CORPORATE EXPRESS INC
10-K, 1997-05-16
CATALOG & MAIL-ORDER HOUSES
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<PAGE>
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K

           [ X ] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
                         SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                     For the fiscal year ended March 1, 1997
                                       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 0-24642

                             CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

              Colorado                                       84-0978360         
   (State or other jurisdiction of                        (I.R.S. Employer      
   incorporation or organization)                        Identification No.)    
                                                                                
           1 Environmental Way                                  80021           
          Broomfield, Colorado                                (Zip Code)        
(Address of principal executive offices)                     
                                   
                                   
      Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (303) 664-2000
       Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
          Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

                   Common Stock, par value $.0002 per share
                               (Title of Class)

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

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

        The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of
the registrant at April 30, 1997 was $1,231,242,000.

        The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's Common Stock as of
April 30, 1997 was 126,824,000.

                      Documents Incorporated by Reference

Portions of the following documents are incorporated by reference:

Part III - The Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for its 1997 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of
the fiscal year.
<PAGE>
 
                            Corporate Express, Inc.
                          Annual Report on Form 10-K
                    For the fiscal year ended March 1, 1997

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                             Table of Contents
 Item                                                                                                Page
Number                                                                                              Number
                                                  PART I
<C>   <S>                                                                                           <C> 
1     Business ....................................................................................... 1

2     Properties ..................................................................................... 8

3     Legal Proceedings .............................................................................. 8

4     Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders ............................................ 8

                                                  PART II

5     Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters ...........................9

6     Selected Consolidated Financial Data ............................................................9

7     Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ..........11

8     Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.....................................................19

9     Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure ...........48

                                                 PART III

10    Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant..............................................48

11    Executive Compensation .........................................................................48

12    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management .................................48

13    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions..................................................48

                                                  PART IV

14    Exhibits, Financial Statements, Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K...............................48

      Signatures......................................................................................51
</TABLE> 

                                      -i-
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART I
                                    ------

    ITEM  1.  BUSINESS

    Overview

         Corporate Express, Inc.("Corporate Express" or the "Company") is a
    leading provider of non-production goods and services to large corporations.
    Since 1991, Corporate Express has expanded through acquisitions from a
    regional operation in Colorado to operations throughout the United States,
    Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, and other markets.
    Corporate Express believes it has developed a substantially different model
    of non-store retailing, defining itself as a "Corporate Supplier" which
    provides a broad array of non-production goods and services to its customers
    while reducing overall procurement costs and providing a high level of
    customer service.  The Company's current product and service offering
    includes office supplies, paper, computer and imaging supplies, computer
    desktop software, office furniture, janitorial and cleaning supplies,
    advertising specialties, forms management, printing, same-day local delivery
    services and distribution logistics management.  Corporate Express markets
    to its existing and prospective customers through a direct sales force and
    fulfills its products and services utilizing over 700 locations including 80
    distribution centers and a fleet of over 10,000 owned or contracted
    vehicles.

 
    Industry Overview

         The Company's target customers are large corporations with over 100
    employees.  The Company believes that these large corporations increasingly
    seek to reduce the cost of procuring non-production goods and services while
    decreasing the time and effort spent managing functions that are not
    considered core competencies.  To that end, corporations seek to reduce the
    number of their suppliers in order to eliminate the internal costs
    associated with multiple invoices, deliveries, complex ordering procedures,
    uneven service levels and inconsistent product availability.  Many large
    corporations operate from multiple locations and can benefit from selecting
    suppliers who can service them nationally or internationally.

         In many non-production goods and services sectors, including office
    products and same-day local delivery, competition is often highly fragmented
    and consists primarily of smaller local or regional providers.  The Company
    believes that the desire of large corporations to reduce costs by decreasing
    their number of suppliers to a small group of reliable and cost-effective
    national and international partners will continue to lead to the
    consolidation of many currently fragmented product and service sectors, as
    well as consolidation in sectors where the key differentiation will be the
    ability to fulfill a broad spectrum of customer requirements rather than an
    individual product or service.


    The Corporate Supplier Strategy

         The Company's Corporate Supplier strategy is designed to reduce its
    customers' total costs and the internal effort necessary to manage the
    procurement of non-production goods and services.   The Company believes
    that its target customers value a high level of service including account
    relationship managers, delivery services, customized pricing, electronic
    interfaces, customized reporting and product catalogs.  Corporate Express
    seeks to supply a broad range of the non-production goods and services to
    large corporations.  This broad product and service offering permits
    Corporate Express to reduce its customers' procurement costs associated with
    dealing with multiple vendors, including multiple invoices, deliveries,
    ordering procedures, uneven service levels, and inconsistent product
    availability, while servicing customers' broad geographical service and
    delivery requirements.

         Corporate Express also seeks to continually reduce its merchandise and
    operating costs which should permit it to offer its customers competitive
    prices.  By purchasing most of its products directly from manufacturers in
    large volumes and limiting the number of manufacturers represented in its
    In-Stock Catalog and other specialty catalogs, Corporate Express is
    increasingly able to earn volume discounts and advertising allowances from
    its vendors.  Corporate Express believes its computer systems represent a
    key strategic advantage which differentiates the Company from its
    competitors

                                      -1-
<PAGE>
 
    and permits it to achieve cost savings, provide superior customer service
    and centrally manage its operations.  The Company expects to continue making
    substantial investments to upgrade and enhance the capabilities of its
    computer systems.

         A key element of Corporate Express' business strategy is to seek to
    provide superior customer service in addition to providing "one-stop
    shopping," reliable delivery, national account service, electronic customer
    interfacing, customized reporting and other customized services.  Also, in
    order to better serve its multi-national customers and to take advantage of
    the fragmented nature of many international markets, Corporate Express has
    devoted substantial resources to expanding outside of the United States,
    principally through acquisitions.


    Products and Services

         Corporate Express provides a broad range of non-production goods and
    services used by large corporations. The Company's current product
    distribution offering includes office supplies, computer and imaging
    supplies, computer software, office furniture, promotional products and
    forms management and printing and its current service offering includes
    same-day local delivery, distribution logistics management and other
    services. Name-brands offered by the Company include such brands as 3M,
    Microsoft, and Hewlett-Packard, as well as the Company's own "EXP" private
    label. The approximate percentages of the Company's net sales by product and
    service category were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                      Fiscal Year
                                                   -------------------
Category                                           1996   1995   1994
- --------                                           -----  -----  -----
<S>                                                <C>    <C>    <C>
 
    Office, computer, and janitorial supplies;
        desktop software; promotional products;
        and furniture                                76%    82%    81%
    Delivery services                                24%    18%    19%
</TABLE>

         Company Catalogs.  Corporate Express' merchandising strategy is based
    primarily on the Company's proprietary, full-color In-Stock Catalog.  This
    catalog provides a comprehensive selection and variety of the approximately
    5,000 best-selling items in the core categories of office and computer
    supplies which Corporate Express regularly maintains in inventory in its
    regional warehouses for next-day delivery.  This merchandising strategy
    differs from that of traditional contract stationers which typically provide
    their customers with wholesaler-produced catalogs and maintain only a small
    portion of inventory on hand.  Corporate Express has introduced an In-Stock
    Catalog in all of its United States regions as well as Canada, Australia and
    the United Kingdom.  Substantially all products featured in the In-Stock
    Catalog are purchased by Corporate Express directly from the manufacturer,
    or its agents at comparable prices, eliminating the intermediate
    wholesaler's mark-up.  A broad selection of specialty computer and imaging
    supplies, computer software, furniture and other items are listed in various
    Company specialty catalogs.

         The number of items found in the In-Stock Catalog is comparable to that
    found in a typical office products superstore, although the merchandise mix
    differs substantially.  Products are selected for the In-Stock Catalog
    utilizing computerized sales trend analyses which determine the best-selling
    items and needs of the large corporate customer.  The In-Stock Catalog is
    updated annually to account for new sales trends, new product introductions
    and changes in manufacturers' list prices.  The In-Stock Catalog includes a
    full-color photograph of each item, a narrative product description that
    emphasizes the particular benefits and features of each item and a bar code
    to permit electronic order entry.  In addition to the In-Stock Catalog,
    Corporate Express produces supplementary specialty catalogs for
    complementary products and services, including additional computer and
    imaging products, office furniture, promotional products and advertising
    specialties.  The Company also offers various electronic versions of the In-
    Stock Catalog complete with pictures and custom pricing.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
         Computer Software. Corporate Express offers its customers microcomputer
    ("PC") software, and help desk, training, installation and evaluation
    support for IBM, IBM-compatible and Macintosh PC's, and for all major PC
    operating systems such as DOS, Windows, OS/2, Netware and UNIX.  The
    Company's product offering includes major business programs for word
    processing, spreadsheets, electronic mail, suites/offices, databases,
    graphics, operating systems, utilities and languages.

         Services.  The Company provides same day local delivery service
    including both prescheduled and on-demand delivery services and offers
    distribution logistics management based on the specific needs of each
    customer.  The Company expanded its delivery operations with the acquisition
    of United TransNet, Inc. ("UT") in fiscal 1996.


    Distribution Facilities

         The Company's distribution network consists of 80 warehouses that
    maintain significant inventory for resale and 625 distribution breakpoints
    and satellite sales offices which extend the Company's geographic coverage.
    Corporate Express has eliminated and plans to continue to eliminate
    redundant facilities in the United States and abroad.  In its office
    products business, the Company typically operates from a single regional
    warehouse which generally supports multiple distribution breakpoints and
    satellite sales offices in each of its regions.  Items stocked in regional
    office products' warehouses generally consist of the most commonly ordered
    items for which customers demand next-day delivery through Company owned or
    contracted vehicles.


    Proprietary Computer Software Applications

         Corporate Express continues to make substantial investments in the
    development and enhancement of its proprietary computer software
    applications.  The Company continues to maintain a significant investment in
    information systems development and implementation staff as it executes its
    expansion plans and increases the scope of its product and service offerings
    in response to customer needs and new developments in technology.

         During 1996, Corporate Express continued the development of its "ISIS"
    computer software and on a limited basis implemented it for National
    Accounts.  Key features of the ISIS system are the use of three-tier
    client/server architecture that allows customers and suppliers to better
    communicate with Corporate Express and the use of object oriented design
    techniques and a relational database designed to handle warehouse and
    management information applications.  Through the implementation of these
    enhanced systems, Corporate Express plans to make its products and services
    available to a broader range of customers through its Corporate Supplier
    Business Model and to further customize customer services and account
    information while lowering the customer's overall procurement cost.  In
    addition, the new systems are expected to allow Corporate Express to more
    effectively integrate acquisitions and streamline operations by providing
    greater electronic access to information between the Company, its customers
    and its suppliers.  There can be no assurance that these objectives will be
    attained.  Presently, substantially all United States office products
    regions are linked to Corporate Express' national accounts and financial
    systems. In addition, the delivery services segment is aggressively
    implementing the financial system and is expected to be completed by the end
    of the third fiscal quarter of 1997.

         The Company anticipates that ongoing enhancements and modifications to
    its computer systems will continue to be made in the future.  Such
    modifications may cause disruptions in operations, delay the integration of
    acquisitions, or cost more to design, implement or operate than currently
    budgeted.  Any such disruptions, delays or costs could have a material
    adverse effect on the Company's operations and financial performance.


    Customer Relationships, Sales and Marketing

         Corporate Express has a broad customer base and believes that no single
    customer accounted for more than one percent of total sales during fiscal
    1996.  The Company relies primarily on commission-based sales forces
    dedicated to each of its major product and service categories thereby
    ensuring product and service knowledge among its principal customer
    contacts.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
         Corporate Express establishes and maintains relationships with its
    customers by assigning an account manager to each customer account.  The
    Company's account managers offer customers customized merchandising and
    purchasing programs tailored to the customers' needs.  Corporate Express
    generally offers a discount from the manufacturers' suggested list prices on
    many products.  Prices for some high volume items are often established by
    competitive bidding. Account managers have frequent contact with their
    customers and share responsibility for increasing account penetration and
    solving customer problems.  Account managers are also responsible for
    marketing efforts directed at an explicit list of prospective customers
    assigned to them and for responding to all contract situations for existing
    or prospective customers.  Corporate Express has not conducted significant
    mass market advertising.

         The Company markets its various services directly to individual
    customers by designing and offering a customized service package for that
    customer after determining its specific needs.  A substantial portion of the
    Company's revenues from services is derived from customers who have entered
    into contracts with the Company.

         The Company's national accounts program focuses on the sale of a broad
    array of the Company's products and services to multi-location customers.
    The marketing of this program is coordinated by a national accounts sales
    team with dedicated information technology support.
 

    International Operations

         The Company has operations in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the
    United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy and may enter additional
    international markets in the future.  Over time, the Company has and will
    continue to implement appropriate aspects of the Corporate Supplier
    Business Model in its international operations, including creating in-stock
    catalogs, consolidating warehouses, upgrading information systems, acquiring
    companies offering complementary products and services while focusing on
    larger customers and developing national and international accounts.
    Portions of the Corporate supplier business model have been implemented in
    Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom.

         In 1995, Corporate Express acquired a controlling interest in Macquarie
    Office Limited ("Macquarie") a publicly-traded office products firm based in
    Sydney, Australia. Since the acquisition of this controlling interest,
    Macquarie, which is now named Corporate Express Australia, has become the
    largest supplier of office products to large Australian corporations,
    primarily through the acquisition of ten companies. The Company is currently
    integrating the catalog, operations and distribution facilities of these
    acquired companies. Corporate Express Australia also made three acquisitions
    in New Zealand in fiscal 1996. Due to a review of the consolidation of the
    Australian office products market by the Australian Competition and Consumer
    Commission, future acquisitions of office products suppliers in Australia,
    if any, may be subject to heightened regulatory scrutiny.

         In February 1995, the Company entered the Canadian market by acquiring
    two office product suppliers in Vancouver, British Columbia and Calgary,
    Alberta.  Since then, the Company has acquired eight additional Canadian
    office products suppliers, extending its geographic coverage throughout
    Canada. In fiscal 1996, the Company also acquired two same-day local
    delivery companies in Canada.  The Company plans to run its Canadian office
    products' operations as part of its North American distribution network, and
    is structuring its integration plans to that end.  An in-stock catalog,
    modified to account for market differences in Canada, was introduced in the
    Canadian regions in  April 1996.

         In fiscal 1995, Corporate Express entered the United Kingdom through
    the acquisition of a controlling interest in The Chisholm Group, an office
    products supplier in the London area.  The Company purchased the remaining
    interest in The Chisholm Group in fiscal 1996.  Corporate Express has
    acquired eight other U.K. office products suppliers, including seven  in
    fiscal 1996, extending its geographic coverage throughout the United
    Kingdom.

         In fiscal 1996, the Company acquired five office products companies in
    Germany and two in Italy.  The Company entered the French market with the
    acquisition of Nimsa S.A. ("Nimsa"), a computer software reseller, in
    October 1996.

         Expansion into international markets involves unique risks in addition
    to those risks relating to acquisitions in general.  These risks include
    risks relating to implementing elements of the Company's corporate supplier
    business model

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
    as well as risks relating to currency exchange rates, new and different
    legal, tax, accounting and regulatory requirements, difficulties in staffing
    and managing foreign operations and other factors.


    Expansion Strategy

         The Company historically has grown and intends to continue to grow in
    the future through a combination of acquisitions and internal growth.  The
    Company plans to increase sales to existing customers by cross-selling its
    expanded product and service offering and developing existing customers into
    international, national or multi-regional accounts. The Company believes
    that its expanded product line and expanding geographic coverage enable it
    to offer its customers a broad array of non-production goods and services to
    address their desire to reduce the number of suppliers with which they
    interact.  Corporate Express seeks to attract new customers, including
    national and international accounts, through the marketing efforts of its
    direct sales force.  Further, the mergers with U.S. Delivery Systems, Inc.
    ("Delivery") and UT have expanded the Company's delivery capabilities and
    geographic coverage in the United States and Corporate Express intends to
    increase development of  sales efforts in these new geographic areas.  In
    addition, the Company may open additional satellite sales offices and
    distribution breakpoints to serve new accounts.

         The Company believes that its domestic and international network of
    centrally-managed warehouses, computer systems and direct sales force
    provide the infrastructure to supply corporate customers with a broad range
    of non-production goods and services.  Since 1994, the Company has added,
    through acquisitions, the following major product and service categories:
    forms management, same-day local delivery services, distribution logistics
    management, computer and imaging supplies, desktop software, advertising
    specialties, and janitorial and cleaning supplies.  The Company may add
    additional product categories either internally or through acquisitions in
    the future and may increase its presence in existing product and service
    categories through adding new customers, acquisitions or product line
    expansion.

         The additions by the Company of new products and services presents
    certain risks and uncertainties resulting from the Company's relative
    unfamiliarity with these new products and services, the market for such new
    products and services, and the financial and operating controls required to
    manage such new product and service offerings.  There can be no assurance
    that the Company will be successful in marketing these or other additions to
    its product and service offering or that its existing customers will accept
    such additions to the products and services currently purchased from the
    Company.


    Structure and Integration of Acquisitions

         The Company has grown through numerous acquisitions of smaller United
    States office products and service companies and the Company expects that
    such acquisitions will continue to be an important contributor to the future
    growth of its operations.  However, there can be no assurance that the
    Company will be able to continue to complete acquisitions at the same rate
    or of the type that it has in the past or that such acquisitions, if
    completed, will prove to be beneficial to the Company.  Many of these
    acquisitions involve companies with annual sales of less than $30 million
    including companies in international markets such as Canada, Australia, the
    United Kingdom, New Zealand, Germany, France and Italy.

         Consideration for all acquisitions typically involves any or all of
    cash, promissory notes and, in certain cases, common stock.  Acquisitions
    are made pursuant to acquisition agreements containing customary
    representations, warranties, covenants and indemnification provisions.  The
    Company typically obtains noncompete and confidentiality agreements from
    selling owners and may enter into employment agreements with key personnel
    of the acquired company.

         The Company generally seeks to increase the sales, profitability and
    asset productivity of its acquisitions by combining them with the Company's
    existing operations, implementing the Company's business model and
    eliminating redundant facilities.  Integration of acquisitions is often a
    complex process which may entail material nonrecurring expenditures,
    including facility closing costs, warehouse assimilation expenses, asset
    writedowns and severance payments.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
    These expenditures have in the past had, and may continue to have, an
    adverse impact on the Company's results of operations.  Integration of
    acquisitions generally involves the following elements:

         Elimination of Redundant Facilities and Services. In cases where
         acquired companies have facilities, systems and administrative
         functions in the Company's existing markets, these operations are
         eliminated or consolidated with Corporate Express' existing operations.
   
         Upgrading of Facilities. In addition to eliminating redundant
         facilities, Corporate Express has undertaken a program to upgrade
         certain of its existing facilities to enable these facilities to handle
         higher sales volumes resulting from its acquisition activity and
         internal growth. These upgrades include modernization of equipment and
         computer systems, phone systems and wide area network standardization
         and the reconfiguration of inventory within the warehouse. Corporate
         Express will also, where appropriate, develop new distribution
         facilities into which existing, outdated facilities will be combined.
         Planned expenditures for such upgrading and development are included in
         the Company's capital expenditure budget.
   
         Consolidation of Purchasing Power. As part of its integration of
         acquisitions, Corporate Express takes advantage of its volume
         purchasing power and seeks to negotiate better prices and terms from
         suppliers.
   
         Implementation of Proprietary Computer Software. Acquired companies are
         generally incorporated into the Company's proprietary computer software
         environment, including EDI, common master information files, national
         accounts software and customer ordering, inventory management software,
         etc. Certain elements of these implementations will be timed with
         respect to recent acquisitions to coincide with introduction of the
         Company's next generation of computer software. See "--Proprietary
         Computer Software Applications."

         The Company implements various aspects of the Corporate Express
    business model as is appropriate in various international acquisitions.  The
    Company has typically retained existing management and information systems
    and may, depending on the circumstances, either accelerate or defer
    implementation of the In-Stock Catalog and modifications to the information
    systems.  Similarly, with respect to the acquisition of companies which
    offer complementary products, the Company concentrates initially on
    marketing efforts to expand the customer base to include many of the
    Company's existing customers for other products while it enhances and
    expands its product and services offering.

         The Company anticipates that acquisitions will continue to constitute a
    component of growth in revenue and operating income.  However, there can be
    no assurance that the Company will be able to identify and acquire
    acceptable acquisition candidates on terms favorable to it and in a timely
    manner to the extent necessary to fulfill its expansion plans. The Company
    may require additional debt or equity financing for future acquisitions,
    which additional financing may not be available on favorable terms.  The
    failure to complete acquisitions and/or continue its expansion could impact
    the Company's financial performance.

         As the Company proceeds with its acquisition strategy, it will continue
    to encounter certain risks associated with some acquisitions.  There can be
    no assurance that the Company's management and financial controls,
    personnel, computer systems and other corporate support systems will be
    adequate to manage the increase in the size and scope of the Company's
    operations and acquisition activity.  In addition, there can be no assurance
    that the Company will be able to successfully implement its business plan in
    a timely manner without substantial costs, delays or other problems. Various
    acquisitions may not achieve sales, profitability and asset productivity
    commensurate with Corporate Express' other operations or its expectations
    and the addition of new product or service offerings will frequently create
    risk and uncertainties with respect to the operation, control and management
    of acquired business units.  In addition, consolidation, centralization and
    integration of widely dispersed businesses involve a number of special
    risks, including adverse short-term effects on Corporate Express' reported
    operating results, the diversion of management's attention, the dependence
    on retention, hiring and training of key personnel, management of disparate
    financial and accounting reporting systems, the amortization of acquired
    intangible assets and risks associated with unanticipated problems or legal
    liabilities, some or all of which could have a material adverse effect on
    the Company's operations and financial performance.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
    Industry and Geographic Segment Data

         Information on the Company's industry and geographic segments is
    presented in Note 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


    Competition

         Corporate Express operates in a highly competitive environment.  The
    Company's principal competitors in North America for office supplies and
    computer products include both regional and national contract stationers
    (including the contract stationer operations of office products
    superstores), large direct resellers, privately-held companies that
    generally operate in only one location, and distributors of business
    software for personal computers.  In the delivery services sector the
    Company has numerous competitors, certain of which have service capabilities
    which are similar to the Company's and others which provide different types
    or levels of service.

