has not "withdrawn" or "partially
withdrawn" from any Multiemployer Plan; and no Multiemployer Plan is in
"reorganization" nor has notice been received from the administrator of any
Multiemployer Plan that any such Plan will be placed in "reorganization."

      4.12 NAMES OF BORROWER.  During the period commencing five (5) years
prior to the date of this Agreement the Borrower has not done business under any
name other than the name of the Borrower set forth in this Agreement.

      4.13 MARGIN STOCK.  The Borrower does not own and has no present
intention of acquiring any "margin stock" within the meaning of Regulation U.
None of the proceeds of the Loan will be used, directly or indirectly, by the
Borrower for the purpose of purchasing or carrying, or for the purpose of
reducing or retiring any indebtedness which was originally incurred to purchase
or carry, any margin stock or for any other purpose which might constitute the
transactions contemplated hereby a "purpose credit" within the meaning of
Regulation U, or cause this Agreement to violate any other regulation of the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 or the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, as amended, or any rules
or regulations promulgated under any such statutes.

      4.14 TRADEMARKS, ETC.  The Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries
possesses all trademarks, trade names, brand names, copyrights, licenses, or
rights in any thereof, necessary to the conduct of its business as now
conducted, without conflict with the rights or claimed rights of others, except
where the failure to do so would not result in a Material Adverse Effect.

      4.15VIOLATION OF LAWS, ETC.  Neither the consummation of the Loan
nor the use, directly or indirectly, of all or any portion of the proceeds of
the Loan hereunder, nor (except where the failure to do so would not result in a
Material Adverse Effect) the present


                                     -33-
<PAGE>



or contemplated future operation of the business of Borrower, violates or will
violate or result in a violation of any provision of any applicable statute,
regulation or order of, or any restriction imposed by the United States of
America, any state thereof in which Borrower does business or owns property, or
any authorized official, board, department, instrumentality, or agency hereof
without limiting the generality of the foregoing.


                                  ARTICLE 5

                             AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

      The Borrower covenants and agrees that from the date of execution of
this Agreement until all Obligations of the Borrower to the Banks under this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents have been fully paid it will (and, with
respect to Sections 5.2, 5.11, 5.12, 5.13, and 5.19 will cause its Subsidiaries
to):

      5.1  USE OF LOAN PROCEEDS.  Use the proceeds of the Loans for the
repayment of the Senior Notes and, in the case of the Revolving Credit Loan, (i)
acquisitions as contemplated by Sections 6.8 and 6.9, (ii) capital expenditures
permitted by Section 6.10, and (iii) for short term working capital.

      5.2  BOOKS, RECORDS AND INSPECTIONS.  Maintain proper books of account
and other records and enter therein complete and accurate entries and records of
all of its transactions in accordance with GAAP, and give representatives of the
Banks access thereto at all reasonable times, including permission to examine,
copy and make abstracts from any of such books and records and such other
information which might be helpful to the Banks in evaluating the status of the
Loans as it may from time to time request and the Borrower will make available
to the Banks for examination copies of any reports, statements or returns which
the Borrower may make to or file with any governmental department, bureau or
agency, federal or state.

      5.3  ANNUAL FINANCIALS.  Furnish to the Banks as soon as available but
in no event later than ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the
Borrower, the consolidated and consolidating financial statements of the
Borrower, including balance sheet, statement of income, statement of shareholder
equity and statement of cash flow, for such fiscal year in comparative form with
the prior year, fully certified by independent certified public accountants
satisfactory to the Banks and containing the opinion of such independent
certified public accountants subject only to qualifications satisfactory to the
Banks.  Such financial statements shall be accompanied by the accountants'
statement that no Event of Default, nor any Unmatured Default, exists hereunder,
or, if an Event of Default or Unmatured Default exists, specifying the Event of
Default or Unmatured Default.


                                     -34-
<PAGE>



      5.4  INTERIM FINANCIALS.  Furnish to the Banks as soon as available
but in no event more than thirty (30) days after the end of each calendar month
(except the last month of each fiscal year), financial statements, on a
consolidated basis, of the Borrower, including balance sheet, statement of
income, statement of shareholder equity and statement of cash flow, for such
period and year to date in comparative form with the year earlier periods,
prepared and certified by the chief financial officer of the Borrower.

      5.5  ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND INVENTORY SCHEDULES.  Furnish the Banks,
by the 15th of each month (or if such day is not a Business Day, on the next
Business Day), a statement of accounts receivable, as of the end of the prior
month, of the Borrower in such detail as the Banks may reasonably request,
attested by an officer of the Borrower.  On each such statement, accounts
receivable will be broken down into 30-day, 60-day and 90-day categories.  In
addition, the Borrower shall furnish the Banks with monthly inventory balances
which report shall be in form and substance satisfactory to the Banks.

      5.6  FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS.  No later than sixty (60) days after the
end of each fiscal year, deliver to the Banks income statement financial
projections, in form and substance satisfactory to the Banks, for Borrower's
following fiscal year.  No later than ninety (90) days after the end of each
fiscal year deliver to the Banks balance sheet and statement of cash flow
financial projections in form and substance satisfactory to the Banks, for
Borrower's following fiscal year.  All such financial projections shall be
prepared on a consolidated and consolidating basis.

      5.7  PUBLIC FILINGS.  Copies of all documents filed by the Company
with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") pursuant to the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 shall be delivered to the Banks promptly after filing with
the SEC.

      5.8  OTHER INFORMATION.  Furnish to the Banks, promptly from time to
time, such information concerning the operations, business, affairs, and
financial condition of the Borrower as the Bank may reasonably request.

      5.9  LITIGATION.  Promptly upon the commencement thereof, provide the
Banks with written notice of any litigation, including arbitrations, and of any
proceedings before any governmental agency, involving Borrower or any Affiliate,
where the amount exceeds Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) or causes
the aggregate of all such claims to exceed Six Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand
Dollars ($625,000), to the extent not acknowledged in writing by the insurance
carrier to be fully covered by insurance.  Notify the Banks of any litigation
threatened against the Borrower or any Affiliate that would have a Material
Adverse Effect and of the entry of any judgment or lien, other than a Permitted
Lien,


                                     -35-
<PAGE>



against any of the assets or properties of Borrower or any Affiliate.

      5.10 PRESERVATION OF PROPERTIES.  At all times (a) maintain its
properties, whether owned or leased, in good operating condition, and from time
to time will make all proper repairs, renewals, replacements, additions, and
improvements thereto needed to maintain such properties in good operating
condition, (b) comply (i) with the provisions of all leases to which it is a
party or under which it occupies property so as to prevent any loss or
forfeiture thereof or thereunder, and (ii) as more fully set forth in Section
5.13 below, comply with all laws, rules, regulations, and orders applicable to
the properties or any part thereof; provided, however, that nothing contained in
this Section shall require the making of any repair, renewal, replacement,
addition, or improvement to a particular property or the continued maintenance
of any property which would not be required in the exercise of sound business
judgment.

      5.11 INSURANCE.  At all times maintain with well-rated and responsible
insurance companies reasonably satisfactory to the Banks such insurance as is
required by applicable laws and such other insurance in such amounts, of such
types, and against such risks, hazards, liabilities, casualties, and
contingencies as is customarily maintained by companies similarly situated, and
(b) file with the Banks upon request a detailed list of the insurance then in
effect and stating the names of the insurance companies, the types, the amounts,
and rates of the insurance, dates of the expiration thereof and the properties
and risks covered thereby, and, within thirty (30) days after notice in writing
from the Banks, obtain such additional insurance as the Banks may reasonably
request.  All insurance shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the
Banks.  The Banks shall be named as an Additional Insured on all liability
insurance policies and the Collateral Agent named as a loss payee and secured
creditor, pursuant to a lender loss payable endorsement, on all property
insurance maintained by Borrower to the extent of the Banks' interest in such
property.

      5.12 TAXES.  Except to the extent that the validity or amount thereof
is being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, the Borrower
will pay and discharge all taxes prior to the date when any interest or penalty
would accrue for the nonpayment thereof.

      5.13MAINTAIN EXISTENCE.  At all times maintain in full force and
effect its corporate existence, rights, privileges, and franchises and will
qualify and remain qualified in all jurisdictions where qualification is
required.

      The Borrower shall be entitled to physically relocate to a new
jurisdiction provided: (i) the Borrower gives thirty (30) days advance written
notification to the Banks; (ii) the Borrower


                                     -36-
<PAGE>



qualifies to do business in such jurisdiction; (iii) the Banks have a first
perfected security interest in the Collateral in such jurisdiction; and (iv) the
Borrower pays all expenses, fees, taxes, and other costs which the Banks incur
in perfecting their security interests in such jurisdiction.

