VIKING OFFICE PRODUCTS INC
10-Q, 1998-05-13
CATALOG & MAIL-ORDER HOUSES
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<PAGE>

                                  FORM 10-Q
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

[X]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
                              EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                                        
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 1998

                                      OR

[_]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
                             EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ___________ to ___________

Commission file number:  0-18237

                         VIKING OFFICE PRODUCTS, INC.
               -------------------------------------------------
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

         California                                         95-2082946
- -------------------------------                       ----------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of                          (I.R.S. Employer 
 incorporation or organization)                         Identification No.)
   

                             950 West 190th Street
                          Torrance, California  90502
                   ----------------------------------------
                   (Address of Principal Executive Offices)
                                  (Zip Code)


                                (310) 225-4500
             ----------------------------------------------------
             (Registrant's Telephone Number, including area code)


             ----------------------------------------------------
             (Former name, former address and former fiscal year, 
                         if changed since last report)

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.

YES  X    NO
    ---

     Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes
of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

                CLASS                             OUTSTANDING AT MAY 7, 1998
                -----                             --------------------------
 
             Common Stock                                 85,073,091

                                       1
<PAGE>

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
         --------------------


                 VIKING OFFICE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                (In thousands)
                                  (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     ASSETS

                                                           March 31,      June 30,
                                                              1998          1997
                                                          ------------  ------------
<S>                                                       <C>           <C>
Current assets:
     Cash and cash equivalents                                $41,109       $29,856
     Short-term investments                                    48,674        26,021
     Accounts receivable, net                                 178,821       150,931
     Merchandise inventories                                  110,559        89,279
     Prepaid catalog costs                                     16,034        18,290
     Prepaid expenses and other current assets                  4,923         3,986
                                                          ------------  ------------
          Total current assets                                400,120       318,363
                                                          ------------  ------------

Property and equipment, net                                   149,284       121,800

Other assets:
     Deposits and other assets                                  6,629         6,262
     Intangible assets, net                                    27,407        28,083
                                                          ------------  ------------
          Total other assets                                   34,036        34,345
                                                          ------------  ------------

          Total assets                                       $583,440      $474,508
                                                           ===========   ===========


                     LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:
     Accounts payable and accrued expenses                   $140,201       $94,386
     Sales and value added taxes payable                        7,743        10,388
     Income taxes payable                                      20,327        15,933
                                                          ------------  ------------
          Total current liabilities                           168,271       120,707
                                                          ------------  ------------

Deferred income taxes                                           1,163         1,163

Stockholders' equity:
     Common stock                                             118,063       110,845
     Retained earnings                                        314,995       251,842
     Unamortized value of long-term incentive stock grant      (3,126)       (3,917)
     Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment       (15,926)       (6,132)
                                                          ------------  ------------
          Total stockholders' equity                          414,006       352,638
                                                          ------------  ------------

          Total liabilities and stockholders' equity         $583,440      $474,508
                                                           ===========   ===========
</TABLE>

                                       2
<PAGE>
                 VIKING OFFICE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                   (In thousands, except per share amounts)
                                  (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             Three Months Ended          Nine Months Ended
                                                                  March 31,                 March 31,
                                                          ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------
                                                              1998         1997         1998          1997
                                                          ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------
<S>                                                       <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>                 
Revenues                                                     $417,581     $353,083    $1,121,123     $960,109 
                                                                                                              
Cost of goods sold, including delivery                        275,924      231,890       737,348      625,766 
                                                          ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------
                                                                                                              
Gross profit                                                  141,657      121,193       383,775      334,343 
                                                                                                              
Selling, general & administrative expenses                    109,109       93,825       302,293      261,843 
                                                          ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------
                                                                                                              
Operating income                                               32,548       27,368        81,482       72,500 
                                                                                                              
Other income, net of interest expense                           3,546        2,264         9,512        6,866 
                                                          ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------
                                                                                                              
Income before income taxes                                     36,094       29,632        90,994       79,366 
                                                                                                              
Provision for income taxes                                     10,823        8,884        27,841       25,801 
                                                          ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------
                                                                                                              
Net income                                                    $25,271      $20,748       $63,153      $53,565 
                                                           ===========  ===========  ============  ===========
                                                                                                              
Earnings per share:                                                                                           
   Basic                                                        $0.30        $0.25         $0.75        $0.64 
                                                           ===========  ===========  ============  ===========
   Diluted                                                      $0.29        $0.24         $0.73        $0.62 
                                                           ===========  ===========  ============  ===========
                                                                                                              
Weighted average shares outstanding:                                                                          
   Basic                                                        84,850       83,800        84,400       83,535
                                                           ===========  ===========  ============  ===========
   Diluted                                                      87,100       87,000        87,000       87,050
                                                           ===========  ===========  ============  ===========
</TABLE>

                                       3
<PAGE>
                 VIKING OFFICE PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                (In thousands)
                                  (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Nine Months Ended
                                                                                     March 31,
                                                                              --------------------
                                                                                 1998      1997
                                                                              --------------------
<S>                                                                           <C>       <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
     Net income                                                                 $63,153   $53,565
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
     provided by operating activities:
          Depreciation and amortization                                          18,050    14,074
          Provision for doubtful accounts and customer returns                   11,172     9,343
          (Gain) Loss on sale of property and equipment                            (215)       94
          Increase in accounts receivable                                       (43,392)  (40,413)
          Increase in merchandise inventories                                   (23,614)  (21,362)
          Decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets                     724     4,936
          Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses                      47,740    34,171
          Increase in other liabilities                                           2,349    11,414
                                                                              --------------------
     Net cash provided by operating activities                                   75,967    65,822

Cash flows from investing activities:
     Capital expenditures                                                       (47,332)  (34,754)
     Short-term investments                                                     (22,185)    3,556
     Proceeds from sale of property and equipment                                   147       209
     Issuance of notes receivable and other                                        (351)     (581)
                                                                              --------------------
          Net cash used in investing activities                                 (69,721)  (31,570)

Cash flows from financing activities:
     Proceeds from issuance of common stock                                       7,218     5,745
                                                                              --------------------
          Net cash provided by financing activities                               7,218     5,745

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash                                          (2,211)   (5,191)
                                                                              --------------------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                                        11,253    34,806

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period                                   29,856    11,693
                                                                              --------------------

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period                                        $41,109   $46,499
                                                                               ========= =========

Supplemental cash flow information:
     Income taxes paid                                                          $23,456   $18,665
                                                                               ========= =========
     Interest paid                                                                  $30       $93
                                                                               ========= =========
</TABLE>

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                          VIKING OFFICE PRODUCTS, INC.

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (UNAUDITED)

1.  Financial Statements

    The consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by
Viking Office Products, Inc. ("Viking" or the "Company") without audit, pursuant
to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and
reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, which,
in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the
results of the interim periods presented.

    Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial
statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although
the Company believes that disclosures are adequate to make the information
presented not misleading.  It is suggested that these consolidated financial
statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes
thereto included in the Company's Annual Report to Shareholders for the year
ended June 30, 1997.

    The June 30, 1997 Consolidated Balance Sheet was derived from the audited
Consolidated Balance Sheet at June 30, 1997, which was incorporated by reference
in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K.

    At December 31, 1997, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standard No. 128 ("SFAS 128"), "Earnings per Share". SFAS 128 replaces the
presentation of primary earnings per share ("EPS") with a presentation of basic
EPS based upon weighted average number of common shares for the period. It also
requires dual presentation of basic and diluted EPS for companies with "complex
capital structures", as defined.  Diluted earnings per share is computed based
upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the effect of
outstanding stock options using the "treasury stock method".

    EPS for the current and prior periods has been presented in conformity with
the provisions of SFAS 128.  Net income, as presented in the Consolidated
Statements of Income, is used as the numerator for the computations of both
basic and diluted EPS.  The following table is a reconciliation of the weighted
average shares used in the computation of basic and diluted EPS for the income
statement periods presented herein.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)
                                     Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
                                          March 31,            March 31,
                                     --------------------- --------------------
                                        1998      1997       1998      1997
                                     ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
<S>                                  <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>
Weighted average shares outstanding:
   Basic                                84,850    83,800     84,400    83,535
   Assumed exercise of stock options     2,250     3,200      2,600     3,515
                                     ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
   Diluted                              87,100    87,000     87,000    87,050
                                      ========= ========== ========= ==========
</TABLE> 

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
         -----------------------------------------------------------------------
         OF OPERATIONS
         -------------

     Viking Office Products, Inc. ("Viking" or the "Company") operates ten
distribution centers in the United States, two in Australia and nine in Europe.
Operations in the foreign countries account for an increasing percentage of the
Company's consolidated revenues and expenses, and an increasing amount of
Viking's consolidated assets. The asset and liability accounts of Viking's
foreign subsidiaries are translated for consolidated financial reporting
purposes into United States Dollar amounts at period end exchange rates. Revenue
and expense accounts are translated at weighted average exchange rates for the
period. For the quarter ended March 31, 1998, foreign currency fluctuations
negatively impacted revenue growth and net income as reported in US dollars. In
local currencies, excluding the foreign currency translation effect,
consolidated revenues grew at 22% versus the reported growth of 18%, and net
income would have been approximately 3% higher than reported.