         Each of the Company's major product and service categories are a part
    of fragmented industries which are currently experiencing a trend toward
    consolidation.  Although the Company believes its pricing is competitive
    with its competitors, Corporate Express also seeks to differentiate itself
    from its competitors in each of its major product and service categories
    through its service offering.  Certain of the Company's competitors have
    greater financial resources than Corporate Express.  However, Corporate
    Express believes that its Corporate Supplier business model increases its
    differentiation from its competitors by offering through a single source a
    unique selection of products and services for the corporate office.


    Employees

         As of April 30, 1997, the Company had approximately 27,000 full-time
    employees, 4,700 of whom were employed primarily in management and
    administration, 15,800 in regional warehouse, delivery and distribution
    operations and 6,500 in sales and marketing, order processing and customer
    service.  As of April 30, 1997, approximately 270, or 1%, of the Company's
    employees were members of labor unions.


    Environmental Matters

         The Company is subject to federal, state and local laws, regulations
    and ordinances that (i) govern activities or operations that may have
    adverse environmental effects, such as discharges to air and water as well
    as handling and disposal practices for solid and hazardous wastes, or (ii)
    impose liability for the costs of cleaning up, and certain damages resulting
    from, sites of past spills, disposals or other releases of hazardous
    substances. Certain of the Company's subsidiaries operate printing
    facilities which may generate, or may have generated in the past, hazardous
    wastes, and the Company operates a fleet of vehicles, the maintenance or
    fueling of which may generate hazardous waste.

         The Company currently is not aware of any environmental conditions
    relating to present or past waste generation at or from these facilities, or
    any other of the Company's facilities or operations, that would be likely to
    have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or results of
    operations of the Company. However, there can be no assurance that
    environmental liabilities in the future will not have a material adverse
    effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.


    Important Factors Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

         Some of the information presented in this report constitutes forward
    looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
    Reform Act of 1995.  Although the Company believes that its expectations are
    based on

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
    reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge of its business
    and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results of the
    Company's operations will not differ materially from its expectations.
    Factors which could cause actual results to differ from expectations
    include, among others, uncertainties related to integrating recent
    acquisitions, uncertainties relating to operating the Company's new product
    and service offerings, uncertainties related to legislation with respect to
    independent contract drivers, uncertainties related to future domestic and
    international acquisitions, uncertainties related to the Company's systems
    and proprietary software, uncertainty of whether the Company's activities
    will continue to be successful, and uncertainties related to competition and
    to the demand for the products and services offered for sale by the Company.


    ITEM  2.  PROPERTIES

         As of April 30, 1997, Corporate Express owned approximately 42
    facilities and leased approximately 664 facilities.   Of these 706 total
    facilities, one is the Company's corporate headquarters in Broomfield,
    Colorado, 80 are product distribution centers, 625 are sales and service
    facilities.  The Company's principal properties are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                   Sales and
                           Distribution             Service
                             Centers               Facilities
                           ------------            ----------
<S>                        <C>                     <C>
                                        
         United States          43                     578
         Australia              12                      --
         New Zealand             6                      --
         Canada                  6                      19
         United Kingdom          7                      17
         France                  1                      --
         Germany                 4                      11
         Italy                   1                      --
                                --                     ---
 
         Total                  80                     625
                                ==                     ===
</TABLE>

         The Company periodically evaluates the location and efficiency of its
    facilities to maximize customer satisfaction and increase economies of
    scale. The Company plans to eliminate redundant facilities such that it
    typically will operate product distribution from a single regional warehouse
    with satellite sales offices and distribution breakpoints in each of its
    regions. The Company may also close, consolidate or relocate regional
    warehouses, satellite sales offices and distribution breakpoints from time
    to time.


    ITEM  3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

         The Company is involved in routine legal proceedings incidental to the
    conduct of its business. Management believes that none of these legal
    proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition
    or results of operations of the Company. The Company maintains general
    liability and business interruption insurance coverage in amounts which it
    believes to be adequate.


    ITEM  4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

         Not applicable

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
                                    -------

    ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
                MATTERS

         Since the Company's initial public offering of its Common Stock on
    September 23, 1994, the Company's Common Stock has traded on the Nasdaq
    National Market under the symbol "CEXP." The following table sets forth, for
    the fiscal quarters indicated, the high and low closing sale prices for the
    Common Stock, as reported by the Nasdaq National Market, and reflect the 50%
    share dividend distributed by the Company in January 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                 High       Low
                                                ------     ------
<S>                                             <C>        <C>
         Fiscal 1995                                  
              First Quarter                     $13.33     $10.22
              Second Quarter                     17.17      12.67
              Third Quarter                      19.92      13.33
              Fourth Quarter                     21.09      15.42
         Fiscal 1996                                  
              First Quarter                      28.17      19.25
              Second Quarter                     30.54      21.83
              Third Quarter                      26.08      18.67
              Fourth Quarter                     23.75      16.63
</TABLE>

         As of May 1, 1997 the Company's Common Stock was held by 774 holders of
    record.

         The Company has never paid a dividend on its Common Stock.  The Company
    does not anticipate paying any cash dividends on its Common Stock in the
    foreseeable future because it intends to retain its earnings to finance the
    expansion of its business and for general corporate purposes.  Any payment
    of future dividends will be at the discretion of the Company's Board of
    Directors and will depend upon, among other things, the Company's earnings,
    financial condition, capital requirements, level of indebtedness,
    contractual restrictions with respect to the payment of dividends and other
    relevant factors.  The Company's $350,000,000 revolving line of credit (the
    "Credit Facility") prohibits the distribution of dividends without the prior
    written consent of the lenders and the Indenture governing the 9 1/8% Senior
    Subordinated Notes due 2004 (the "Senior Notes") prohibits the Company from
    paying a dividend which would cause a default under such Indenture or which
    would cause the Company to fail to comply with certain financial covenants.

         During the fiscal quarter ended March 1, 1997, in connection with
    certain business acquisitions, the Company issued 3,762,978 shares of common
    stock to former shareholders of the acquired companies in exchange for such
    shareholders' shares of capital stock.  All of the issuances of common stock
    by the Company during the quarter ended March 1, 1997 pursuant to exemptions
    from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as
    amended.


    ITEM  6.  SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

         The following selected consolidated financial data for fiscal 1996
    (ending March 1, 1997), 1995 (ending March 2, 1996), and 1994 (ending
    February 25, 1995) have been derived from the Company's consolidated
    financial statements which have been audited by independent auditors. The
    selected consolidated financial data for fiscal 1993 and 1992 is derived
    from unaudited consolidated financial statements. The unaudited consolidated
    financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited
    consolidated financial statements and, in the opinion of management, contain
    all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary
    for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations
    for these periods. The information set forth below should be read in
    conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
    Condition and Results of Operations" and the consolidated financial
    statements of the Company.

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                                                                  Fiscal Year
                                                                                  -----------
                                                             1996         1995         1994        1993       1992
                                                          -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>
                                                             (In thousands, except per share and operating data)
Statements of Operations Data:(1)
  Net sales                                               $3,196,056   $1,890,639   $1,145,151   $520,956   $420,030
  Cost of sales(2)                                         2,417,746    1,417,366      855,361    402,142    323,922
  Merger related inventory provisions(3)                          --        5,952           --      1,146         --
                                                          ----------   ----------   ----------   --------   --------
    Gross profit                                             778,310      467,321      289,790    117,668     96,108
  Warehouse operating and selling expenses                   562,879      342,581      219,213     97,054     76,056
  Corporate general and administrative expenses               95,101       49,742       29,624     13,063     12,408
  Merger and other nonrecurring charges(4)                    19,840       36,838           --      1,928      2,592
                                                          ----------   ----------   ----------   --------   --------
    Operating profit                                         100,490       38,160       40,953      5,623      5,052
  Interest expense, net                                       26,949       17,968       16,915      5,014      4,972
  Other income (expense)                                         244        1,786          562       (104)      (993)
                                                          ----------   ----------   ----------   --------   --------
  Income (loss) before income taxes                           73,785       21,978       24,600        505       (913)
  Income tax expense                                          33,649       13,766        8,294      2,316      1,567
                                                          ----------   ----------   ----------   --------   --------
  Income (loss) before minority interest                      40,136        8,212       16,306     (1,811)    (2,480)
  Minority interest (income)/expense                          (1,860)       1,436           69        152         --
                                                          ----------   ----------   ----------   --------   --------
  Income (loss) from continuing operations                    41,996        6,776       16,237     (1,963)    (2,480)
  Loss from discontinued operations(5)                            --        1,225          327        712      4,571
                                                          ----------   ----------   ----------   --------   --------
  Income (loss) before extraordinary item                     41,996        5,551       15,910     (2,675)    (7,051)
  Extraordinary item(6)                                           --           --          586     (1,169)        --
                                                          ----------   ----------   ----------   --------   --------
 
    Net income (loss)                                     $   41,996   $    5,551   $   16,496   $ (3,844)  $ (7,051)
                                                          ==========   ==========   ==========   ========   ========
                                                                                                          
 
  Pro forma net income (loss)(7)                          $   40,281   $    5,140   $   15,769   $ (5,124)  $ (7,390)
                                                          ==========   ==========   ==========   ========   ========
 
  Weighted average common shares outstanding                 130,029      110,408       80,993     55,598
 
  Pro forma net income (loss) per common share:(8)
    Continuing operations                                      $0.31        $0.06        $0.19     $(0.09)
    Discontinued operations                                       --        (0.01)       (0.01)     (0.01)
    Extraordinary item                                            --           --         0.01      (0.02)
                                                          ----------   ----------   ----------   --------
    Net income (loss)                                          $0.31        $0.05        $0.19    $( 0.12)
                                                          ==========   ==========   ==========   ========
 
Balance Sheet Data:(1)
  Working capital                                         $  393,653   $  253,693   $  166,421   $ 96,880   $ 50,771
  Total assets                                             1,843,977    1,023,365      645,309    446,189    160,510
  Long-term debt and capital lease obligations               633,250      163,399      188,340    177,523     52,375
  Shareholders' equity and redeemable preferred(9)           693,607      521,776      259,325    116,363     39,584

</TABLE>

    (1) The Hermann Marketing, Inc. ("HMI") acquisition (effective January 30,
        1997), the Sofco-Mead, Inc. ("Sofco") acquisition (effective January 24,
        1997), the UT acquisition (effective November 8, 1996), the Nimsa
        acquisition (effective October 31, 1996), the U.S. Delivery, Inc.
        ("Delivery") acquisition (effective March 1, 1996), the Richard Young
        Journal, Inc. ("Young") acquisition (effective February 27, 1996) and
        the acquisition of Lucas Bros., Inc. ("Lucas") (effective November 30,
        1993) were accounted for as poolings of interests and, accordingly, the
        HMI, Sofco, UT, Nimsa, Delivery, Young and Lucas accounts and results
        are included for all applicable periods.
    (2) Cost of sales includes occupancy and delivery expenses.
    (3) Reflects the write-down to fair market value of certain inventory which
        the Company decided to eliminate from its product line.
    (4) Merger and other nonrecurring charges relate primarily to the mergers
        with Sofco, HMI, Nimsa and UT in fiscal 1996, Delivery and Young in
        fiscal 1995 and Lucas in fiscal 1993 and include, among other things,
        costs to complete the acquisitions, merging and closing redundant
        facilities, personnel reductions and centralizing certain administrative
        functions.

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
    (5) In fiscal 1995,  Sofco adopted a plan to discontinue Sofco-Eastern, Inc;
        and in February 1993, Lucas adopted a plan to discontinue its retail
        operations.
    (6) Reflects extraordinary loss related to a write-off of an unamortized
        discount on debt in fiscal 1993 and extraordinary gain related to the
        repurchase by the Company of $10 million principal amount of Notes in
        fiscal 1994.
    (7) Pro forma net income reflects the additional taxes that would be
        incurred to treat a subchapter S acquisition as if the acquired company
        was a C corporation.
    (8) Pro forma net income (loss) per common share is calculated by dividing
        pro forma net income (loss), after preferred stock dividend requirements
        of Young of $432,000 and $1,500,000 for fiscal 1994 and fiscal 1993,
        respectively.
    (9) Redeemable preferred was converted to common stock in fiscal 1994.


    ITEM  7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
              RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the
    Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes thereto appearing
    elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

        Some of the information presented in this Form 10-K constitutes forward
    looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
    Reform Act of 1995.  Although  the Company believes that its expectations
    are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge  of
    its business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results
    of the Company's operations and acquisition activities and their effect on
    the Company's results of operations will not differ materially from its
    expectations.  See ITEM 1. - "BUSINESS - Important Factors Regarding Forward
    Looking Statements."


    General
        Corporate Express has grown primarily through a series of acquisitions
    including the acquisition of HMI on January 30, 1997,  Sofco on January 24,
    1997, UT on November 8, 1996, Nimsa on October 31, 1996, Delivery on March
    1, 1996, and Young on February 27, 1996, all of which were accounted for as
    poolings of interest.  Accordingly, the Consolidated Financial Statements
    have been restated to include the accounts and operations of Sofco, HMI,
    Nimsa, Delivery and Young for all periods prior to the mergers.  The
    accompanying financial statements have been restated to include the
    operations of UT effective March 3, 1996 and Nimsa effective for fiscal
    1995.  Reference to fiscal 1996 refers to the year ended March 1, 1997 for
    Corporate Express and all pooled companies.  Reference to fiscal 1995 refers
    to the year ended March 2, 1996 for Corporate Express, Delivery, Young, and
    Sofco, to the year ended December 31, 1995 for HMI, and to the year ended
    June 30, 1996 for Nimsa.  Reference to the fiscal year 1994 and prior fiscal
    years refers to the February year end for Corporate Express, to the December
    31 year end for Delivery and HMI, to the May 31 year end for Sofco, to the
    June 30 year end for Nimsa, and to the September 30 year end for Young.

        During the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 1996, the Company
    recorded net expense of $12,366,000 and $7,474,000 primarily related to the
    mergers with Nimsa and UT in the third fiscal quarter and Sofco and HMI in
    the fourth fiscal quarter, respectively. These merger and other nonrecurring
    charges primarily consisted of transaction costs, severance, facility
    closure costs and asset writedowns.

        The Company continues to significantly increase the scope of its
    operations throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and
    Australia, and has entered new markets with acquisitions in New Zealand,
    Germany, France and Italy. Corporate Express expanded the delivery service
    segment through the acquisition of UT and other delivery companies.
    Substantial emphasis will be placed in fiscal 1997 on improving operations
    while implementing the Corporate Express business model in the most recently
    acquired operations and on pursuing additional acquisition opportunities.
    These anticipated acquisitions, if they occur, will result in increased
    accounts receivable, inventory, accounts payable and other account balances,
    as well as increased warehouse closing costs in future periods.
    Implementation of the Company's

                                      -11-
<PAGE>
 
    expansion and acquisition strategy, both domestically and internationally,
    involves significant risks and uncertainties.  See ITEM 1. - "BUSINESS -
    International Operations"; "Expansion Strategy"; "Structure and Integration
    of Acquisitions."

       In addition to acquisitions, Corporate Express will place substantial
    emphasis on internal growth through implementation of the Corporate Express
    business model, including increased sales of the Company's various product
    lines to existing customers.  The Company also plans to increase sales to
    existing customers by cross-selling its expanded product and service
    offering and developing existing customers into international, national or
    multi-regional accounts.

       International markets historically have higher gross profit margins and
    higher operating costs than the Company experiences domestically.  Certain
    complementary products now offered by the Company, such as computer
    software, have lower gross profit margins and lower operating costs than the
    products traditionally sold by the Company.  In addition, the acquisition of
    companies with break-even or marginal operating results may impact the
    operating margins and profitability of the Company.


    Results of Operations

       The following table sets forth the percentages which the items in the
    Company's consolidated statements of operations bear to net sales for the
    periods indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      Fiscal Year
                                                                      -----------
                                                                  1996    1995    1994
                                                                 ------  ------  ------
<S>                                                              <C>     <C>     <C>
    Statements of Operations Data:           
       Net sales                                                 100.0%  100.0%  100.0%
       Cost of sales                                              75.6    75.0    74.7
       Merger related inventory provisions                          --     0.3      --
                                                                 -----   -----   -----

          Gross profit                                            24.4    24.7    25.3
       Warehouse operating and selling expenses                   17.6    18.1    19.1
       Corporate general and administrative expenses               3.0     2.6     2.6
       Merger and other nonrecurring charges                       0.6     1.9      --
                                                                 -----   -----   -----
          Operating profit                                         3.2     2.1     3.6
       Interest expense, net                                       0.8     1.0     1.5
       Other income                                                0.0     0.1     0.0
                                                                 -----   -----   -----
          Income before income taxes                               2.4     1.2     2.1
       Income tax expense                                          1.1     0.7     0.7
                                                                 -----   -----   -----
          Income before minority interest                          1.3     0.5     1.4
       Minority interest (income) expense                         (0.0)    0.1     0.0
                                                                 -----   -----   -----
          Income from continuing operations                        1.3     0.4     1.4
       Loss from discontinued operations                            --     0.1     0.0
                                                                 -----   -----   -----
       Income before extraordinary item                            1.3     0.3     1.4
       Extraordinary gain                                           --      --     0.0
                                                                 -----   -----   -----
          Net income                                               1.3%    0.3%    1.4%
                                                                 =====   =====   =====
          Pro forma net income                                     1.3%    0.3%    1.4%
                                                                 =====   =====   =====
 
</TABLE>
    Fiscal Years 1996 and 1995

       Net Sales. Consolidated net sales increased 69.0% to $3,196,056,000 in
    fiscal 1996 from $1,890,639,000 in fiscal 1995. Net sales for the Company's
    product distribution segment increased 57.4% to $2,436,296,000 in fiscal
    1996 from $1,548,175,000 in fiscal 1995 while net sales for its service
    segment increased 121.9% to $759,760,000 from $342,464,000 in the same
    periods. These increases were primarily attributable to 100 acquisitions in
    fiscal 1996 of which 

                                     -12-

<PAGE>
 
77 were product based companies (48 domestic and 29 international) and 23 were
service based companies (21 domestic and two international) and the merger with
UT, which was accounted for as a pooling of interests with the result of
operations included from March 3, 1996 (prior year results were immaterial).
Also contributing to the sales increase was strong internal growth reflecting
increased market penetration in products distribution. HMI, Nimsa and Sofco were
accounted for as material poolings of interest and their results of operations
were included for all applicable periods.

     International operations accounted for 17.7% of total sales or $565,126,000
in fiscal 1996 and 12.6% of total sales or $238,201,000 in fiscal 1995. The
Company expanded its international operations in fiscal 1996 to include
operations in New Zealand, Germany, France, and Italy.

     Gross Profit.  Cost of sales includes merchandise, occupancy and delivery
costs. Consolidated gross profit as a percentage of sales was 24.4% for fiscal
1996 compared to 24.7% for fiscal 1995. Included in cost of sales in fiscal 1995
is a merger related inventory provision of $5,952,000, representing 0.3% of
sales. In fiscal 1995, the Company made the decision to expand to new product
categories, while discontinuing certain low-end products, to standardize core
product lines and to eliminate certain inventory historically maintained for
specific customers and wrote certain inventory down to its fair market value.
Impacting the declining gross profit percentage in fiscal 1996 was the addition
of a desktop software line of products which has substantially lower gross
profit margins, and decreased gross margins in the delivery business.

     The gross profit percentage of sales for the product distribution segment
was 24.0% in fiscal 1996 and 23.8% in fiscal 1995 (excluding the merger related
inventory provision). The increase reflects gross margin improvement in all of
the domestic office product distribution operations which was partially offset
by lower margin sales from an acquired desktop software distributor. The
improvement in domestic office product distribution gross profit is due, in
part, to the expanded usage of the Company's In-Stock Catalog resulting in fewer
wholesaler purchases and increased vendor rebates. The gross profit percentage
in the service segment was 25.5% in fiscal 1996 compared to 30.8% in fiscal
1995. The decrease in the gross profit percentage in the service segment is
primarily attributable to the acquisition of UT which had lower gross profit
margins than other delivery services operations.

     Warehouse Operating and Selling Expenses.  Warehouse operating and selling
expenses primarily include labor and administrative costs associated with
operating regional warehouses and sales offices, selling expenses and
commissions related to the Company's direct sales force, and warehouse
assimilation costs. Warehouse operating and selling expenses decreased as a
percentage of sales to 17.6% in fiscal 1996 from 18.1% in fiscal 1995. This
decrease is primarily attributable to the Company's efforts to leverage and
streamline its operations and to the software distribution operation and UT,
both of which have lower operating expenses as a percentage of sales.

     Corporate General and Administrative Expenses.  Corporate general and
administrative expenses include both the central expenses incurred to provide
corporate oversight and support for regional operations, and goodwill
amortization. Corporate general and administrative expenses increased to
$95,101,000 in fiscal 1996 from $49,742,000 in fiscal 1995, reflecting the
Company's expanded operations. As a percentage of net sales, corporate general
and administrative expenses increased to 3.0% in fiscal 1996 from 2.6% in fiscal
1995. This increase reflects increased goodwill amortization resulting from
purchase acquisitions in fiscal 1995 and fiscal 1996 and costs associated with
developing a larger corporate staff to support acquisition efforts and expanded
operations, including an expanded information system staff.