      5.14COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.  At all times comply with all applicable
federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations, and orders of any court
or other governmental authority having jurisdiction over Borrower, its business
or property except when the failure to do so would not result in a Material
Adverse Effect.

      5.15NET WORTH.  The Borrower shall have and maintain a minimum
consolidated Net Worth as follows:

            (a)   From the date of this Agreement through December 30, 1996,
Forty Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($42,500,000);

            (b)   From December 31, 1996 through December 30, 1997, Forty Six
Million Dollars ($46,000,000);

            (c)   From December 31, 1997 through December 30, 1998, Forty Nine
Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($49,500,000);

            (d)   From December 31, 1998 and thereafter, Fifty Three Million
Dollars ($53,000,000).

The Borrower's Net Worth shall be tested each fiscal quarter in arrears.

      5.16 TANGIBLE NET WORTH.  The Borrower's consolidated negative
Tangible Net Worth shall not exceed Twelve Million Dollars ($12,000,000).  The
Borrower's Tangible Net Worth shall be tested each fiscal quarter in arrears.

      5.17 SCHEDULE OF SALARIES.  On an annual basis, the Borrower shall
furnish the Banks with a detailed statement of the salaries, and other
compensation, for each official position occupied by its officers.  The Borrower
shall be entitled to make normal and customary increases to its officers'
compensation provided the Borrower is in full compliance with the terms of this
Agreement, including, without limitation, all affirmative and negative covenants
contained herein.

      5.18 COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE.  Furnish the Banks with the items
furnished to the Banks pursuant to Sections 5.3 and 5.4, above, and in no event
less frequently than monthly, a duly executed Compliance Certificate.

      5.19 CHECKING ACCOUNT.  Borrower will maintain its checking account
and lock box with Bank Agent (or an affiliate).


                                     -37-
<PAGE>



      5.20 ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE AND DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS.  Borrower,
and its Subsidiaries, will complete, execute, and deliver to the Collateral
Agent an Environmental Questionnaire and Disclosure form ("EQD") as requested by
the Collateral Agent.  The EQD shall be satisfactorily completed and delivered
to the Collateral Agent within ninety (90) days of the execution of this
Agreement.

      5.21 ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTS.  Borrower will deliver Phase I
Environmental Reports (in form and substance satisfactory to the Banks) to the
Banks with respect to the Mortgaged Properties within forty-five (45) days of
the execution of this Agreement.

      5.22 FURTHER ASSURANCES.  Upon the request of the Banks, the Borrower
shall duly execute and deliver to the Banks such further instruments and do and
cause to be done such further acts as may be necessary or proper in the
reasonable opinion of the Banks to carry out more effectively the provisions and
purposes of this Agreement.


                                  ARTICLE 6

                             NEGATIVE COVENANTS

      The Borrower covenants and agrees that from the date of execution of
this Agreement until all Obligations of the Borrower to the Banks under this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents have been fully paid Borrower, and
Borrower's Subsidiaries, will not, without the prior written consent of the
Banks:

      6.1 DEBT.  Incur any Debt other than:  (a) the Loans and any
subsequent Debt to the Banks; (b) open account obligations incurred in the
ordinary course of business having maturities of less than ninety (90) days; (c)
rental and lease payments as permitted by Section 6.2; (d) replacements and
refinancings of the foregoing provided the principal amount of Debt so replaced
or refinanced is not increased; (e) the Debt identified in EXHIBIT 6.1; and
(f) other indebtedness approved in writing by the Banks.

      6.2 LEASE OBLIGATIONS.  Enter into any rental or lease agreement for
real or personal property whereby Borrower's lease obligations for any fiscal
year would exceed Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000), in the aggregate on a
consolidated basis with DSC, for all such obligations.

      6.3  LIENS.  Create, assume or permit to exist any Lien upon any
assets now owned or hereafter acquired by Borrower or enter into any arrangement
for the acquisition of property subject to any conditional sales agreement,
except for Permitted Liens.

      6.4 GUARANTIES.  Become a guarantor or surety of, or otherwise
become or be responsible in any manner (whether by


                                     -38-
<PAGE>



agreement to purchase any obligations, stock, assets, goods, or services or
otherwise) with respect to, any undertaking of any other Person, other than with
respect to the obligations of DSC to the Banks.  Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the Borrower shall be entitled to guarantee mortgage loans for employees (not to
exceed Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) in the aggregate) on a
short-term basis, which are necessary in order to relocate Borrower's employees.

      6.5 AMENDMENTS TO ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS.  Amend or change its
Articles of Incorporation or Code of Regulations, recapitalize or otherwise
change or adjust its capital stock.

      6.6 ERISA COMPLIANCE.  Restate or amend any Plan established and
maintained by the Borrower in a manner designed to disqualify such Plan under
the applicable requirements of the Code; permit officers of the Borrower to
materially adversely affect the qualified tax-exempt status of any Plan of the
Borrower; engage in any Accumulated Funding Deficiency, whether or not waived in
connection with any Plan; take any action or fail to take any action which
causes a termination of any Plan in a manner which could result in the
imposition of a lien on the property of the Borrower pursuant to Section 4068 of
ERISA; fail to notify the Banks that notice has been received of a termination
of any Multiemployer Plan to which the Borrower has an obligation to contribute;
incur a complete or partial withdrawal from any Multiemployer Plan to which the
Borrower has an obligation to contribute; or fail to notify the Bank that notice
has been received from the administrator of any Multiemployer Plan to which the
Borrower has an obligation to contribute that any such plan will be placed in
"reorganization."

      6.7 PURCHASE OR REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES - DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS.
Purchase or redeem any shares of its capital stock, declare or pay any dividends
thereon (other than stock dividends), make any distribution to shareholders, or
set aside any funds for any such purpose, and not prepay, purchase, or redeem
any indebtedness of the Borrower other than the Loans.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Borrower shall be entitled to declare and pay dividends, in the
ordinary course of business, to DSC.

      6.8 PROHIBITED INVESTMENTS.  Except as otherwise provided below,
purchase or hold beneficially any stock, other securities or evidences of
indebtedness of, make any loans or advances to, or make any investment or
acquire any interest whatsoever in, any other Person, firm, corporation, trust,
association or other entity, except for short term investments of excess working
capital invested in one or more of the following:  (a) investments (of one year
or less) in direct or guaranteed obligations of the United States, or any
agencies thereof; (b) investments in certificates of deposit, repurchase
agreements, Eurodollar deposits and banker's acceptances from commercial banks
having combined capital and


                                     -39-
<PAGE>



surplus greater than One Hundred Million Dollars ($100,000,000) and having a
long-term certificate of deposit rating of either A2 by Moody's or A by Standard
and Poor's or higher; (c) investments in commercial paper and short-term taxable
or tax-exempt instruments, including debt of any state or any political
subdivision, assigned either of the two highest ratings by Moody's and Standard
& Poor's and maturing within one year; (d) long-term instruments assigned either
of the two highest ratings by Moody's or Standard & Poor's, and having either
"put" or rate reset features recurring no less often than annually; and (e)
investments approved in writing from time to time by the Bank prior to the
making thereof.

      The Borrower shall be entitled to purchase or own stock and other
securities of, and make loans to any Subsidiary of the Borrower, provided such
Subsidiary joins in the execution of the Loan Documents and provided further
that the Bank obtain a first perfected security interest in such Subsidiary's
Accounts, Inventory, Equipment, General Intangibles, Intellectual Property,
Deposit Accounts, and other property defined in the Amended and Restated
Security Agreement attached hereto as EXHIBIT 3.1.  Further, the Borrower
shall be entitled to make investments in joint ventures (whether such joint
ventures be structured as partnerships or corporations), in the same primary
line of business or an allied product line of the Borrower in an amount not to
exceed Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) in the aggregate (all as determined on a
consolidated basis with DSC), provided the joint venture entity joins in the
execution of the Loan Documents and provided further that the Bank obtain a
first perfected security interest in the joint venture entity's Accounts,
Inventory, Deposit Accounts, and other property defined in the Security
Agreement attached hereto as EXHIBIT 3.1.

      6.9 MERGERS, SALE OF ASSETS, DISSOLUTION, ETC.

            (a)   Enter into any transaction of merger or consolidation, or
transfer, sell, assign, lease, or otherwise dispose of (other than sales of
finished products in the ordinary course of business) all or a substantial part
of its properties or assets, or any of its assets or properties necessary for
the proper conduct of its business, or any stock or other equity interest in
Dur-O-Wal, Inc., or wind up, liquidate or dissolve, or agree to do any of the
foregoing.

