CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY, 10-K, 1999-12-23

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY
10-K, 1999-12-23
MISCELLANEOUS NONDURABLE GOODS

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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 Commission File Number
September 25, 1999 0-20242

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware 68-0275553
(State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification Number)

___________________________

3697 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette, California 94549
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Telephone Number: (925) 283-4573

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:

Name of Each Exchange
Title of Each Class on Which Registered
------------------- -------------------
None None

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:

Common Stock
------------
(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 ((S) 229.405 of this chapter) 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]

At December 20, 1999, the aggregate market value of the registrant's Common
Stock and Class B Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was
approximately $157,399,403 and $469,465, respectively.

At December 20, 1999, the number of shares outstanding of registrant's Common
Stock was 19,336,313. In addition, on such date the registrant had outstanding
1,657,962 shares of its Class B Stock which is convertible into Common Stock on
a share-for-share basis.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Definitive Proxy Statement for the Company's 2000 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders - Part III of this Form 10-K.
<PAGE>

Central Garden & Pet Company
Index to Annual Report on Form 10-K
For the fiscal year ended September 25, 1999

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C>
PART I

Item 1. Business................................................................................ 3
Item 2. Properties.............................................................................. 15
Item 3. Legal Proceedings....................................................................... 16
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders..................................... 16

PART II

Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters............... 16
Item 6. Selected Financial Data................................................................. 17
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations... 17
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk............................... 29
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data............................................. 30
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.... 50

PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant...................................... 50
Item 11. Executive Compensation.................................................................. 50
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.......................... 50
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.......................................... 50

PART IV

Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K......................... 50
</TABLE>

2
<PAGE>

PART I

Item 1. Business

GENERAL

Overview

Central Garden & Pet Company offers a broadening array of proprietary branded
lawn and garden and pet supply products, including Pennington(R), Four Paws(R),
Zodiac(R), Kaytee(R), Nylabone(R) and Grant's(R). Central is also the leading
national distributor of lawn and garden and pet supply products. Central's
operations are grouped into three business segments, the lawn and garden branded
products business ("Garden Products"), the distribution business
("Distribution") and the pet branded products business ("Pet Products"). For
fiscal 1999, Garden Products, Distribution and Pet Products accounted for 24%,
63% and 13%, respectively, of consolidated net sales. These businesses accounted
for 73%, 29% and 48%, respectively, of income from operations, before the
allocation of certain corporate costs amounting to (51)% of income from
operations. These segments, their products, and the markets they serve are
described under the headings "The Garden Products Business," "The Distribution
Business," and "The Pet Products Business" in this Part I.

Central was incorporated in Delaware in June 1992 and is the successor to a
California corporation which was incorporated in 1955. References to "we," "us,"
"our" or "Central" means Central Garden & Pet Company and its subsidiaries and
divisions, and their predecessor companies and subsidiaries. Our principal
executive offices are located at 3697 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette,
California 94549 and our telephone number is (925) 283-4573.

Recent Developments

Acquisitions

In January 1999, Central acquired Norcal Pottery Products, Inc., a designer,
importer and distributor of pottery products. The products include terra cotta,
stoneware, ceramics and porcelain pots and statuary and are sold to chain
accounts, independent retailers and landscapers nationwide.

Financial

In August 1998, Central announced the commencement of a stock repurchase
program. As of December 1, 1999, Central has repurchased approximately
13,313,000 shares of its common stock for an aggregate price of approximately
$140.7 million.

Other

In January 1999, Monsanto Company ("Monsanto") sold its Solaris lawn and
garden business exclusive of its Roundup(R) herbicide products for consumer use
to The Scotts Company ("Scotts") and entered into a separate, long-term,
exclusive agreement pursuant to which Monsanto continues to make Roundup
herbicide products for consumer use and Scotts markets the products. Scotts has
been for many years a substantial supplier to us and, in connection with its
direct sales, a substantial purchaser of our services. Scotts has altered its
distribution systems for certain products, including Ortho(R) and Miracle-Gro(R)
products and Monsanto's consumer Roundup products for which Scotts acts as
Monsanto's exclusive sales agent. Beginning October 1, 1999, Scotts began to
distribute Ortho and Roundup products through a system that involves a
combination of distributors, of which we are the largest, as well as through
direct sales by Scotts to certain major retailers. In addition, Scotts has begun
to sell Miracle-Gro directly to certain retailers. We believe that the business
likely to be taken over by Scotts in fiscal 2000 is estimated to be
approximately $200-250 million in sales. However, there is no assurance that the
business taken over by Scotts will not be greater than $200-250 million.