     Merger and Other Nonrecurring Charges.  During fiscal 1996, the Company
recorded $19,840,000 in net merger and other non-recurring charges primarily in
conjunction with the acquisitions of Nimsa, UT, Sofco and HMI. Of the total
charge, a net $12,366,000 was recorded in the third quarter and $7,474,000 was
recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996. The third quarter charge is
comprised of $19,937,000 in merger and other nonrecurring charges primarily in
conjunction with the acquisitions of UT and Nimsa, offset by $7,571,000 in
adjustments to the merger and other nonrecurring charge established in the
fourth quarter of fiscal 1995, largely caused by changes in delivery
consolidation plans due to the acquisition of UT. The third quarter charge
includes the planned closure of 115 facilities and reduction of approximately
485 employees. The fourth quarter charge primarily reflects the actual costs of
completing the acquisitions of Sofco and HMI. (See Note 3 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements).

                                      -13-
<PAGE>
 
     Operating Profit.  Consolidated operating profit was $100,490,000, or 3.2%
of net sales, in fiscal 1996, compared to operating profit of $38,160,000, or
2.1% of net sales, in fiscal 1995. Before merger related and other nonrecurring
charges, operating profit increased 48.6% to $120,330,000 in fiscal 1996 from
$80,950,000 in fiscal 1995, reflecting increased acquisitions, internal growth,
and improved operating efficiencies. Before merger related and other
nonrecurring charges, operating profit for the product distribution segment
increased 52.1% to $88,802,000, or 3.6% of net sales, in fiscal 1996 from fiscal
1995 operating profit of $58,394,000 or 3.8% of net sales. Operating profit
before nonrecurring charges for the service segment increased 39.8% to
$31,528,000, or 4.1% of net sales, in fiscal 1996 from $22,556,000, or 6.6% of
net sales, in fiscal 1995. The decrease in operating profit for the service
segment as a percentage of sales reflects the results of UT which had lower
operating margins, poor performance at several delivery locations and expenses
related to consolidation projects. Operating profit before nonrecurring charges
for international operations decreased to 1.1% of net international sales in
fiscal 1996 from 3.9% of net international sales in fiscal 1995 reflecting
operating losses in Australia related to warehouse consolidation projects and
expansion to new European markets, partially offset by increased operating
profits in Canada. International operating profit before nonrecurring charges
accounted for 6.8% of total office products operating profit in fiscal 1996 and
15.8% of total office products operating profit in fiscal 1995.
 
     Interest Expense.  Net interest expense of $26,949,000 in fiscal 1996
increased from $17,968,000 in fiscal 1995. This increase reflects increased
borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility and the sale of $325,000,000
aggregate principal amount of the Company's 4 1/2% Convertible Notes due July 1,
2000 (the "Convertible Notes"). The proceeds from the sale of the Notes were
used to fund acquisitions and provide the additional working capital required as
a result of increased business and general corporate purposes. See "Liquidity
and Capital Resources."

     Minority Interest.  Minority interest income of $1,860,000 in fiscal 1996
compares to an expense of $1,436,000 in fiscal 1995, reflecting a 47.6% minority
interest in the operating losses at Corporate Express Australia partially offset
by a 49.0% minority interest in operating profits in Corporate Express United
Kingdom through November 1996. The Company acquired a majority ownership
interest in Corporate Express Australia in May 1995 and a majority ownership
interest in Corporate Express United Kingdom in December 1995. In November 1996,
the Company acquired the remaining 49.0% ownership interest in Corporate Express
United Kingdom.

     Net Income. Net income of $41,996,000 in fiscal 1996 compares to net income
of $5,551,000 in fiscal 1995. This increase reflects the increased profits from
the Company's more mature operations, the lower merger and other nonrecurring
charges recorded in fiscal 1996 and the purchase acquisitions. The Company
experienced an effective tax rate of 45.6% in fiscal 1996 compared to 62.6% in
fiscal 1995. The fiscal 1995 tax rate reflects certain non-deductible merger
costs, the utilization of certain net operating losses ("NOLs"), and certain
non-deductible goodwill. The fiscal 1996 tax rate reflects certain non-
deductible merger costs and certain non-deductible goodwill. The valuation
allowance remaining in fiscal 1996 reflects net operating losses subject to
restriction on realization and certain loss carryforwards of foreign
subsidiaries acquired in fiscal 1996. The principal reason the 1995 effective
tax rate exceeds the 1996 rate is the higher level of non-deductible merger
costs in fiscal 1995.

     Other.  The net accounts receivable balance at March 1, 1997 of
$494,199,000 increased $173,716,000 from $320,483,000 at March 2, 1996 primarily
as a result of acquired receivables and internal sales growth in existing
regions. The allowance for doubtful accounts as a percentage of consolidated
accounts receivable was 2.6% and 2.1% at the end of fiscal 1996 and fiscal 1995,
respectively. The Company's historical bad debt write-offs have been very low
due to the high credit quality of its customers, resulting from the Company's
focus on large corporations, and the fact that, in certain acquisitions, the
seller guarantees acquired receivables.

     The inventory amount at March 1, 1997 of $187,558,000 increased $58,755,000
from $128,803,000 at March 2, 1996 primarily as a result of acquired inventories
and inventory growth to support increased sales.

     Goodwill at March 1, 1997 of $671,967,000 increased $338,806,000 from
$333,161,000 reflecting additions from acquisitions of $357,125,000 offset by
current year amortization of $15,907,000 and reversals of $2,412,000.

     The accounts payable trade balance at March 1, 1997 of $292,041,000
increased $114,746,000 from $177,295,000 at March 2, 1996 primarily as a result
of acquired trade payables.

                                      -14-
<PAGE>
 
     Accrued purchase costs at March 1, 1997 of $12,888,000 increased by
$9,839,000 from the March 2, 1996 balance of $3,049,000. This increase reflects
acquisition additions of $21,429,000, payments of $9,178,000, and reversals of
$2,412,000 against goodwill. Of the remaining balance, $9,233,000 represents the
current estimate for costs to be incurred in conjunction with consolidation
projects in the international operations.


Fiscal Years 1995 and 1994

     Net Sales.  Net sales increased 65.1% to $1,890,639,000 in fiscal 1995 from
$1,145,151,000 in fiscal 1994. Net sales in the product distribution segment
increased 67.4% to $1,548,175,000 in fiscal 1995 from $924,886,000 in fiscal
1994, while the service segment increased 55.5% to $342,464,000 from
$220,265,000 in the same periods. These increases were primarily attributable to
51 acquisitions, of which 28 were product based companies (17 domestic and 11
international), seven were repurchases of computer product franchises by Young,
and 16 were service based companies principally in the delivery services
business (all domestic). Also contributing to the sales increase was the
inclusion of the results of operations of acquisitions accounted for as
purchases during fiscal 1995 and internal growth.

     Gross Profit.  Consolidated gross profit as a percentage of sales was 24.7%
for fiscal 1995 compared to 25.3% for fiscal 1994. Included in cost of sales for
fiscal 1995 is a merger related inventory provision of $5,952,000. The gross
profit percentage, excluding the merger related inventory provision was 25.0% in
fiscal 1995. The gross profit percentage in product distribution, excluding the
merger related inventory provision was 23.8% in fiscal 1995 compared to 23.9% in
fiscal 1994 and services segment gross profit percentage was 30.8% in fiscal
1995 compared to 31.3% in fiscal 1994. Decreases in services are primarily
attributable to increased delivery costs resulting from unusually severe weather
in the Northeast.

     Warehouse Operating and Selling Expenses.  Warehouse operating and selling
expenses decreased as a percentage of sales to 18.1% in fiscal 1995 from 19.1%
in fiscal 1994. This decrease reflects cost savings as a result of the
implementation of the Corporate Express business model at certain regional
warehouses, which includes centralizing certain administrative functions. Also
contributing to this decrease is a reduction of approximately $3,100,000 in
Delivery compensation expense which was eliminated in fiscal 1995 pursuant to
agreements made in connection with companies acquired in poolings of interest
acquisitions.

     Corporate General and Administrative Expenses.  As a percentage of net
sales, corporate general and administrative expenses were 2.6% in both fiscal
1995 and fiscal 1994. Expenses increased to $49,742,000 in fiscal 1995 from
$29,624,000 in fiscal 1994, reflecting the Company's expanded operations.

     Merger and Other Nonrecurring Charges.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal
1995, the Company recorded $36,838,000 in merger and other nonrecurring charges
(in addition to $5,952,000 in merger related inventory provisions) primarily in
conjunction with the acquisitions of Delivery and Young. The charges include the
actual costs of completing the acquisitions and additional costs associated with
a plan to integrate the combined companies' operations. The major activities
associated with the plan include merging various Delivery and Young facilities
into Company locations, closing duplicate facilities and centralizing certain
administrative functions. These merger and other nonrecurring charges include
merger transaction related costs of $13,273,000; severance and employee
termination costs of $7,457,000 (representing approximately 760 employees);
facility closure and consolidation costs of $9,693,000; and other asset write-
downs and costs of $6,415,000. Of the $36,838,000 charges, $7,724,000 are non-
cash charges.

     Operating Profit.  Operating profit of $38,160,000 in fiscal 1995 compares
to operating profit of $40,953,000 in fiscal 1994. Operating profit before
nonrecurring charges for product distribution increased to $58,394,000 in fiscal
1995 from $29,811,000 in fiscal 1994. This increase reflects the contribution of
acquired companies and increased regional operating profits at the Company's
other regional operations. Operating profit before nonrecurring charges for
services increased to $22,556,000, or 6.6% of net sales, in fiscal 1995 from
$11,142,000, or 5.1% of net sales, in fiscal 1994.

                                      -15-
<PAGE>
 
     Interest Expense.  Net interest expense increased to $17,968,000 in fiscal
1995 from $16,915,000 in fiscal 1994. Increases due to the elimination of the
0.5% per annum additional illiquidity payment of the Senior Notes effective upon
completion of a registered exchange offer in March 1995 and principal reductions
on the line of credit using funds from the public offerings of Common Stock
completed in March 1995 and September 1995 were offset by higher levels of
Delivery, Young and HMI debt outstanding as a result of their increased
borrowings to fund acquisitions and to provide the additional working capital
required as a result of increased business. On February 27, 1996, the Company
borrowed on its line of credit and repaid in full, as required under its terms,
the Young revolving line of credit balance of $10,809,000 which bore interest at
prime plus 1.25%, the Young subordinated debt of $11,930,000 which bore interest
at 17.5% and debt payable to the selling shareholders of $10,834,000 which bore
interest at 9.75%. The Delivery bank credit facility became due as of the
acquisition date due to a change of control provision. This facility was amended
to expire on May 31, 1996 to provide time for the Company to renegotiate its
primary bank revolver, which has been completed and the Delivery credit facility
has been repaid. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources."

     Extraordinary Item.  The extraordinary gain of $586,000, net of tax, in the
second quarter of fiscal 1994 related to the repurchase of $10,000,000 principal
amount of Senior Notes.

     Net Income.  Net income of $5,551,000 in fiscal 1995 decreased compared to
a net income of $16,496,000 in fiscal 1994. This decrease reflects the merger
and other nonrecurring charges recorded in fiscal 1995 offset by contributions
from purchase acquisitions and increased profits from the Company's more mature
operations. The pre-tax profitability is reduced by an increase in the effective
tax rate to 62.6% in fiscal 1995 from 33.7% in fiscal 1994. The fiscal 1995 tax
rate reflects certain non-deductible merger costs, international tax rates, the
utilization of certain NOLs, and certain non-deductible goodwill. The fiscal
1994 tax rate included the utilization of certain NOLs and certain non-
deductible goodwill. The principal reason the 1995 effective tax rate exceeds
the 1994 effective tax rate is the non-deductibility of certain merger costs.
The fiscal 1994 period included in net income an extraordinary gain of $586,000,
net of tax, related to the repurchase of $10,000,000 principal amount of Notes.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

     Historically, the Company has financed its operations through internally
generated funds and borrowings from commercial banks and has financed its
acquisitions through the use of such funds and the issuance of equity and debt
securities.

     The Company's revolving credit facility (the "Senior Credit Facility") was
amended and restated on November 26, 1996 to increase the borrowing capacity
from $90,000,000 to $350,000,000, extend the facility termination date to March
31, 2000, lower the cost of its borrowings to LIBOR plus .50%, unsecure the
assets of the Company (the previous facility was secured by substantially all of
the assets, including accounts receivable and inventory of the Company and its
United States subsidiaries), and to make certain other changes. The Senior
Credit Facility was previously amended on May 10, 1996 to increase the Company's
borrowing capacity from $90,000,000 to $250,000,000, subject to borrowing base
and other restrictions and to lower the cost of its borrowings to LIBOR plus
1.25%. On May 31, 1996, the Company borrowed on its Senior Credit Facility and
repaid in full the $33,270,000 outstanding revolving credit facility previously
established by Delivery. On June 24, 1996, the outstanding amounts under the
Senior Credit Facility were paid in full from funds generated from the issuance
of the Convertible Notes. Upon this repayment, the borrowing capacity of the
Senior Credit Facility was reduced from the amended capacity of $250,000,000 to
$90,000,000, subject to borrowing base and other restrictions. As of May 2,
1997, the Company had $145,000,000 outstanding under the Senior Credit Facility
and an unused borrowing capacity of $205,000,000.

     On June 24, 1996, the Company issued $325,000,000 aggregate principal
amount of Convertible Notes. The notes are convertible into the Company's common
stock at a conversion price of $33.33 per share, subject to adjustments under
certain conditions. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the Convertible
Notes was used to repay the Company's Senior Credit Facility and an acquisition
note payable with the remaining proceeds being used to fund acquisitions and for
other general corporate purposes.

                                      -16-
<PAGE>
 
     During fiscal 1996, the Company acquired, for a net cash purchase price of
$241,846,000 and 5,542,000 shares of common stock, 77 office products
distributors and 23 service companies. Of these 100 acquisitions, 86 were
accounted for as purchases and 14 were accounted for as immaterial poolings of
interest. In addition, the Company acquired UT, which was accounted for as a
pooling of interests with financial results included from March 3, 1996 for
6,332,000 shares of common stock. Total liabilities assumed in connection with
these acquisitions were $282,777,000 (including accounts payable and assumed
debt). In addition, the Company made payments of approximately $13,984,000
related to prior acquisitions. Included in the net cash purchase price of
$241,846,000 is the purchase of ASAP, a computer software distribution company,
in May 1996 for approximately $98,000,000 in cash offset by cash acquired of
approximately $14,000,000.

     The Company had capital expenditures of $119,639,000 in fiscal 1996 which
included $30,905,000 of capitalized software, $29,075,000 for the new corporate
headquarters facility in Broomfield, Colorado, and $10,804,000 for the new
warehouse facility in Miami, Florida.

     Cash and cash equivalents increased by $24,686,000 in fiscal 1996. This
increase reflects proceeds of $325,000,000 from issuance of the convertible
debt, net borrowings on lines of credit of $104,382,000 and cash from operations
of $25,753,000, offset by capital expenditures of $119,639,000, payments for
acquisitions of $255,830,000, repayment of debt of $64,893,000 and net other
additions of $9,913,000. Net cash provided by operating activities of
$25,753,000 reflects cash generated by net income plus non-cash expenses,
primarily depreciation and amortization, offset by an increase in accounts
receivable, inventories, and accrued liabilities reflecting increased sales. The
repayment of debt is primarily debt of acquired operations.

     The Company expects net capital expenditures for fiscal 1997 of
approximately $95,000,000 comprised of approximately $64,000,000 to be used for
upgrading and enhancing its information systems, approximately $40,000,000 for
warehouse reconfiguration and equipment, approximately $13,000,000 to be used
for acquisition related initial capital costs, and approximately $3,000,000 for
transportation and telecommunications equipment offset by anticipated sales and
lease backs or mortgages on a number of its facilities of approximately
$25,000,000. Actual capital expenditures for fiscal 1997 may be greater or less
than budgeted amounts.

     During fiscal 1995, the Company purchased 45 companies for a net cash
purchase price of $96,971,000 and newly issued securities representing a 52.5%
interest in Corporate Express Australia for a net cash outlay of $98,000
($16,785,000 purchase price less cash acquired of $16,687,000). The Company also
repurchased seven computer product franchises for $21,187,000. Total liabilities
assumed in connection with these acquisitions were $118,447,000 (including
accounts payable and assumed debt). In addition, the Company made payments of
approximately $6,044,000 related to acquisitions completed in fiscal 1994.
During fiscal 1995, the Company sold its high-end furniture business for
$4,362,000, which was acquired as part of the acquisition of Joyce
International, Inc.'s office products division ("Joyce"). The sale was
contemplated at the time of the Joyce acquisition and was reflected in the
financial statements accordingly.

     Cash and cash equivalents increased by $14,314,000 in fiscal 1995. This
increase reflects net proceeds from the sale of common stock of $449,288,000
(primarily from the March and September 1995 public offerings) offset by the
purchase of common stock held by OfficeMax, Inc. for $195,831,000, net payments
on the line of credit of $18,871,000, payments for capital expenditures during
fiscal 1995 of $53,124,000, cash paid for acquisitions of $124,300,000, cash
used for operations and repayment of debt of $99,838,000 and net other additions
of $56,990,000. Net cash used for operating activities of $16,433,000 reflects
cash generated by net income plus non-cash expenses offset by an increased
investment in accounts receivable and inventories reflecting increased sales and
the introduction of the In-Stock Catalog into acquired operations. The repayment
of debt includes the repayment of debt of acquired companies.

     The Company believes the borrowing capacity under the credit facility,
together with proceeds from future debt and/or equity activity, coupled with its
cash on hand, capital resources and cash flows, will be sufficient to fund its
ongoing operations, anticipated capital expenditures and acquisition activity
for the next twelve months. However actual capital needs may change,
particularly in connection with acquisitions which the Company may make in the
future.

                                      -17-
<PAGE>
 
Inflation

     Certain of the Company's product offerings, particularly paper products,
have been and are expected to continue to be subject to significant price
fluctuations due to inflationary and other market conditions. The Company
generally is able to pass such increased costs on to its customers through price
increases, although it may not be able to adjust its prices immediately.
Significant increases in paper, fuel and other costs in the future could
materially affect the Company's profitability if these costs cannot be passed on
to customers. In general, the Company does not believe that inflation has had a
material effect on its results of operations in recent years. However, there can
be no assurance that the Company's business will not be affected by inflation in
the future.


Seasonality and Quarterly Results

     The Company's product distribution business is subject to seasonal
influences. In particular, net sales and profits in the United States and Canada
are typically lower in the three months ended August 31 due to lower levels of
business activity during the summer months. Because cost of sales includes
delivery and occupancy expenses, gross profit as a percentage of net sales may
be impacted by seasonal fluctuations in net sales, more costly delivery costs
during inclement weather, and the acquisition of less efficient operations.
Quarterly results may be materially affected by the timing of acquisitions and
the timing and magnitude of acquisition assimilation costs. Therefore, the
operating results for any three month period are not necessarily indicative of
the results that may be achieved for any subsequent fiscal quarter or for a full
fiscal year.

     Revenues and profit margins from the Company's local delivery services are
subject to seasonal variations. Prolonged inclement weather can have an adverse
impact on the Company's business to the extent that transportation and
distribution channels are disrupted.


Accounting Standards

     In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997, the Company will adopt SFAS No. 128,
"Earnings per Share." This statement simplifies the standards for computing
earnings per share found in APB Opinion No. 15, "Earnings per Share" and makes
them comparable to international EPS standards. Had SFAS No. 128 been effective
during fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994, (i) "Basic earnings per share" under SFAS No.
128 would have been $0.33, $0.05 and $0.22, respectively, and (ii) "Dilutive
earnings per share" under SFAS No. 128 would have been $0.31, $0.05 and $0.19,
respectively.

     The Company adopted SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation"
during fiscal 1996 (See Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements).

                                      -18-
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA



                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



To the Shareholders of
  Corporate Express, Inc.:

     We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the
consolidated financial statement schedule of Corporate Express, Inc. as of March
1, 1997 and March 2, 1996 and for the years ended March 1, 1997, March 2, 1996
and February 25, 1995 listed in the index in Item 14. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

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

     In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
Corporate Express, Inc. as of March 1, 1997 and March 2, 1996 and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the years
ended March 1, 1997, March 2, 1996, and February 25, 1995, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, in our opinion, the
financial statement schedule referred to above, when considered in relation to
the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all
material respects, the information required to be included therein.






Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
Denver, Colorado
April 18, 1997

                                      -19-
<PAGE>



                            CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC.

                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                (In thousands)
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 



ASSETS
                                                                        March 1,       March 2,
                                                                         1997           1996
                                                                     ------------    -----------  
<S>                                                                  <C>             <C>   
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                                          $   54,499       $  29,813
  Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance                       
    of $13,004 and $6,964, respectively                                 494,199         320,483
  Notes and other receivables                                            55,530          30,046
  Inventories                                                           187,558         128,803
  Deferred income taxes                                                  29,076          18,470
  Other current assets                                                   28,548          27,357
                                                                     ----------      ----------   
          Total current assets                                          849,410         554,972
                                                                    
Property and equipment:                                             
  Land                                                                   14,105           8,715
  Buildings and leasehold improvements                                  106,824          38,663
  Furniture and equipment                                               249,693         130,497
                                                                     ----------      ----------   
                                                                        370,622         177,875
  Less accumulated depreciation                                        (106,891)        (60,744)
                                                                     ----------      ----------   
                                                                        263,731         117,131
                                                                    
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of $36,471 and            
  $16,292, respectively                                                 671,967         333,161
Other assets, net                                                        58,869          18,101
                                                                     ----------      ----------   
                                                                    
          Total assets                                               $1,843,977      $1,023,365
                                                                     ==========      ==========   
</TABLE> 





   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.