            (b)   Except as otherwise provided, Borrower shall not engage in
any acquisitive corporate transaction, whether such transaction is structured as
a purchase of assets, a purchase of stock, or statutory merger, without the
prior written consent of the Banks.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower
shall be permitted to engage in acquisitive transactions, in its same primary
line of business or an allied product line, not exceeding in the aggregate an
amount equal to 5% of Borrower's Net Worth without the prior consent of the
Banks.  In the event the Borrower


                                     -40-
<PAGE>



makes any such acquisition the Banks shall be entitled to a first perfected
security interest in the Accounts, Inventory, Equipment, General Intangibles,
Intellectual Property, Deposit Accounts, Proceeds, and Books and Records, and
other property defined in the Amended and Restated Security Agreement attached
hereto as EXHIBIT 3.1, of the entity acquired.  In no event shall the
Borrower undertake any such acquisition of the stock or substantially all of the
assets of another entity unless a majority of the Board of Directors of the
selling entity have approved the transaction in writing.

      6.10CAPITAL EXPENDITURES.

           (a)     Make capital expenditures in any fiscal year in excess of
three percent (3%) of gross sales for that fiscal year; provided, that if actual
capital expenditures in any fiscal year are less than the capital expenditures
permitted hereby, the difference between permitted capital expenditures
(including any carry forward from any previous year) and actual capital
expenditures may be carried forward and utilized in any subsequent fiscal year;
provided further that Borrower is in full compliance with this Agreement and
that after giving pro forma effect to such capital expenditure Borrower would
continue to be in full compliance with this Agreement.

         (b)     Sale-leaseback transactions and acquisitions permitted
under Section 6.9 shall not constitute capital expenditures for purposes of this
Section 6.10.

      6.11EMPLOYEE LOANS.  Make any loans to any officer, director, or
other employee of the Borrower in excess of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars
($250,000) in the aggregate.

      6.12RATIO OF EBITDA TO CURRENT OBLIGATIONS. The Borrower shall not
permit the ratio of Borrower's "EBITDA" to Borrower's "current obligations" to
be less than:

           (a)  2.00:1 through 12/30/96;

           (b)  2.50:1 beginning 12/31/96 and continuing through 12/30/97;

           (c)  3.00:1 beginning 12/31/97 and continuing through the
Termination Date.

      "Current obligations" shall mean, with respect to each three month period
(as provided below), the sum of (a) except as otherwise provided below, the
portion of Borrower's Long-Term Debt maturing less than one (1) year after the
date of determination; (b) interest expense; and (c) Capitalized Lease payments
accrued during the period.  During the third year of the Loans, the Loans shall
not be considered as having a maturity of less than one (1)


                                     -41-
<PAGE>



year, unless there exists an Event of Default or an Unmatured Default.  The
interest expense component for the first year of this Agreement shall be
computed by annualizing the interest expense on the Borrower's new senior debt
as provided by this Agreement.  The one-time charge associated with the
retirement of Borrower's Senior Notes shall be excluded from the computation of
"current obligations."

      This covenant shall be tested quarterly, in arrears, at the expiration of
each fiscal quarter of the Borrower, for the twelve (12) month period ending
with and including the immediately preceding quarter.  Until July 1, 1997, the
calculation shall be on an annualized basis based only on the months and/or
quarters elapsed during the term of the Loan.

      6.13 TOTAL DEBT TO EBITDA.  The Borrower shall not permit the ratio of
Borrower's Debt to Borrower's "EBITDA" to exceed the following:

            (a)    5.0:1 from the date of this Agreement through December 30,
1996;

            (b)   4.25:1 beginning December 31, 1996 and continuing through
December 30, 1997; and

            (c)   3.5:1 beginning December 31, 1997 and continuing through the
Termination Date.

      This covenant shall be tested quarterly, in arrears, at the expiration of
each fiscal quarter of the Borrower, for the twelve (12) month period ending
with and including the immediately preceding quarter.

      6.14COMPROMISE OF RECEIVABLES.  Except for normal trade discounts
allowed by Borrower in the normal course of business, and accounts receivable
which are over ninety (90) days old from the original invoice date (in which
event the Borrower, in the exercise of its sound business discretion, may adjust
or compromise such accounts receivable as Borrower deems necessary), Borrower
shall not, without the prior consent of the Banks in each instance, except in
the ordinary course of Business, on a case by case basis, compromise or adjust
any of the accounts receivable (or extend the time for payment thereof) or
provide any additional discounts, allowances or credit thereon.  Notwithstanding
the foregoing, in the event any compromise or adjustment to an account
receivable results in the outstanding Loan to be greater than the amount of
permissible advances set forth in Section 2.1 above, the foregoing shall result
in an "overadvance" which shall be immediately paid by Borrower to the Banks.

      6.15USE OF LOANS.  The Borrower does not extend or maintain, in the
ordinary course of business, credit for the purpose, whether


                                     -42-
<PAGE>



immediate, incidental, or ultimate, of buying or carrying margin stock (within
the meaning of Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System), and no part of the proceeds of any Loan will be used for the purpose,
whether immediate, incidental, or ultimate, of buying or carrying any such
margin stock or maintaining or extending credit to others for such purpose.

      6.16 MANAGEMENT FEES.  Pay any management or similar fees to any
Affiliate, other than a management fee to DSC not to exceed One Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($100,000) per year.

      6.17  INTERCOMPANY ADVANCES.  The maximum amount of intercompany
obligations owed by all Subsidiaries to the Borrower (on a consolidated basis)
shall not exceed One Million Dollars ($1,000,000).

      6.18  CONSOLIDATED WORKING CAPITAL.  The Borrower shall not permit
its Consolidated Current Assets to be less than its Consolidated Current
Liabilities at any time prior to December 31, 1997, or less than 120% of its
Consolidated Current Liabilities at any time thereafter.


                                  ARTICLE 7

                         EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES

      7.1  EVENTS OF DEFAULT.  The occurrence of any one or more of the
following events for any reason whatsoever (and whether such occurrence be
voluntary or involuntary or come about or be effected by operation of law or
pursuant to or in compliance with any judgment, decree or order of any court or
any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body) shall
constitute an Event of Default:

            (a)   the non-payment of any principal, interest or other amount
payable under the Notes or any of the other Loan Documents when due, whether by
acceleration or otherwise;

            (b)   the occurrence of any Event of Default as set forth in the
Guarantees executed contemporaneously with this Agreement by DSC in favor of the
Banks;

            (c)   the default in the due observance of any affirmative
covenant, negative covenant or agreement to be kept and performed by the
Borrower under the terms of this Agreement (provided however, that so long as
Borrower notifies the Banks in writing of any such default immediately after
Borrower or any of its agents knew or should have known of the existence of such
default, and provided that the default in question is determined by the Banks to
be reasonably susceptible of being cured, and provided that Borrower immediately
upon giving such notice commences such


                                     -43-
<PAGE>



cure and thereafter diligently pursues said cure to completion; Borrower shall
have a period of thirty (30) days after such notice to the Banks to cure such
default before such default becomes an Event of Default under this Section
7.1(c); provided further that, notwithstanding the foregoing, if the default
hereunder is related to a matter for which a grace period is established by law,
agreement or otherwise, any grace period hereunder shall in no event extend
beyond any applicable grace period established by such law, agreement or
otherwise);

            (d)   any representation or warranty made by the Borrower in this
Agreement or in the other Loan Documents shall be false or erroneous in any
respect or any breach thereof shall have been committed;

            (e)   the occurrence of a default by Borrower, or any Affiliate,
under any other obligation to the Banks, or any affiliate of the Banks, which
extends beyond any applicable grace or cure period, including, without
limitation, the occurrence of any Event of Default under the DSC Loan Agreement;
provided that no Event of Default shall be deemed to have occurred under this
Section 7.1(e) by reason of a default under Section 7.1(k) of the DSC Loan
Agreement unless the event which caused the default under Section 7.1(k) of the
DSC Loan Agreement also causes an Event of Default under Section 7.1(k) of this
Agreement.

            (f)   the occurrence of any Event of Default under the other Loan
Documents;

           (g)     (i)       the validity or effectiveness of any Loan
Document or its transfer, grant, pledge, mortgage or assignment by the Borrower
or DSC to the Banks or the Collateral Agent is materially impaired;

                   (ii)      the Borrower or DSC asserts that any Loan
Document is not a legal, valid or binding obligation of the party thereto (other
than the Banks) enforceable in accordance with its terms; or

                   (iii)     the security interest or lien purported to be
created by any of the Loan Documents will for any reason cease to be, or be
asserted by the Borrower or DSC not to be, a valid perfected lien with the
respect to more than a de minimis portion of the Collateral.