     The following table shows, for the periods indicated, the percentage
relationships to revenues of items included in the Consolidated Statements of
Income and the percentage changes in the dollar amounts of such items from
period to period.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Percentage
                             Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended    Increase (Decrease)
                                                                  ---------------------------
                                 March 31,           March 31,       3 Months      9 Months
                               --------------     --------------  -------------  -------------
                               1998    1997        1998    1997   1998 vs. 1997  1998 vs. 1997
                               ------  ------     ------  ------  -------------  -------------
<S>                            <C>     <C>        <C>     <C>         <C>            <C>
Revenues                       100.0%  100.0%     100.0%  100.0%      18.3%          16.8%

Cost of goods sold,
including delivery              66.1%   65.7%      65.8%   65.2%      19.0%          17.8%
                               ------  ------     ------  ------ 
Gross profit                    33.9%   34.3%      34.2%   34.8%      16.9%          14.8%

Selling, general &
administrative expenses         26.1%   26.6%      27.0%   27.3%      16.3%          15.4%
                               ------  ------     ------  ------ 
Operating income                 7.8%    7.7%       7.2%    7.5%      18.9%          12.4%

Other income, net of
interest expense                 0.9%    0.7%       0.9%    0.7%      56.6%          38.5%
                               ------  ------     ------  ------ 
Income before income
taxes                            8.7%    8.4%       8.1%    8.2%      21.8%          14.7%

Income taxes                     2.6%    2.5%       2.5%    2.6%      21.8%           7.9%
                               ------  ------     ------  ------ 
Net income                       6.1%    5.9%       5.6%    5.6%      21.8%          17.9%
                               ======  ======     ======  ======
</TABLE> 

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS 
- --------------------------------------------------------------
ENDED MARCH 31, 1997
- --------------------

     Consolidated revenues for the third quarter ended March 31, 1998 were
$417.6 million. In U.S. dollars, revenues increased 18% over last year's third
quarter; in local currencies, without exchange rate effects, worldwide revenues
grew over 22%. International revenues, which include Europe and Australia, were
$275.5 million, an increase over last year's third quarter of 30% in local
currencies and 23% in U.S. dollars. In January 1998, the Company began
operations in Italy.  Most European countries had one or two additional billing
days in this year's quarter. Third quarter revenues in the United States grew
10% to $142.1 million with an equal number of billing days.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
     Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 1998 increased by $20.5
million, or 16.9% over last year.  As a percentage of revenues, gross profit
decreased from 34.3% in the three months ended March 31, 1997 to 33.9% in the
current quarter.  The decrease in gross profit is primarily attributable to
lower margins on paper products, and lower margins in Italy during the startup
period.

     Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses for the three months
ended March 31, 1998 increased by $15.3 million, or 16.3% over the comparable
period of the prior year.  As a percentage of revenues, these expenses decreased
from 26.6% in the three months ended March 31, 1997 to 26.1% in the current
quarter. The improvement in SG&A expenses as a percentage of revenues is due to
general improvements in cost controls and better absorption of fixed costs in
Germany, Holland and Austria due to a higher revenue base.

     Income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 1998 increased by $1.9
million over the same period of the prior year.  The effective tax rate remained
unchanged at 30.0%.

     Consolidated net income for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 was $25.3
million, an increase of 21.8% over the prior year's third quarter. Basic net
income per share was $.30 compared to $.25 last year, and diluted net income per
share was $.29 compared to $.24 last year.

NINE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 COMPARED TO THE NINE MONTHS 
- ------------------------------------------------------------
ENDED MARCH 31,1997
- -------------------

     Consolidated revenues for the nine months ended March 31, 1998 were $1.1
billion. In U.S. dollars, revenues increased 17% over the same nine month period
last year; in local currencies, without exchange rate effects, worldwide
revenues grew over 21%. International revenues for the nine months ended March
31, 1998 were $727.0 million, an increase of 28% in local currencies and 20% in
U.S. dollars over the same period last year. Revenues in the U.S. for this nine
month period grew 11% to $394.1 million.

     Gross profit for the nine months ended March 31, 1998 increased by $49.4
million, or 14.8% over last year.  As a percentage of revenues, gross profit
decreased from 34.8% in the nine months ended March 31, 1997 to 34.2% in the
nine months ended March 31, 1998.  The decrease in gross profit is primarily
attributable to lower margins on paper products.

     SG&A expenses for the nine months ended March 31, 1998 increased by $40.4
million, or 15.4% over the comparable period of the prior year.  As a percentage
of revenues, these expenses decreased from 27.3% in the nine months ended March
31, 1997 to 27.0% in the nine months ended March 31, 1998.  The improvement in
SG&A expenses as a percentage of revenues is due to general improvements in cost
controls and better absorption of fixed costs in Germany, Holland and Austria
due to a higher revenue base.

     Income taxes for the nine months ended March 31, 1998 increased by $2.0
million.  The effective tax rate decreased from 32.5% for the nine months ended
March 31, 1997 to 30.6% for the current period.  This decrease was primarily
attributable to a statutory rate reduction in the United Kingdom as well as the
implementation of tax strategies in certain European countries.

    Consolidated net income for the nine months ended March 31, 1998 was $63.2
million, an increase of 17.9% over the prior year. Basic net income per share
was $.75 compared to $.64 last year, and diluted net income per share was $.73
compared to $.62 last year.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
- -------------------------------

     Viking's primary source of liquidity has been cash flow from operations.
Viking believes that its existing cash and short-term investments, funds
generated from operations and available credit under its revolving credit
facility will be sufficient to finance its anticipated working capital
requirements.  At March 31, 1998, the Company had working capital of $231.8
million compared to $197.7 million at June 30,

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
1997. The improved working capital position primarily reflects increased net
income, net of investing activities. Cash provided by operating and financing
activities that exceeded current working capital and capital expenditures
requirements was invested in short-term marketable securities.

     Capital expenditures were $47.3 million for first nine months of fiscal
1998 as Viking continued to invest in domestic and international operations.
During the quarter ended March 31, 1998, Viking incurred startup expenditures
for Italy and completion costs for Viking's new facilities in the United States.
Capital expenditures related to expansion have been funded by cash from
operations. In fiscal 1998, capital expenditures are expected to be
approximately $60 million.

     Viking has a revolving credit agreement which provides for an unsecured
revolving credit facility up to $60 million through June 2001. Advances under
this credit facility bear interest at the bank's base rate or, at the option of
Viking, the LIBOR rate plus a percentage spread based upon certain defined
ratios. In addition, Viking is required to pay a commitment fee of 1/8% on the
total amount of the revolving credit facility. The availability of the line of
credit is subject to Viking's maintenance of certain financial ratios. At March
31, 1998, no amounts were outstanding under this credit facility, Viking was in
compliance with all of the terms of the credit facility, and the entire $60
million was available for borrowing.

YEAR 2000
- ---------

     Viking recognizes that the arrival of the year 2000 poses a unique
worldwide challenge to the ability of all computer systems to recognize the date
change from December 31, 1999 to January 1, 2000.

     In 1996, the Company initiated a conversion from existing enterprise
software to programs that are year 2000 compliant.  In addition, the Company is
reviewing all significant existing applications that will require modification
to ensure year 2000 compliance.  Internal and external resources are being used
to make and test required modifications.  Management believes that the year 2000
issue will not pose significant operational issues for its computer systems.

     The Company is in the process of initiating formal communications with all
of its significant suppliers to determine the extent to which the Company is
vulnerable to third party failure to remediate year 2000 issues.  The Company
can give no guarantee that the systems of other companies on which the Company
relies will be converted on time, or that a failure to convert by another
company would not have a material adverse effect on the Company.  The total cost
of modifications is estimated to be approximately $3 to $4 million.  All costs
associated with the conversion are being expensed as incurred.

     The total costs and the date upon which the Company plans to complete the
year 2000 modifications and testing processes are based on management's best
estimates derived from numerous assumptions of future events including the
availability of internal and external resources and other factors.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

(a)  THE FOLLOWING EXHIBITS ARE FILED AS PART OF THIS REPORT:

     10.38   Lease Reservation Agreement, dated January 28, 1998, between
             Suzuyo & Co., Ltd. a   Japanese corporation and the registrant.
     27      Financial Data Schedule

(b)  REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

         There were no reports filed on Form 8-K during the three months ended
         March 31, 1998.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
SIGNATURE
- ---------

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


                                         VIKING OFFICE PRODUCTS, INC.
                                                                                



DATE:  May 11, 1998                   BY:   /s/ Frank R. Jarc
                                         --------------------------
                                         Frank R. Jarc
                                         Executive Vice President,
                                         Chief Financial Officer


                                      BY:   /s/ Keith Bjelajac
                                         --------------------------
                                         Keith Bjelajac
                                         Corporate Controller

                                       10

<PAGE>
 
Exhibit 10.38 Lease Reservation Agreement, dated January 28, 1998, between
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Suzuyo & Co., Ltd., a Japanese corporation and the registrant
- -------------------------------------------------------------


                          LEASE RESERVATION AGREEMENT
                          ---------------------------

THIS AGREEMENT is entered into on this 28th day of January, 1998 by and between
Suzuyo & Co., Ltd., a Japanese corporation having its principal office at 11-1
Irifunecho, Shimizu-shi, Shizuoka-ken, Japan ("Lessor") and Viking Office
Products, Inc., a California corporation having its principal office at 950 West
190th Street, Torrance, California, U.S.A. ("Lessee").

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, Lessee desires to have constructed by Lessor a facility (the
"Building", as further defined below) for use by Lessee or its affiliate to
serve as its warehouse, office and distribution centre in Shizuoka Prefecture,
Japan;

WHEREAS, in order to achieve such purpose, Lessee has requested Lessor to
construct the Building for the purpose of leasing the same to Lessee;

WHEREAS, in view of the above commitment made by the respective parties, said
parties wish to set forth in further detail the terms and conditions concerning
the lease of the Building by Lessee or its affiliate and performance obligations
and guarantees of Lessor and Lessee in respect of said Building;

WHEREAS, Lessee expects to retain Lessor to perform certain warehousing and
distribution services with respect to Lessee's business in Japan based at the
Building pursuant to a service agreement to be executed between the parties (the
"Service Agreement");

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the mutual covenants and
agreements set forth herein, and for other valuable consideration, the receipt
and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as
follows:

ARTICLE 1  DEFINITIONS


1.1  As used in this Agreement, the following words shall have the following
     definitions:

     "Actual Completion" shall mean that construction of the Building has been
     completed in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the
     Plans and Specifications and the Construction Contract, that the Completion
     Certificate and the Inspection Certificate have been issued and that all
     conditions precedent to Lessee's obligation to enter into the Lease and
     accept delivery of the Building have been satisfied;

     "Agreed Start Date" shall have the meaning set forth in Article 2.1 hereof.