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THE GARDEN PRODUCTS BUSINESS

Overview

Garden Products manufactures a broadening array of proprietary branded lawn
and garden products, including Pennington(R), Norcal Pottery, Matthews(R) and
Grant's(R). Garden Products accounted for 24% of Central's consolidated net
sales in fiscal 1999, 17% in fiscal 1998 and 1% in fiscal 1997 and 73% of
Central's income from operations, before the allocation of certain corporate
costs, in fiscal 1999, 40% in fiscal 1998 and 3% in fiscal 1997. As a result of
both acquisitions and internal expansion, Garden Products has grown rapidly from
sales of approximately $13 million in fiscal 1997 to approximately $381 million
in fiscal 1999 and increased the number of manufacturing facilities from one in
1990 to 13 as of September 25, 1999.

Proprietary Branded Products

The principal lawn and garden product lines are the Pennington line of grass
seed, wild bird food and lawn care products, the Matthews line of wooden garden
products, the Norcal Pottery line of pottery products, the Grant's line of ant
control products and four proprietary brands of fertilizer.

Pennington. Pennington offers a broad range of seed products in the lawn and
garden, forage, and wild game and bird markets. Pennington is also a large
manufacturer of lawn and garden chemicals, fertilizers and related products. The
Pennington line of grass seed and lawn and garden products includes the
trademarks Pennington Seed(R), Penkoted(R), Eliminator(R), ProCare(R) and Green
Charm(R). Pennington products are offered nationwide and include:

. Grass Seed. Pennington manufactures numerous varieties and blends of
cool and warm season turf grass for both the residential and
professional markets, as well as forage and wild game seed varieties
under the Pennington name and under private labels, including
Wal*Mart's Better Homes and Gardens(R) licensed program. The
Pennington grass seed manufacturing facilities are some of the largest
and most modern seed conditioning facilities in the industry.

. Bird Seed Products. Pennington is one of the largest manufacturers of
wild bird feed including premium, specialty and gourmet mixes.
Pennington also manufactures liquid hummingbird food.

. Lawn and Garden Chemicals. Pennington manufactures a full line of
lawn and garden weed and insect control products, under the names
Eliminator(R), ProCare(R) and Pennington's Pride(R). Eliminator lawn
and garden insecticides and herbicides are packaged exclusively for
Wal*Mart.

. Fertilizers and Soil Products. Pennington manufactures several lines
of lawn and garden fertilizers, including granular products and liquid
plant foods, under several brands, including Pennington(R) and other
private and controlled labels. In addition, Pennington's Earth Pak(R)
division also offers a complete line of soil, mulch and rock products
under several brands, including Pennington and other private and
controlled labels.

Norcal Pottery. Norcal Pottery designs and procures pottery products from
across the United States and around the world. The products include terra cotta,
stoneware, ceramics and porcelain pots and are sold to chain store accounts,
independent retailers and landscapers nationwide. Since the Company's
acquisition of Norcal, the Norcal line of products has been expanded into
Pennington's logistics and sales network.

Matthews Four Seasons. Matthews(R) manufactures a complete line of wooden
garden products, including planters, barrel fountains, arbors and trellises.
Matthews(R) also produces a cedar bird feeder line under the Kaytee(R) label.

Grant's. Grant's manufactures ant baits, animal repellents and garden aid
products. The Grant's line of ant control products consists of Grant's ant baits
and granules. These products are sold nationwide through a network of lawn and
garden distributors.