            (h)   the commencement of any foreclosure proceedings, proceedings
in aid of execution, attachment actions, levies against, or the filing by any
taxing authority of a lien (except any such tax lien currently being diligently
contested in good faith by proceedings for which the Borrower has set aside
adequate reserves with respect thereto and for which no foreclosure 



                                     -44-
<PAGE>



proceeding, levy, or similar proceeding has commenced) against, any of the 
assets of the Borrower or any party to the Security Documents;

            (i)   the Borrower becomes insolvent or generally does not pay its
debts as they become due, or if a petition for relief in a bankruptcy court is
filed by the Borrower, or if the Borrower applies for, consents to, or
acquiesces in the appointment of a trustee, custodian, or receiver for the
Borrower or any of its assets and property, or makes a general assignment for
the benefit of creditors; or in the absence of such application, consent, or
acquiescence, a trustee, custodian, or receiver is appointed for the Borrower or
for a substantial part of the assets and property of the Borrower; or any
bankruptcy, reorganization, debt arrangement, or other proceedings or case under
any bankruptcy or insolvency law or any dissolution or liquidation proceeding is
instituted against the Borrower; or the Borrower takes any action to authorize
any of the actions described in this paragraph;

            (j)   the default in the payment or performance of any Debt in a
principal amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) or greater after
giving affect to any applicable grace periods of the Borrower to others; and

            (k)   any event that, in the opinion of the Banks, has or may have
a material adverse effect on the Collateral, or which has or may have a Material
Adverse Effect.

      7.2 REMEDIES.

            (a)   Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event
of Default, the Banks, shall have the right to, by notice to the Borrower (i)
terminate the Commitments and/or (ii) declare the outstanding principal of, and
accrued interest on, the Notes, and all other amounts owing under this Agreement
and the other Loan Documents, to be immediately due and payable, whereupon the
Commitments shall terminate forthwith and all such amounts shall become
immediately due and payable, PROVIDED that in the case of any event or
condition described in Section 7.1(i), the Commitment shall automatically
terminate and all such amounts shall automatically become immediately due and
payable without notice; in all cases without demand, presentment, protest,
diligence, notice of dishonor or other formality, all of which are hereby
expressly waived.

            (b)   Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event
of Default, the Banks shall have the right to, in addition to the remedies
provided in Section 7.2(a), exercise and enforce any and all other rights and
remedies available to the Banks, whether arising under this Agreement, the
Security Documents, the Notes or under applicable law, in any manner deemed
appropriate by the Banks, including suit in equity, action at law, or other
appropriate proceedings, whether for the specific


                                     -45-
<PAGE>



performance (to the extent permitted by law) of any covenant or agreement
contained in this Agreement, the Security Documents, or in the Notes or in aid
of the exercise of any power granted in this Agreement, the Security Documents,
and the Notes.

            (c)   Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event
of Default, the Banks may at any time and from time to time, without notice to
the Borrower (any requirement for such notice being expressly waived by the
Borrower) set off and apply against any and all of the obligations of the
Borrower now or hereafter existing under this Agreement any and all deposits
(general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held and
other indebtedness at any time owing by the Banks to or for the credit or the
account of the Borrower and any property of the Borrower from time to time in
possession of the Banks, irrespective of whether or not the Banks shall have
made any demand hereunder and although such obligations may be contingent and
unmatured.  The rights of the Banks under this Section 7.2(c) are in addition to
other rights and remedies (including, without limitation, other rights of
set-off) which the Banks may have.

            (d)   Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event
of Default, the Banks shall have the right to adjust the percentage of Eligible
Accounts Receivable and Eligible Inventory against which they will advance, if
the Banks elect to continue to make Advances, which the Banks shall have no
obligation to do, and any such adjustment shall, at the Banks' option, continue
to be effective after the Event of Default is cured or waived.

            (e)    Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default or an Unmatured
Default, the Banks shall have the right to take dominion of all funds of the
Borrower and to implement such procedures, including, without limitation, daily
reporting on Borrowing Base Certificates as the Banks may deem appropriate in
their sole discretion.

            (f)   After  the existence of an Unmatured Default has been
declared by the Banks by written notice to Borrower, and any applicable cure
periods have expired without the Unmatured Default having been cured, such that
an Event of Default has occurred, no curative action by the Borrower shall be
deemed to cure the Event of Default and the Banks shall have no obligation to
accept any purported cure of the Event of Default by the Borrower.

      7.3  APPLICATION OF LIQUIDATION PROCEEDS.  Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Agreement, all funds received by the Banks from the exercise
of remedies under this Agreement, the Security Documents, or otherwise, shall,
unless otherwise required by applicable law, be applied in the manner set forth
as follows:

            (a)   First, to the payment of advances by the Banks or the
Collateral Agent for the protection and preservation of their


                                     -46-
<PAGE>



liens and the Collateral, and all out-of-pocket expenses (to the extent not paid
by the Borrower) and audit fees incurred by or payable to the Bank Agent or the
Collateral Agent in connection with the exercise of such rights and remedies, or
otherwise pursuant to the Security Documents, including, without limitation, all
costs and expenses of collection, attorneys' fees, court costs and foreclosure
expenses.

            (b)   Next, to the payment of such amounts as may be due and
payable under Sections 2.6, 2.12, 2.13, and/or 2.2(c).

            (c)    Next, to the payment of late charges and interest then owed
to the Banks under or with respect to the Loans, in such order as the Banks may
in their sole discretion determine.

            (d)    Next, to the payment of the principal balance then owed to
the Banks under the Loans and allocated between Prime Rate Based Advances, Libor
Rate Advances and Fixed Rate Advances as determined by the Banks.

            (e)    Next, to the payment of all other amounts owed by the
Borrower to any of the Banks, the Bank Agent, or the Collateral Agent under this
Agreement, or any Security Document.

            (f)   Next, to the payment of all other amounts owed by the
Borrower or any of its Affiliates to the Banks.

            (g)    Next, to the Borrower or such other Person as may be
legally entitled thereto.


                                  ARTICLE 8

                            CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

      The Banks' obligation to fund Advances and the Term Loan pursuant to
Article 2 of this Agreement is subject to the conditions that:

      8.1  DSC shall have completed an initial public offering of its shares
and shall have received at least Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000) of net
cash proceeds from such offering.  The Borrower shall deliver such documents and
other papers to the Banks as the Banks may reasonably require in order to
ascertain that this condition has been satisfied.

      8.2  There does not exist any condition which would constitute an Event
of Default or an Unmatured Default.

      8.3  The representations, affirmative covenants, negative covenants and
warranties of the Borrower contained herein are true and correct in all material
respects.


                                     -47-
<PAGE>



      8.4  The Banks shall have been furnished copies, certified by the
secretary or assistant secretary of the Borrower, of resolutions of the Board of
Directors of the Borrower authorizing, as applicable, the execution of this
Agreement, the Notes, and the Security Documents and the other Loan Documents.

      8.5  The Banks shall have received an opinion satisfactory in form and
substance to the Banks as to such matters related to the Loan as may be required
by the Banks rendered by counsel for the Borrower satisfactory to the Banks.

      8.6  There shall not have occurred, in the opinion of the Banks, any
material adverse change in Borrower's business, operations or financial
condition.

      8.7  The Banks shall have received title insurance policies in form and
substance satisfactory to the Banks with respect to the Mortgaged Property.

      8.8  The Banks shall have audited the Collateral and found the results of
such audit to be satisfactory.

      8.9  The Banks shall have received the insurance certificates required to
be delivered by Borrower.

      8.10 The Banks shall have filed all Uniform Commercial Code Financing
Statements in such jurisdictions as deemed necessary and/or advisable by the
Banks.

      8.11 The Banks shall have filed the Mortgage in the jurisdiction set
forth in such document.

      8.12 The Banks shall have received Certificates of Good Standing from
each jurisdiction (which issues such certificates) in which the Borrower, or any
Subsidiary, does business, and a certified copy of the Borrower's, and each
Subsidiary's, Articles of Incorporation and Code of Regulation or By-Laws.

      8.13 The Borrower shall have executed and delivered to the Banks the
Security Documents and the Borrower shall have complied with the terms thereof.

      8.14 The Borrower shall have paid the Banks all closing and other fees
payable hereunder.

      8.15 The Banks shall have received such UCC and related lien searches as
the Banks deem necessary and/or advisable and the Banks shall be satisfied with
the results of such lien searches.

      8.16 The Borrower shall deliver documents, in form and substance
satisfactory to the Banks, to evidence that the Senior Notes are being paid in
full with the proceeds of the Loans.