                                     -20-
<PAGE>

                        CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC.

                CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS, Continued
                            (In thousands)

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                           March 1,        March 2,
                                                                            1997            1996
                                                                        -------------   -------------
<S>                                                                     <C>             <C> 
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable - trade                                               $   292,041     $   177,295
  Accounts payable - acquisitions                                              5,078           2,063
  Accrued payroll and benefits                                                45,512          26,648
  Accrued purchase costs                                                      12,888           3,049
  Accrued merger and related costs                                            18,484          24,880
  Other accrued liabilities                                                   52,012          42,955
  Current portion of long-term debt and capital leases                        29,742          24,389
                                                                         -----------     -----------  
     Total current liabilities                                               455,757         301,279

Capital lease obligations                                                     11,545           9,568
Long-term debt                                                               621,705         153,831
Deferred income taxes                                                         26,819           7,374
Minority interest in subsidiaries                                             22,015          24,843
Other non-current liabilities                                                 12,529           4,694
                                                                         -----------     -----------  
     Total liabilities                                                     1,150,370         501,589

Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)

Shareholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, $.0001 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized,
     none issued or outstanding                                                    -               -
  Common stock, $.0002 par value, 300,000,000 shares
    authorized,126,171,467 and 111,954,350 shares
    issued and outstanding, respectively                                          25              22
  Common stock, non-voting, $.0002 par value, 3,000,000
     shares authorized, none issued or outstanding                                 -               -
  Additional paid-in capital                                                 646,536         513,358
  Retained earnings                                                           48,222           8,200
  Foreign currency translation adjustments                                    (1,176)            196
                                                                         -----------     -----------  
     Total shareholders' equity                                              693,607         521,776
                                                                         -----------     -----------  

          Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                     $ 1,843,977     $ 1,023,365
                                                                         ===========     =========== 
</TABLE> 

       The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated 
                             financial statements.

                                     -21-

<PAGE>

                            CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC.

                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                   (In thousands, except per share amounts)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                      Years Ended
                                                      --------------------------------------------
                                                         March 1,       March 2,    February 25,
                                                           1997           1996           1995
                                                      -------------- -------------- --------------
<S>                                                   <C>            <C>            <C> 


Net sales                                                $3,196,056     $1,890,639     $1,145,151
Cost of sales                                             2,417,746      1,417,366        855,361
Merger related inventory provisions                             --           5,952            -- 
                                                         ----------     ----------     ----------
     Gross profit                                           778,310        467,321        289,790

Warehouse operating and selling expenses                    562,879        342,581        219,213
Corporate general and administrative expenses                95,101         49,742         29,624
Merger and other nonrecurring charges                        19,840         36,838            -- 
                                                         ----------     ----------     ----------
     Operating profit                                       100,490         38,160         40,953

Interest expense, net                                        26,949         17,968         16,915
Other income                                                    244          1,786            562
                                                         ----------     ----------     ----------
     Income before income taxes                              73,785         21,978         24,600
Income tax expense                                           33,649         13,766          8,294
                                                         ----------     ----------     ----------
     Income before minority interest                         40,136          8,212         16,306
Minority interest (income) expense                           (1,860)         1,436             69
                                                         ----------     ----------     ----------
     Income from continuing operations                       41,996          6,776         16,237
Discontinued operations:
     Loss from discontinued operations                          --             --             327
     Loss on disposals                                          --           1,225            --
                                                         ----------     ----------     ----------
     Income  before extraordinary item                       41,996          5,551         15,910
Extraordinary item:
     Gain on early extinguishment of debt                       --             --             586
                                                         ----------     ----------     ----------
     Net income                                          $   41,996     $    5,551     $   16,496 
                                                         ==========     ==========     ==========

Pro forma net income (Note 13)                           $   40,281     $    5,140     $   15,769 
                                                         ==========     ==========     ==========

Weighted average common shares outstanding                  130,029        110,408         80,993
                                                         ==========     ==========     ==========

Pro forma per common share:
     Continuing operations                               $      .31     $      .06     $      .19
     Discontinued operations                                    --            (.01)          (.01)
     Extraordinary item                                         --             --             .01
                                                         ----------     ----------     ----------
     Net income                                          $      .31     $      .05     $      .19
                                                         ==========     ==========     ==========
</TABLE> 

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.

                                     -22-
<PAGE>


                            CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC.

                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
    for the years ended  February 25, 1995, March 2, 1996 and March 1, 1997
                     (In thousands, except share amounts)
                                                                    
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                             
                                                          Preferred Stock               Common Stock       Additional     
                                                          ---------------               ------------        Paid-in     
                                                         Shares         Amount       Shares       Amount     Capital    
                                                         ------         ------       ------       ------     -------
<S>                                                     <C>             <C>         <C>           <C>        <C> 
Balance, February 28, 1994                               26,980,000      $7,502      38,378,246    $  8       $115,805 
Issuance of common stock                                                             31,602,150       6        138,300 
Conversion of common stock                                  100,000                    (112,500)                     -
Conversion of preferred stock                           (19,580,000)         (2)     22,027,500       4             (2)
Redemption of preferred stock                            (7,500,000)     (7,500)                                       
Preferred stock dividend                                                                                               
S Corporation dividends and other equity                                                                               
  transactions of pooled companies                                                                                 117 
Net income                                                                                                             
Foreign currency translation adjustment                 
                                                         ----------      ------      ----------    ----       --------
Balance, February 25, 1995                                        -           -      91,895,396      18        254,220 
Issuance of common stock                                                             20,058,954       4        245,573 
Young capital contribution                                                                                      12,182 
Adjustment to conform fiscal year ends                                                                                 
  of certain pooled companies                                                                                          
S Corporation dividends and other equity                                                                               
  transactions of pooled companies                                                                               1,383 
Net income                                                                                                             
Foreign currency translation adjustment                 
                                                         ----------      ------      ----------    ----       --------
Balance, March 2, 1996                                            -           -     111,954,350      22        513,358 
Issuance of common stock                                                             14,217,117       3        119,274 
Tax benefit on non-qualified stock                                                                                     
   options exercised                                                                                            11,161 
Adjustment to conform fiscal year                                                                                      
   ends of certain pooled companies                                                                                    
S Corporation dividends and other                                                                                      
  equity transactions of pooled companies                                                                        2,743 
Net income                                                                                                             
Foreign currency translation adjustment                 
                                                         ----------      ------      ----------    ----       --------
Balance, March 1, 1997                                            -      $    -      126,171,46    $ 25       $646,536 
                                                         ==========      ======      ==========    ====       ========

</TABLE> 

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 


                                           Foreign
                                           Currency
                                          Translation     Retained
                                           Adjustment     Earnings
                                           ----------     --------
<S>                                       <C>             <C> 
Balance, February 28, 1994                  $      9       $(6,963)
Issuance of common stock                             
Conversion of common stock                           
Conversion of preferred stock                        
Redemption of preferred stock                        
Preferred stock dividend                                      (432)
S Corporation dividends and other equity             
  transactions of pooled companies                          (4,076)
Net income                                                  16,496
Foreign currency translation adjustment           50 
                                            --------       -------
Balance, February 25, 1995                        59         5,025
Issuance of common stock                             
Young capital contribution                           
Adjustment to conform fiscal year ends               
  of certain pooled companies                                1,876
S Corporation dividends and other equity             
  transactions of pooled companies                          (4,252)
Net income                                                   5,551
Foreign currency translation adjustment          137 
                                            --------       -------
Balance, March 2, 1996                           196         8,200
Issuance of common stock                             
Tax benefit on non-qualified stock                   
   options exercised                                 
Adjustment to conform fiscal year                    
   ends of certain pooled companies                           (430)
S Corporation dividends and other                    
  equity transactions of pooled companies                   (1,544)
Net income                                                  41,996
Foreign currency translation adjustment       (1,372)
                                            --------       -------
Balance, March 1, 1997                      $ (1,176)      $48,222
                                            ========       =======
</TABLE> 






  The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial 
                                  statements.

                                     -23-
<PAGE>


                       CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC.

                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                            (In thousands)
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                         Years Ended
                                                                   -------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       March 1,           March 2,           February 25,
                                                                         1997               1996                 1995
                                                                   ---------------       ------------        -------------
<S>                                                                  <C>                 <C>                 <C> 
Cash flows from operating activities:
 Net income                                                          $     41,996        $     5,551         $     16,496  
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash                                                                           
  provided by (used in) operating activities:                                                                              
    Depreciation                                                           30,319             18,765               10,705  
    Amortization                                                           18,417              9,733                6,373  
    Non-cash portion of merger and restructuring charge                     3,761             10,268                  --  
    Adjustment to conform fiscal years                                       (430)             1,876                  --  
    Gain on early extinguishment of debt                                      --                 --                  (700) 
    Minority interest (income)/expense                                     (1,860)             1,436                   69  
    Other                                                                   1,496             (1,263)                 492  
 Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions:                                                                
    Increase  in accounts receivable                                      (45,552)           (43,173)             (29,672) 
    Increase  in inventory                                                (12,015)           (11,538)              (5,934) 
    Increase in other current assets                                       (1,984)           (12,494)              (3,338) 
    (Increase) decrease  in other assets                                    3,694             (2,194)              (1,260) 
    Increase (decrease) in accounts payable                                  (667)            (8,798)              16,167  
    Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities                            (11,422)            15,398                2,638  
                                                                     ------------        -----------         ------------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities                        25,753            (16,433)              12,036  
                                                                     ------------        -----------         ------------
Cash flows from investing activities:                                                                                      
 Proceeds from sale of assets                                               3,026              5,899                  463  
 Capital expenditures                                                    (119,639)           (53,124)             (18,670) 
 Payment for acquisitions, net of cash acquired                          (255,830)          (124,300)             (87,886) 
 Purchase of marketable securities                                        (15,602)               --                   --  
 Other, net                                                                (1,978)                72                 (612) 
                                                                     ------------        -----------         ------------
Net cash used in investing activities                                    (390,023)          (171,453)            (106,705) 
                                                                     ------------        -----------         ------------
Cash flows from financing activities:                                                                                      
 Issuance of preferred and common stock                                    12,643            449,288              134,993  
 Stock offering costs                                                           0            (20,313)              (9,388) 
 Issuance of subsidiary common stock                                        2,258              7,733                  --   
 Young capital contribution                                                   --              12,182                  --   
 Purchase of common stock held by OfficeMax                                   --            (195,831)                 --   
 Preferred stock redemption                                                   --                 --                (7,500) 
 Debt issuance costs                                                       (8,818)               --                  (869) 
 Proceeds from long-term borrowings                                       347,829             44,208               35,189  
 Repayments of long-term borrowings                                       (37,948)           (71,813)             (35,422) 
 Proceeds from short-term borrowings                                          772             12,835                  -- 
 Repayments of short-term borrowings                                      (26,945)           (11,592)             (11,095) 
 Cash paid to retire bonds                                                    --                 --                (9,300) 
 Net proceeds from (payments on) line of credit                           104,382            (18,871)               1,778  
 Other                                                                     (4,833)            (4,245)              (1,647) 
                                                                     ------------        -----------         ------------
Net cash provided by financing activities                                 389,340            203,581               96,739  
                                                                     ------------        -----------         ------------
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations                         61               (222)                (600) 
                                                                     ------------        -----------         ------------
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash                     (445)            (1,159)                  25  
                                                                     ------------        -----------         ------------
Increase in cash and cash equivalents                                      24,686             14,314                1,495  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period                             29,813             15,499               14,004  
                                                                     ------------        -----------         ------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period                             $     54,499        $    29,813         $     15,499  
                                                                     ------------        -----------         ------------
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:                                                                          
 Cash paid during the period for interest                            $     35,526        $    20,469         $     13,829  
                                                                     ------------        -----------         ------------
 Cash paid during the period for taxes                               $     25,413        $    16,046         $      6,082  
                                                                     ------------        -----------         ------------
</TABLE> 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.


                                     -24-

<PAGE>
 
                            CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC.

                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS, Continued

     Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities:

     Capital lease obligations in the amount of $7,198,000, $4,305,000 and
$3,103,000 were incurred during fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, for
equipment.

     During fiscal 1996, the Company acquired, for a net cash purchase price of
$241,846,000 and 5,542,000 shares of common stock, 77 office products
distributors and 23 service companies. Of these 100 acquisitions, 86 were
accounted for as purchases and 14 were accounted for as immaterial poolings of
interest. In addition, the Company merged with UT, which was accounted for as a
pooling of interests with financial results included from March 3, 1996 for
6,332,000 shares of common stock and Nimsa, which was accounted for as a pooling
of interests with financial results included beginning in fiscal 1995 for
1,125,000 shares of common stock. The Company completed 52 acquisitions for a
net cash outlay in fiscal 1995 of $118,256,000. During fiscal 1994, the Company
completed 24 acquisitions for a net cash outlay of $74,707,000. In conjunction
with the acquisitions, liabilities were assumed as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Years Ended
                                       --------------------------------------
                                        March 1,     March 2,    February 25,
                                          1997         1996         1995
                                       ----------   ----------   ------------
                                                   (In thousands)
<S>                                    <C>          <C>          <C>
Fair value of assets acquired            $620,252     $271,264       $135,248
Cash paid, net of cash acquired           241,846      118,256         74,707
Issuance of notes payable                   4,650       11,111            ---
Issuance of stock                          86,922        9,562          4,614
Forgiveness of debt                           ---       11,138            150
Purchase price payable, included in                                  
 current liabilities                        4,057        2,750          5,325
                                         --------     --------       --------
Liabilities assumed                      $282,777     $118,447        $50,452
                                         ========     ========       ========
</TABLE>

     In addition to the amounts set forth above, Corporate Express paid
$11,695,000 and $6,044,000 for prior period acquisitions during fiscal 1996 and
fiscal 1995, respectively.

     During fiscal 1996, the Company paid $2,289,000 to dissenting shareholders
of a pooled company; purchased a warehouse facility for 202,500 shares of common
stock; issued 107,207 shares of common stock to retire convertible debt of
$1,449,400 previously issued by one of the Company's acquired subsidiaries; and
acquired the remaining 49% interest in Corporate Express United Kingdom.

     In January 1995, the Company purchased for $1,186,000 in cash, $1,000,000
in accounts payable, and $650,000 in notes payable the remaining interest of a
company for which a majority interest was acquired in fiscal 1993.

     In December 1994, the Company recorded a liability of $1,855,000 for
subsequent payments due to the sellers of a company acquired by Lucas in fiscal
1993.

     On September 30, 1994, the Company issued 14,610,000 shares of Common Stock
upon conversion of its Series A, B and C preferred on a two for one basis.

     In August 1994, the Company purchased for $350,000 in cash and $100,000 in
notes payable a 45% interest in an office products distributor. During fiscal
1994, the Company paid $234,000 for additional expenses for prior period
acquisitions. In addition, the Company made a final payment of $11,409,000 for
the Hanson acquisition and Delivery distributed non-cash dividends of $493,000
to certain Delivery stockholders in fiscal 1994.

     During January 1994, accrued dividends of $2,044,007 on Young's preferred
stock were converted to a subordinated promissory note. This note and accrued
interest of $138,712 was contributed as additional paid-in capital in December
1994.

        The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
                             financial statements.

                                      -25-
<PAGE>
 
                           CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC. 

                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Significant Accounting Policies:

    Principles of Consolidation:
 
    The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its majority-owned subsidiaries. As more fully described in Note 2, the
following acquisitions have been consummated by the Company:

    .  CEX Acquisition Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was
       merged with and into Young on February 27, 1996.
 
    .  DSU Acquisition Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was
       merged with and into Delivery on March 1, 1996.

    .  Nimsa was acquired by the Company on October 31, 1996.

    .  Bevo Acquisition Corp., Inc. a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company,
       was merged with and into UT on November 8, 1996.

    .  IMS Acquisition, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was
       merged with and into Sofco on January 24, 1997.

    .  H.M. Acquisition Corp., Inc. a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company,
       was merged with and into HMI on January 30, 1997.

    These acquisitions were accounted for as poolings of interests and,
accordingly, the accompanying financial statements have been restated to include
the accounts and operations of Delivery, Young, Nimsa, HMI and Sofco for all
applicable periods. The accompanying financial statements have been restated to
include the operations of UT effective March 3, 1996 and Nimsa effective for
fiscal 1995; prior UT results were immaterial. Acquisitions accounted for as
purchases are included in the accounts and operations as of the effective date
of the transaction and immaterial acquisitions accounted for as poolings of
interests are included in the accounts and operations as of the beginning of the
fiscal quarter in which the transaction is effective. The Company accounts for
its investments in less than 50% owned entities using the equity or cost
methods. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
    
    Definition of Fiscal Year:

    As used in these consolidated financial statements and notes to consolidated
financial statements, "fiscal 1996," "fiscal 1995," and "fiscal 1994" refer to
the Company's fiscal years ended March 1, 1997, March 2, 1996 and February 25,
1995, respectively. In connection with the mergers, Nimsa, UT and HMI changed
their 1996 fiscal year ends, Sofco changed its 1996 and 1995 fiscal year ends,
and Delivery and Young changed their 1995 fiscal year ends to conform to the
fiscal year ends of the Company. References to fiscal 1995 for Nimsa refers to
Nimsa's June 1996 year end; references to fiscal 1995 and prior fiscal years for
HMI refers to HMI's December year end; and references to fiscal 1994 and prior
fiscal years for Sofco, Delivery and Young refer to Sofco's May year end,
Delivery's December year end and Young's September year end.
 
    Cash and Cash Equivalents:

    Cash and cash equivalents include short-term investments with original
maturities of three months or less.

                                      -26-
<PAGE>
 
                           CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC. 

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (Continued)


    Inventories:

    Inventories primarily consist of finished goods which are valued at the
lower of first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost or market. The Company periodically
assesses its inventory to determine market value based upon such factors as
historical sales and purchases, inclusion in the Company's proprietary In-Stock
Catalog and other factors. Included in cost of sales for fiscal 1995 is a merger
related inventory provision of $5,952,000. This provision reflects the write-
down to fair market value of certain inventory which the Company decided to
eliminate from its product line.
 
    Property and Equipment:

    Property and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is computed using
the straight-line method over estimated useful lives which range from three to
seven years for furniture and equipment; up to 40 years for buildings; and over
the life of the lease for leasehold improvements. Ordinary maintenance and
repairs are charged to operations while expenditures which extend the physical
or economic life of property and equipment are capitalized. Gains and losses on
disposition of property and equipment are recognized in operations in the year
of disposition.
 
    The Company capitalizes certain internal and external software costs that
benefit future years. The amortization commencement and useful life is dependent
upon whether the software is non-interactive or interactive. Non-interactive
software has functionality that is not directly tied into and/or dependent upon
future development or software at other company sites. Interactive software has
significant functionality that is dependent upon future development or that is
directly tied into and/or dependent upon the installation of the same software
at other Company sites. All software is amortized over its economic useful life,
which is three to ten years using the straight-line method.

    Capitalized software costs totaled $47,695,000 and $16,790,000 at March 1,
1997 and March 2, 1996, respectively. Software amortization expense was $476,000
for fiscal year 1996. There was no software amortization expense for fiscal
years 1995 and 1994.

    Concentration of Credit Risk:

    The Company's financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of
credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. The Company places
its cash and temporary cash investments with high quality credit institutions.
At times, such investments may be in excess of the FDIC insurance limit.
 
    Concentration of credit risk with respect to trade receivables is limited
due to the wide variety of customers and markets into which the Company's
products are sold, as well as their dispersion across many geographic areas. As
a result, as of March 1, 1997, the Company did not consider itself to have any
significant concentrations of credit risk. The Company performs ongoing credit
evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral.
 
    The Company maintains allowances for potential credit losses and historical
losses have been within management's expectations.
 
    Intangible Assets:

    Goodwill is amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of 25 and 40
years. Noncompete agreements, which are included in other assets, are amortized
on a straight-line basis over periods of 2-10 years. The Company evaluates
intangible assets periodically in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 121 to determine whether they are properly reflected in
the financial statements based upon future undiscounted operating cash flows. If

                                      -27-
<PAGE>
 
                           CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC. 

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (Continued)


an impairment is determined to exist, the impaired asset is written down to fair
market value. The balance of $671,967,000 at March 1, 1997 reflects additions
from acquisitions and changes in foreign exchange rates of $357,125,000.
    
    Accrued Purchase Costs:

    The Company accrues direct external costs incurred to consummate an
acquisition, other external costs and liabilities to close the acquired entity's
facilities, and severance and relocation payments to the acquired entity's
employees. Prior to the adoption of EITF 95-3 effective with the consensus, the
Company also accrued the external incremental costs of converting certain
computer systems to the Company's systems.

    Accrued Merger and Related Costs:

    Accrued merger and related costs include the actual costs of completing
acquisitions accounted for as poolings of interests transactions and additional
costs associated with integrating the combined companies' operations, including
liabilities for severance benefits for employees expected to be terminated.
 
    Revenue Recognition:

    Revenue is recognized upon the shipment of products and completion of
service to customers.

    Cost of Sales:

    Vendor rebates and similar payments are recognized on an accrual basis in
the period earned and are recorded as a reduction to cost of sales. Delivery and
occupancy costs are included as an increase to cost of sales.
 
    Warehouse Operating and Selling Expenses:

    Warehouse operating and selling expenses include all costs associated with
operating regional warehouses and sales offices, including warehouse labor,
related warehouse general and administrative expenses (excluding occupancy),
selling expenses and commissions related to the Company's direct sales force and
warehouse assimilation costs.
 