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Fertilizers. Central has four proprietary brands of fertilizer -- Colorado's
Own(R) and Mountain States(R), which are manufactured by the Company, and Easy-
Gro(R) and Turf-Magic(R), which are supplied to Central by contract
manufacturers.

Sales and Marketing

Garden Products' lawn and garden products are sold by approximately a 100
person sales force to a network of lawn and garden and hardware wholesale
distributors nationwide. Most products are sold directly to retailers.
Approximately 5% of the products are distributed though Distribution, excluding
the distribution network maintained by Pennington. A significant portion of
Pennington's sales are made under the Eliminator(R) line of lawn and garden
chemical products, which is manufactured by Pennington exclusively for Wal*Mart.
Historically, Garden Products' sales have been highly seasonal. Most retail
sales of lawn and garden products occur on weekends during the spring and fall.

Sales to mass merchandisers, warehouse-type clubs, home improvement centers
represent a significant portion of Garden Products' sales. Sales to Wal*Mart
represented approximately 41% of Garden Products' sales in fiscal 1999 and 42%
in fiscal 1998. Sales to Lowe's represented approximately 10% of Garden
Products' sales in fiscal 1999 and 15% in fiscal 1998.

Manufacturing

Garden Products currently operates 13 manufacturing facilities. In addition,
certain of its proprietary branded products are manufactured by contract
manufacturers. Garden Products also has a development team that is responsible
for developing new products within existing proprietary branded product lines
and the development of new proprietary branded product lines.

Pennington has seed processing facilities in Madison, Georgia; Greenfield,
Missouri; Roll, Arizona; El Centro, California; and Lebanon, Oregon to test,
process and package a full range of Pennington seed varieties. Pennington also
maintains observation nurseries at all manufacturing locations, enabling the
company to track seed growth for Pennington quality prior to selection.
Pennington's fertilizer plant, Gro Tec(R), is located in Eatonton, Georgia.
Pennington wild bird feed is manufactured in Penn Pak(R) facilities in Madison,
Georgia; Greenfield, Missouri; and Sidney, Nebraska. In addition, Pennington's
Earth Pak(R) plant in Shady Dale, Georgia produces a variety of soil amendments,
including pine bark nuggets, cow manures and potting soils used in landscaping.

Grant's operates a manufacturing facility in San Leandro, California, and
Matthews operates a manufacturing facility in Stockton, California. The Company
also operates a fertilizer manufacturing facility in Longmont, Colorado.

Purchasing

Most of the raw materials purchased by Garden Products are acquired from a
number of different suppliers; however, a number of items are purchased from
limited or single sources of supply, and disruption of these sources could have
a temporary adverse effect on product shipments and Garden Products' financial
results. Garden Products believes alternative sources could be obtained to
supply these materials, but a prolonged ability to obtain certain materials
could result in lost sales.

Pennington obtains grass seed from various sources, which it presently
considers to be adequate. No one source is considered to be essential to
Pennington or to Garden Products' business as a whole. Pennington has never
experienced a significant interruption of supply.

The principal raw materials required for Pennington's wild bird seed
manufacturing operations are bulk commodity grains, including millet, milo,
wheat and sunflower seeds. Pennington generally purchases these raw materials
one to three months in advance. Raw materials are generally purchased from large
national commodity companies and local grain cooperatives.

In order to ensure an adequate supply of seed to satisfy expected production
volume, Pennington enters into contracts to purchase grain and seed at future
dates by fixing the quantity, and often the price, at the commitment date.

5
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The key ingredients in the Garden Products' fertilizer and control products
are various commodity and specialty chemicals including phosphates, urea,
potash, herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. Garden Products obtains its raw
materials from various sources, which it presently considers to be adequate. No
one source is considered to be essential to any of Garden Products' companies or
to its business as a whole. Garden Products has never experienced a significant
interruption of supply.