     "Building" shall mean (i) the warehouse and distribution facilities
     comprising approximately 2,977.3 tsubo (9,842.25 square metres) and loading
     dock space and (ii) the office facilities comprising approximately 149.9
     tsubo (approximately [495.63] square metres) located on two floors, to be
     constructed on the Land, and (iii) all necessary access roads,
     truck/trailer yards, grounds, etc., all as further defined by the agreed
     Plans and Specifications and includes all connections to providers of
     electricity, gas, water, sewage, telecommunications (including ISDN and
     optic fibers) and other utilities services;

     "Building Works Commencement Date" shall mean that date on which
     construction of the Building has begun and which shall be no later than
     April 1, 1998, and the Lessor shall provide notice of that date in writing
     to the Lessee;

     "Completion Commitment Date" shall mean the earlier of the date of
     anticipated substantial completion of the Building as notified by the
     Lessor to the Lessee pursuant to Article 3.4 hereof or December 31, 1998.

     "Completion Certificate" shall mean the certificate to be issued by the
     Project Manager pursuant to the 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -2-



     Construction Contract following a final inspection of the Building
     certifying that construction of the Building has been completed and said
     building conforms to the Plans and Specifications, subject to minor items
     that, alone or in combination, do not interfere with Lessee's occupation of
     the Building for the purposes of installing the MHE and using the Building
     for its intended purposes;

     "Construction Contract" shall mean the contract for the construction of
     the Building entered into between Lessor and its Contractor at the request
     of Lessee and Lessor, as approved by the Lessee;

     "Contractor" shall mean Suzuyo Construction Co., Ltd., a Japanese
     corporation having its principal place of business located at 11-1
     Irifunecho, Shimizu-shi, Shizuoka-ken, Japan;

     "Controlled Affiliate" shall mean, with respect to any party, any
     corporation that is incorporated under the laws of Japan and that is
     directly or indirectly controlled by or under common control with such
     party, and for such purpose "control" shall mean the power to direct or
     cause direction of the management and policies of a corporation.

     "Hazardous Materials" shall mean any hazardous or toxic material, substance
     or waste which is defined by those or similar terms and which is regulated
     as such under any statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation of any local,
     prefectural, or national authority having jurisdiction over the Premises or
     its use;

     "Inspection Certificate" shall mean the certificate or certificates, as the
     case may be, to be issued by the competent governmental authorities
     certifying that the Building has been inspected and has passed all legal
     requirements necessary for occupancy;

     "Interior Works" shall mean all plumbing, wiring, equipment, facilities,
     offices, machinery, fire protection equipment and other safety-related
     equipment required by law, Lessor Lighting, and the like not included in
     the Plans and Specifications and which Lessee deems, in its reasonable
     discretion, necessary to use the Building for its intended purposes and to
     be specified in an Exhibit to be mutually agreed hereafter no later than
     the Building Works Commencement Date, but excludes Material Handling
     Equipment;

     "Land" shall mean the adjacent parcels of land that in the aggregate are
     either owned in freehold by or leased to the Lessor at Fuji City, Shizuoka
     Prefecture and further defined in Exhibit "B" attached hereto and made a
     part of this Agreement;

     "Lease" shall mean the lease of the Building by Lessee, which lease shall
     come into full force and effect in accordance with the terms and conditions
     of this Agreement pursuant to Article 4.1;

     "Lease Contract" shall mean the written contract entered into by the Lessor
     and the Lessee or its Controlled Affiliate setting forth in further detail
     the terms and conditions of the Lease in accordance with this Agreement;

     "Leased Parcels" shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9.3 hereof.

     "Lessee Lighting" shall mean lighting, other than Lessor Lighting, to be
     installed as Lessee determines appropriate in or on the MHE.

     "Lessor Lighting" shall mean the lighting and related electrical equipment
     to be suspended from the ceiling of the Building and placed in locations to
     be designated by the Lessee specified in the Plans and Specifications and
     in any event in an intensity at the floor of the Building of no less than
     150 lux for the Net Usable Warehouse Space and 600 lux for the Office
     Space.

     "Lessor's Net Book Value" shall mean Lessor's net book value calculated in
     accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Japan;

     "Lessor Parcel" shall have the meaning set forth in Article 9.3 hereof.

     "Lessor's Net Book Value" shall mean Lessor's net book value calculated
     in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Japan;
<PAGE>
 
                                      -3-

     "Lighting" shall mean the Lessee Lighting and the Lessor Lighting.

     "Liquidated Damages Rate" shall have the meaning set forth in Article 3.5
     hereof.

     "Material Handling Equipment" or "MHE" shall mean the rack-supported
     mezzanine, elevators, conveyor belts and other equipment to be installed in
     the Building for the purpose of handling materials and products to be sold
     by Lessee and includes Lessee Lighting.

     "Net Usable Warehouse Space" shall mean the space so designated in the
     Plans and Specifications, which space shall not include the Office Space,
     any platform or loading dock space that extends beyond the exterior walls,
     or any space on any mezzanine, whether fixed, rack-supported or otherwise,
     and is approximately 2,977.3 tsubo (approximately 9,842.25 square metres),
     subject to actual measurement pursuant to Article 1.2 hereof;

     "Office Rent" shall have the meaning set forth in Article 6.1 hereof;

     "Office Space" shall mean the space so designated in the Plans and
     Specifications comprising two floors within the Building, which space is
     approximately 149.9 tsubo (approximately 495.63 square metres), subject to
     actual measurement pursuant to Article 1.2 hereof;

     "Plans and Specifications" shall mean the plans and specifications for the
     Building to be approved by Lessee, including without limitation
     specifications as to the capacity of the electrical system and Lessor
     Lighting, as designated, modified, added to, or deleted from by the Lessee,
     from time to time, in accordance with the Construction Contract and which
     until further designation, modification, addition, or deletion by Lessee
     shall be the provisional plans and specifications attached hereto as
     Exhibit "A" and made a part of this Agreement;

     "Premises" shall mean the Building and the Land;

     "Project Manager" shall mean the company appointed to such role by Lessor
     and approved by Lessee;

     "Rent" shall have the meaning set forth in Article 6.1 hereof;

     "Scheduled Completion Date" shall mean October 1, 1998; and

     "Warehouse Rent" shall have the meaning set forth in Article 6.1 hereof.

1.2  All measurements of floor space contained herein are approximate and are
     calculated from the interior of the perimeter walls of the relevant
     structure or space and include floor space covered by interior walls or
     interior columns or other supports.  As soon as practicable after the
     erection of the relevant perimeter walls, actual measurements of all
     relevant floor space shall be made at the Lessor's cost, and, subject to
     the approval of Lessee, such measured space shall be deemed to be
     applicable for all purposes hereunder.

1.3  In the event Lessee assigns its rights hereunder to a Controlled Affiliate,
     or if a Controlled Affiliate enters into the Lease Contract as lessee or
     the rights of Lessee thereunder are assigned to such Controlled Affiliate,
     all references herein or therein to "Lessee" shall be deemed to refer
     solely to such Controlled Affiliate and not to Lessee, which shall be
     released from all liability hereunder or thereunder, as the case may be.
     In such event, Lessee (Viking Office Products, Inc.) shall guarantee such
     Controlled Affiliate's obligations hereunder and under the Lease Contract.

ARTICLE 2.  ENGAGEMENT

2.1  Lessee hereby engages that  on the date to be agreed by Lessor and Lessee
     that construction of the Building is substantially complete (the "Agreed
     Start Date"), which shall be no earlier than thirty (30) days prior to the
     Completion Commitment Date, Lessee shall lease the Building from Lessor
     pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth herein, and Lessor engages
     to lease the Building to Lessee upon said terms and conditions.

2.2  Lessee agrees the Building shall be used for the purpose of warehouse,
     distribution centre, office and related functions (including training for
     warehouse and distribution operations), that Lessee shall 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -4-

     comply with all local zoning and use regulations, and that the Building
     shall not be used for other use without prior notice to the Lessor.

2.3  The Lease agreed upon hereunder shall in no event be construed to include a
     lease of the Land and Lessee shall acquire no rights or interests in the
     Land other than expressly set forth hereunder and which are reasonably
     necessary for its uses of and access to the Building. Lessee further
     acknowledges that it has not been granted any rights of Shakuchi-ken
     pursuant to the Japanese law referred to as Shakuchi-Shakka-Ho.