    Foreign Currency Translation:

    Balance sheet accounts of foreign operations are translated using the year-
end exchange rate, and income statement accounts are translated on a monthly
basis using the average exchange rate for the period. Translation gains and
losses are recorded in shareholders' equity, and realized gains and losses from
transactions are reflected in income. An aggregate transaction gain of $116,000
and a loss of $37,000 were included in the determination of net income in fiscal
1996 and 1995, respectively. No transaction gains or losses were included in the
determination of net income in fiscal 1994. The Company does not currently hedge
foreign currency risk exposure.
 
    Income Taxes:

    For all periods presented, income taxes are calculated using the liability
method in accordance with the provisions set forth in Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109.
 
    Pro Forma Income Taxes:
 
    In fiscal 1996, the Company acquired an entity in a pooling of interests
transaction, which was previously an S Corporation for income tax purposes prior
to its acquisition by Corporate Express and, accordingly, any income tax

                                      -28-
<PAGE>
 
                           CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC. 

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (Continued)


liabilities for the periods prior to the acquisition are the responsibility of
the previous owner. For purposes of these consolidated financial statements,
federal and state income taxes have been provided as a pro forma adjustment as
if the acquired entity had filed C Corporation tax returns for the pre-
acquisition periods (See Note 13).

    Pro Forma Net Income Per Share:

    Pro forma net income per share is calculated by dividing pro forma net
income (net income after giving effect to the pro forma tax adjustment), after
preferred stock dividend requirements of Young of $432,000 for the year ended
February 25, 1995 by the weighted average shares of common stock and common
stock equivalents outstanding. Pursuant to the rules of the Securities and
Exchange Commission, common stock equivalents related to common stock, preferred
stock, stock options and warrants issued within one year prior to the Company's
initial public offering have been included as if they were outstanding for all
periods presented. Fully diluted earnings per share differ from primary earnings
per share by less than 3%.
 
    Stock Split and Stock Dividends:

    In connection with its initial public offering, the Company effected a one-
for-two reverse stock split in August 1994 and converted all of its outstanding
preferred stock to common stock on a three for two share basis in September
1994. The Company distributed a 50% share dividend in June 1995 and January
1997. All share numbers and prices have been adjusted to reflect the reverse
stock split, the conversion of preferred to common and the 50% share dividends.
 
    Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements:

    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

    Reclassifications:
 
    Certain reclassifications have been made to the fiscal 1995 and fiscal 1994
consolidated financial statements to conform to the fiscal 1996 presentation.
These reclassifications had no impact on net income.
 
    New Accounting Standards:

    In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997, the Company will adopt SFAS No. 128,
"Earnings per Share." This statement simplifies the standards for computing
earnings per share found in APB Opinion No. 15, "Earnings per Share" and makes
them comparable to international EPS standards. Had SFAS No. 128 been effective
during fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994, (i) " Basic earnings per share" under SFAS
No. 128 would have been $0.33, $0.05 and $0.22, respectively, and (ii) "Dilutive
earnings per share" under SFAS No. 128 would have been $0.31, $0.05 and $0.19,
respectively.

    The Company adopted SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation"
during fiscal 1996 (See Note 11).
 
2.  Pooling of Interests:

    Effective January 30, 1997, the Company issued approximately 4,650,000
shares of common stock in exchange for all of the outstanding stock of HMI, the
largest privately-held supplier of promotional products to large corporations.

    Effective January 24, 1997, the Company issued approximately 2,550,000
shares of common stock in exchange for all of the outstanding stock of Sofco,
one of the largest suppliers of janitorial and cleaning supplies in the United
States.

                                      -29-
<PAGE>
 
                           CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC. 

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (Continued)


    Effective November 8, 1996, the Company issued approximately 6,332,000
shares of common stock in exchange for all of the outstanding stock of UT, the
second largest same-day delivery service provider in the United States.
 
    Effective October 31, 1996, the Company issued approximately 1,125,000
shares of common stock and paid approximately $2,289,000 to the consenting and
dissenting sharesholders, respectively, of Nimsa, a computer software reseller
located in Paris, France, in exchange for all of Nimsa's outstanding stock.
 
    Effective March 1, 1996, the Company issued approximately 23,409,000 shares
of common stock in exchange for all of the outstanding stock of Delivery, a
provider of same-day local delivery services.

    Effective February 27, 1996, the Company issued approximately 4,398,000
shares of common stock in exchange for all of the outstanding stock of Young, a
distributor of computer and imaging supplies and accessories.
 
    In addition to the above acquisitions, the Company completed 14 other
acquisitions which were accounted for as immaterial poolings of interests for
approximately 1,942,000 shares of common stock during fiscal 1996. The financial
statements for these immaterial acquisitions for periods prior to the
acquisition have not been restated.
 
    During fiscal 1995, prior to merging with the Company, Delivery acquired the
outstanding stock of 14 companies in exchange for approximately 3,951,000 shares
of Delivery common stock. During fiscal 1994, Delivery acquired the stock of six
companies in exchange for approximately 1,722,000 shares of Delivery common
stock.
 
    Separate results of operations for Corporate Express and the pooled
operations for the periods prior to the mergers are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                             Year Ended
                                               ----------------------------------------
                                                 March 1,      March 2,     February 25,
                                                  1997           1996          1995
                                               -----------  -------------  ------------
                                                            (In thousands)
    <S>                                         <C>          <C>            <C>
    Net sales:
        Corporate Express                       $2,715,785    $1,132,012     $  621,469
        HMI                                         92,080        84,013         83,752
        Sofco                                      139,734       144,621        133,481
        UT                                         196,199           ---            ---
        Nimsa                                       52,258        71,901            ---
        Young                                          ---       115,628         86,184
        Delivery                                       ---       306,364        109,865
        Delivery poolings prior to merger
         with Delivery                                 ---        36,100        110,400
                                                ----------    ----------     ----------
        Combined                                $3,196,056    $1,890,639     $1,145,151
                                                ==========    ==========     ==========
 
    Net income (loss):
        Corporate Express                       $   31,710    $    3,702     $    5,248
        HMI                                          4,182           990          1,772
        Sofco                                        3,529           319          1,989
        UT                                           1,369           ---            ---
        Nimsa                                        1,206         1,762            ---
        Young                                          ---        (3,073)         1,264
        Delivery                                       ---           815          4,223
        Delivery poolings prior to merger
         with Delivery                                 ---         1,036          2,000
                                                ----------    ----------     ----------
        Combined                                $   41,996    $    5,551     $   16,496
                                                ==========    ==========     ==========
</TABLE>

                                      -30-
<PAGE>
 
                           CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC. 

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (Continued)
<TABLE>

<S>                                           <C>          <C>         <C> 
Other changes in shareholders' equity:
  Corporate Express                           $ 106,299    $ 229,356   $ 115,024
  HMI                                            (3,761)      (2,193)     (1,917)
  Sofco                                           1,538         (230)        692
  UT                                             26,135          ---         ---
  Nimsa                                            (376)       6,026         ---
  Young                                             ---       13,028      (7,932)
  Delivery                                          ---       12,032      23,211
  Delivery poolings prior to merger with                                 
   Delivery                                         ---       (1,116)     (2,613)
                                              ---------    ---------   ---------
Combined                                      $ 129,835    $ 256,903   $ 126,467
                                              =========    =========   =========
</TABLE>

    Certain reclassifications and adjustments have been made to the prior
    financial statements of the pooled companies to conform to the Corporate
    Express financial presentation and policies which adjustments had an
    immaterial effect on net income.

    All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

    The consolidated statement of operations for fiscal 1996 includes the income
and expenses of Corporate Express (including Young and Delivery), HMI, Sofco, UT
and Nimsa for the twelve months ended March 1, 1997.

    The consolidated statement of operations for fiscal 1995 includes the income
and expenses of Corporate Express, Sofco, Young and Delivery for the twelve
months ended March 2, 1996, of HMI for the twelve months ended December 31,
1995, and of Nimsa for the twelve months ended June 30, 1996. In order to
conform the HMI and Nimsa year ends to Corporate Express' fiscal year end, Nimsa
net income for the March 1996 to June 1996 period was included in both fiscal
1995 and 1996, and HMI net income for the January 1996 to February 1996 period
was excluded from fiscal 1995. Accordingly, an adjustment has been made in
fiscal 1996 to debit retained earnings directly for the March 1996 to June 1996
Nimsa net income of $630,000 and to credit retained earnings directly for the
January 1996 to February 1996 HMI net income of $200,000.

    The consolidated statement of operations for fiscal 1994 includes the income
and expenses of Corporate Express for the twelve months ended February 25, 1995,
of Sofco for the twelve months ended May 26, 1995, of HMI for the twelve months
ended December 31, 1994, of Young for the twelve months ended September 30,
1994, and of Delivery for the twelve months ended December 31, 1994. In order to
conform the Sofco, Young and Delivery year ends to Corporate Express' fiscal
year end, Sofco net income for the March 1995 to May 1995 period was included in
both fiscal 1994 and 1995, Young net income for the October 1994 to February
1995 period was excluded from fiscal 1994, and Delivery net income for the
January 1995 to February 1995 period was excluded from fiscal 1994. Accordingly,
an adjustment has been made in fiscal 1995 to debit retained earnings directly
for the March 1995 to May 1995 Sofco net income of $747,000, and to credit
retained earnings for the October 1994 to February 1995 Young net income of
$846,000 and the January 1995 to February 1995 Delivery net income of
$1,777,000.

    The results of operations for the adjustment periods are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                         Period        Net Sales       Net Income
                       ----------      ---------       ----------
        <S>            <C>             <C>             <C>       
                                                                 
        Nimsa           3/96-6/96        $25,986           $  630
        HMI             1/96-2/96         15,415              200
        Sofco           3/95-5/95         33,085              747
        Young          10/94-2/95         39,683              846
        Delivery        1/95-2/95         50,382            1,777 
</TABLE>

                                      -31-
<PAGE>
 
                           CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC. 

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (Continued)


3.  Merger and Other Nonrecurring Costs:

    During fiscal year 1996, the Company recorded an estimated net merger and
other nonrecurring charge of $19,840,000. This net charge is comprised of
$27,411,000 in merger and other nonrecurring charges primarily in conjunction
with the acquisitions of UT, Nimsa, HMI and Sofco, offset by $7,571,000 of
reduction to the merger and other nonrecurring charge established in the fourth
quarter of fiscal 1995, largely caused by changes in plans due to the
acquisition of UT. The fiscal year 1996 charges include the actual costs of
completing the acquisitions and anticipated costs for merging various UT
facilities into Company locations and closing redundant facilities. The charge
includes the closure of 115 facilities and the reduction of approximately 485
employees.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            Balance
                                                       Cash   Non-Cash    Total     Usage   3/1/97
                                                       ----   --------    -----     -----   ------
<S>                                                  <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>        <C>     
    Merger transaction costs (1)                     $15,274            $15,274  $(12,706)  $ 2,568
    Severance and terminations (2)                     5,333              5,333      (760)    4,573
    Facility closure and consolidation (3)             3,575              3,575      (102)    3,473
                                                     -------            -------  --------   -------
    Accrued merger and related costs, balance         24,182             24,182   (13,568)   10,614
    Other asset write-downs and costs (4)                --     $3,229    3,229    (1,180)    2,049
                                                     -------    ------  -------  --------   ------- 
        Total                                        $24,182    $3,229  $27,411  $(14,748)  $12,663
                                                     =======    ======  =======  ========   =======
</TABLE>
              
    (1) Merger transaction costs are the direct costs from the pooling
        transactions and include legal, investment banking, printing and other
        related costs.

    (2) Severance and employee termination costs are related to the elimination
        of duplicate management positions and facility closures and
        consolidations. Approximately 34 of the 485 employees estimated to be
        terminated have been terminated as of March 1, 1997.

    (3) Facility closure and consolidation costs are the estimated costs to
        close redundant facilities, lease costs and other costs associated with
        closed facilities. Eight of the 115 facilities estimated to be closed or
        consolidated have been closed or consolidated as of March 1, 1997.

    (4) Other asset write-downs and costs are recorded as contra assets and
        include software, leasehold improvements and equipment being abandoned
        or written off as a result of the UT acquisition.
        
    During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1995, the Company recorded $36,838,000
in merger and other nonrecurring charges (in addition to $5,952,000 in merger
related inventory provisions) primarily in conjunction with the acquisitions of
Delivery and Young. These merger and other nonrecurring charges include merger
transaction related costs of $13,273,000; severance and employee termination
costs of $7,457,000 (representing approximately 760 employees); facility closure
and consolidation costs of $9,693,000; and other asset write-downs and costs of
$6,415,000. Of the $36,838,000 charges, $7,724,000 are non-cash charges.

        This liability was adjusted in fiscal 1996 to reflect the actual
merger transaction costs incurred and revised plans primarily as a result of the
integration of UT with Delivery. This adjustment was recorded as an offset to
the third quarter merger and other nonrecurring charge.

                                      -32-
<PAGE>
 
                           CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC. 

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (Continued)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                               Balance         Cash        Non-Cash                    Balance
                                               3/2/96        Payments       Usage        Adjustments    3/1/97 
                                               -------      ---------     ----------     -----------    ------   
<S>                                            <C>          <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>      
                                                                                                                
Merger transaction costs (1)                   $ 9,161      $ (7,388)                      $  (259)      $1,514 
Severance and terminations (2)                   7,165        (1,523)                       (2,550)       3,092 
Facility closure and consolidation (3)           8,554        (1,169)                       (4,121)       3,264 
                                               -------       -------                       --------     -------   
Accrued merger and related costs, balance       24,880       (10,080)                       (6,930)       7,870 
Other asset write-downs and costs (4 )           3,789             -        $(1,045)          (641)       2,103   
                                               -------       -------        --------       --------     -------   
       Total                                   $28,669      $(10,080)       $(1,045)       $(7,571)      $9,973 
                                               =======      ========        ========       ========     =======   

 </TABLE>

(1) Remaining merger transactions costs represent the estimated contract
    buy-outs for certain former Delivery employees and other transaction costs,
    both of which are being negotiated.

(2) Severance and termination costs are the severance payments related to
    facility closures and centralization of certain shared services.
    Approximately 58 of the 760 employees estimated to be terminated have been
    terminated as of March 1, 1997, and 278 positions will no longer be
    eliminated as a result of the revised exit plan.

(3) Of the 88 facilities estimated to be closed or consolidated, 31 have
    been closed or consolidated as of March 1, 1997, and 18 facilities will no
    longer be eliminated as a result of the revised exit plan.

(4) Other asset write downs and costs are recorded as contra assets and
    include software, leasehold improvements and equipment being abandoned or
    written off as a result of the acquisition.


4.  Purchases:

    Fiscal 1996

    The Company purchased for a net cash purchase price of $241,846,000 and
approximately 3,600,000 shares of common stock, 46 domestic office product
distributors, 29 international office product distributors and 11 delivery
service companies. The excess of the purchase price over the fair market value
of the net tangible assets acquired was allocated to goodwill and is being
amortized over 40 years for office product distributors and 25 years for
delivery service companies. Included in the 46 domestic product acquisitions are
three purchases and one immaterial pooling consummated by UT prior to its
acquisition by Corporate Express, and ASAP Software Express, Inc. ("ASAP"), a
distributor of software to large corporations. The ASAP purchase price was
$97,611,000 offset by cash acquired of $13,792,000. Included in the 29
international product acquisitions is Boulevard Produits De Bureau, Inc.
("Boulevard"), a seller of office supplies, furniture and equipment, for a net
cash purchase price of $16,102,000. The Company also repaid $9,498,000 of
Boulevard promissory notes with cash of $731,900 and 356,832 shares of the
Company's common stock.

     In January 1997, Corporate Express Australia ("CEA") shareholders approved
a one for five non-renounceable common stock rights offer at a price of A$.85
(US$.65) per share. Pursuant to the rights offer, on February 27, 1997, CEA
issued 8,216,721 shares to Corporate Express and 3,553,370 shares to
institutional investors. As of March 1, 1997, Corporate Express interest in CEA
was 54.6%. On March 10, 1997, an additional 3,750,000 shares were issued to
institutional investors which changed the Corporate Express interest in CEA to
52.4%.

     In November 1996, Corporate Express purchased the remaining 49% interest in
the Chisholm Group by issuance of shares of Corporate Express common stock. The
Company has earn-out agreements with former shareholders that may require
additional payments by the Company of up to $3,259,000. Any additional payments
will be accounted for as increases to the purchase price.

                                      -33-
<PAGE>
 
                           CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC. 

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (Continued)


     Fiscal 1995

    Corporate Express purchased for a net cash purchase price of $79,111,000, 27
office product distributors including five distributors purchased by CEA and a
software distributor purchased by Nimsa. Also included in the above purchases is
one office product distributor purchased by the Chisholm Group, a United Kingdom
contract stationer, in which Corporate Express acquired a 51% interest in
February 1996.

     Young repurchased its remaining seven franchises for approximately
$20,512,000, terminated four franchises for consideration of $233,000 and
purchased substantially all of the business, properties and assets of a computer
supplies distributor for a purchase price of $675,000. The excess of the
purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible assets acquired was
allocated to goodwill and is being amortized over 40 years. Delivery completed
16 acquisitions accounted for as purchases. The net cash purchase price paid in
these transactions was $15,208,000 in cash, 378,000 shares of Delivery common
stock and $5,565,000 in convertible notes. The excess of the purchase price over
the fair value of the net tangible assets acquired has been allocated to
goodwill and is being amortized over 25 years. All of the companies acquired
provide same-day delivery service.

     In December 1994, Young purchased all of the issued and outstanding shares
of a computer supplies distributor for a purchase price of $2,750,000 and the
assumption of other liabilities. Young may be required to pay additional
consideration to the former shareholders should the acquired company reach
certain earnings thresholds. No such additional amounts were paid in 1995. The
excess purchase price over the fair value of net tangible assets acquired was
allocated to goodwill and is being amortized over 40 years.

     In February 1996, CEA shareholders approved the issue of an additional
12,939,000 shares and 50,000 shares of its common stock at a price of A$1.30
(US$.96) per share and A$1.00 (US$.74) per share, respectively. Of the shares
issued, 5,789,000 were purchased by Corporate Express, 4,600,000 were purchased
by institutional investors and 2,600,000 shares were approved for issue to CEA
officers and employees as employee incentive shares (of which 1,710,000 were
issued as of March 2, 1996). As a result, at March 2, 1996, Corporate Express'
interest in CEA was 51.8%.

     On December 21, 1995 CEA issued an additional 6,110,000 shares of its
common stock at a price of A$1.30 (US$.96) per share. Of the shares offered,
3,110,000 were purchased by Corporate Express and 3,000,000 were purchased by
institutional investors for cash. As a result, Corporate Express' interest in
CEA changed from 52.7% to 52.5%.

     The operating results of all of the above acquisitions, which were
accounted for as purchases, are included in the Company's consolidated
statements of operations from the dates of acquisition. The following pro forma
financial information assumes the acquisitions occurred at the beginning of the
period. These results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and do
not purport to be indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisitions
been made at the beginning of the year, or of results which may occur in the
future. The pro forma results listed below are unaudited and reflect purchase
price adjustments.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                            Year Ended             Year Ended
                                             March 1,               March 2,
                                               1997                   1996
                                            ----------            -----------
                                        (In thousands, except per share amounts)
<S>                                         <C>                   <C>
 
Net sales                                   $3,550,205            $2,995,708
Net income before extraordinary items           41,302                29,769
Net income                                      41,302                29,010
Net income per common share                       0.31                  0.25
 
</TABLE>

                                      -34-
<PAGE>
 
                           CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC. 

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (Continued)

5.  Accrued Purchase Costs:

    In conjunction with purchase acquisitions, the Company accrues the direct
external costs associated with closing redundant facilities of acquired
companies, and severance and relocation payments to the acquired company's
employees. Prior to the adoption of EITF 95-3 in May 1995, the Company also
accrued the external incremental costs of converting acquired company computer
systems to the Company's systems.

    The following tables set forth activity in the Company's accrued purchase
liabilities:


 
Prior to EITF 95-3:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          
                                                     Warehouse                                Disposition 
                                                     & System       Redundant                  of Assets  
                                         Total      Integrations    Facilities    Severance     & Other   
- ----------------------------             -------    ------------   -----------    ----------  -----------  
                                                                  (In thousands) 
<S>                                     <C>         <C>            <C>            <C>         <C> 
Balance, February 25, 1995               $11,252      $ 8,109          $1,005       $ 1,596       $ 542
Additions                                  1,731          659             223           734         115
Payments                                  (6,469)      (3,630)           (784)       (1,766)       (289)
Reversals                                 (5,250)      (4,388)            (41)         (523)       (298)
                                         -------      -------          ------       -------       -----
Balance, March 2, 1996                     1,264          750             403            41          70
Payments                                    (675)        (452)           (182)          (41)         --
Reversals to goodwill                       (589)        (298)           (221)           --         (70)
                                         -------      -------          ------       -------       ----- 
Balance, March 1, 1997 (1)               $     0      $     0          $    0       $     0       $   0
                                         =======      =======          ======       =======       =====
</TABLE>                    
(1) All consolidation projects relating to companies acquired prior to the
    adoption of EITF 95-3 have been successfully completed.
                            
After adoption of EITF 95-3:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                      Warehouse                                Disposition 
                                                      & System       Redundant                  of Assets  
                                          Total      Integrations    Facilities   Severance      & Other   
                                         -------     ------------    ----------   ---------    -----------  
                                                                   (In thousands) 
<S>                                    <C>          <C>            <C>            <C>          <C> 
                            
                            
Balance, February 25, 1995               $    --      $    --          $   --        $   --      $   --
Additions                                  2,414          691             202         1,065         456
Payments                                    (629)        (177)             (4)         (293)       (155)
                                         -------      -------          ------        ------      ------  
Balance, March 2, 1996                     1,785          514             198           772         301
Additions                                 21,429        2,037           4,912         9,727       4,753
Payments                                  (8,503)        (699)           (557)       (4,066)     (3,181)
Reversals to goodwill                     (1,823)          (7)         (1,284)         (284)       (248)
                                         -------      -------          ------        ------      ------  
Balance, March 1, 1997 (1)               $12,888       $1,845          $3,269        $6,149      $1,625
                                         =======      =======          ======        ======      ======   
</TABLE>
(1) Accrued purchase costs, after adoption of EITF 95-3, primarily represent
    the liabilities incurred to consolidate acquired operations into existing
    Company facilities.
 