Distribution

Garden Products currently operates eight distribution centers throughout the
country. The primary distribution centers for Pennington's products are located
both near the point of manufacture and at strategically located warehousing
facilities. These facilities are located in Columbia, South Carolina, Cullman,
Alabama, Greenfield, Missouri, Madison, Georgia, Petersburg, Virginia, and
Ponchapoula, Louisiana. In addition, Pennington uses other outside agents and
distributors, including, but not limited to Distribution. Norcal Pottery
operates distribution centers in San Leandro, California and Ontario,
California. Pennington's products are shipped by rail and truck. While the
majority of truck shipments are made by contract carriers, a portion is made by
Pennington's fleet of trucks.

Competition

The lawn and garden products industry is highly competitive. Garden Products'
lawn and garden products compete against national and regional products and
private label products produced by various suppliers. Our turf and forage grass
seed products compete principally against products by AgriBioTech, Inc. and
Scotts. Our wild bird seed products compete principally against products by
Audubon Park and Wagner. Our fertilizers, pesticides and combination products
compete principally against products marketed by such companies as Scotts,
Lebanon Chemical Corp., United Industries Corporation, Vigoro/Pursell Industries
and Bayer/Pursell. Garden Products competes primarily on the basis of its strong
brand names, quality, value, service and price. Garden Products' competitive
position is supported by Distribution's national sales force.

THE DISTRIBUTION BUSINESS

Overview

Based on sales, Distribution is the leading national distributor of lawn and
garden and pet supply products. Distribution accounted for 63% of Central's
consolidated net sales in fiscal 1999, 69% in fiscal 1998 and 94% in fiscal
1997, and 29% of Central's income from operations, before the allocation of
certain corporate costs, in fiscal 1999, 48% in fiscal 1998 and 73% in fiscal
1997. As a result of both acquisitions and internal expansion, Distribution has
grown rapidly from sales of approximately $25 million in 1987 to approximately
$973 million in fiscal 1999 and increased the number of its distribution centers
from one in 1987 to 35 as of September 25, 1999.

Distribution's business strategy is to capitalize on its national presence,
comprehensive product selection, menu of value-added services and efficient
operations. Utilizing these capabilities, Distribution strives to develop and
enhance servicing relationships with both large national and regional chain
stores and independent retailers as well as manufacturers.

Distributed Products

Distribution offers its customers a comprehensive selection of brand name lawn
and garden and pet supply products. This selection consists of approximately
45,000 products from approximately 1,000 manufacturers. Distribution generally
focuses on those lawn and garden brand name products that are suited to
distribution due to their seasonality, variable sales movements, complexity to
consumers and retailers, handling and transportation difficulties, and which
therefore generally require value-added services. Distribution focuses on these
types of products because it believes that retailers cannot source these
products directly from suppliers as effectively as they can through distributors
and that manufacturers

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of these products are likely to view the services offered by Distribution as
highly desirable and cost-effective. Distribution does not carry live plants,
power tools or high priced items which are generally sourced directly from
manufacturers.

Distribution also carries many of the best-known brands in pet foods and
supplies and combines these products into single shipments, providing its pet
supply customers a wide variety of products on a cost-effective basis. Through
the acquisition of Kenlin in 1996 and Country Pet Supply in 1997, Distribution
has significantly expanded its pet supply distribution business.

Distribution believes that its broad and deep selection of products permits
retailers to fulfill substantially all of their lawn and garden and pet supply
requirements from a single source. In fiscal 1999, substantially all of
Distribution's products had suggested retail prices of $20 or less.

The following table indicates the approximate number of SKUs, the approximate
number of manufacturers and suppliers and selected brand names in each of
Distribution's current major product categories according to its internal
records. Distribution may change from time to time the selection and mix of its
products, which may change the approximate number of manufacturers and suppliers
and SKUs depending on the season.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Approximate
Number of Approximate
Manufacturers Number of
Product Category and Suppliers SKUs Selected Brand Names
- ------------------------------------- --------------- ------------- -------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Chemicals and Fertilizer(1).......... 100 4,000 Ortho(R), Round-Up(R),
Miracle-Gro(R), Green Light(R),
American Cyanamid(R), Ironite(R),
Raid(R), Black Flag(R), Lilly
Miller(R), Grant's(R)
Other Lawn and Garden Products(2).... 700 20,000 Sunset(R), Gilmour(R), Corona(R),
Rainbird(R), Rubbermaid(R),
Perky-Pet(R), Matthews(R)
Pet Supplies(3)...................... 200 21,000 Four Paws(R), Zodiac(R), TFH(R),
Island Aquariums(R), Hagen(R),
Tetra(R)/Second Nature(R), Penn
Plax(R), All Glass Aquariums(R)
</TABLE>

___________

(1) Category includes fertilizers, insecticides, weed killers, herbicides,
animal repellents, other chemicals and electronic pest controls.