2.4  Lessor is and intends to remain the owner and/or lessee of the Land as set
     forth in Article 9.3(a) hereof and the owner of the Building, in each case
     during the Lease term as provided in Article 11.1 hereof.  Notwithstanding
     said intention of Lessor, if, due to Lessor's business necessity, Lessor
     must sell its interest in the Land or the Building or both during said
     Lease term, Lessor shall have the right to sell its interest in the Land
     (including its leasehold interest in the Leased Parcels) or the Building,
     or both, to a third party; provided, however, Lessee shall have a right of
     first refusal to purchase the same on the same terms as those contained in
     a bona fide firm offer to purchase from such third party; provided, that,
       ---- ----                                                              
     Lessee must exercise such right of first refusal within sixty (60) days of
     Lessee receiving from Lessor written notice of such firm offer of purchase
     and that such notice contains reasonably sufficient detail of said firm
     offer so that Lessee can identify the material terms of, and if necessary,
     verify the validity of, such firm offer, and during such 60-day period
     Lessor shall cooperate in Lessee's due diligence in determining whether to
     exercise such right; provided, further, that the sale of Land or the
     Building or both during said Lease term to any third party other than
     Lessee shall be subject to execution by said party of an agreement, in a
     form acceptable to Lessee, under which said party shall assume all
     obligations of the Lessor under this Agreement and the Lease Contract,
     during the balance of said Lease term.  Notwithstanding the foregoing,
     Lessor may transfer or sell its interest in the Land or Building to a
     Controlled Affiliate, provided that Lessor provides written notice of such
     proposed sale or transfer to Lessee no later than sixty (60) days prior
     thereto, but Lessee shall have no first refusal or approval right with
     respect to such sale or transfer.  Lessor shall not in any event transfer
     or sell its interest in the Land or the Building to any person or entity
     engaged in the business of manufacturing or selling office products.

2.5  No sale to any third party or Lessee pursuant to Section 2.4 hereof or
     otherwise shall (i) adversely effect any rights or increase the costs of
     Lessee hereunder or under the Lease Contract; (ii) relieve Lessor of any of
     its obligations under the Service Agreement (if any) or (iii) otherwise
     modify any such rights or obligations adversely with regard to Lessee.
     Notwithstanding any transfer or sale of any of Lessor's interest in the
     Land or the Building to a Controlled Affiliate, Lessor shall remain
     primarily liable for all obligations of the Lessor hereunder and under the
     Lease Contract and shall guarantee that no actions by such Controlled
     Affiliate will be inconsistent with the obligations of the Lessor hereunder
     or under the Lease Contract, including without limitation that no actions
     of such Controlled Affiliate shall adversely effect any rights or increase
     the costs of Lessee hereunder or otherwise modify any such rights adversely
     with regard to Lessee.  Lessor shall indemnify Lessee from and against any
     losses sustained by Lessee by reason of any such sale to any third party
     (including a Controlled Affiliate) or Lessee or such increased costs.  Such
     indemnity obligation shall survive such sale and/or the termination of this
     Agreement or the Lease Contract for a period of two (2) years.

ARTICLE 3.  CONSTRUCTION AND CONSTRUCTION PERIOD

3.1  Lessor shall be responsible for obtaining all permissions or approvals,
     unless otherwise stipulated in this Agreement, which are required from
     governmental authorities in order to complete construction of the Building
     according to the Plans and Specifications and the construction schedule as
     specified by the Lessee and to which Lessor gives its consent, which shall
     not be unreasonably withheld, and which shall be contained in the
     Construction Contract and in order to permit Lessee to occupy the Premises.
     Lessor's obtaining of all such permissions or approvals shall be a
     condition precedent to Lessee's execution of the Lease Contract and to
     Lessee's obligations under the Lease.

3.2  The Building shall be constructed in accordance with the Plans and
     Specifications; provided, however, the parties hereby acknowledge and agree
     that the content of the provisional plans and specifications set forth in
     Exhibit "A" have been determined and stipulated and that the content of
     the final Plans and Specifications shall be determined and stipulated in
     accordance with the Lessee's requirements.  Lessor at all times shall
     maintain an accurate summary of the Plans and Specifications in the English
     language and, at Lessee's request, shall provide accurate detailed
     breakdowns of the Plans and Specifications, 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -5-

     including any changes therein or thereto, in the English language as Lessee
     may request, all at Lessor's cost and expense. In the event either party
     desires to amend or modify the Plans and Specifications, or the
     specifications for the Interior Works, such party promptly shall notify the
     other party of the desired amendment or modification and its best good-
     faith estimate of the incremental construction cost (or savings) associated
     therewith. Lessee reserves the right to approve or reject any proposed
     amendment or modification. If such incremental cost of such amendment or
     modification, in the aggregate with the costs of all previous amendments or
     modifications, is not greater than one million yen ((Yen)1,000,000), Lessor
     shall bear the full amount of such costs. In the event such costs exceed
     one million ((Yen)1,000,000), then the parties shall negotiate in good
     faith as to apportioning the costs in excess of such amount. Lessor shall
     be responsible for any (i) defects in the Building, whether latent or
     otherwise; (ii) noncompliance or nonconformity of the Building to or with
     any applicable codes or regulations; and (iii) nonconformity of the
     Building with the Plans and Specifications, and Lessor shall cure all such
     defects, noncompliance or nonconformity at no cost to Lessee. Such cure
     shall be a condition precedent to Lessee's execution of the Lease Contract
     and to Lessee's obligations under the Lease. In addition to the
     aforementioned provisions of this Article 3.2, Lessor assumes all and any
     other liabilities for any loss or damages arising from any defect in the
     Building and the Plans and Specifications or from any such noncompliance or
     nonconformity, or as a result of the Building being unsuitable for Lessee's
     purposes.

3.3  Construction and installation of all Interior Works shall be undertaken
     pursuant to Article 5 and shall be the sole responsibility and obligation
     of the Lessor. In undertaking the Interior Work, Lessor agrees to use its
     best efforts to follow and abide by the requests and instructions of Lessee
     which are reasonably necessary to enable Lessee or its designee to install
     the MHE.

3.4  Construction of the Building shall commence on or around the Building Works
     Commencement Date and is expected to be completed on or before the
     Scheduled Completion Date.  No later than sixty (60) days prior to the date
     on which Lessor anticipates that Actual Completion shall occur Lessor shall
     notify Lessee in writing of such anticipated date, provided that such
     notification shall not be deemed to be a representation that Lessor expects
     to receive the required governmental permissions or approvals to permit
     Lessee to occupy the Premises by such date.  Within twenty-one (21) days of
     receipt of such notice, Lessee shall inspect the Building and notify Lessor
     of any deviations from the then-current Plans and Specifications that
     Lessee believes exist.  Lessee shall be deemed to waive any and all claims
     as to any other deviations, but not as to any latent defects or as to any
     defects or deviations arising or occurring after the inspection, from such
     Plans and Specifications upon the expiration of such twenty-one day period.

3.5  Subject to Article 3.4 and Article 17.9 hereof, Lessor shall be responsible
     for any failure of Actual Completion of the Building to occur by the
     Completion Commitment Date. If there is any failure of Actual Completion of
     the Building to occur by the date that is fourteen (14) days after the
     Completion Commitment Date, Lessee's obligation to pay Rent hereunder shall
     cease and Lessor shall, commencing with the day following the Completion
     Commitment Date, reimburse Lessee for all of its costs in connection with
     printing catalogs that will have then been printed and pay Lessee
                                                        ---           
     liquidated damages for each day until the date of Actual Completion of the
     Building at a per-day rate equivalent to the daily Rent that would
     otherwise be applicable (the "Liquidated Damages Rate").  If Actual
     Completion does not occur within six (6) months  of the Completion
     Commitment Date, (i) Lessee may at any time from the day following the end
     of such 6-month period  terminate this Agreement and the Lease Contract
     without any further obligation on the part of the Lessee; (ii) upon such
     termination all of Lessee's obligations hereunder or thereunder shall
     forthwith terminate; and (iii) Lessor shall pay to Lessee upon demand as
     liquidated damages an amount equivalent to the full amount of Lessor's
     costs of construction, as certified by a firm of independent certified
     public accountants designated by Lessor, that have been expended by and/or
     are due to third parties from Lessor.  Notwithstanding such termination,
     Lessor's obligation to pay such liquidated damages up to the date of such
     termination shall survive the termination.

3.6  Provided Lessee is not in material breach of any provision of this
     Agreement, all proceeds derived from any claim or suit by Lessor against
     the Contractor shall, following reimbursement to Lessor for any costs or
     expenses incurred by Lessor in respect of such suit or claim, and payment
     of any additional amounts owing to Lessor from Lessee or Contractor, be for
     the account of Lessee.

3.7  Lessor and Lessee agree that Lessee shall be entitled to full review of the
     Construction Contract in advance of execution thereof, and may require in
     its discretion any modifications, additions, or 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -6-

     revisions thereto prior to such contract taking effect, for purposes of
     ensuring the Plans and Specifications and planned quality of the Building
     and its suitability for its intended purposes.

ARTICLE 4.  EFFECTUATION OF LEASE AND DELIVERY OF BUILDING

4.1  The Lease shall become effective on the Agreed Start Date in accordance
     with the terms and conditions set forth herein.

4.2  As soon as practical after the parties have agreed on the Agreed Start
     Date, Lessor and Lessee shall execute in writing the Lease Contract in
     accordance with the terms and conditions contained herein.  The Lease
     Contract shall not contain any terms or conditions inconsistent with the
     terms hereof but may contain supplemental terms as may be agreed by the
     parties.

4.3  Subject to Lessee's right to use the Building for installation of the MHE
     hereunder, upon execution of the Lease Contract by both parties, Lessor
     shall deliver and make available the Building to Lessee; provided however,
     Lessor shall have no obligation to deliver the Building to Lessee unless
     and until the Lease Contract is executed; provided, further, however, that
     if the Lease Contract is not executed, or its execution is delayed beyond
     the fifth (5th) day following the date of Actual Completion, due to the
     fault or negligence of the Lessor, the Lessor shall be liable to the Lessee
     for Lessee's damages, which damages shall be the greater of (i) damages at
     the Liquidated Damages Rate for each day from such fifth day to and
     including the date of execution (if any) and (ii) Lessee's damage resulting
     from such failure to execute (including any attorney's fees).  Without
     prejudice to Lessee's right to payment of such damages, on or after the
     earlier of such fifth day or the day following the expiration of six (6)
     months following the Completion Commitment Date, Lessee may terminate this
     Agreement without any further obligation on the part the Lessee, and upon
     such termination all of Lessee's obligations hereunder shall forthwith
     terminate.  Notwithstanding such termination, Lessor's obligation to pay
     damages hereunder shall survive the termination.