                                      -35-
<PAGE>
 
                            CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (Continued)

6.  Discontinued Operations:

    During fiscal 1995, Sofco adopted a plan to discontinue the operations of
Sofco-Eastern, Inc. ("Eastern"). Accordingly, the consolidated financial
statements have been reclassified to report separately the net assets,
liabilities and operating results of the Eastern operations. As of March 1,
1997, all Eastern operations have been disposed of and actual losses recorded on
the disposal of the assets. The loss from discontinued operations in fiscal 1995
and fiscal 1994 were $1,225,000 (net of tax benefits of $851,000), representing
the loss on disposal and $327,000 (net of tax benefits of $225,000),
representing the net loss on operations. The Eastern revenues were not material
to total consolidated revenues for fiscal years 1996, 1995 and 1994.

7.  Debt:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                         March 1,     March 2,
    Debt consisted of the following:                                                       1997         1996
                                                                                       -----------   ----------
                                                                                            (In thousands)
    <S>                                                                                <C>           <C> 
    4 1/2% Convertible Notes (the "Notes), due July 1, 2000, interest 
        payable on January 1 and July 1 of each year commencing on 
        January 1, 1997, convertible into shares of the Company's
        common stock at a conversion price of $33.33 per share.                           $325,000          ---

    $350,000,000 unsecured multi-currency revolving line of credit. Interest
        rates are equal to either (i) the Corporate Base Rate or (ii) LIBOR 
        plus .5%, each of which is based upon a performance grid (6.0% 
        at March 1, 1997), with principal due on March 31, 2000. Commitment 
        fees on the unused balance are based on the ratio of debt to cash flow 
        (as defined) and was 0.18% at March 1, 1997.                                       136,000        8,000

    9 1/8% Series B Senior Subordinated Notes, unsecured, subordinated to
        existing debt up to an aggregate of $155 million, guaranteed by the
        operating subsidiaries of the Company. Due March 15, 2004, semi-
        annual interest payments beginning September 15, 1994. Redeemable 
        by the Company from March 1999 to March 2001 at premiums 
        ranging from 3.422% to 1.141%.                                                      90,000       90,000

    Various revolving lines of credit, variable interest rates ranging from 4.0%
        to 9.5% at March 1, 1997.                                                           23,959          ---

    HMI revolving bank line of credit agreement collateralized by accounts
        receivable, inventory and other assets. Interest payable monthly at 
        the lesser of the lender's prime rate or the applicable average federal 
        funds rate plus 1.5%. This agreement was repaid in full on January 31, 
        1997.                                                                                  ---       15,873

    $55,000,000 Delivery unsecured revolving credit facility. Interest rates are
        equal to i) LIBOR plus 1.25% or ii) the prime rate, at the Company's
        option (weighted average rate of 6.56% for fiscal 1995).  This loan was
        repaid in full on May 31, 1996.                                                        ---       11,900

    Term loan facility collateralized by CEA's assets.  Fixed interest rates ranging
        from 8.9% to 10.95%. $4,409,000 repaid in March 1997.  Principal payments
        of $389,000 per quarter plus interest commencing October 1998.  Final
        payment of $156,000 plus interest due in July 1999.                                  5,682        6,094
</TABLE> 

                                      -36-
<PAGE>
 
                            CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (Continued)

<TABLE> 
    <S>                                                                                     <C>        <C>        
    CEA revolving loans, interest at floating rates, 7.7% at March 1, 1997.
        Interest payable monthly.  Maturity dates range from December 1998
        to July 1999.                                                                         13,396        ---

    Bank term loans, collateralized by equipment, with interest floating at LIBOR 
        plus 1.75% to 2.0%, principal and interest payable monthly, maturities range
        from 48 months to 60 months through March 2002.                                        9,341      5,620

    Convertible subordinated notes due between March 31, 1997 and 
        January 31, 1998, bearing interest of 5.0% to 6.0%, payable quarterly 
        or semi-annually, and convertible prior to maturity at the holder's option
        at prices ranging from $19.97 to $32.70, into 222,000 shares of common
        stock.                                                                                 4,864      5,565

    City of Aurora, Colorado Industrial Development Bonds, Series 1984,
        collateralized by land and building, interest at a floating rate, as defined, 
        ranging from 4.8% in 1995 to 5.0% at March 1, 1997, payable semi-
        annually and principal installments of varying amounts ($100,000 in 1995 
        and $200,000 in 1996) payable annually through November 2009.                          4,380      4,480

    Various notes payable due December 2006, variable interest rates (4.75% on
        March 1, 1997 and 5.34% on March 2, 1996), collateralized by cash deposits.            4,015      4,641

    Other, interest from 2.9% to 17.4%.                                                       28,870     21,810
                                                                                            --------   --------

    Total debt                                                                               645,507    173,983
    Less current portion of debt                                                              23,802     20,152
                                                                                            --------   --------
    Long-term portion of debt                                                               $621,705   $153,831
                                                                                            ========   ========
</TABLE> 

    The annual maturities of debt for succeeding years are as follows:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
       Fiscal Year                                           (In thousands)
       -----------                                           --------------
       <S>                                                   <C> 
       1997                                                      $ 23,802
       1998                                                        10,909
       1999                                                        19,506
       2000                                                       465,627
       2001                                                         2,244
       Thereafter                                                 123,419
                                                                 --------
          Total                                                  $645,507
                                                                 ========
</TABLE> 

    Certain of the debt agreements contain provisions which require maintenance
of the Company's minimum net worth, certain financial ratios, including debt to
cash flow and fixed charge coverage, and limit the Company's ability to pay
dividends. Delivery's credit facility became due upon the acquisition by the
Company but was extended until May 31, 1996, when it was repaid using the 
Company's line of credit.

    The Company's revolving credit facility (the "Senior Credit Facility") was
amended and restated on November 26, 1996 to increase the borrowing capacity
from $90,000,000 to $350,000,000, extend the facility termination date to March
31, 2000, lower the cost of its borrowings to LIBOR plus .50%, unsecure the
assets of the Company (the previous facility was secured by substantially all of
the assets, including accounts receivable and inventory of the Company and its
United States subsidiaries), and to make certain other changes. The Senior
Credit Facility was previously amended on May 10, 1996 to increase the Company's
borrowing capacity from $90,000,000 to $250,000,000, subject to borrowing base
and 

                                      -37-
<PAGE>
 
                            CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (Continued)

other restrictions and to lower the cost of its borrowings to LIBOR plus 1.25%.
On May 31, 1996, the Company borrowed on its Senior Credit Facility and repaid
in full the $33,270,000 outstanding revolving credit facility previously
established by Delivery. On June 24, 1996, the outstanding amounts under the
Senior Credit Facility were paid in full from funds generated from the issuance
of the Convertible Notes. Upon this repayment, the borrowing capacity of the
Senior Credit Facility was reduced from the amended capacity of $250,000,000 to
$90,000,000, subject to borrowing base and other restrictions.

    On June 24, 1996, the Company issued $325,000,000 principal amount of
Convertible Notes. The Convertible Notes are convertible into the Company's
common stock at a conversion price of $33.33 per share, subject to adjustments
under certain conditions. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the Notes
was used to repay the Company's revolving credit facility and an acquisition
note payable with the remaining proceeds being used to fund acquisitions and for
other general corporate purposes.

    On March 17, 1995, the Company exchanged its 9 1/8% Series A Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2004 (the "Series A Notes") for 9 1/8% Series B Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2004 (the "Series B Notes"). The terms of the Series B
Notes are substantially the same as the Series A Notes, except that the Series B
Notes are registered under the Securities Act of 1933. The illiquidity payment
of approximately .5% per annum previously payable on the Series A Notes ceased
when they were exchanged for the Series B Notes on March 17, 1995, reducing the
annual interest rate from 9 5/8% to 9 1/8%. In fiscal 1994, the Company
repurchased $10,000,000 principal amount of the Series A Notes.

    The Company's Senior Credit Facility prohibits the distribution of dividends
without the prior written consent of the lenders and the Indenture governing the
Series B Notes prohibits the Company from paying a dividend which would cause a
default under such indenture or which would cause the Company to fail to comply
with certain financial covenants.

    The Company capitalized $3,887,000 and $882,000 of interest expense in 
fiscal 1996 and 1995, respectively, primarily related to software developed for
internal use and the construction of corporate facilities. No interest was
capitalized in fiscal 1994.


8.  Commitments and Contingencies:

    Operating Leases:

    The Company has various noncancellable operating leases, primarily for
warehouse buildings and delivery trucks. Lease expense, net of sublease rentals
of $992,000, $30,000, and $127,000 for the years ended March 1, 1997, March 2,
1996, and February 25, 1995 was $54,567,000, $19,195,000, and $13,906,000,
respectively.

    Future minimum lease payments are as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
    Fiscal Year                                    (In thousands)
    -----------                                    --------------
    <S>                                            <C> 
     1997                                               $ 42,191
     1998                                                 33,135
     1999                                                 26,340
     2000                                                 18,908
     2001                                                 13,295
     Thereafter                                           46,950
                                                        --------
     Total                                               180,819
     Less subleases                                        1,361
                                                        --------
     Net obligation                                     $179,458
                                                        ========
</TABLE> 

    The leases generally are for periods of three to ten years and provide
for renewals of one month to five years at the Company's option.

                                      -38-
<PAGE>
 
                            CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (Continued)

    Capital Leases:

    The Company is the lessee of certain property and equipment under capital
leases expiring in various years through 2009. Included in furniture and
equipment at March 1, 1997 is $24,511,000 of assets under capital leases and
related accumulated depreciation of $9,677,000.

    Future minimum lease payments required under these capital leases are as
follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
        Fiscal Year                                         (In thousands)
        -----------                                         --------------
        <S>                                                 <C>   
        1997                                                    $ 7,187
        1998                                                      5,397
        1999                                                      3,753
        2000                                                      2,242
        2001                                                      1,070
        Thereafter                                                2,250
                                                                -------
        Total minimum lease payments                             21,899
        Less amount representing interest                         4,414
                                                                -------
        Present value of minimum lease payments                  17,485
        Less current portion of capital lease obligations         5,940
                                                                -------
        Non-current portion of capital lease obligations        $11,545
                                                                =======
</TABLE> 

    Contingencies:

    In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to certain legal
proceedings. In the opinion of management, the outcome of such litigation will
not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or
operating results. The Company has a dispute with certain of the former 
shareholders of a company acquired by the Company in fiscal 1996. No legal 
proceedings have been commenced by these shareholders and the Company cannot 
determine if any legal action will be initiated, or the results or materiality 
of any such action.


9.  Income Taxes:

    Federal, state and foreign income taxes for the fiscal years ended March 1,
1997, March 2, 1996, and February 25, 1995 consisted of the following:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                       1996       1995       1994
                                                      ------     ------     ------
                                                             (In thousands)
<S>                                                  <C>        <C>         <C> 
Current
 Federal                                             $   202    $10,604     $7,707
 State                                                   615      1,089      1,218
 Foreign                                               1,943      3,205         --
Deferred
 Federal                                              17,149       (429)    (2,499)
 State                                                 5,401      1,544       (251)
 Foreign                                                (793)        --         --
Utilization of net operating loss                         --     (2,247)    (1,051)
Change in tax status                                  (2,029)        --         --
Allocated to goodwill                                     --         --      4,374
Allocated to contributed capital                      11,161         --         --
Adjustment of beginning valuation allowance               --         --     (1,204)
                                                     -------    -------     ------
    Total income tax expense                         $33,649    $13,766     $8,294
                                                     =======    =======     ======
</TABLE> 

                                      -39-
<PAGE>
 
                            CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (Continued)

    The benefit recognized in fiscal 1996 for change in tax status relates to
establishing deferred tax assets for an acquired S corporation. The $11,161,000
contribution to capital relates to deductions recognizable only for tax purposes
of non-qualified stock options exercised during fiscal 1996.

    At March 1, 1997 the Company had, for United States federal and foreign tax
purposes, net operating loss carryforwards of $33,650,000 and alternative
minimum tax net operating loss carryforwards of $11,908,000 expiring beginning
in 2003.

    Included in the net operating loss carryforwards are losses from acquired
subsidiaries. The utilization of these carryforwards may be affected by
limitations under the Internal Revenue Code and, therefore, the benefit of these
pre-acquisition net operating loss carryforwards may be limited.

    The components of the net deferred tax assets and liabilities as of March 1,
1997 and March 2, 1996 are as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                              March 1,             March 2,
                                                1997                 1996
                                             ----------           ----------
                                                     (In thousands)
    <S>                                      <C>                  <C> 
    Deferred tax assets:
        Inventory                              $ 5,999              $ 3,712 
        Allowance accounts                       4,532                1,615 
        Accrued purchase costs                   3,734                1,053 
        Insurance reserves                       3,980                  271 
        Accrued merger and other costs           8,760                6,767 
        Vacation and benefits accrual            5,407                  396 
        Accounting methods                         ---                4,066 
        Other current                              949                2,240 
        Net operating loss carryforwards        13,275                4,879 
        Valuation allowance                     (6,049)              (2,433)
        Other non-current                          784                1,092 
                                               -------              ------- 

    Total deferred tax assets                   41,371               23,658
                                               -------              -------

    Deferred tax liabilities:
        Accounting methods                       4,943                1,650
        Other current                              281                  ---
        Property, plant and equipment           28,807                4,731
        Intangible assets                        3,926                5,886
        Other non-current                        1,157                  295
                                               -------              -------
    Total deferred tax liability                39,114               12,562
                                               -------               ------
    Net deferred tax asset                     $ 2,257              $11,096
                                               =======              =======


    Financial Statements
        Current deferred tax assets             29,076               18,470
        Non-current deferred tax liabilities    26,819                7,374
                                               -------              -------
    Net deferred tax asset                     $ 2,257              $11,096
                                               =======              =======
</TABLE> 

    The net change in the valuation allowance for deferred taxes in the year
ended March 1, 1997 is an increase of $3,616,000, primarily related to net
operating losses acquired in the current year. The Company reviewed the need for
a valuation allowance and determined that it was more likely than not that
certain deferred tax assets of acquired foreign

                                      -40-
<PAGE>
 
                            CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (Continued)

subsidiaries may go unrealized. This increase was partially offset by the
lapsing of restrictions placed on the usage of certain net operating losses.

    A reconciliation of the differences between the Company's expense (benefit)
for income taxes and taxes at the statutory rate for the fiscal years ended
March 1, 1997, March 2, 1996 and February 25, 1995 is as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                               1996        1995         1994
                                                               ----        ----         ----
                                                                      (In thousands)
    <S>                                                     <C>         <C>           <C> 
    Statutory federal income tax expense                    $25,825     $ 7,692       $8,610
    Adjustments:
      State income taxes, net of federal effect               3,910       1,521          886
      Foreign income taxes                                     (123)        461          ---
      Merger costs                                            4,924       4,952          ---
      Amortization of goodwill                                3,693       1,404        1,784
      Untaxed S Corporation earnings and change in
          tax status                                         (3,514)       (347)        (620)
      Other non-deductible items                                739         366
      Valuation allowance on tax loss carryforward              (47)     (2,247)      (2,636)
      Other                                                  (1,758)        (36)         270
                                                            -------     -------       ------
      Income tax expense                                    $33,649     $13,766       $8,294
                                                            =======     =======       ======
</TABLE> 

10. Employee Benefit Plans:

    Effective September 1, 1992, the Company implemented a retirement plan which
allows employee contributions in accordance with Section 401(k) of the Internal
Revenue Code. The Company matches a portion of the employee's salary and all
full-time employees are eligible to participate in the plan after six months of
service. For the years ended March 1, 1997, March 2, 1996, and February 25,
1995, the Company's matching contribution expense was $2,204,000, $1,807,000,
and $1,704,000, respectively.

    CEA, the Company's majority-owned Australian subsidiary since May 1995,
sponsors superannuation funds for its employees (similar to 401(k) plans in the
United States). Total matching contributions by the Company for the year ended
March 1, 1997 and March 2, 1996 were approximately $1,912,000 and $980,000,
respectively.

    Certain of the Delivery pooled companies have qualified defined contribution
plans, which allow for voluntary pretax contributions by employees. Expenses
related to these plans totaled $316,000, $96,000, and $192,000 during fiscal
1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively.

    Young had a retirement plan which allowed employee contributions in
accordance with Section 401(k). Young's matching contribution expenses were
$106,000 and $52,000 in fiscal 1995 and 1994, respectively.

    On August 29, 1994, the Company's shareholders approved the adoption of the
1994 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. A maximum of 1,125,000 shares of Common Stock
may be purchased by eligible employees under the 1994 Employee Stock Purchase
Plan. All full-time employees with six months service at the start of the annual
offering period are eligible to participate at contribution levels ranging from
1% to 15% of compensation. Contributions are applied to purchase common stock at
a price equal to the lower of the beginning of the year or end of the year
market price, less a discount of up to 15%. Contributions to this plan during
fiscal 1996 and fiscal 1995 totaled approximately $2,066,000 and $679,000,
respectively and purchases under the plan totaled 115,488 and 49,200 shares.
There were no contributions to or stock purchases under the 1994 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan during fiscal 1994.

                                      -41-
<PAGE>
 
                            CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (Continued)


    Sofco has an Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("the ESOP") covering
substantially all full-time employees. The ESOP invested in the common stock of
Sofco which was converted to Corporate Express common stock upon consummation of
the acquisition. As of March 1, 1997 and March 2, 1996, the ESOP owned 1,512,164
shares and 1,303,512 shares, respectively, of Corporate Express common stock or
equivalents. Of the shares owned, 329,034 were in escrow as of March 2, 1996.
Employer contributions were $436,000 for fiscal 1996, $1,925,000 for fiscal
1995, and $805,000 for fiscal 1994. In December 1990, Sofco guaranteed a
$4,000,000 loan to the ESOP which is collateralized by the stock held in escrow
and a security interest in accounts receivable and inventory. The loan had an
approximate interest rate of 85% of prime and was repaid in full in August 1996.
The loan balance at March 2, 1996 was $1,047,619 and is included in liabilities
on the Company's consolidated balance sheets with a corresponding reduction in
additional paid-in capital.


11. Common Stock:

    As of March 1, 1997 and March 2, 1996 there were 126,171,467 and 111,954,350
common shares outstanding, respectively (after giving effect to the
three-for-two stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend in January
1997). On January 31, 1997, a 50% share dividend of approximately 39,979,000
shares of common stock was distributed to shareholders of record as of January
24, 1997.

    On September 15, 1995, the Company sold 24,486,792 shares in a follow-on
public offering of its common stock, and selling shareholders sold 3,113,208
shares at a price of $16.00 per share. Of the $375,200,000 of net proceeds to
the Company from the offering, $195,800,000 was used to pay for the prior
purchase of the Company shares held by OfficeMax, Inc., the Company's largest
shareholder, and $61,000,000 was used to repay existing indebtedness. The
remaining proceeds were used to finance the Company's acquisitions and for
general corporate purposes.

    On June 21, 1995, a 50% share dividend of approximately 21,075,000 shares of
common stock was distributed to shareholders of record as of June 15, 1995.

    On March 30, 1995, a follow-on public offering of 10,155,938 shares of
common stock was consummated at a price to the public of $11.12 per share. Of
the shares offered, 4,500,000 shares were sold by the Company and 5,655,938
shares were sold by selling security holders, including 397,407 shares issued
upon exercise of warrants purchased by the underwriters.

    On September 30, 1994, the Company consummated its initial public offering
of 15,750,000 shares of common stock at a price of $7.11 per share. Selling
shareholders sold an additional 3,656,250 shares of common stock in the initial
public offering. In connection with this offering, the Company effected a one-
for-two reverse stock split in August 1994 and converted all of its outstanding
preferred stock to common stock on a three-for-two basis in September 1994.

    The Company has authorized 3,000,000 shares of Non-Voting Common Stock, par
value $.0002 per share. No shares of the Non-Voting Common Stock are issued or
outstanding at March 1, 1997 or March 2, 1996. In addition, the Company has
authorized 25,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $.0001 per share. No
shares of Preferred Stock are issued or outstanding at March 1, 1997 or March 2,
1996.

    Stock-Based Compensation Plans:

    Options:

    1992 Stock Option Plan. In February 1992, the Company adopted the Corporate
Express, Inc. 1992 Stock Option Plan (the "1992 Stock Option Plan"). The 1992
Stock Option Plan was approved by the Company's shareholders in May 1992 and
amended in January 1994. Options were granted under the 1992 Stock Option Plan
at the fair market value at the time of grant as determined by the Board of
Directors or the Compensation Committee, based on recent stock transactions.
Options granted under the 1992 Stock Option Plan typically vest in equal monthly
installments over a five-

                                      -42-
<PAGE>
 
                            CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (Continued)

year period, beginning on the month after the first anniversary of the grant
date. The options generally expire on the seventh anniversary of the grant date.