                                     -48-
<PAGE>



      8.17 The Banks shall have received copies or originals of all other
documents which may have been reasonably required in connection with the
transactions provided for in this Agreement.

      8.18 The DSC Loan Agreement shall have been executed and delivered by
DSC and the Banks and all conditions contained therein satisfied.


                                  ARTICLE 9

                 AGENCY PROVISIONS AND RELATIONSHIP OF BANKS

      9.1  APPOINTMENT.  Bank One is hereby appointed as Bank Agent
hereunder, and BOA authorizes the Bank Agent to act as the agent of such Bank.
BOA is hereby appointed as Collateral Agent hereunder and under the other Loan
Documents and Bank One authorizes the Collateral Agent to act as the collateral
agent for Bank One.  The Bank Agent and the Collateral Agent agree to act as
such upon the express conditions contained in this Article 9 and the other Loan
Documents.  Neither the Bank Agent nor the Collateral Agent shall have a
fiduciary relationship in respect of any Bank by reason of this Agreement or any
Loan Document.

      9.2  POWERS.  The Bank Agent shall have and may exercise such powers
hereunder and the Loan Documents as are specifically delegated to the Bank Agent
by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such powers as are reasonably
incidental thereto.  The Bank Agent shall have no implied duties to the Banks,
or any obligation to the Banks to take any action hereunder or any Loan
Document, except any action specifically provided by this Agreement or any Loan
Document to be taken by the Bank Agent.  The Collateral Agent shall have and may
exercise such powers hereunder as are specifically delegated to the Collateral
Agent by the terms hereof, and the Security Documents, together with such powers
as are reasonably incidental thereto.  The Collateral Agent shall have no
implied duties to the Banks, or any obligation to the Banks to take any action
hereunder, or any Loan Document, except any action specifically provided by this
Agreement, or any Loan Document, to be taken by the Collateral Agent.

      9.3  GENERAL IMMUNITY.  Neither the Bank Agent nor any of its
directors, officers, agents or employees shall be liable to BOA for any action
taken or omitted to be taken by it or them hereunder or under or any Loan
Document or in connection herewith except for its or their own gross negligence
or wilful misconduct.  Neither the Collateral Agent nor any of its directors,
officers, agents or employees shall be liable to the Banks or any Bank for any
action taken or omitted to be taken by it or them hereunder or in connection
herewith except for its or their own gross negligence or wilful misconduct.



                                     -49-
<PAGE>



      9.4  NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOANS, RECITALS, ETC.  Neither the Bank
Agent nor the Collateral Agent shall be responsible to the Banks for any
recitals, reports, statements, warranties or representations herein or in any
other Loan Document or be bound to ascertain or inquire as to the performance or
observance of any of the terms of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

      9.5  ACTION ON INSTRUCTIONS OF BANKS.  Each of the Bank Agent and the
Collateral Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in
refraining from acting, hereunder and under the other Loan Documents in
accordance with written instructions signed by both of the Banks, and such
instructions and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be
binding on all of the Banks.

      9.6  EMPLOYMENT OF AGENTS AND COUNSEL.  Each of the Bank Agent and the
Collateral Agent may execute any of its duties as Agent hereunder or under the
other Loan Documents by or through employees, agents, and attorneys-in-fact and
shall not be answerable to the Banks, except as to money or securities received
by it or its authorized agents, for the default or misconduct of any such agents
or attorneys-in-fact selected by it with reasonable care.  Each of the Bank
Agent and the Collateral Agent shall be entitled to advice of counsel concerning
all matters pertaining to the agency created hereby and by the other Loan
Documents and its duties hereunder and thereunder.

      9.7  RELIANCE ON DOCUMENTS; COUNSEL.  Each of the Bank Agent and the
Collateral Agent shall be entitled to rely upon any note, notice, consent,
certificate, affidavit, letter, telegram, statement, paper or document believed
by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed or sent by the proper
person or persons, and, in respect to legal matters, upon the opinion of counsel
selected by the Bank Agent or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, which
counsel may be employees of the Bank Agent or the Collateral Agent, as the case
may be.

      9.8  BANK AGENT'S REIMBURSEMENT AND INDEMNIFICATION.  The Banks
agree to reimburse and indemnify each of the Bank Agent and the Collateral Agent
ratably in proportion to their respective Commitments (i) for any amounts not
reimbursed by the Borrower for which the Bank Agent or the Collateral Agent is
entitled to reimbursement by the Borrower under the Loan Documents, (ii) for any
other expenses incurred by the Bank Agent or the Collateral Agent on behalf of
the Banks, in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery,
administration and enforcement of the Loan Documents and (iii) for any
liabilities, obligations losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits,
costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind and nature whatsoever which may be
imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the Bank Agent or the Collateral
Agent in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement, any other Loan
Document or any other document delivered


                                     -50-
<PAGE>



in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby or the enforcement of any of the terms hereof of
any other Loan Document or of any such other documents, provided that no Bank
shall be liable for any of the foregoing to the extent they arise from the gross
negligence or wilful misconduct of the Bank Agent or Collateral Agent, as the
case may be.

      9.9  RIGHTS AS A BANK.  With respect to its Commitment, Loans made by
it and the Note issued to it, each of the Bank Agent and the Collateral Agent
shall have the same rights and powers hereunder as any Bank and may exercise the
same as though it were not the Bank Agent or Collateral Agent, as the case may
be, and the term "Bank" or "Banks" shall, unless the context otherwise
indicates, include each of the Bank Agent and the Collateral Agent in their
respective individual capacities.  Each of the Bank Agent and the Collateral
Agent may accept deposits from, lend money to, and generally engage in any kind
of banking or trust business with the Borrower as if it were not the Bank Agent
or Collateral Agent, as the case may be.

      9.10 BANK CREDIT DECISION.  Each Bank acknowledges that it has,
independently and without reliance upon the Bank Agent, the Collateral Agent or
any other Bank and based on the financial statements prepared by the Borrower
and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its
own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents.  Each Bank also acknowledges that it will, independently and without
reliance upon the Bank Agent, the Collateral Agent or any other Bank and based
on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time,
continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under
this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

      9.11 SUCCESSOR AGENT.  Each of the Bank Agent and the Collateral Agent
may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Banks and the
Borrower, and each of the Bank Agent and the Collateral Agent may be removed at
any time with or without cause by written notice received by the Bank Agent or
the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, from the Banks.  Upon any such
resignation or removal, with the prior written approval of the Borrower, such
consent not to be unreasonably withheld, the Banks shall have the right to
appoint, on behalf of the Borrower and the Banks, a successor Bank Agent or
Collateral Agent, as the case may be.  If no successor Bank Agent or Collateral
Agent shall have been so appointed by the Banks and shall have accepted such
appointment within thirty days after the retiring Bank Agent's or Collateral
Agent's giving notice of resignation, then the retiring Bank Agent or Collateral
Agent, as the case may be, may appoint with the prior written consent of the
Borrower, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, on behalf of the
Borrower and the Banks, a successor Bank Agent or Collateral Agent, as the case
may be.  Such successor


                                     -51-
<PAGE>



Bank Agent or Collateral Agent shall be a commercial bank having capital and
retained earnings of at least Fifty Million dollars ($50,000,000).  Upon the
acceptance of any appointment as Bank Agent or Collateral Agent hereunder by a
successor Bank Agent or Collateral Agent, as the case may be, such successor
Bank Agent or Collateral Agent, as the case may be, shall thereupon succeed to
and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the
retiring Bank Agent or Collateral Agent, as the case may be, and the retiring
Bank Agent or Collateral Agent, as the case may be, shall be discharged from its
duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents.  After any
retiring Bank Agent's or Collateral Agent's resignation hereunder as Bank Agent
or Collateral Agent, as the case may be, the provisions of this Article 9 shall
continue in effect for its benefit in respect of any actions taken or omitted to
be taken by it while it was acting as the Bank Agent or Collateral Agent, as the
case may be, hereunder and under the other Loan Documents.

      9.12 COLLATERAL RELEASES.  The Collateral Agent shall be authorized to
execute and deliver to the Borrower releases of Collateral (including UCC-3's
and such other documents as the Borrower may reasonably require) which have been
approved by the Banks in writing.