ARTICLE 5.  INTERIOR WORKS

5.1  Subject to Article 5.2, during construction of the Building and prior to
     the Actual Completion of the Building, Lessor shall, at its own expense and
     by means of one or more construction contractors chosen by Lessor with the
     approval of Lessee, cause to be constructed or installed in the Building
     the Interior Works (including the Lessor Lighting). Lessor shall be
     responsible for any defects in the Interior Works.  Lessor warrants and
     covenants to Lessee that Lessee's construction contractor for the MHE, and
     its subcontractors for such work (the "MHE work"), shall have reasonable
     access to the Land and Building, during the construction of the Building
     and beginning no later than the Agreed Start Date, to enable the MHE
     construction contractor and its subcontractors to complete required MHE
     work according to Lessee's schedule for such work and the construction
     schedule for the Building, subject, however, to Lessee providing Lessor
     with Lessee's schedule for the MHE work and any other reasonably necessary
     information which the Lessor requests from Lessee in respect of such work.
     Lessor acknowledges that Lessee requires that such work be completed no
     later than the Completion Commitment Date.  In the event Lessee's
     contractor and/or subcontractors cannot complete the MHE work by such date
     as a result of Lessor's breach of the foregoing warranty or as a result of
     Lessor's or its contractors' or subcontractors' negligence or willful
     misconduct, then a "failure of Actual Completion" shall be deemed to have
     occurred for purposes of Article 3.5 hereof, and Lessee shall have all the
     rights of Lessee set forth in such Article.

5.2  Lessee, or any employee, agent or contractor thereof, undertaking
     construction or installation of the MHE shall do so with reasonable care
     and diligence, and in a manner which will not cause any damage to the
     Building or cause any delay in achieving Actual Completion of the Building.
     Lessee's contractors for the MHE work shall indemnify, defend and hold
     harmless both Lessor and Lessee from any and all claims or damages incurred
     by either party as a result of the faulty or negligent construction or
     installation of the MHE, including any damage to the Building or suffered
     by the other staff or contractors of either Lessor or Lessee.

5.3  Any loss or damage incurred due to a delay in the Actual Completion of the
     Building, including any payment of Rent due to which Lessor would otherwise
     be entitled, due to the faulty or negligent construction or installation of
     MHE by the MHE contractor shall be borne by that contractor party
     responsible, and such shall indemnify, defend and hold Lessee and Lessor
     harmless from any such loss or damage.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -7-


ARTICLE 6.  RENT

6.1  During the term of the Lease, Lessee shall pay Lessor monthly rent ("Rent")
     in the amounts set forth in Schedule 1 hereto with respect to rent for the
     warehouse and distribution centre space ("Warehouse Rent") and rent for the
     office space ("Office Rent").  Lessee shall also remit to Lessor an amount
     equal to the consumption tax assessed by the government of Japan in respect
     of said Rent.  During the term of the Lease, the Lessor shall not request
     any increase in said Rent pursuant to Article 32 of the Shakuchi-Sakka-Ho.
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of an extraordinary change in
     the economy of Japan, the parties may discuss revisions to the Rent set
     forth herein as may be appropriate in the circumstances.

6.2  Upon execution of this Agreement, Lessee shall pay to Lessor a sum
     equivalent to one month of Rent at the rate applicable to months beginning
     with the nineteenth month of the Lease term as payment of the last month's
     Rent for the period of Lessee's occupancy hereunder or under the Lease
     Contract.  In the event Lessee's occupancy does not begin and Lessee is not
     in material breach hereunder, Lessor shall forthwith upon demand repay such
     Rent to Lessee.  Lessor shall be under no obligation to pay Lessee any
     interest with respect to the holding of such sum.  All other Rent, the
     applicable consumption tax, and any other sums payable by Lessee to Lessor
     hereunder shall be paid to Lessor in arrears no later than thirty (30) days
     following the last day of the month to which such amount is applicable. The
     Rent and other sums shall be remitted by telegraphic transfer to the bank
     account designated by Lessor from time to time, and all charges incurred
     for such transfer shall be borne by Lessee.

6.3  The Rent shall be a total sum, i.e., Lessee shall not be responsible for
     any additional charges with respect to maintenance, operating and repair
     expenses for the Premises, as set forth in Article 7, the real estate taxes
     on the Premises, as set forth in Article 16, or the insurance required
     pursuant to Article 10.

6.4  In the event Lessee fails to pay, when due, Rent or any other amount owing
     to Lessor under this Agreement, Lessee shall pay to Lessor overdue interest
     on the amount so owing at the rate of 15% per annum until payment in full
     is received on such amounts. For the purpose of calculating amounts due and
     outstanding hereunder, all payments received from Lessee shall be applied
     first to any overdue interest or other amounts owed Lessor, and only after
     all such amounts have been paid shall any payment be applied to Rent.

6.5  So long as Lessee shall not be in material breach of this Agreement or the
     Lease Contract, no security deposit shall be required in respect of
     Lessee's occupancy of the Building.

ARTICLE 7.  USE, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF PREMISES

7.1  Lessor shall, during the term of the Lease, use, manage and maintain such
     parts of the Premises and the Interior Works with such care as to be
     exercised by a good manager.  For the avoidance of doubt, Lessee shall be
     responsible for (i) use, management and maintenance of all Material
     Handling Equipment, provided, however, that Lessee may hereafter request
     Lessor to maintain all or part of the MHE or other installed equipment
     pursuant to terms mutually agreeable to Lessor and Lessee, and (ii) damage
     to the Building or Lessor's fixtures that are caused by the fault or
     negligence of Lessee's employees.  Lessor shall, except for reasonable wear
     and tear on the Premises during the Lease term, be responsible to perform
     all maintenance and repair necessary to preserve the Premises, except for
     the Lighting, in good order, including, but not limited to, the maintenance
     and repair of all interior and exterior walls, ceilings, roofs, floors,
     tanks/cisterns, water supplies and drainage, electrical fixtures and
     wiring, air conditioning as installed, parking and trucking areas, and all
     other fixtures, plant, grounds, etc.  Lessor acknowledges and agrees that
     it is of the essence of this Agreement and the Lease Contract that the roof
     and floors of the Building and all parking and trucking areas be maintained
     in a manner that will permit the unobstructed and efficient operation of
     Lessee's business at the Premises and in particular that the roof not leak,
     that the concrete floors be free of cracks that can hinder the movement of
     vehicles, materials or equipment and that the settling of the parking and
     trucking area be balanced.  Lessor shall take all such actions as Lessee
     may reasonably request to remedy any deficiencies with respect to the roof,
     floors and parking and trucking areas, at Lessor's expense.
     Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Agreement or
     the Lease Contract, Lessor shall indemnify Lessee for any and all of
     Lessee's damages arising from or related to any failure or delay in
     performing any such maintenance or repairs or in remedying such
     deficiencies, including lost profits for any period during which Lessee's
     normal business is interrupted as a result thereof.  Lessor shall initially
     install at 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -8-

     its expense eighty-one (81) multi-halogen bulbs in the Lighting and Lessee
     shall be responsible for all other light bulbs. Lessee shall, except for
     reasonable wear and tear, be responsible to perform all maintenance and
     repair to preserve the Lighting in good order and to replace all light
     bulbs as Lessee deems necessary.

7.2  Lessee shall, during the term of the Lease, be responsible for the
     purchase, installation, maintenance and repair of any security system that
     Lessee may install at the Premises.

7.3  Lessee shall be entitled to establish its own rules for management of the
     Building; provided, however, said rules shall be in compliance with this
     Agreement and the Lease Contract, and are subject to the prior consent of
     Lessor, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld.

7.4  Lessee shall promptly notify Lessor of any damage to or defect in the
     Premises which comes to the knowledge of Lessee.

7.5  Lessee shall be solely responsible during the term of the Lease for
     procuring all utilities and services which Lessee deems necessary for its
     intended use of the Building, including, but not limited to, electricity,
     gas, water, sewage, telecommunications and maintenance services, provided
     that Lessor shall be responsible for providing and maintaining all physical
     connections between the interior of the Building and the exterior.

7.6  Lessee shall not change or alter the structure of the Building or undertake
     any construction work which may significantly weaken the Building;
     provided, however, Lessee may, subject to obtaining Lessor's prior written
     consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, undertake
     construction for remodeling of Lessee's possessions or for the addition or
     changing of Lessee's Material Handling Equipment, except for such changes
     or alterations as may significantly weaken the Building. In no event shall
     Lessee change or make alteration to or addition upon the Land without the
     prior written consent of Lessor, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.

7.7  Lessor shall prepare and implement at its own expense any and all large
     scale repair plans required pursuant to local or national law; provided,
     however, any such plan shall be formed and agreed to with the prior written
     consent of Lessee, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld.

7.8  Lessor shall conduct its activities relating to the Premises as a good
     corporate citizen and shall endeavour to develop and maintain good
     relations with neighbors and relevant authorities. In the event of any
     dispute regarding the management or the use of the Premises, Lessor shall
     notify Lessee of any such dispute, including, where appropriate, a detailed
     report of the circumstances, and shall settle such dispute as soon as
     possible at Lessor's sole cost and expense.  Lessor further agrees to bear
     the burdens of good citizenship in the area through participation in or
     donations to commonly supported neighborhood causes; providing, however,
     that such to be solely at the Lessor's discretion and in compliance with
     all applicable laws.