    Executive Plan. In June 1994, the Board of Directors adopted the 1994
Executive Stock Option Plan (the "Executive Plan") which permits the grant of
stock options to the Company's executive officers. The Compensation Committee
administers the plan and establishes the terms of the options granted, including
the number of shares, the exercise price, vesting schedule and termination
provisions. The particular terms of each grant are set forth in separate stock
option agreements entered into between the Company and the executive officer.
The maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock for which options may be
granted under this plan originally was 3,375,000 and was increased to 5,625,000
in August 1995, which increase was approved by shareholders in August 1996, and
no single executive officer may be granted options covering more than 750,000
shares of common stock in any calendar year. Vesting accelerates upon occurrence
of certain conditions, including increases in the Company's stock price and
changes in control of the Company. The options expire ten years from the date of
grant.

    1994 Stock Option Plan. The 1994 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the "1994
Stock Option Plan") was adopted by the Board of Directors and approved by
shareholders in August 1994. This plan replaced, for future grants, the 1992
Stock Option Plan. The 1994 Stock Option Plan permits the Company to grant
incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options. The maximum aggregate
number of shares of common stock which may be issued under the 1994 Stock Option
Plan was 2,812,500 and was increased to 9,562,500 in March 1996 and approved by
the shareholders in August 1996. Options granted under the 1994 Stock Option
Plan typically vest in equal monthly installments over a period of five years,
beginning in the month after the first anniversary of the grant date. The
options generally expire on the seventh anniversary of the grant date. Options
and awards that expire, terminate or are cancelled or forfeited will again be
available for grant or award under the plan.

    Delivery Plan. Delivery had a stock option plan which was approved by its
shareholders in January 1994. On March 1, 1996, effective with the merger with
Corporate Express, all Delivery options became vested and were exercisable into
shares of common stock, as adjusted to reflect the exchange ratio as defined in
the merger agreement.

    UT Plan. UT had stock option plans which, effective with the merger with
Corporate Express on November 8, 1996, became vested and were exercisable into
shares of common stock, as adjusted to reflect the exchange ratio as defined in
the merger agreement.

    Directors Plan. The 1996 Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors (the
"Directors Plan") was adopted by the Board of Directors and approved by
shareholders in August 1996. The maximum aggregate number of shares of common
stock for which options may be granted under this plan is 375,000. Initial
options granted under the Directors Plan vest at 40% on the first anniversary of
the date of grant, 40% on the second anniversary and the remaining 20% on the
third anniversary. All other stock options shall become exercisable at 50% on
the first anniversary of the date of grant and the remaining 50% on the second
anniversary of the date of grant. Each eligible director who first becomes a
member of the Board shall automatically be granted stock options to purchase
37,500 shares on the date of his or her selection or election to the Board. Each
eligible director shall also automatically be granted stock options to purchase
15,000 shares on each anniversary of the date of such initial grant (beginning
on the second such anniversary).

    Supplemental Plan. The 1996 Supplemental Stock Option Plan (the
"Supplemental Plan") was adopted by the Board of Directors in December 1996. The
maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock for which options may be
granted under this plan is 6,000,000. Option grants under the Supplemental Plan
and the terms of the grants are identical to the 1994 Stock Option Plan.

                                      -43-
<PAGE>
 
                            CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (Continued)

    The summary of the status of the Company's seven fixed stock option plans as
of March 1, 1997, March 2, 1996 and February 25, 1995, and changes during the
years ending on those dates is presented below:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                  March 1, 1997           March 2, 1996       February 25, 1995
                                              ---------------------   --------------------   -------------------

                                                          Weighted-              Weighted-             Weighted-
                                                          Average                Average                Average
                                              Shares      Exercise    Shares     Exercise    Shares    Exercise
                                              (000's)      Price      (000's)     Price      (000's)     Price
                                              -------      -----      -------     -----      -------     -----
    <S>                                       <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>       <C> 
    Outstanding at beginning of year          15,216      $10.90       6,465     $ 4.57       2,914     $2.88
    Granted                                    4,405       21.15       9,872      14.21       4,076      5.74
    Exercised                                 (1,686)       5.98        (819)      2.03        (240)     3.83
    Forfeited                                 (1,102)      18.46        (302)      7.67        (285)     4.62
                                              ------                  ------                  -----
    Outstanding at end of year                16,833       13.59      15,216      10.90       6,465      4.57
                                              ======                  ======                  =====
                                       
    Options exercisable at year end            5,407                   3,324                    716
    Weighted-average fair value of     
       options granted during the year        $ 7.61                  $ 6.26
</TABLE> 

    The following table summarizes information about fixed stock options
outstanding as of March 1, 1997:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                      Options Outstanding                         Options Exercisable
                       -------------------------------------------------    ------------------------------
                         Number      Weighted-Average                         Number
                       Outstanding      Remaining                           Exercisable
        Range of        at 3/1/97    Contractual Life   Weighted-Average     at 3/1/97    Weighted-Average
    Exercise Prices      (000's)        in Years         Exercise Price       (000's)      Exercise Price
    ---------------    -----------   ----------------   ----------------    -----------   ----------------
    <S>                <C>           <C>                <C>                 <C>           <C> 
    $  .10 to 3.55        1,200             3.4              $ 2.99             731             $ 2.92
      4.50 to 6.53        4,114             7.2                5.05           3,622               5.07
      7.11 to 11.11         756             6.1                8.68             357               8.72
     12.45 to 14.67       3,323             7.5               13.37             355              12.95
     15.38 to 19.83       5,209             6.3               19.43             191              16.63
     21.75 to 38.70       2,231             6.5               23.37             151              29.83
                         ------                                               -----         
                         16,833             6.6               13.59           5,407               6.63
                         ======                                               =====
</TABLE> 

    The Company applies APB Opinion 25 and related interpretations in accounting
for the above plans. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for
its fixed stock-based plans. The fair value of each option grant was estimated
on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the
following assumptions for fiscal 1996 and 1995: risk-free interest rates ranging
from 5.38% to 6.58%; expected life of four years; volatility of 35%; dividend
yield of 0%. Had compensation cost been determined based on the fair value at
the grant dates for awards under those plans consistent with the method of FASB
Statement 123, the Company's net income and net income per common share would
have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:

                                      -44-
<PAGE>
 
                            CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (Continued)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                 Year Ended
                                                           ----------------------
                                                           March 1,      March 2,
                                                             1997          1996
                                                           --------      --------
    <S>                                    <C>             <C>           <C> 
    Net income (loss)                      As reported      $40,281        $5,140    (1)
                                           Pro forma         32,062        $2,808

    Net income (loss) per common share     As reported      $  0.31        $ 0.05    (1)
                                           Pro forma           0.25          0.03
</TABLE> 

    (1) Net income and net income per common share as reported represent pro
        forma net income and pro forma net income per common share as adjusted
        for the effects of pro forma S Corporation taxes as more fully described
        in Note 13.

    Warrants:

    As of February 25, 1995, warrants to purchase 1,489,500 shares of the
Company's common stock, had been issued with exercise prices of $.02 per share
for 6,750 shares, $4.89 per share for 562,500 shares and $1.78 for the remaining
920,250 shares. As of March 1 1997, warrants to purchase 675,000 of common stock
were outstanding, with exercise prices of $4.89 per share for 562,500 shares and
$1.78 per share for the remaining 112,500 shares. The warrants expire on various
dates through January 31, 1999.

    Outstanding warrants to purchase Delivery common stock are vested and
exercisable into shares of Corporate Express common stock, effective with the
merger with Corporate Express on March 1, 1996, at an exchange ratio as defined
in the merger agreement. As of March 1 1997, warrants to purchase 49,950 and
54,000 shares of Corporate Express common stock were outstanding at prices of
$5.55 and $9.44 per share, respectively.


12. Fair Value of Financial Instruments:

    Pursuant to SFAS No. 107, "Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial
Instruments," the Company has estimated the fair value of its financial
instruments using the following methods and assumptions:

    .   The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable
        and accounts payable approximates fair value;
    .   The fair value of the Convertible Notes is based on quoted market prices
        and was approximately $295,750,000 at March 1, 1997;
    .   The fair value of the Series B Notes is based on quoted market prices
        and was approximately $92,025,000 at March 1, 1997;
    .   The carrying amounts of the Company's debt, other than the Convertible
        Notes and the Series B Notes, approximates fair value, estimated by
        discounted cash flow analyses based on the Company's current incremental
        borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.


13. Pro Forma Net Income:

    The pro forma net income and pro forma net income per share reflects the tax
adjustment for a fiscal 1996 acquisition accounted for as a pooling of interests
that was previously an S corporation for income tax purposes, as if the acquired
company had filed a C corporation tax returns for all periods presented. The
effect is as follows:

                                      -45-
<PAGE>
 
                            CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (Continued)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       Fiscal       Fiscal      Fiscal    
                                                        1996         1995        1994      
                                                        ----         ----        ----    
                                                                (In thousands)                                                     
     <S>                                               <C>          <C>         <C>       
     Net income before pro forma adjustments, per                                                                                  
      consolidated statements of operations            $41,996      $5,551      $16,496    
     Pro forma provision for income taxes                1,715         411          727    
                                                       -------      ------      -------    
     Pro forma net income                              $40,281      $5,140      $15,769    
                                                       =======      ======      =======     
</TABLE>

14.  Industry and Geographic Area Segment Information

     The Company's major operations consist of providing the distribution of
products and services. The product distribution segment has operations in the
United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany,
France and Italy. Currently, the largest operations in the international segment
are in Australia. Services include same day delivery, distribution and logistics
management and call center.

     Net sales, merger and other nonrecurring charges, operating profit,
identifiable assets, capital expenditures and depreciation and amortization
pertaining to the industries and geographic areas in which the Company operates
are presented below.

Industry Segments:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           Corporate
                                            Express       Product
                                          Consolidated  Distribution  Services   
                                          ------------  ------------  --------   
                                                       (In thousands)            
<S>                                       <C>           <C>          <C>         
  Fiscal year ended March 1, 1997:                                               
  Net sales                                 $3,196,056    $2,436,296 $ 759,760   
  Merger and other nonrecurring charges         19,840         8,406    11,434   
  Operating profit                             100,490        80,396    20,094   
  Identifiable assets                        1,843,977     1,685,716   158,261   
  Capital expenditures                         119,639       104,432    15,207   
  Depreciation and amortization                 48,736        33,446    15,290   
                                                                                 
  Fiscal year ended March 2, 1996:                                               
  Net sales                                 $1,890,639    $1,548,175 $ 342,464   
  Merger and other nonrecurring charges         42,790        29,203    13,587   
  Operating profit                              38,160        29,191     8,969   
  Identifiable assets                        1,023,365       900,722   122,643   
  Capital expenditures                          53,124        41,469    11,655   
  Depreciation and amortization                 28,498        19,977     8,521   
                                                                                 
  Fiscal year ended February 25, 1995:                                           
  Net sales                                 $1,145,151    $  924,886 $ 220,265   
  Operating profit                              40,953        29,811    11,142   
  Identifiable assets                          645,309       568,562    76,747   
  Capital expenditures                          18,670        11,525     7,145   
  Depreciation and amortization                 17,078        12,694     4,384   
</TABLE>

                                      -46-
<PAGE>
 
                            CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (Continued)

Geographical Segments:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Corporate
                                                   Express         Domestic    International
                                                 Consolidated     Operations     Operations
                                                 ------------     ----------     ----------
                                                                 (In thousands)
  <S>                                            <C>              <C>          <C>
  Fiscal year ended March 1, 1997:
  Net sales                                        $3,196,056      $2,630,930     $ 565,126
  Merger and other nonrecurring charges                19,840          18,511         1,329
  Operating profit                                    100,490          95,788         4,702  
  Identifiable assets                               1,843,977       1,519,152       324,825
  Capital expenditures                                119,639         108,655        10,984
  Depreciation and amortization                        48,736          41,598         7,138
                                       
  Fiscal year ended March 2, 1996:     
  Net sales                                        $1,890,639      $1,652,438     $ 238,201
  Merger and other nonrecurring charges                42,790          42,790           ---
  Operating profit                                     38,160          28,943         9,217
  Identifiable assets                               1,023,365         868,227       155,138
  Capital expenditures                                 53,124          50,963         2,161
  Depreciation and amortization                        28,498          26,010         2,488
 
  Fiscal year ended February 25, 1995:
  Net sales                                        $1,145,151      $1,143,457     $   1,694
  Operating profit                                     40,953          40,939            14
  Identifiable assets                                 645,309         641,898         3,411
  Capital expenditures                                 18,670          18,665             5
  Depreciation and amortization                        17,078          17,066            12
</TABLE> 
 
15.  Quarterly financial data (unaudited):(a)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                 First       Second        Third        Fourth
                                                Quarter      Quarter      Quarter       Quarter
                                                -------      -------      -------       -------
                                                     (In thousands, except per share data)
 <S>                                           <C>          <C>           <C>          <C> 
 Fiscal year ended March 1, 1997:                                     
 Net sales                                     $650,861     $755,009      $889,563     $900,623
 Gross profit                                   164,329      182,814       217,197      213,970
 Net income                                      12,082       13,417         9,290 (b)    7,208 (b)
 Pro forma net income                            11,752       13,090         8,918        6,521
 Pro forma net income per common share              .09          .10           .07          .05
 
 Fiscal year ended March 2, 1996:
 Net sales                                     $394,115     $452,540      $493,725     $550,259
 Gross profit                                    99,211      111,075       125,670      131,365
 Income(loss) from continuing operations          7,154        7,637        11,898      (19,913)
 Net income (loss)                                6,069        7,637        11,898      (20,053) (c)
 Pro forma income (loss) from                                          
  continuing operations                           7,236        7,501        11,691      (20,064)
 Pro forma net income (loss)                      6,152        7,501        11,691      (20,204)
 Pro forma income (loss) from continuing                               
  operations per common share                       .07          .07           .10         (.18)
 Pro forma net income (loss) per common share       .06          .07           .10         (.18)
</TABLE>

                                      -47-
<PAGE>
 
(a) Quarterly amounts have been restated to include the accounts and operations
    of HMI, Sofco, Nimsa and UT for fiscal 1996, and HMI, Sofco, Nimsa, Delivery
    and Young for fiscal 1995.
(b) In the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 1996, the Company recognized
    pretax charges of $12.4 million and $7.5 million, respectively, related to
    merger and other nonrecurring items.
(c) In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1995, the Company recognized pretax charges
    of $42.8 million related to merger and other nonrecurring items.


ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
         FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

    No change of accountants or disagreements on any matter of accounting
principles or financial statement disclosures have occurred within the last two
years.



                                    PART III

    The information called for by Item 10, Directors and Executive Officers of
the Registrant; Item 11, Executive Compensation; Item 12, Security Ownership of
Certain Beneficial Owners and Management; and Item 13, Certain Relationships and
Related Transactions, is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's
definitive Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders, presently
scheduled to be held on July 17, 1997, which will be filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission within 120 days from the end of the Registrant's fiscal
year.


                                    PART IV


ITEM 14.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) 1.   Financial Statements of the Company and its Consolidated Subsidiaries

               Report of Independent Accountants
               Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 1, 1997 and March 2, 1996
               Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended
               March 1, 1997, March 2, 1996, and February 25, 1995
               Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the fiscal
               years ended March 1, 1997, March 2, 1996, and February 25, 1995
               Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended
               March 1, 1997, March 2, 1996, and February 25, 1995
               Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

    2.   Financial Statement Schedules

         II. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

    3.   Exhibits   

         The following exhibits are incorporated in this report by reference or
         included and submitted with this report, as indicated. Except as
         otherwise noted, the exhibit has previously been filed as an exhibit to
         the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-81924
         (the "Registration Statement"), and is incorporated herein by
         reference.

                                      -48-
<PAGE>
 
                            CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (Continued)

Exhibit
Number     Description
- ------     -----------

 3.1              Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Articles of
                  Incorporation of Corporate Express, Inc., a Colorado
                  corporation (the "Company"), filed on September 30, 1994.
      
*3.2              Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Company, filed on
                  August 22, 1996.
      
 3.3              Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company.
      
 4.1              Specimen Common Stock Certificate of the Company.
      
 4.2              Form of Warrant Agreement.
      
 4.3              Indenture dated as of February 28, 1994 by and among the
                  Company, and the Guarantors named therein and First Trust
                  National Association for the $100,000,000 9 1/8% Senior
                  Subordinated Notes.
      
 4.4              Note Purchase Agreement dated February 22, 1994 by and among
                  the Company, McQuiddy Holdings Inc., McQuiddy Office
                  Designers, Inc., New Jersey Office Supply Inc., Ross-Martin
                  Company Inc., Scott Rice Company Inc., Schwabacher/Frey, Inc.,
                  Bayless Stationers, Inc., Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
                  Securities Corporation and Alex. Brown & Sons Incorporated.
      
 4.5              Recapitalization Agreement dated December 3, 1991, by and
                  between the Company, J.P. Morgan Investment Corporation ("J.P.
                  Morgan") and Shareholders.
      
 4.6              Recapitalization Agreement dated August 29, 1992 by and among
                  the Company, J.P. Morgan and certain shareholders.
      
 4.7              Indenture dated as of June 24, 1996 by and among the
                  Company and Bankers Trust Company, as trustee, for the 4
                  1/2% Convertible Notes due July 1, 2000 (including Form of
                  Notes)(incorporated by reference to the Company's
                  Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-12451).
      
 4.8              First Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 15, 1996
                  relating to the Company's 4 1/2% Convertible Notes
                  (incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration
                  Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-12451).
      
 4.9              Form of 4 1/2% Convertible Note (incorporated by reference to
                  the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 
                  333-12451).
      
10.1              Employment Agreement dated as of August 25, 1993, by and
                  between the Company and Robert King, as amended effective July
                  15, 1994.
      
10.2              Amended and Restated 1992 Stock Option Plan, Form of Non-
                  qualified Stock Option Agreement and Form of Incentive Stock
                  Option Agreement.
      
10.3              1994 Executive Stock Option Plan.

                                      -49-
<PAGE>
 
                            CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (Continued)

Exhibit
Number     Description
- ------     -----------

 10.4             Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and its
                  officers and directors.
           
 10.5             1994 Stock Option and Incentive Plan.
           
 10.6             1994 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
           
 10.7             Employment Agreement dated as of July 31, 1995 by and between
                  the Company and Sam Leno (incorporated by reference to the
                  Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-
                  95902).
           
 10.8             Agreement among the Company, Synergom, Inc. and OfficeMax,
                  Inc. dated as of August 25, 1995 (incorporated by reference to
                  the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-
                  95902).
           
 10.9             Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of January 6, 1996 among
                  the Company, Delivery Systems, Inc. and DSU Acquisition Corp.,
                  as amended (incorporated by reference to the Company's
                  Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No. 333-288).
                  
 10.10            Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of February 8, 1996 by
                  and among the Company, CEX Acquisition Corp., Young, Richard
                  Young, HCC Investments, Inc., Juliet Challenger, Inc. and
                  Wilmington Securities, Inc. (incorporated by reference to the
                  Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No. 333-
                  288).
           
 10.11            Stock Purchase Agreement dated April 22, 1996 by and among the
                  Company, ASAP Software Express, Inc. and the shareholders of
                  ASAP Software Express, Inc. (incorporated by reference to the
                  Company's Form 8-K dated May 15, 1996).
           
*10.12            Corporate Express, Inc. Supplemental Stock Option Plan.
           
 10.13            Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of November
                  26, 1996 by and among CEX Holdings, Inc., as borrower, the
                  Company, as a guarantor, the lenders named therein and The
                  First National Bank of Chicago, as agent (incorporated by
                  reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
                  the period ended November 30, 1996).
           
 10.14            Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of September 10, 1996
                  among the Company, United TransNet, Inc. and Bevo Acquisition
                  Corp., Inc. (incorporated by reference to the Company's
                  Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No. 333-13217).
           
*11.1             Statement regarding Computation of Net Income Per Share.
           
*21.1             List of Subsidiaries.
           
*23.1             Consent of Independent Accountants.
           
*27.1             Financial Data Schedule.

- ------------------
*Filed herewith.

(b)     Reports on Form 8-K
        -------------------

        None.

                                      -50-
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES

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



                                             CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC.
                                                   (Registrant)


                                             SAM R. LENO

                                             By: Sam R. Leno
                                             Title: Executive Vice President 
                                                    and Chief Financial Officer

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

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

         Signature                      Title                         Date
<S>                    <C>                                         <C> 
/s/ Jirka Rysavy
- ----------------------
JIRKA RYSAVY           Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive   May 14, 1997
Jirka Rysavy           Officer (Principal Executive officer)


/s/ Robert L. King
- ---------------------- 
ROBERT L. KING         President, Chief Operating Officer 
Robert L. King         and Director                                May 14, 1997
               

/s/ Gary M. Jacobs
- ---------------------- 
GARY M. JACOBS         Executive Vice President and Secretary      May 14, 1997
Gary M. Jacobs


/s/ Sam R. Leno
- ---------------------- 
SAM R. LENO            Executive Vice President and 
Sam R. Leno            Chief Financial Officer                     May 14, 1997
                       (Principal Financial Officer)


/s/ Joanne C. Farver
- ---------------------- 
JOANNE C. FARVER       Vice President, Controller                  May 14, 1997
Joanne C. Farver       (Principal Accounting Officer)


/s/ Mo Siegal
- ---------------------- 
MO SIEGAL              Director                                    May 14, 1997
Mo Siegal


/s/ Janet A. Hickey
- ---------------------- 
JANET A. HICKEY        Director                                    May 14, 1997
Janet A. Hickey
</TABLE> 

                                      -51-
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE II -- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 25, 1995, AND THE PERIODS ENDED MARCH 2, 1996 AND  
MARCH 1, 1997 (a)
(In thousands)
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                Balance at  Charged to  Charged to                    Balance 
                                                                beginning   costs and     other                        at end 
                                                                of period    expenses    accounts       Deductions   of period 
                                                                ---------    --------    --------       ----------   ---------
<S>                                                           <C>          <C>         <C>             <C>          <C> 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:
    Year ended February 25, 1995                              $    4,090   $   2,460   $   1,050 (b)   $  (1,610)   $    5,990
    Period ended March 2, 1996                                     5,990       4,226       1,633 (b)      (4,885)        6,964
    Period ended March 1, 1997                                     6,964       6,152       5,324 (d)      (5,436)       13,004
                                                                                                        
Inventory Reserve:                                                                                      
    Year ended February 25, 1995                              $    5,145   $   2,564   $     330 (c)   $    (850)   $    7,189
    Period ended March 2, 1996                                     7,189       1,212                        (259)        8,142
    Period ended March 1, 1997                                     8,142       4,306                      (3,546)        8,902
                                                                                                        
Discontinued Operations Reserve:                                                                        
    Year ended February 25, 1995                              $    1,138   $     --     $    --        $    (697)   $      441
    Period ended March 2, 1996                                       441         --          --             (222)          219
    Period ended March 1, 1997                                       219         --          --             (183)           36
                                                                                                        
Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets:                                                            
      Year ended February 25, 1995                            $    5,145   $  (2,636)  $   2,345       $     --     $    4,854
      Period ended March 2, 1996                                   4,854      (2,247)       (174)            --          2,433
      Period ended March 1, 1997                                   2,433         (47)      3,663 (b)         --          6,049
</TABLE> 

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

(a)   The period ended March 1, 1997 includes the twelve months ended March 1,
      1997 for Corporate Express, Inc., and the fourteen months ended March 1,
      1997 for Hermann Marketing, Inc. as each company had different fiscal year
      ends. The period ended March 2, 1996 includes the twelve months ended
      March 2, 1996 for Corporate Express, Inc., the fourteen months ended March
      2, 1996 for Delivery, the seventeen months ended March 2, 1996 for Young,
      and the nine months ended March 2, 1996 for Sofco, as each company had
      different fiscal year ends.
(b)   Represents additional allowances as a result of the purchase acquisitions
      and UT, which was accounted for as a pooling of interests effective
      March 3, 1996.
(c)   Represents inventory reserve for Lucas pooling.