      9.13 SHARING OF PAYMENTS.  The Banks agree among themselves that, in
the event that any Bank shall, subsequent to the occurrence and during the
continuance of an Event of Default, obtain payment of the principal of or
interest on any Loan made by it through the exercise of a right of set-off,
banker's lien or counterclaim or by provision of adequate protection of any
deposit treated as cash collateral under the federal Bankruptcy Code or
otherwise, such payment shall be applied as provided in Section 9.18 through the
purchase by such Bank from the other Banks participation in such Loans made by
them in such amounts, and make such other adjustments from time to time, as
shall be equitable to the end that all of the Banks share such payment as
provided in Section 9.18.  The Banks further agree among themselves that if
payment to a Bank obtained by such Bank through the exercise of a right of
set-off, banker's lien or counterclaim or otherwise as aforesaid shall be
rescinded or must otherwise be restored, each Bank which shall have shared the
benefit of such payment shall return its share of that benefit to each Bank
whose payment shall have been rescinded or otherwise restored.  The Borrower
agrees that any Bank so purchasing a participation in such Loans to the Borrower
by any other Bank may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, exercise all
rights of payment, including set-off, banker's lien or counterclaim, with
respect to such participation as fully as if such Bank were a holder of such
Loan made hereunder to the Borrower in the amount of such participation.  If any
Bank or the Bank Agent shall fail to remit to the Bank Agent or any other Bank
an amount payable by such Bank or the Bank Agent to the Bank Agent or such other
Bank pursuant to this Agreement on the date when such


                                     -52-
<PAGE>



amount is due, such payments shall be made together with interest thereon for
each date from the date such amount is due until the date such amount is paid to
the Bank Agent or such other Bank at a rate per annum equal to the rate at which
borrowings are available to the payee in its overnight federal funds market.

      9.14 EVENTS OF DEFAULT.  Neither the Bank Agent nor the Collateral
Agent, shall be deemed to have knowledge of the occurrence of any Event of
Default, or any Unmatured Default, unless the Bank Agent or the Collateral
Agent, as the case may be, has received written notice from a Bank or the
Borrower specifying such Event of Default or Unmatured Default and stating that
such notice is a notice of Default.  In the event that the Bank Agent or the
Collateral Agent, as the case may be, receives such a notice, the Bank Agent
shall give written notice thereto to the Banks.  The Bank Agent or the
Collateral Agent, as the case may be, shall take only such action with respect
to such Event of Default or Unmatured Default as shall be reasonably directed in
writing by both of the Banks; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that, unless and until the
Bank Agent or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, shall have received such
direction, the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, may take such action, or
refrain from taking such action, with respect thereto as it shall deem advisable
in the best interests of the Banks.

    9.15 CONSENT OF BANKS REQUIRED.       No Agent, nor Bank, shall,
except to the extent it is required to do so under the Loan Documents or by law,
without the consent of both of the Banks:

            (a)   agree to modify or amend the Loan Documents; or

            (b)   grant any waivers under the Loan Documents; or

            (c)   consent to the placing of any lien on the Collateral other
      than that created by the Security Documents; or

            (d)   release any material collateral for the Loans (provided,
      however, that Collateral Agent may release Collateral for the Loans
      without the consent of any Bank in the event that the Collateral released
      in any calendar year does not have a value of more than Twenty-Five
      Thousand Dollars ($25,000); or

            (e)   consent or agree to any change in the pricing or interest
      rate or fees applicable of the Loan; or

            (f)   consent or agree to postpone the due date of any payment of
      principal and/or interest under either or both of the Loans; or

            (g)   sell or contract to sell any Collateral after acquisition of
      the title thereto; or



                                     -53-
<PAGE>



            (h)   waive compliance with any condition, covenant or other
      provision of the Loan Documents; or

            (i)    waive any Event of Default that has been declared by notice
      to Borrower.

      The Collateral Agent shall be entitled to rely conclusively upon a
certificate of value executed by an officer of the Borrower in connection with
any release of Collateral as set forth in Section 9.15(d) above.

      9.16 EXERCISE OF REMEDIES UNDER THIS AGREEMENT.  Notwithstanding any
other provision of this Agreement, or the other Loan Documents, the Banks agree
among themselves that neither the Bank Agent nor the Collateral Agent will be
required to take any action under Section 7.2 of this Agreement, or under the
other Loan Documents, unless directed to do so in writing by both of the Banks.

      9.17 EXERCISE OF REMEDIES UNDER ADDITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Banks agree among
themselves that no Bank shall take, or be permitted to take, any action under
any other arrangement with Borrower unless permitted to do so in writing by both
of the Banks.

     9.18  APPLICATION OF LIQUIDATION PROCEEDS.  Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Agreement, all funds received by the Bank Agent, the
Collateral Agent or any Bank from the exercise of remedies under this Agreement,
the Security Documents, or otherwise, shall, unless otherwise required by
applicable law, be applied in the manner set forth as follows:

            (a)   First, to the payment of advances by the Banks or the
Collateral Agent for the protection and preservation of their liens and the
Collateral, and all out-of-pocket expenses (to the extent not paid by the
Borrower) and audit fees incurred by or payable to the Bank Agent or the
Collateral Agent in connection with the exercise of such rights and remedies, or
otherwise pursuant to the Security Documents, including, without limitation, all
costs and expenses of collection, attorneys' fees, court costs and foreclosure
expenses.

            (b)   Next, to the payment of such amounts as may be due and
payable under Sections 2.6, 2.12, 2.13, and/or 2.2(c).

            (c)    Next, to the payment of late charges and interest then owed
to the Banks under or with respect to the Loans, in such order as the Banks may
in their sole discretion determine, in accordance with their respective pro rata
shares.

            (d)    Next, to the payment of the principal balance then owed to
the Banks under the Loans, in accordance with their


                                     -54-
<PAGE>



respective pro rata shares and allocated between Prime Rate Based Advances,
Libor Rate Based Advances and Fixed Rate Advances as determined by the Banks.

            (e)    Next, to the payment of all other amounts owed by the
Borrower to any of the Banks, the Bank Agent, or the Collateral Agent under this
Agreement, or any Security Document, in accordance with their pro rata shares.

            (f)   Next, to the payment of all other amounts owed by the
Borrower or any of its Affiliates to any of the Banks, the Bank Agent, or the
Collateral Agent, in accordance with their respective pro rata shares.

            (g)    Next, to the Borrower or such other Person as may be
legally entitled thereto.

      As used in this Section, "pro rata shares" with respect to any particular
amount owed by the Borrower on the Loan shall mean the proportion which the
total of such amount owed by the Borrower to each Bank bears to the total of
such amount owed by the Borrower to all of the Banks and, with respect to any
other amount owed by the Borrower or any of its Affiliates to the Banks, or any
of them, shall mean the proportion which the total of such amount owed by the
Borrower and its Affiliates to each Bank bears to the total of such amount owed
by the Borrower to all of the Banks.

      9.19 BENEFIT.  The provisions of this Article 9 are solely for the
benefit of the Bank Agent, the Collateral Agent and the Banks, and the Borrower
shall not have any rights as a third party beneficiary of any of the provisions
hereof.  In performing its functions and duties under this Agreement, the Bank
Agent and the Collateral Agent shall act solely as agent of the Banks and does
not assume and shall not be deemed to have assumed any obligation towards or
relationship of agency or trust with or for the Borrower.


                                 ARTICLE 10

                        PARTICIPATION; ASSIGNMENTS

      10.1 PARTICIPATION.

           (a)     PERMITTED PARTICIPANTS; EFFECT.  Subject to this  Section
10.1(a), either Bank may, in the ordinary course of its commercial banking
business and in accordance with applicable law, at any time sell to one or more
banks or other entities ("Participants") participating interests in the Loans,
the Notes and any other interest of such Bank under the Loan Documents.  In the
event of any such sale by a Bank of participating interests to a


                                     -55-
<PAGE>



Participant, such Bank's obligations under the Loan Documents shall remain
unchanged.

            (b)    BENEFIT OF SETOFF AND INDEMNITIES.  The Borrower agrees
that each Participant shall be deemed to have the right of setoff provided in
Section 7.2(c) in respect of its participating interest in amounts owing under
the Loan Documents to the same extent as if the amount of its participating
interest were owing directly to it as a Bank under the Loan Documents, provided
that the Bank shall retain the right of setoff provided in Section 7.2(c) with
respect to the amount of participating interests sold to each Participant,
except to the extent such Participant has exercised its right of setoff.  The
Banks agree to share with each Participant, and each Participant, by exercising
the right of setoff provided in Section 7.2(c), agrees to share with the Banks,
any amount received pursuant to the exercise of its right of setoff pro rata in
accordance with the outstanding amount of the Loan held by each.  The Borrower
also agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections
2.2(c), 2.12, 2.13, and 2.15 with respect to its participation in the
Commitments and the Libor Rate Advances and Fixed Rate Advances outstanding from
time to time; provided, that no Participant shall be entitled to receive any
greater amount pursuant to such Sections than the Banks would have been entitled
to receive in respect of the amount of the participation transferred by such
Bank to such Participant had no such transfer occurred.