ARTICLE 8.  DAMAGE TO THE PREMISES

8.1  Until Actual Completion of the Building, Lessor shall bear all risk of loss
     or damage to the Premises due to any cause whatsoever. After Actual
     Completion of the Building, during the Lease term, Lessor shall bear all
     risk of loss or damage to the Premises, and if such loss or damage occurs
     during the Lease term, Lessor shall, at its cost, repair or reconstruct the
     Building and other physical improvements on the Premises at least to the
     condition which existed prior to such loss or damage.

8.2  In addition to the risks of loss or damage to the Building described by
     Article 8.1, Lessor shall bear all other risk of loss or damage to the
     Building by any cause whatsoever other than the fault or negligence of the
     Lessee and if such loss or damage occurs before the expiration of the term
     of the Lease, Lessee shall at Lessee's sole option, either (a) at Lessor's
     cost require that the Building be repaired or reconstructed to at least the
     condition that existed prior to such loss or damage, or (b) terminate this
     Agreement and/or the Lease Contract without any further obligation to the
     Lessor except to pay the Lessor an amount equivalent to the Rent owing to
     the Lessor up to the date at which a notice of termination is served upon
     the Lessor.

8.3  If during the Lease term, (i) the Building is damaged or destroyed, in part
     or in whole, or becomes uninhabitable, or (ii) if any local or national
     government official, department or division shall condemn 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -9-

     the Building or any part thereof as not in conformity with the laws and
     regulations regulating to the construction thereof, or that said
     governmental representative orders or requires any alterations, repairs or
     installations as may be necessary to comply with such laws, orders or
     regulations (the validity of which Lessor has the natural entitlement to
     contest in good faith), Lessor shall be responsible for undertaking all
     such alterations, repairs or installations and complying with such laws,
     orders or regulations as maybe required to the extent the same relate to
     the elements of the Building or defects in the Building or the Land, and
     Lessor shall be responsible for undertaking all other such alterations,
     repairs, or installations and complying with such laws, orders or
     regulations as may be required with respect to the Building; and (iii) if,
     by reason of the applicability of the foregoing (i) or (ii), or the
     applicability of Article 8.1 or Article 8.2, Lessee is deprived of the
     substantial use of the Building, the payment of Rent and all other amounts
     payable by the Lessee hereunder shall be suspended and the running of the
     Lease term may be suspended at the option of the Lessee, until such time as
     Lessor and Lessee mutually agree that the repairs and reconstruction, as
     required by Article 8.1 or Article 8.2, or the alterations, repairs or
     installations and complying with the laws, orders, or regulations, as
     required by this Article 8.3, have been completed, whereupon Lessee's
     payment of Rent and all other amounts payable by Lessee hereunder and the
     running of the Lease term shall resume; provided that, in all other cases
     where Article 8.1, Article 8.2 or Article 8.3 applies, the payment of Rent
     and all other amounts payable by Lessee hereunder shall remain in full
     force and effect, so long as the repairs and reconstruction, if required,
     by the Lessor under Article 8.1, or the alterations, repairs or
     installations and complying with the laws, orders or regulations, if
     required by the Lessor under Article 8.3, are being promptly and diligently
     carried out by Lessor.

8.4  Lessee shall be obliged to compensate Lessor for any loss or damage
     incurred to the Premises as a result of any change, alteration or addition
     to the Premises made by Lessee without Lessor's written consent.  Lessor
     hereby consents to the installation of the Material Handling Equipment and
     the mezzanine.

8.5  Lessor shall be responsible prior to the start of the Lease term for
     providing adequate security at the Premises, provided that Lessee shall be
     responsible for the security of the MHE at all times.  From the start of
     the Lease term, Lessee shall be responsible for such security at the
     Premises as it deems appropriate.  During the Lease term, Lessee shall
     promptly notify Lessor of any condition or incident at the Premises which
     may jeopardize such security.

ARTICLE 9.  COVENANTS

9.1  Lessee warrants, represents and covenants to Lessor that:

          (a) It has full power and authority to enter into this agreement and
          the Lease Contract and that this Agreement constitutes and the Lease
          Contract when executed and delivered will constitute valid and legally
          binding obligations of Lessee;

          (b) It shall comply with any and all laws, statutes, ordinances, and
          regulations in Japan, now or hereinafter in force, applicable to
          Lessee and the Premises, and shall promptly notify Lessor in writing
          of any failure to comply with any such laws, regulations and the like;
          provided, however, that so long as Lessee, subsequent to such notice,
          complies with such laws, regulations and the like, the initial
          noncompliance by Lessee, shall, notwithstanding any other provision of
          this Agreement or the Lease Contract to the contrary, not be grounds
          to terminate or claim a breach of this Agreement or the Lease
          Contract;

          (c) It shall (i) not cause or permit any Hazardous Materials, other
          than those being part of the Lessee's normal stock in trade, should
          such be the case, to exist on or be discharged from the Premises; (ii)
          promptly pay any claim against Lessor or the Premises arising out of
          any Hazardous Material existing on or discharged from the Premises due
          to the fault or negligence of the Lessee; and (iii) indemnify and hold
          Lessor and the Premises harmless from and against any and all losses,
          liability, suits, obligations, fines, damages, and the like
          (including, without limitation, all reasonable legal and consulting
          fees and expenses) which may be suffered or incurred by or asserted
          against Lessor or the Premises as a result of any violation of this
          paragraph;

          (d) It shall pay, pursuant to Articles 6 and 7, Rent and utilities
          charges required to be paid or reimbursed by Lessee;
<PAGE>
 
                                      -10-

          (e)  It shall use the Building for the purpose of the Lessee's
          warehouse, office and distribution centre, including all uses
          reasonably related and incidental thereto, and Lessee shall not use or
          suffer the Building to be used for any other purpose, or for any
          disorderly or unlawful purpose; and

          (f)  It shall observe all reasonable and necessary agreements Lessor
          may execute with governmental or municipal organizations concerning
          the Premises, such as agreements concerning tree planting on the Land,
          so long as Lessee has provided its consent to such agreements, which
          shall not be unreasonably withheld, provided that Lessee shall not be
          required to bear any costs or expenses under or in relation to such
          agreements.

9.2  Lessee hereby indemnifies and agrees to indemnify Lessor from and against
     any and all losses arising out of or relating to any inaccuracy in or
     breach of any of the foregoing representations or warranties or any breach
     of the foregoing covenants immediately upon demand by Lessor.

9.3  Lessor warrants, represents and covenants to Lessee that:

          (a) It owns in freehold that portion of the Land identified as the
          Lessor Parcel on Exhibit "B" (including the map labeled as Exhibit B-
          1) hereto (the "Lessor Parcel"); that it has leased and has valid and
          enforceable rights as against, the respective owners of each of those
          portions of the Land identified as the Leased Parcels on Exhibit "B"
          (including the map labeled as Exhibit B-1) hereto and including both
          the portions identified as owned by Fuji Tobu Tochi Kairyoku and the
          portions owned by Private Landlords (the "Leased Parcels"); that
          Lessor's rights and interests in the Land, including but not limited
          to the terms of such leases to and such rights in the Leased Parcels,
          permit and shall continue to permit the construction and leasing of
          the Building as contemplated hereby throughout the Lease term, at no
          cost to Lessee payable to the owners of the Leased Parcels; that
          Lessor shall defend and maintain all rights to maintain the Building
          on the Land, to lease the Building to Lessee pursuant to the terms
          hereof and of the Lease Contract and for the purposes contemplated
          hereby, and to ensure Lessor's access to and enjoyment of the Building
          as contemplated hereby or by the Lease Contract throughout the Lease
          term, all at no cost to Lessee payable to the owners of the Leased
          Parcels.

          (b) It has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and
          the Lease Contract and that this Agreement constitutes and the Lease
          Contract when executed and delivered will constitute valid and legally
          binding obligations of Lessor, and that Lessee, upon paying Rent and
          performing its other covenants and obligations herein set forth,
          shall, subject to the terms of this Agreement and the Lease Contract,
          peaceably and quietly have, hold and enjoy the Building for the term
          of the Lease term;

          (c) It shall comply with any and all laws, statutes, ordinances, and
          regulations in Japan, now or hereinafter in force, applicable to
          Lessor and the Premises, and shall promptly notify Lessee in writing
          of any failure by lessor to comply with any such laws, regulations and
          the like; and

          (d) The construction of the Building on the Land and the use of the
          Building as contemplated in Section 2.2 hereof do not and will not
          violate any applicable laws, regulations or ordinances, including
          without limitation any zoning or use regulations.

9.4  Lessor warrants that it has good and clear title to the Lessor Parcel and
     that the Lessor Parcel is free and clear of any liens and encumbrances
     which shall impair or diminish the rights of Lessee or the obligations of
     Lessor under this Agreement or the Lease Contract during the Lease term,
     and the Lessor shall not, during the Lease term, permit any such
     encumbrance on the Land or Building.

9.5  Lessor covenants that Lessee shall at all times during the Lease term
     peaceably and quietly enjoy the Premises without any disturbance from
     Lessor or any person claiming through Lessor.  Except as otherwise agreed
     by Lessee and Lessor, Lessor may enter the Premises only upon reasonable
     prior notice and at reasonable times, and solely for the purpose of
     inspecting the Premises or performing work made necessary by a default of
     Lessee hereunder or under the Lease Contract, or as required by applicable
     law.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -11-


9.6  Lessor hereby indemnifies and agrees to indemnify Lessee from and against
     any losses arising out of or relating to any inaccuracy in or breach of any
     of the foregoing representations or warranties or any breach of the
     foregoing covenants, immediately upon demand by Lessee.  Without limiting
     the generality of the foregoing, Lessor shall indemnify Lessee from and
     against any and all losses arising out of or relating to any lien,
     encumbrance or restriction on the use of the Land (including the Lessor
     Parcel and the Leased Parcels) or Lessor's inability to access, use and
     enjoy the Building as contemplated hereby or by the Lease Contract, which
     losses shall include, without limitation, Lessee's reasonable costs of
     vacating the Building and relocating to other facilities, its lost profits
     as a result of lost sales during any period of business interruption but
     only as long as the existence or continuance of such lien, encumbrance or
     restriction is due to a breach of Lessor's representation, warranty or
     covenant, and reasonable attorney's fees and expenses.