<PAGE>
 
                                                                     Exhibit 3.2

                            Articles of Amendment to
                   the Articles of Amendment and Restatement
                                       of
                            Corporate Express, Inc.


     Pursuant to the provisions of the Colorado Business Corporation Act, the
undersigned Corporation hereby adopts the following Articles of Amendment to its
Articles of Incorporation. This Amended Article amends Article IV of the
Corporation's Articles of Amendment and Restatement filed September 30, 1994.


1.   Article Fourth of the Articles of Amendment and Restatement is amended to
     read in full as follows:

                                  ARTICLE IV

                                Shares of Stock

     A.  Authorized Capital Stock.  The aggregate number of shares that the
Corporation shall have authority to issue is three hundred twenty-eight million
(328,000,000), consisting of three hundred million (300,000,000) shares of
common stock ("Common Stock"), par value $.0002 per share, three million
(3,000,000) shares of Non-Voting Common Stock ("Non-Voting Common Stock"), par
value $.0002 per share, and twenty-five million (25,000,000) shares of preferred
stock ("Preferred Stock"), par value $.0001 per share.

     B.  Authority Relative to Undesignated Preferred Stock.  The board of
directors of the Corporation shall be authorized, subject to limitations
prescribed by the Colorado Business Corporation Act and elsewhere herein, to
provide for the issuance of the shares of previously undesignated Preferred
Stock in one or more series, to establish from time to time the number of shares
to be included in such series of previously undesignated Preferred Stock, and to
fix the designation, powers, preferences and rights of each series of previously
undesignated Preferred Stock and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions
thereof.

     C.  Preemptive Rights.  Unless otherwise approved by a resolution of the
Corporation's board of directors, shareholders of the capital stock of the
Corporation shall not have the preemptive right to acquire unissued shares or
securities convertible into such shares or carrying a right to subscribe to or
acquire shares.  Such provision shall apply to both shares outstanding and to
newly issued shares.

     D.  Dividends.  Dividends on outstanding shares of Preferred Stock shall be
paid or declared and set apart for payment before any dividends shall be paid or
declared and set apart for payment of the Common Stock with respect to the same
dividend period.

     E.  Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up.  If upon any voluntary or
involuntary
<PAGE>
 
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, the assets for
distribution to holders of shares of Preferred Stock of all series shall be
insufficient to pay such holders the full preferential amount to which they are
entitled, then such assets shall be distributed ratably among the shares of all
series of Preferred Stock in accordance with the respective preferential amounts
(including unpaid cumulative dividends, if any) payable with respect thereto.

     F.  Voting.  Each holder of Common Stock shall have one vote on all matters
submitted to shareholders for each share of Common Stock standing in the name of
such holder on the books of the Corporation and entitled to vote, except that in
the election of directors each holder of Common Stock shall be entitled to vote
all of the shareholder's votes for as many persons as there are directors to be
elected.  Each holder of Preferred Stock shall have the voting rights designated
for such Preferred Stock by the board of directors as authorized under Article
IV, Section B hereof. In the election of directors, cumulative voting shall not
be allowed.  Except as otherwise provided herein, and except as otherwise
required by law, all shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote
shall vote as a single class on all matters submitted to the shareholders.

     G.  Non-Voting Common Stock.  Except as required by the Colorado Business
Corporation Act, each holder of Non-Voting Common Stock shall not be entitled to
vote.  Except for no voting rights, the rights, powers and preferences of the
Non-Voting Common Stock are identical to those of the Common Stock.

     H.  Quorum.  At all meetings of the shareholders, the holders of a majority
of the shares outstanding and entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum.  If a
quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares represented
at the meeting and entitled to vote on the subject matter shall be the act of
the shareholders unless the vote of a greater number or voting by classes is
required by the Colorado Business Corporation Act or these Articles of Amendment
and Restatement.


2.   The foregoing amendment was adopted August 8, 1996.

3.   This Article of Amendment was adopted by the shareholders of the
     Corporation. The number of votes cast by each voting group entitled to vote
     separately on the amendment was sufficient for approval by that voting
     group.


Dated the 21st day of August, 1996.


Corporate Express, Inc.


By:  /s/  Gary M. Jacobs
     ---------------------------------------
     Gary M. Jacobs
     Executive Vice President and Secretary

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.12


                            CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC.

                        SUPPLEMENTAL STOCK OPTION PLAN

                                   ARTICLE I

                                    Purpose

     The purpose of this Supplemental Stock Option Plan (this "Supplemental
Plan") is to enable Corporate Express, Inc. (the "Company") to offer officers,
key employees, directors and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries
equity interests in the Company and other incentive awards on substantially
identical terms and conditions as those set forth in the Company's 1994 Stock
Option and Incentive Plan (the "1994 Plan"), a copy of which is attached hereto
as Exhibit A.  Capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall have the
meanings set forth in the 1994 Plan.

                                  ARTICLE II

                             Terms and Conditions

     Except as otherwise provided herein, all of the terms and conditions of the
1994 Plan are hereby incorporated into and made a part of this Supplemental
Plan, with the same force and effect as if such terms had been expressly set
forth in this Supplemental Plan.  This Supplemental Plan shall be identical to
the 1994 Plan, except for the following features:

           a.  Composition of Committee. The Committee shall consist entirely of
               ------------------------
individuals who satisfy the definition of "non-employee director" under Section
16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder, and the definition of "outside director"
under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and
regulations promulgated thereunder.

           b.  Delegation of Authority.  The Committee may delegate its
               -----------------------                                 
responsibilities relating to the selection of Participants or decisions
concerning the timing, pricing and amount of an Award under this Supplemental
Plan to an Administrative Committee of the Company's Board of Directors
appointed by the Company's Board of Directors, provided that the Administrative
Committee shall not have the authority to grant Awards under this Supplemental
Plan to any person who is subject to the reporting requirements under Section 16
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Awards to such persons may
be made only by the Committee or, in the sole discretion of the Board of
Directors, by the Board of Directors.  The Committee or the Board of Directors
(or the Administrative Committee, to the extent of its delegation) may also
authorize the grant of stock options on a date that is within 90 days after the
date of such authorization, provided that the method for determining the date of
grant shall be
<PAGE>
 
specified at the time of the authorization.  The date of grant of any such stock
option shall be the date on which the option is actually granted and not the
date of the authorization.

           c.  Shares Available for Issuance. The maximum aggregate number of
               -----------------------------
shares of Common Stock which may be issued under this Supplemental Plan shall
not exceed a share limit (the "Share Limit") of 4,000,000 shares of Common Stock
(subject to any increase or decrease as contemplated by Section 4.2 of the 1994
Plan). Forfeited or terminated awards under this Supplemental Plan will be
available for future grant to the same extent as set forth in the 1994 Plan.

           d.  Incentive Stock Options. Stock options granted under this
               -----------------------
Supplemental Plan may be treated as incentive stock options (within the meaning
of Section 422 of the Code) only if this Supplemental Plan is approved by the
Company's shareholders within twelve (12) months following the adoption of this
Supplemental Plan.

           e.  Amendments to this Supplemental Plan. This Supplemental Plan may
               ------------------------------------
be amended, including but not limited to amendments which materially increase
the Share Limit, materially modify the requirements as to eligibility to
participate in this Supplemental Plan, or materially increase the benefits
accruing to Participants, by the Company's Board of Directors, and shall not
require the approval of the Company's shareholders unless otherwise required by
law.

           f.  Effective Date and Term. This Supplemental Plan shall be
               -----------------------
effective as of the date this Supplemental Plan is approved by the Company's
Board of Directors and no awards may be granted under this Supplemental Plan
after the tenth anniversary of such approval.

                                  ARTICLE III

                              Effect on 1994 Plan

     Nothing herein shall be construed to in any way alter, amend or modify the
1994 Plan and the 1994 Plan shall continue in full force and effect until
amended or terminated in accordance with its terms.

                                              Adopted by the Company's Board of 
                                              Directors on December 5, 1996.



                                       2

<PAGE>

Exhibit 11.1

Corporate Express, Inc.
Statement Regarding Computation of Net Income Per Share

Primary Earnings Per Share

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                           Year Ended              Year Ended                 Year Ended
                                                          March 1, 1997           March 2, 1996            February 28, 1995
                                                       -------------------   ---------------------    -----------------------
<S>                                                    <C>                   <C>                      <C> 
Pro forma income from continuing operations              $     40,281,000      $        6,365,000        $        15,510,000
Young Preferred stock dividend                                        --                      --                    (432,000)
                                                         ------------------    -------------------       --------------------
Income available to common shareholders                        40,281,000               6,365,000                 15,078,000
Discontinued operations                                               --               (1,225,000)                  (327,000)
Extraordinary item                                                    --                      --                     586,000
                                                         ------------------    -------------------       --------------------
Pro forma net income available to common shareholders          40,281,000               5,140,000                 15,337,000
                                                         ==================    ===================       ====================

Pro forma income (loss) per share:
        Continuing operations                            $           0.31      $             0.06        $              0.19
        Discontinued operations                                       --                    (0.01)                     (0.01)
        Extraordinary item                                            --                      --                        0.01
                                                         ------------------    -------------------       --------------------
Pro forma net income per share                           $           0.31      $             0.05        $              0.19
                                                         ==================    ===================       ====================

Weighted average shares outstanding                           121,900,500             104,162,000                 70,611,000

Common Stock Equivalents:
        Preferred stock                                               --                      --                   4,788,000
        Stock options and warrants                              8,128,500               6,246,000                  3,627,000
        Convertible notes                                             --  (a)                 -- (a)                     --

Items issued within one year of IPO: (b)
        Preferred stock                                               --                      --                     691,000 
        Stock options and warrants                                    --                      --                     477,000 
        Common stock                                                  --                      --                     799,000 
                                                         ------------------    -------------------       --------------------

Total weighted average shares outstanding                     130,029,000             110,408,000                 80,993,000
                                                         ===================   ===================       ====================  
</TABLE> 

Fully Diluted Earnings Per Share

Fully diluted earnings per share differs from primary earnings per share by less
than 3%.


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

  (a)   Amounts are excluded from the calculation as they are anti-dilutive.

  (b)   Amounts represent stock issued within one year of the initial filing of
        the registration statement in connection with the initial public
        offering at below the IPO price and are net of shares repurchased under
        the treasury stock method.


<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 21.1
                                 Subsidiaries

CEX Holdings, Inc. (Colorado)
        Resource Data Systems, Inc.
        Towne Office Supply, Inc.
        Jay 'N Bee Office Solutions, Inc.
        2 Point Courier, Inc.
        Distribution Solutions, Inc.
               Ashabranner-Eubanks Interests, Inc.
               Distribution Solutions-Dallas, Inc.
               Distribution Solutions - Houston, Inc.
               Distribution Solutions-San Antonio, Inc.
               Transportation Innovations, Inc. (d/b/a NOVA)
        Classic Air, Inc.
        Elite Courier, Ltd.
        H & H Associates, Inc.
        Innovative Transportation Concepts, Inc.
        John C. Brimo and Associates, Inc.
        Metro Air, Inc.
        Midnite Express International Courier, Inc.
        Midnite II Acquisition, Inc.
               Midnite Express International Couriers Limited
        Midnite III Acquisition, Inc.
               Midnite Express International (Australia) Pty. Limited
        NYC Express, Inc.
        OK Express, Inc.
        Pronto Delivery Service, Inc.
        Rushtrucking, Inc.
        Corporate Express of the South, Inc. (Delaware)
               Schooley, Inc. (Delaware)
               Lake Charles Office Plus, Inc. (Louisiana)
               CE Miami Real Estate, Inc. (Delaware)
               Columbia Office Supply Co. (South Carolina)
               Jim Ammons Office Supply, Inc. d/b/a Ammons Office Plus (North
               Carolina)
               Forms & Supplies, Inc. (Tennessee)
               Precision Business Supplies, Inc. (Georgia)
               Ideal, Inc. (Illinois)
               Bishop Office Furniture Company, Inc.
               Carr Printing & Office Supplies, Inc.

        Corporate Express of the West, Inc. (Colorado)
               International Office Equipment and Supply Co.

        Corporate Express of Texas, Inc. (Delaware)

        Hermann Marketing, Inc.

        Corporate Express of the East, Inc. (Delaware)
               Federal Sales Service, Inc. (Virginia)
               Contemporary Office Products, Inc. (Ohio)
               Laser Perfect Products, Inc. (Massachusetts)
               Office Essentials of Madison, Inc. (Wisconsin)
               OP2000, Inc. (Delaware)
               Office Products Network of North America, Inc. (Maryland)
               Virginia Impressions Products Co., Inc. (Virginia)
               MicroMagnetic Systems, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 21.1


        United TransNet, Inc
               Tricor America, Inc.
               Lanter Courier Corp.
               Eddy Messenger Service, Inc.
               Sunbelt Courier, Inc.
               Film Transit, Inc.
               3D Distribution Systems, Inc.
                      3D Package Express, Inc.
               Courier Dispatch Group, Inc.
               UTN Contract Services Corp.
               Dependable Courier Services, Inc.
               Sunstate Courier, Inc.
               Airvantage Courier, Inc.
               Commercial Courier Express, Inc.
               Armstrong Courier, Inc.

        Richard Young Journal, Inc. (Delaware)
               International Business Supplies Corporation (Maryland)

        Ross-Martin Company, Inc. (Delaware)

        Corporate Express Real Estate, Inc. (Delaware)

        St. Paul Book and Stationery Company

        CEX Land Company

        ASAP Software Express, Inc. (Illinois)

        Sofco-Mead, Inc.
               Sofco, Inc.
               DJ Mead Hubbs & Howe, Inc.
               SQP, Inc.
               Sofco of Ohio, Inc.
               S&O Property, Inc.
               SMI Management, Inc.

        Corporate Express Delivery Systems, Inc.
               American Delivery System, Inc. (Michigan)
               U.S. Delivery Distribution Services, Inc. (Michigan)
               CallCenter Services, Inc.  (Delaware)
               New Delaware Delivery, Inc. (Delaware)
               Red Arrow Corporation
               S.R.G. Enterprises, Inc.  (New York)
               U.S. Delivery Systems - Intermountain, Inc.
               U.S. Delivery Leasing - Intermountain, Inc. (Delaware)
               U.S. Delivery Systems - Mid-Atlantic, Inc.  (Delaware)
               U.S. Delivery Leasing - Mid-Atlantic, Inc.  (Delaware)
               U.S. Delivery Systems - Mid-West, Inc.  (Delaware)
               U.S. Delivery Leasing - Mid-West, Inc.  (Delaware)
               U.S. Delivery Systems - New England, Inc.  (Delaware)
               U.S. Delivery Leasing - New England, Inc.  (Delaware)
               U.S. Delivery Systems - Northeast, Inc.  (Delaware)
               U.S. Delivery Leasing - Northeast, Inc.  (Delaware)
               U.S. Delivery Systems - Southeast, Inc.  (Delaware)
               U.S. Delivery Leasing - Southeast, Inc.  (Delaware)
<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 21.1

               U.S. Delivery Systems - Southwest, Inc.  (Delaware)
               U.S. Delivery Leasing - Southwest, Inc.  (Delaware)
               U.S. Delivery Systems - West Coast, Inc. (Delaware)
               U.S. Delivery Systems - West Coast, Inc.  (Delaware)
               U.S. Delivery Leasing - West Coast, Inc.  (Delaware)
               U.S. Delivery Administration, Inc. (Nevada)
               U.S. Delivery Management Business Trust (Delaware Business Trust)
               U.S. Delivery Systems - West Coast, Inc.  (Delaware)
               U.S. Delivery Leasing - West Coast, Inc.  (Delaware)
               U.S. Delivery Administration, Inc. (Nevada)
               U.S. Delivery Management Business Trust (Delaware Business Trust)

International

        Corporate Express (Holdings) Limited
        Anewstart, Limited
               Corporate Express (UK) Ltd (51%)
                      The Harrison Terry Group
                             Stationery and Office Supplies Limited 
                             Harrison Terry & Co Limited 
                             Harrisons Ltd 
                             Harrison Terry Print Limited 
                             Harrison Terry (Cambridge) Limited
                             Burton Office Products Limited 
                             Sare & Company Limited 
                             South West Office Products Limited 
                             Harrison Terry Office Products Limited
                      Clix Magna plc
                      Caldwells The Stationers Limited
                             The Manchester Stationery Company Limited
                             Caldwells Wholesale Stationers Limited
                      Chisholm's Limited
                             Norman Starbuck and Co Limited
                             Highmead Stationers Limited
                             Edis Lindner Office Equipment Limited
                             Chisholm's Print Limited
                      H. Gardiner & Co Limited
                      Padline Limited
                             Treeby Limited
                             Office Options Limited
                      Unistat (Office Supplies Systems) Limited
                      Somerset Office Supplies Limited
                             Imperial Office Supplies Limited
                      Corporate Express (Computer Supplies) Ltd

        Corporate Express Canada, Inc.

        Corporate Express South Pacific Pty Ltd.
               Corporate Express Holdings Australia Pty Limited
                      Corporate Express Finance Australia Pty Limited 
                        Corporate Express Australia Limited (52%) 
                        Ballment Manufacturing Co. Pty Limited 
                        Corporate Express Australia (NSW) Pty Limited 
                        Corporate Express Australia (QLD) Pty Limited
                        Corporate Express Australia (Vic) Pty Limited 
                        Corporate Express Australia (SA) Pty Limited 
                        Revson Australia Pty Limited 
                        Bolton Robinson Office Supplies Pty Ltd.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 21.1

                        Corporate Express Australia (ACT) Pty Limited
                        Corporate Express New Zealand Limited
                        Modern Office Design & Equipment Pty Ltd
                        * Other inactive, non-trading subsidiaries fall below
                          these trading subsidiaries

         USDS Canada, Ltd.
               Visex Courier Services, Inc.
               Swift Messenger Service Canada, Ltd.
         Corporate Express (Deutschland) GmbH
               Reese GmbH & Co.
               BIT Messerknecht GmbH
               Messerknecht BuroKommunication GmbH
               Buro-Partner
               Eugen Haas
         Nimsa, SA
               Trivial Information, SA
         Cession 26e Avenue
         SCI Siman

         CE of Southern Europe, LLC Corporate Express S.P.A.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                 Exhibit 23.1

                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements
of Corporate Express, Inc. on Form S-8 (File No. 33-86574), Form S-8 (File No.
333-16457), Form S-8 (File No. 333-02880), Form S-8 (File No. 333-02882), Form
S-8 (File No. 33-94464), Form S-4 (File No. 333-07909) and Form S-3 (File No.
333-12451) of our report dated April 18, 1997, on our audits of the consolidated
financial statements and financial statement schedule of Corporate Express, Inc.
as of March 1, 1997 and March 2, 1996, and for the three years in the period
ended March 1, 1997, which report is included in this Annual Report on Form 
10-K.



/s/ Coopers & Lybrand LLP

Denver, Colorado
May 14, 1997

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM CORPORATE
EXPRESS CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          MAR-01-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             MAR-03-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-01-1997
<CASH>                                          54,499
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  507,203
<ALLOWANCES>                                    13,004
<INVENTORY>                                    187,558
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               849,410
<PP&E>                                         370,622
<DEPRECIATION>                                 106,891
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,843,977
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          455,757
<BONDS>                                        621,705
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                            25
<OTHER-SE>                                     693,582
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,843,977
<SALES>                                      3,196,056
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             3,196,056
<CGS>                                        2,417,746
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  677,820
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              26,949
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 73,785
<INCOME-TAX>                                    33,649
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             41,996
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    40,281<F1>
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.31
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.31
<FN>
<F1>NET INCOME ABOVE REPRESENTS PRO FORMA NET INCOME AFTER ADJUSTING FOR PRO FORMA
INCOME TAX EFFECTS. SEE NOTE 13 TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</FN>
        

</TABLE>


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