(2) Category includes pool chemicals, equipment and toys, barbecues, bird
feeders, lawn and flower seeds, tomato baskets, gloves, instructional
books, plant stakes, safety equipment, plant meters, weather instruments,
wheelbarrows, spreaders, rakes, long handle tools, hand tools, brooms,
axes, shears, saws, hedge tools, hoses, sprayers, dusters, sprinklers,
drip watering systems, nozzles, Christmas products and other seasonal
items.

(3) Category includes various pet supplies and pet care products and dog,
cat, fish and bird food.

Sales and Marketing

Distribution's strategy is to offer a broad range of services to help
retailers and manufacturers maximize their sales and profitability. Distribution
has implemented this strategy by developing a knowledgeable and profit-incented
sales force and by offering a broad menu of services.

Sales. At September 25, 1999, Distribution employed approximately 500 sales
and marketing personnel located throughout its distribution center network.
Sales and marketing personnel typically service retail customers within a 250
mile radius of the distribution centers. They are trained with knowledge of
local market conditions, Distribution's products and merchandising skills. A
significant number of sales personnel are certified nurserymen, horticultural
graduates and/or master gardeners. Distribution has divided its sales force into
key account managers, who act as consultants to the buyers

7
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of large retailers, and field sales personnel, who are responsible for servicing
specific retail customers in their assigned territory.

Menu of Value-Added Services. Distribution offers retailers and manufacturers
a comprehensive menu of value-added services with separate or combination prices
from which each customer may select according to its individual needs. Each
value-added service is generally designed either to increase a retailer's sales
or decrease a retailer's costs. Distribution generally offers retailers
deliveries within one business day from the time it receives an order. In
addition to the standard delivery services, many of Distribution's customers
choose a high percentage of the value-added services listed below.

. Program Development. Distribution's key account managers recommend
and assist retail buyers in developing national and local product
listings, advertising, promotions and shelf space planning at the
beginning of and during the peak selling season to optimize store
sales and profits.

. Training of Store Employees. Distribution's sales personnel conduct
formal and informal product training sessions with store personnel to
help them provide informed consumer service. Distribution believes
that the demand for this service is greater at larger regional and
national retail chains due to their higher employee turnover and
employee inexperience with gardening and pet supply products.

. Weekend Consumer Clinics. Sales personnel also conduct and assist in
preparing and giving in-store weekend consumer education clinics to
help increase lawn and garden retail sales and improve consumer
relations.

. Designing and Setting Store Displays. Distribution's sales personnel
assist in designing and planning store shelves at the beginning of
each season. Their expertise in product knowledge, sales trends, in-
season promotions and consumer demand for specific products allows
them to help each store adjust shelf stock and displays to increase
sales in a timely fashion.

. Point-of-Purchase. Distribution assists the manufacturer and retailer
in the design and installation of point-of-purchase ("POP") material
to increase sales. The POP material is generally matched to
manufacturers' advertising and promotions as well as local lawn,
gardening and insect problems.

. Merchandising of Shelf Stock. Distribution's store service personnel
physically restock store shelves with all its merchandise on a weekly
basis. This service can also include price stickering for stores not
on electronic point-of-sale systems.

. Electronic Data Interchange ("EDI"). Distribution's systems offer EDI
capabilities to retailers which can include paperless invoices,
payments and product history movements to help retailers monitor, plan
and order products at a lower administrative cost.