ARTICLE 10.  INSURANCE

10.1 During the term of the Lease, Lessor shall, at its sole cost and expense,
     purchase and maintain the following types, excluding earthquakes, of
     insurance in the amounts specified:

          (a) Fire and extended coverage insurance covering the Premises and all
          of the inventory of Lessee on the Premises against loss or damage by
          fire and against damage by other risks reasonably requested by Lessee,
          in amounts equal to the full cost of replacing the Building in the
          event of total destruction of the same by fire or any other casualty
          and the full replacement costs of such inventory , with appropriate
          riders to compensate for the effect of inflation on such replacement
          cost, and Lessee shall provide as at the effective date of the Lease
          and at each six-month anniversary thereafter its estimate of such
          inventory replacement cost; and

          (b) Fire and extended liability coverage covering all of the property
          on the Premises owned by or in the possession of Lessee, including but
          not limited to the MHE, all other equipment related to the operations
          of the warehouse, distribution centre and office, and all inventory of
          Lessee, against loss or damage by fire or other causes arising by
          reason of or attributable or related to the negligence or intentional
          misconduct of Lessor or any of its directors, employees,
          representatives or agents, in an amount to be specified by Lessee as
          at the effective date of the Lease and at each six-month anniversary
          thereafter for the first three years of the term and annually
          thereafter for the remainder of the term.

          (c) Adequate comprehensive public liability insurance including
          property damage, insuring Lessor and Lessee against liability for all
          injuries to persons or property occuring in or about the Premises, or
          arising out of the ownership, maintenance or use of occupancy thereof.

     Lessor shall not be required to insure the Material Handling Equipment.

10.2 In the event Lessor is required to pay any charges in connection with its
     financing the construction of the Building or the ownership of the Land,
     such shall be borne by Lessor.

10.3 All policies of insurance required hereunder shall name Lessee as a second
     insured on said insurance policies and shall provide further that not less
     than thirty (30) days written notice shall be given to the Lessee before
     such policy may be cancelled or changed to reduce the insurance coverage
     provided thereby. Lessor shall from time to time, as requested by Lessee,
     furnish Lessee with copies of each of Lessor's insurance policies and the
     receipts for the payments of premiums thereon.

10.4 In the event of any damage or destruction of the Premises, Lessor shall be
     responsible for adjusting the loss and settling all claims with the
     insurance companies issuing the above policies.

ARTICLE 11.  TERM OF LEASE

11.1 The term of the Lease shall be ten (10) years commencing from the Agreed
     Start Date.

11.2 Neither Lessor nor Lessee shall have any right to terminate this Agreement
     during the term other than as set forth in Article 12 and Article 13.

ARTICLE 12.  TERMINATION BY LESSOR
<PAGE>
 
                                      -12-

12.1 Upon the occurance of any of the following events of default, Lessor shall
     have the right to immediately terminate this Agreement and the Lease
     Contract:

     (a)  Lessee becomes insolvent, or makes an assignment for the benefit of
          creditors;

     (b)  Lessee files a petition for bankruptcy, or any party files a bona fide
          petition for bankruptcy against Lessee, or Lessee is adjudged bankrupt
          or insolvent in any judicial proceedings;

     (c)  All or a material portion of Lessee's assets are seized, attached or
          subject to a compulsory sale in respect of suit or claim by any third
          party; or

     (d)  A receiver or trustee is appointed for all or a material portion of
          Lessee's assets or any portion of the Premises.

12.2 Upon occurance of any of the following events of default, Lessor shall have
     the right to terminate this Agreement and the Lease if such event of
     default remains uncured thirty (30) days following the giving of written
     notice thereof:

     (a)  Lessee fails to pay the Rent, or any other amount required under this
          Agreement or the Lease;

     (b)  This Agreement or the Lease devolves by operation of law upon any
          person or entity other than Lessee, or if Lessee abandons or vacates
          the Building;

     (c)  Lessee otherwise materially breaches any provision of this Agreement
          or the Lease.

12.3 In addition to Lessor's right to termination, upon occurance of any of the
     events in Articles 12.1 or 12.2 of this Agreement or corresponding
     provisions of the Lease Contract and the passing of the required notice
     period, if any, Lessor shall have the right to the following:

     (a)  Immediately retake possession of the Building and relet same upon any
          reasonable terms;

     (b)  Reimbursement from Lessee of all costs incurred in relation to such
          termination and retaking of possession of the Building, including,
          without limitation, court costs and reasonable attorney fees;

     (c)  Recover all damages incurred as a result of Lessee's default
          including, but not limited to, any and all costs associated with
          reletting the Building, including necessary repairs and unpaid Rent.

12.4 Upon the expiration or prior termination under Articles 12.1 through 12.3
     of this Agreement or corresponding provisions of the Lease Contract, Lessee
     shall have no right to claim or demand against Lessor in respect of the
     termination of this Agreement or the Lease, or the retaking of possession
     of the Building by Lessor unless such claim or demand arises from or
     relates to Lessor's gross negligence or willful misconduct. Lessor shall
     have no obligation whatsoever in respect of payment of reimbursement of
     Lessee for, amongst other things, fixtures comprising a part of the
     Building or Interior Works, or for damages or other payments in connection
     with vacating the Building, or for renting, procuring or moving to other
     facilities unless such damages or other payments arise from or relate to
     Lessor's gross negligence or willful misconduct.

ARTICLE 13.  TERMINATION BY LESSEE

13.1 Upon the occurance of any of the following events of default, Lessee shall
     have the right to immediately terminate this Agreement and the Lease
     Contract, without any further obligation to the Lessor whatsoever:

     (a)  Lessor becomes insolvent, or makes an assignment for the benefit of
          creditors;

     (b)  Lessor files a petition for bankruptcy, or any party files a bona fide
          petition for 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -13-

          bankruptcy against Lessor, or Lessor is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent
          in any judicial proceedings;

          (c) All or a material portion of Lessor's assets are seized, attached
          or subject to a compulsory sale in respect of suit or claim by any
          third party;

          (d) A receiver or trustee is appointed for all or a material portion
          of Lessor's assets or any portion of the Premises.; or

          (e) Lessor's rights to maintain the Building on the Land or lease the
          Building to Lessee cease or Lessor is in breach of its covenants under
          Section 9.2(a) hereof.
 
13.2 Upon occurance of any of the following events of default, Lessee shall have
     the right to terminate this Agreement and the Lease Contract, without any
     further obligation to Lessor whatsoever, if such event of default remains
     uncured thirty (30) days following the giving of written notice thereof:

          (a) Lessor assigns any of its obligations under this Agreement or the
          Lease Contract to any third party, unless such third party shall have
          executed an agreement, in a binding form acceptable to Lessee, under
          which said third party shall assume said obligations of Lessor under
          this Agreement and the Lease Contract and shall not disturb any of the
          rights of Lessee under this Agreement and Lease Contract;

          (b) This Agreement or the Lease devolves by operation of law upon any
          person or entity other than Lessor or its Controlled Affiliate;

          (c) Lessor otherwise materially breaches any provision of this
          Agreement or the Lease Contract.

13.3 In addition to Lessee's right to terminate as provided in Articles 13.1 and
     13.2, in event of such termination, (i) Lessor shall be liable to Lessee
     for all of Lessee's damages incurred as a result of such termination
     including but not limited to reasonable lost profits and reasonable costs
     of vacating the Building and moving to other facilities, until Lessee can
     resume operations at new facilities and reasonable printing costs; and (ii)
     Lessee shall have the right to lease the Building from any third party to
     whom the Lease Agreement or Lease Contract is assigned or devolved upon by
     operation of law, under the same terms and conditions of this Agreement and
     the Lease Contract, for the balance of the Lease term and any Renewal Term.

ARTICLE 14.  VACATING OF THE BUILDING

14.1 Upon expiration or termination of the Lease, by lapse of time or otherwise,
     Lessee shall vacate the Building and return it to its original condition,
     excepting allowance for reasonable and natural wear and tear, and deliver
     the same back to the possession of the Lessor.

14.2 Lessee shall be responsible for removing all fixtures, etc, from the
     Building. Any and all fixtures, etc, remaining on the Premises shall be the
     property of the Lessor; provided however, in the event Lessor deems it
     necessary to dispose of or destroy any such fixtures, etc, the reasonable
     expenses incurred by Lessor for doing so shall be borne by Lessee.  Lessee
     shall bear the costs charged by governmental authorities in connection with
     amendment or alteration of real property registration records (fudosan-
                                                                     ------
     toki) that are reasonably attributable solely to removal of the mezzanine,
     and Lessor shall bear all other costs with regard to any other amendment or
     alteration of such records with respect to the Land or the Building.

14.3 In the event that upon expiration or termination of the Lease Lessee fails
     to vacate the Building, Lessee shall pay Lessor one hundred and twenty five
     percent (125%) of the amount of Rent until it vacates the Building;
     provided however payment of such Rent or the failure to vacate shall not,
     jointly, or separately, operate to extend the Lease nor act to preclude
     Lessor from pursuing all other legal rights and remedies it may have
     pursuant to this Agreement, the Lease Contract or at law for damages or
     specific performance, or both.