      10.2 ASSIGNMENTS.

            (a)    PERMITTED ASSIGNMENTS.  Subject to this Section
10.2(a), either Bank may, in the ordinary course of its commercial banking
business and in accordance with applicable law, at any time, in a minimum amount
of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000), assign to one or more banks or other
entities ("Purchasers") its rights and obligations under the Loan Documents.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any such assignment to a Purchaser shall be
subject to Borrower's prior written consent (which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed) and, provided, further, neither Bank shall be
entitled to assign more than fifty percent (50%) of their total interest in the
Loans and the Notes to any Purchaser.


            (b)    EFFECT; EFFECTIVE DATE.  Upon delivery to Borrower of a
notice of assignment, such assignment shall become effective on the effective
date specified in such notice of assignment.  Borrower shall execute and deliver
such amendments and modifications to the Loan Documents the Bank may require in
order to reflect and facilitate such assignment.

      10.3 DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION.  The Borrower authorizes each Bank
to disclose to any Participant, purchaser or any other Person acquiring an
interest in the Loan Documents by operation of


                                     -56-
<PAGE>



law (each a "Transferee") and any prospective Transferee any and all information
in such Bank's possession concerning the creditworthiness of the Borrower.


                                 ARTICLE 11

                                  GENERAL

      11.1SURVIVAL OF PROVISIONS.  All representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements made by the Borrower herein will survive the execution
and delivery of this Loan Agreement, the Note, and the Security Documents.

      11.2 RELATIONSHIP OF PARTIES.  This Agreement and the Loan Documents
shall not in any respect be interpreted, deemed or construed as making the Bank
an agent, a partner, or joint venturer with the Borrower, nor shall it be
interpreted, deemed or construed as making the Bank the agent or representative
of the Borrower, and the Borrower agrees not to make any contrary assertion,
contention, claim or counterclaim in any action, suit or other legal proceeding
involving the Banks.  In no event shall the Banks be liable for debts or claims
accruing or arising against the Borrower.  The relationship of the Banks to the
Borrower is that of "lender" and "borrower."  The Banks shall not have any
fiduciary responsibilities to the Borrower.  The Banks undertake no
responsibility to the Borrower to review or inform the Borrower of any matter in
connection with any phase of the Borrower's business or operations.

      11.3NEGOTIATIONS.  Each party acknowledges that it has participated
in the negotiation of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and no
provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents shall be construed
against or interpreted to the disadvantage of any party hereto or thereto by any
court or other governmental or judicial authority by reason of such party having
or being deemed to have structured, dictated or drafted such provision; that the
Borrower at all times has had access to an attorney in the negotiation of the
terms of and in the preparation and execution of this Agreement and the other
Loan Documents, and the Borrower has had the opportunity to review and analyze
this Agreement and the other Loan Documents for a sufficient period of time
prior to the execution and delivery thereof; that no representations or
warranties have been made by or on behalf of the Bank, or relied upon by the
Borrower pertaining to the subject matter of this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents, other than those that are set forth in this Agreement and the other
Loan Documents, and all prior statements, representations and warranties, if
any, are totally superseded and merged into this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents, which represent the final and sole agreement of the parties with
respect to the matters which are the subject hereof and thereof; that all of the
terms of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents were negotiated at arm's
length, and that this


                                     -57-
<PAGE>



Agreement and the other Loan Documents were prepared and executed without fraud,
duress, undue influence or coercion of any kind exerted by any of the parties
upon the others; and that the execution and delivery of this Agreement is the
free and voluntary act of the Borrower.

      11.4RIGHTS AND REMEDIES CUMULATIVE.  The rights of the Banks arising
under the provisions and covenants contained in this Agreement, the Notes, the
Security Documents and any other of the Loan Documents, and under applicable
law, shall be separate, distinct and cumulative and none of them shall be
exclusive of the others.  No act of a Bank shall be construed as an election to
proceed under any one provision herein or in such other documents to the
exclusion of any other provision, anything herein or otherwise to the contrary
notwithstanding.

      11.5WAIVER.  No waiver, amendment, release or modification of this
Agreement shall be established by conduct or by any oral agreement, custom or
course of dealing or by any delay or failure to act, but solely by an instrument
in writing duly executed by the  Bank.  In the event any provision contained in
this Agreement should be breached by the Borrower and thereafter be duly waived
by the Bank, such waiver shall be limited to the particular breach so waived and
shall not be deemed to waive any other breach hereunder.

      11.6NOTICES.  All notices, demands, requests, consents or approvals
required hereunder shall be in writing and shall be conclusively deemed to have
been received by a party hereto and to be effective when (i) deposited in the
U.S. Mail if sent certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or
by recognized overnight courier service, (ii) sent via facsimile, or (iii) in
case of any other means of delivery, actually delivered to such party, in each
case addressed as set forth below (or at such other address as such party may
specify to the other party in writing):

            To Bank One:            Bank One, Dayton, NA
                                    Kettering Tower
                                    P.O. Box 1103
                                    Dayton, Ohio  45401-1103
                                    Attn: Mr. Paul Harris,
                                            Vice President
                                    Fax #: (513) 449-4885

            To BOA:                 Bank of America Illinois
                                    231 South LaSalle Street
                                    Chicago, Illinois 60697
                                    Attn: Mr. Charles A. Gonzalez,
                                            Vice President
                                    Fax #: (312) 828-1974



                                     -58-
<PAGE>



            To Collateral
            Agent:                  Bank of America Illinois
                                    231 South LaSalle Street
                                    Chicago, Illinois 60697
                                    Attn: Mr. David A. Johanson,
                                            Vice President and
                                            Senior Agency Officer
                                    Fax #: (312) 974-9102

            To the Borrower:        Dur-O-Wal, Inc.
                                    3115 N. Wilke Road, Suite A
                                    Arlington Heights, IL  60004
                                    Attn: Mr. Mario Catani,
                                            President
                                    Fax #: ______________________

            With a Copy To:         Dayton Superior Corporation
                                    721 Richard Street
                                    Miamisburg, Ohio  45342
                                    Attn: Mr. Richard L. Braswell,
                                           Vice President
                                    Fax #: (513) 866-9448

      11.7 PERFORMANCE BY THE BANK.  The Banks shall have the right (but
not the obligation) to do or cause to be done any reasonable thing which
Borrower or any party to the Loan Documents is obligated to do or cause to be
done, but has not done or caused to be done, which may in the opinion of the
Banks have an adverse effect on the Collateral or a Material Adverse Effect.
Borrower shall reimburse the Banks any amounts paid or advanced by the Banks for
any cost, expense or fee (including attorney's fees) in connection with any such
action and for any cost, expense or fee incurred in connection with the
enforcement or exercise of any right or remedy granted the Banks pursuant to the
Loan Documents or in connection with any other question or matter arising in
connection with the Loan Documents.  All such amounts shall be due and payable
upon demand and shall bear interest at the default rate specified in Section 2.8
from the date of demand until paid.  No such action by the Banks shall be deemed
to cure any default by Borrower.

      11.8 FURTHER ASSURANCES.  Borrower shall execute and deliver to the
Bank such agreements, instruments, documents, financing statements and other
writings as may be requested from time to time by the Bank to perfect and to
maintain the perfection of the Bank's security title and security interest in
and to the Collateral, or to properly evidence the Loan.

      11.9 ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  This Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written
and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof; without
limiting the foregoing, the parties agree that this Agreement amends and
restates in full that certain


                                     -59-
<PAGE>



Amended and Restated Loan Agreement between Borrower and Bank One, dated October
16, 1995.

      11.10 COUNTERPART EXECUTION.  This Agreement may be executed in
several counterparts, each of which shall be regarded as an original, and all of
which together shall constitute one and the same instrument, notwithstanding the
fact that Borrower and the Banks have not each executed the same instrument.

      11.11 HEADINGS.  The headings to the Articles and Sections hereof
are for reference only and shall not limit or define in any way the content
thereof.

      11.12 REFERENCES.  All references in this Agreement to any of the
Loan Documents or any other documents or instruments shall be deemed to be
references to the Loan Documents or other documents or instruments as the same
may from time to time be modified, amended, renewed, consolidated or extended.

      11.13 APPROVAL OF PAPERS.  All papers and documents submitted, and
those to be prepared and executed in connection with this Agreement, including,
without limitation, the Loan Documents, shall be subject to the approval of the
Banks and its counsel as to form and substance.