. "Hot Shot" Deliveries. Distribution offers rush deliveries to help
lawn and garden retailers satisfy high consumer demand. This service
is often critical to keep retailers from being out-of-stock on a
weekend during the peak selling season.

Distribution believes that retailers choose these services because
Distribution can in many cases provide them more efficiently and effectively
than manufacturers or retailers themselves. Distribution's sales force often
advises and assists store management to increase or decrease shelf space of
certain products to match the expected and unexpected seasonal demands.
Distribution believes that a typical store needs to change the shelf space
dedicated to lawn and garden products several times during the peak selling
season. The sales force also often highlights specific products appropriate for
the local market.

Retailers

Distribution focuses on selling lawn and garden products to retailers with
high volume retail stores. Distribution's lawn and garden supply customer base
is comprised of a wide range of retailers, including "do-it-yourself"
superstores, mass merchants, warehouse clubs, high volume local and regional
nurseries and regional and national chains of drug and grocery stores. The
following table sets forth selected lawn and garden supply customers of
Distribution for each major

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category of retailer.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Do-It-Yourself Mass High-Volume Drug and
Superstores Merchants Nurseries Grocery Stores
----------------------- ------------- ---------------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Costco Bi-Mart Armstrong Garden Albertson's
Eagle Hardware & Garden Kmart Bachman Nurseries Bruno's
Home Depot Target Calloway's Nursery Fred Meyer
Home Base Wal*Mart Frank's Long's Drug Stores
Lowe's Pike Nurseries Raley's
Orchard Supply Hardware
Payless Cashways
</TABLE>

Distribution focuses on selling pet supply products to retailers that range
from internet, independent, regional and national retail chains. The following
table sets forth selected pet supply customers of Distribution for each major
category of retailer.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
National Specialty Mass Internet High Volume
Pet Stores Merchants e-Retailers Regional Pet Stores
----------------------- ------------- ---------------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Petco Wal*Mart Petstore.com Pet Supplies Plus
PETsMART Kmart Pets.com SuperPetz
Target Premium Pet

</TABLE>

As a result of Distribution's national presence, it has an opportunity to
enter into relationships with national chains, whereby Distribution, directly or
through its affiliates, provides services to all or substantially all of the
individual stores in the chain. From the point of view of the national retailer,
such an arrangement offers the benefit of a high level of service, lower cost of
doing business and administrative efficiencies. Distribution believes its
customers also benefit from the in-depth local market knowledge of its sales
personnel, in-store stocking, training of store employees and other value-added
merchandising services. Because these arrangements are not formalized in
writing, these retailers may at any time purchase products from competing
distributors.

Most major retailers, including customers of Distribution, currently purchase
a portion of their lawn and garden products and pet supplies directly from
certain large manufacturers rather than through distributors such as
Distribution. If a number of Distribution's major customers were to
substantially shift or increase their purchases to direct shipments from
manufacturers, our sales and earnings could be adversely affected.

Distribution's current practice on product returns generally is to accept and
credit the return of unopened cases of products from customers where the
quantity is small, the product has been misshipped or the product is defective.
Distribution has arrangements with its manufacturers and suppliers to stock
balance and/or credit it for a certain percentage of returned or defective
products. While in the past its return practice has not caused any material
adverse impact on operations, there can be no assurance in the future that
Distribution's operations will not be adversely impacted due to the return of
products.

Manufacturers and Suppliers

Distribution's national presence enables manufacturers and suppliers to access
retail outlets and end users through one primary distributor. In addition,
Distribution's menu of value-added services to retailers includes product
promotion and merchandising support that it believes many manufacturers and
suppliers could not efficiently perform. While Distribution purchases products
from approximately 1,000 different manufacturers and suppliers, management
believes that approximately 43% and 41% of its net sales for fiscal 1999 and
fiscal 1998, respectively, were derived from products purchased from Solaris, a
consumer lawn and garden business unit of Monsanto. Distribution expects this
percentage to decrease significantly due to the expiration of the Solaris
Agreement as defined below.