14.4 Upon vacating the Building, Lessee shall not claim that Lessor is required
     to purchase, upon expiration 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -14-

     or termination of the Lease, any internal fixtures which Lessee originally
     installed in the Building (including the MHE), or that Lessee is entitled
     to any refund of beneficial expenses or compensation for removal.

ARTICLE 15.  LIQUIDATED DAMAGES

15.1 In the event that the Lease is terminated by the Lessor pursuant to an act
     of default on the part of the Lessee as set forth in Articles 12.1 and 12.2
     hereof or the corresponding provisions of the Lease Contract, the parties
     hereby agree that the Lessee shall pay Lessor liquidated damages in an
     amount equal to twelve (12) months of Rent for the remainder of the then-
     current Lease term only, calculated at the rate with respect to the twelve
     (12) months preceding such termination. If there shall be less than one (1)
     year of the then-current Lease term left to run, the sum payable will be
     equal to the Rent payable to the expiration date of such term.


15.2 In the event that Lessee fails to execute the Lease Contract in violation
     of this Agreement, Lessee shall pay to Lessor an amount equal to a sum
     equivalent to the full amount of Lessor's costs of construction, as
     certified pursuant to the procedures set forth in Article 3.5 hereof.

ARTICLE 16.  TAXES


16.1 Lessor shall be liable for all taxes levied against any leasehold interest
     of Lessee. Lessee shall be responsible for all taxes levied against
     personal property and trade fixtures owned or placed by Lessee in or on the
     Premises.

16.2 Commencing from and continuing for so long as the Lease is in effect or
     Lessee is in possession of the Building, whichever is the longer, Lessor
     shall bear the cost of all real estate taxes, assessments or governmental
     charges of any kind applicable to or levied upon the Premises, including
     all taxes assessed on Lessor as the owner or lessor of the Premises and the
     fixed asset tax (koteishisanzei) with respect to the Land, the Building and
                      --------------                                            
     any fixed assets thereon installed or owned by Lessor ("Real Estate
     Taxes"), together with any interest and penalties lawfully imposed thereon
     as a result of any late payment by Lessor.  For such period, Lessee shall
     bear the cost of the fixed asset tax (koteishisanzei) on the MHE or any
                                           --------------                   
     other fixed assets on the Land or the Building installed or owned by
     Lessee.

16.3 If, at any time during this Agreement or the term of the Lease, the present
     method of taxation shall be changed so that in lieu of the whole or any
     part of taxes, assessments or governmental charges levied, assessed or
     imposed upon real estate and the improvements thereon, there shall be
     levied assessed upon Lessor a capital levy or other tax directly on the
     rents received therefrom and/or a franchise tax, assessment, levy or charge
     measured by or based, in whole or in part, upon rents received by Lessor,
     then all such taxes, assessments, levies or charges shall be deemed to be
     included with the terms "Real Estate Taxes" for the purposes of this
     Article.

ARTICLE 17.  MISCELLANEOUS


17.1 Assignment and Subletting. Lessee shall not, without Lessor's prior
     -------------------------                                          
     written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, transfer or
     sublease all or any part of its lease right to any third party; provided,
     however, Lessee shall have the right, without Lessor's consent, to transfer
     or sublease any part of its lease right under this Agreement or the Lease
     Contract to Lessee's Controlled Affiliate or its parent or other affiliate.
     Lessor's rights to assign or transfer any of its rights or interests herein
     shall be subject to Articles 2.4 and 2.5 hereof. A condition of any
     transfer or assignment of a party's rights or interests hereunder shall be
     that the relevant assigning or transferring party to this Agreement shall
     also cause the assignee or transferee, including any of its Controlled
     Affiliates, and any of its Controlled Affiliates or any third party that is
     or becomes a party to the Service Agreement between the parties dated as of
     even date herewith (the "Service Agreement") to comply with such assigning
     party's, such assignee's or transferee's, or such other Controlled
     Affiliate's instructions with respect to the rights and obligations
     expressed to be those of the assigning or transferring party with respect
     to occupancy of or operations at the Building or the Distribution Center
     (as defined in the Service Agreement) set forth herein or in the Service
     Agreement, including without limitation with respect to termination of the
     this Agreement pursuant to Clause 8.3 or 9.4 of the Service Agreement.

17.2 Governing Law and Languages; Jurisdiction. This Agreement and the
     -----------------------------------------                        
     performance of the parties hereunder shall be governed by and interpreted
     in accordance with the laws of Japan. The English-
<PAGE>
 
                                      -15-

      language version of this Agreement shall govern all questions of
      interpretation; the parties acknowledge that a Japanese translation has
      been provided to Lessor solely for its convenience but shall be of no
      binding or interpretive effect. For the purpose of any suit brought
      hereunder, the parties shall agree to submit to the personal jurisdiction
      and venue of the Tokyo district court.

17.3  Syntax. Words of any gender used in this Agreement shall be held and
      ------                                                              
      construed to include any other gender, and words in the singular number
      shall be held to include the plural, unless the context otherwise
      requires.

17.4  Successors in Interest. The terms, provisions, covenants and conditions
      ----------------------                                                 
      contained in this Agreement shall apply to, insure to the benefit of, and
      be binding upon, the parties hereto and upon their respective heirs, legal
      representatives, successors and permitted assigns excepts as otherwise
      herein expressly provided.

17.5  Headings. The captions inserted in this Agreement are for convenience only
      --------                                                                  
      and in no way define, limit or otherwise describe the scope or intent of
      this Agreement, or any provision hereof, or shall in any way affect its
      interpretation.

17.6  Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement dated
      ----------------                                                        
      December 15, 1997 between Lessee and Lessor contain the entire agreement
      between the parties in respect of the subject matter contained herein, and
      no oral statements or representations or prior written matter not
      contained in this Agreement or such Confidentiality Agreement shall have
      any force or effect. This Agreement may not be modified in any way except
      by a writing signed by both parties hereto.

17.7  Notice. Any notice or document required or permitted to be delivered
      ------                                                              
      hereunder shall be deemed to be delivered on the day five (5) business
      days after dispatch when sent by first class air mail, prepaid postage,
      and deposited in the mails of Japan or the United States, and addressed to
      the respective party at its address indicated below, or to such other
      address as the respective party shall notify the other party from time to
      time:

             If to Lessor:  Suzuyo & Co., Ltd.                 
                            11-1 Irifunecho                                   
                            Shimizu-shi                                       
                            Shizuoka-ken                                      
                            Japan                                             
                                                                          
                            Attention: Mr. Mitsuhiro Murakami                 
                                                                          
             If to Lessee:  Viking Office Products, Inc.       
                            950 West 190th Street                             
                            Torrance, CA                                      
                            U.S.A.                                            
                                                                          
                                                                          
                            Attention: Mr. Ron Weissman                        

17.8  Severability. If any clause of this Lease is held illegal, invalid or
      ------------                                                         
      unenforceable, then, and in that event, it is the intention of the parties
      hereto that the remainder of the Agreement shall remain in full force and
      effect to the extent possible.

17.9  Force Majeure.  Whenever performance by either party hereto of any of its
      -------------                                                            
      obligations hereunder, other than payment of money due, either party's
      respective obligations with regard to risk of loss or Lessor's obligations
      under Article 10, is substantially or completely prevented by an act of
      God, strikes lockouts or labor problems by employees of third parties,
      transportation dislocations, fuel allocation, shortages of supply,
      accidents or other casualties, war or civil strife, or any law, regulation
      or ordinance, beyond the reasonable control of such party, or other cause
      beyond such control, performance shall be excused for the period during
      which state of affairs continues.

17.10 Good Faith Discussions.  Any items not provided for in this Agreement or
      ----------------------                                                  
      the Lease Contract and any uncertainties with respect to this Agreement or
      the Lease Contract shall be addressed through good faith discussions
      between the parties in accordance with law, regulations and generally
      accepted practices, provided that the foregoing shall not preclude either
      party from instituting legal action in the event of 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -16-

      dispute under this Agreement or the Lease Contract.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the date
first set forth above.



                                        Suzuyo & Co., Ltd.


                                        By: _________________


                                        Title: ________________



                                        Viking Office Products, Inc.



                                        By: _________________



                                        Title: ________________
<PAGE>
 
                                   Schedule 1


                                      Rent


Warehouse Rent
- --------------

     Lessee shall pay to Lessor monthly rent for the specified periods in the
amount of the Net Usable Warehouse Space, expressed in tsubo, multiplied by the
                                                              ---------- --    
yen amounts set forth below:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

     Period                                           Rent Per Tsubo
     ------                                           -------------- 
<S>                                                   <C>  
First six (6) months
following Actual Completion                              (Yen)4,900


Subsequent six (6) months
(from seventh month through
twelfth month following Actual Completion)               (Yen)5,100


Subsequent six (6) months
(from thirteenth through eighteenth
month following Actual Completion)                       (Yen)5,300


For each subsequent month of term
(beginning with the nineteenth
month following Actual Completion)                       (Yen)5,500
</TABLE> 

Office Rent
- -----------

     Lessee shall pay to Lessor monthly rent for the term of the Lease on the
amount of the Office Space, expressed in tsubo, multiplied by  (Yen)5,500 per
                                                ---------- --               
tsubo.


                   *                  *                    *


For reference:  1 tsubo equals 3.305785 square meters.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>     
 
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1998
<CASH>                                          41,109
<SECURITIES>                                    48,674
<RECEIVABLES>                                  189,133
<ALLOWANCES>                                    10,312
<INVENTORY>                                    110,559
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               400,120
<PP&E>                                         207,995
<DEPRECIATION>                                  58,711
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 583,440
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          168,271
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                       118,063
<OTHER-SE>                                     295,943
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   583,440
<SALES>                                      1,121,123
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             1,121,123
<CGS>                                          737,348
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