      11.14 SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS.  If any provision of this
Agreement shall be held or deemed to be or shall, in fact, be inoperative or
unenforceable as applied in any particular case for any other reason, such
circumstances shall not have the effect of rendering the provision in question
inoperative or unenforceable in any other case or circumstance, or of rendering
any other provision or provisions herein contained invalid, inoperative, or
unenforceable to any extent whatever.  The invalidity of any one or more
provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the remaining provisions of this
Agreement, or any part thereof.

      11.15 TIME OF ESSENCE.  Wherever time is mentioned in this
Agreement, it shall be construed to mean that time is of the essence.

      11.16 GENDER AND NUMBER.  Whenever used herein, words of any gender
shall be construed to include any other gender, and words in the singular shall
be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise
requires.

      11.17 BINDING EFFECT.  The terms and provisions of the Loan
Documents shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower and the
Bank and their respective successors and assigns, except that the Borrower shall
not have the right to assign its rights under the Loan Documents.



                                     -60-
<PAGE>



      11.18 LEGAL LIMITATION OF EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT.  Anything
contained in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the Bank shall not
be obligated to extend credit to the Borrower in violation of any limitation or
prohibition provided by any applicable statute or regulation.

      11.19 TAXES.  Any taxes (excluding income taxes) payable or ruled
payable by Federal or State authority in respect of the execution and delivery
of the Loan Documents shall be paid by the Borrower, together with interest and
penalties, if any.

      11.20 REIMBURSEMENTS.  The Borrower shall reimburse the Banks for
any costs, internal charges and out-of-pocket expenses which shall be set forth
in a detailed invoice (including reasonable attorneys' fees and time charges of
attorneys for the Banks, which attorneys may be employees of the Banks) paid or
incurred by the Bank in connection with the preparation, review, execution,
delivery, amendment, modification, administration, collection and enforcement of
the Loan Documents.  The Borrower further agrees to indemnify the Banks, and its
directors, officers and employees against all losses, claims, damages,
penalties, judgments, liabilities and expenses (including, without limitation,
all expenses of litigation or preparation therefor whether or not the Bank is a
party thereto) which they may pay or incur arising out of or relating to this
Agreement, the other Loan Documents, the transactions contemplated hereby or
thereby or the direct or indirect application or proposed application of the
proceeds of any Loan hereunder; provided, however, that no such indemnification
shall be available if the claim is based upon the gross negligence or wilful
misconduct of the Banks.  The obligations of the Borrower under this Section
shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

      11.21 LIABILITY OF BANKS TO BORROWER.  The Borrower (i) agrees
that the Banks shall have no liability to the Borrower (whether sounding in
tort, contract or otherwise) for losses suffered by the Borrower in connection
with, arising out of, or in any way related to, the transactions contemplated
and the relationship established by the Loan Documents, or any act, omission or
event occurring in connection therewith, unless it is determined by a judgment
of a court that is binding on the Banks, final and not subject to review on
appeal, that such losses were the result of acts or omissions on the part of the
Banks, constituting gross negligence, wilful misconduct or knowing violations of
law and (ii) waives, releases and agrees not to sue upon any claim against the
Banks (whether sounding in tort, contract or otherwise) except a claim based
upon gross negligence, wilful misconduct or knowing violations of law.  Whether
or not such damages are related to a claim that is subject to the waiver
effected above and whether or not such waiver is effective, the Banks shall have
no liability with respect to, and the Borrower hereby waives, releases and
agrees not to sue upon any claim for, any special, indirect or consequential
damages suffered by the Borrower in connection with, arising out of, or in any
way


                                     -61-
<PAGE>



related to the transactions contemplated or the relationship established by the
Loan Documents, or any act, omission or event occurring in connection therewith,
unless it is determined by a judgment of a court that is binding on the Banks,
final and not subject to review on appeal, that such damages were the result of
acts or omissions on the part of the Banks, constituting wilful misconduct or
knowing violations of law.

      11.22 JURISDICTION.  THE BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO
THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY UNITED STATES FEDERAL OR OHIO STATE COURT
SITTING IN DAYTON OR CINCINNATI, OHIO, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT
OF OR RELATING TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENTS AND THE BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AGREES
THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND
DETERMINED IN ANY SUCH COURT AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION IT MAY NOW OR
HEREAFTER HAVE AS TO THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN
SUCH A COURT OR THAT SUCH COURT IS AN INCONVENIENT FORUM.  NOTHING HEREIN SHALL
LIMIT THE RIGHT OF THE BANKS TO BRING PROCEEDINGS AGAINST THE BORROWER IN THE
COURTS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION.  ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BY THE BORROWER
AGAINST THE BANKS OR ANY AFFILIATE OF ANY BANK INVOLVING, DIRECTLY OR
INDIRECTLY, ANY MATTER IN ANY WAY ARISING OUT OF, RELATED TO, OR CONNECTED WITH
ANY LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL BE BROUGHT ONLY IN A COURT IN DAYTON OR CINCINNATI,
OHIO.

      11.23 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.  THE BORROWER AND THE BANKS HEREBY
WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING INVOLVING, DIRECTLY OR
INDIRECTLY, ANY MATTER (WHETHER SOUNDING IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) IN ANY
WAY ARISING OUT OF, RELATED TO, OR CONNECTED WITH ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE
RELATIONSHIP ESTABLISHED THEREUNDER.

      11.24 GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement has been negotiated, executed
and delivered in Ohio, is to be performed in Ohio and is to be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws (excluding the law of conflicts) of the
State of Ohio.



                                     -62-
<PAGE>



      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower and the Bank have caused this Agreement
to be duly executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of
the ____ day of June, 1996.


                                   DUR-O-WAL, INC.


                                    By: ________________________________
                                    Name:_______________________________
                                    Title:______________________________


                                   BANK ONE, DAYTON, N.A. (in its individual
                                    capacity and as Bank Agent)


                                    By: ________________________________
                                    Name:_______________________________
                                    Title:______________________________


                                   BANK OF AMERICA ILLINOIS (in its individual
                                    capacity)


                                    By: ________________________________
                                    Name:_______________________________
                                    Title:______________________________


                                   BANK OF AMERICA ILLINOIS (in its capacity
                                    as Collateral Agent)


                                    By: ________________________________
                                    Name:_______________________________
                                    Title:______________________________



STATE OF OHIO            )
                         ) SS:
COUNTY OF MONTGOMERY     )

      The foregoing Agreement was acknowledged before me this ___ day of
______________, 1996, by ______________________________, as _____________ on
behalf of DUR-O-WAL, INC..


                                          ________________________________
                                          Notary Public


                                     -63-
<PAGE>



STATE OF OHIO            )
                         ) SS:
COUNTY OF MONTGOMERY     )

      The foregoing Agreement was acknowledged before me this ___ day of
_______, 1996, by _____________________, as _____________ on behalf of BANK ONE,
DAYTON, N.A.


                                          ________________________________
                                          Notary Public


STATE OF ___________     )
                         ) SS:
COUNTY OF __________     )

      The foregoing Agreement was acknowledged before me this ___ day of
_______, 1996, by _____________________, as _____________ on behalf of BANK OF
AMERICA ILLINOIS.


                                          ________________________________
                                          Notary Public


STATE OF OHIO            )
                         ) SS:
COUNTY OF MONTGOMERY     )

      The foregoing Agreement was acknowledged before me this ___ day of
_______, 1996, by _____________________, as _____________ on behalf of BANK OF
AMERICA ILLINOIS as Collateral Agent.


                                          ________________________________
                                          Notary Public




                                       -64-

<PAGE>
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
    As  independent  public accountants,  we hereby  consent to  the use  of our
reports (and to all references to our Firm)  included in or made a part of  this
registration statement.
 
   
Dayton, Ohio                                                 ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
June 18, 1996
    

<PAGE>
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
    We  consent  to  the  inclusion in  this  registration  statement  of Dayton
Superior Corporation on  Form S-1 of  our report  dated April 20,  1994, on  our
audits of the consolidated statements of operations and cash flows of Dur-O-Wal,
Inc.  and Subsidiary  for the years  ended December  31, 1992 and  1993. We also
consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts."
 
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
   
Chicago, Illinois
June 18, 1996
    

<PAGE>
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
    We  have issued our  report dated April 21,  1995 accompanying the financial
statements of  Dur-O-Wal,  Inc. and  subsidiary  contained in  the  Registration
Statement  and Prospectus. We consent to the use of the aforementioned report in
the Registration Statement  and Prospectus, and  to the  use of our  name as  it
appears under the caption "Experts".
 
   
Chicago, Illinois                            ALTSCHULER, MELVOIN AND GLASSER LLP
June 18, 1996
    


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