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Expiration of the Solaris Agreement

From October 1, 1995 to September 30, 1999, Distribution distributed Solaris
product nationwide, pursuant to an exclusive distribution agreement (the
"Solaris Agreement"). Management believes that the relationship with Solaris
embodied in the Solaris Agreement had a substantial impact on our results of
operations. Management believes that sales of products purchased from Solaris,
our largest supplier, accounted for approximately 43% of Distribution's net
sales and 27% of Central's net sales during fiscal 1999, and 41% of
Distribution's net sales and 28% of Central's net sales during fiscal 1998.
Under the Solaris Agreement, Distribution, in addition to serving as the master
agent and master distributor of Solaris products, provided a wide range of
value-added services including logistics, order processing and fulfillment,
inventory distribution and merchandising. As a result of the Solaris Agreement,
a majority of our sales of Solaris products were derived from servicing direct
sales accounts, whereas in 1995 and prior, a majority of our sales of Solaris
products were made by us as a traditional distributor. Under the Solaris
Agreement, our inventories of Solaris product increased significantly, since we
not only carried inventories to support our own sales of Solaris products but
also certain inventory previously carried by Solaris as well as additional
inventories to support sales of Solaris products by our former network of
independent distributors.

In January 1999, Monsanto sold its Solaris lawn and garden business exclusive
of its Roundup(R) herbicide products for consumer use to Scotts and entered into
a separate, long-term, exclusive agreement pursuant to which Monsanto continues
to make Roundup herbicide products for consumer use and Scotts markets the
products. Scotts has been for many years a substantial supplier to us and, in
connection with its direct sales, a substantial purchaser of our services.

We believe that the business likely to be taken over in fiscal year 2000 by
Scotts is estimated to be approximately $200-250 million in sales. The gross
profit associated with these sales in fiscal 1999 was approximately $15-25
million. We expect this loss of gross profit to be partially offset in fiscal
year 2000 with expense reductions and other business growth. However, there is
no assurance that the business taken over by Scotts will not be greater than
$200-250 million or that we will be successful in our attempts to reduce
expenses and generate new business.

Due to the changes in Scotts' distribution system, our inventory of Scotts
products and the related payables are likely to be reduced by an amount that is
estimated to be approximately $75 million. Additionally, we have taken actions
to realign our lawn and garden distribution operations to reflect business
levels for the fiscal year 2000. As a result, we have recorded charges of $ 7.6
million in the fiscal year ending September 25, 1999. These charges related
principally to the closing of three distribution centers and work force
reductions, as well as charges to reduce the carrying value of inventory to be
returned to Solaris to its estimated net realizable value, and to establish a
reserve for estimated non-collectable amounts due from distributors involved in
the Solaris program.

The amount and profitability of Distribution's business with Scotts in fiscal
year 2000 and in future years, if any, may be influenced by numerous factors and
is impossible to predict. Accordingly, the actual results of our operations may
differ significantly from the foregoing estimates.

The sale of the Solaris business by Monsanto and the expiration of the Solaris
Agreement subject our distribution business to significant uncertainties. These
include our new relationship with Scotts and the resolution of all payments due
between us and Monsanto under the Solaris Agreement, such as the amounts
receivable from Monsanto for cost reimbursements, payments for cost reductions
and payments for services; the amounts payable to Monsanto for inventory; and
responsibility for obsolete inventory and for non-payment by Solaris' sub-
agents. The resolution of these uncertainties may involve litigation and could
have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position
and/or cash flows.

10
<PAGE>

Management Information Systems

During their weekly visits to the retail stores, sales personnel transmit
orders to the appropriate distribution centers in any one of three methods:
remote order entry units (hand held, electronic devices), telephone or
facsimile. Generally, sales personnel transmit orders several times each day.
Certain retailers can also order products directly through Distribution's EDI
system or by purchasing items directly at each distribution center. After
customer orders are received and processed, shipping tickets are printed and
credit approved prior to the orders being sent to the warehouse manager. Our
warehouse employees then fill orders by manual selection and packaging.
Distribution believes that due to the unusual shapes and sizes of its products
(e.g., hand held tools, wheelbarrows and bags of fertilizer) current automatic
order selection systems are not as efficient and cost effective as its current
manual systems.

Distribution's management information systems collect data needed for
receivables and inventory management, customer, product and facility
profitability analysis, as well as permit electronic data interchange with
customers and suppliers. Distribution is presently electronically connected with
several major customers with a variety of applications that range from purchase
order receipt to paperless invoicing. Distribution also uses a shelf space
planning system that optimizes retail shelf space utilization and profitability.
Distribution receives more than a majority of its daily order volume from field
sales representatives utilizing hand-held order entry computers. Distribution's
systems enable it to provide delivery within one business day.

Distribution

In order to develop the most effective possible national distribution network,
Distribution relies on its 35 company-operated, distribution centers and
affiliation arrangements with certain regional distributors of lawn and garden
products.

Distribution generally will make deliveries from its distribution centers
within one to two days after receipt of the order and, if the customer requests,
will generally make "hot shot" deliveries within four hours after receipt of the
order. Distribution organizes its truck and delivery routes to optimize each
truck's merchandise load and number of deliveries. Distribution uses trucks to
deliver a substantial percentage of its products and common carriers for a small
percentage of deliveries. Common carriers are typically used for deliveries
beyond a 200 mile radius from the distribution center.

Competition

The lawn and garden products and pet supply distribution industries are highly
competitive. Traditionally, these industries have been characterized by intense
competition from large numbers of smaller local and regional distributors--with
competition based on price, service and personal relationships. In recent years,
Distribution has moved aggressively to insulate itself from this type of
competition through the development of a nationwide presence, forging
relationships with manufacturers, suppliers and major retailers and adding new
value-added services.

In addition to competition from other distributors, Distribution also faces
increased competition from manufacturers and suppliers which distribute some
percentage of their products directly to retailers, bypassing distributors, or
through a dual distribution system in which the manufacturer or supplier
competes with distributors for sales to certain accounts. For example, beginning
October 1, 1999, Scotts began to sell Ortho(R), Roundup(R) and Miracle-Gro(R)
products directly to certain major retailers. Such competition is typically
based on service and price. Although Distribution competes against direct sales
by manufacturers and suppliers, it is often able to participate in such direct
sales by entering into agreements with the manufacturers and suppliers pursuant
to which it provides the manufacturers and suppliers with order processing,
warehousing, shipping and certain in-store services in connection with such
direct sales in return for a fee from the manufacturers and suppliers.

THE PET PRODUCTS BUSINESS

Overview

Pet Products is a leading manufacturer of proprietary branded pet supply
products, including FourPaws(R), Zodiac(R), Kaytee(R) and TFH(R). Pet Products
accounted for 13% of Central's consolidated net sales in fiscal 1999, 14% in
fiscal 1998 and 5% in fiscal 1997, and 48% of Central's income from operations,
before the allocation of certain corporate costs, in fiscal 1999, 36% in fiscal
1998 and 35% in fiscal 1997. As a result of both acquisitions and internal
expansion, Pet

11
<PAGE>

Products has grown from sales of approximately $47 million in fiscal 1997 to
approximately $236 million in fiscal 1999, and increased the number of
manufacturing facilities from one in 1994 to nine as of September 25, 1999.

Proprietary Branded Pet Products

Pet Products' principal pet supply product lines include the Four Paws' line
of animal products, the TFH line of pet books and premium dog chews, the Kaytee
line of bird and small animal food, the Wellmark line of flea and tick products,
and the Island Aquarium line of aquariums.

Four Paws. Four Paws is one of the largest manufacturers of dog, cat, reptile
and small animal products in the United States. Four Paws products include Magic
Coat(R) shampoos, Wee-Wee Pads, a line of grooming supplies for dogs and cats,
tie out cables and accessories, oral hygiene products and a complete line of
catnip products. Four Paws also offers a line of heating equipment and bedding
material for reptiles. Four Paws recently introduced a line of hard rubber toys
called Rough & Rugged. Four Paws products are distributed throughout the United
States, Canada, Europe and Asia.

TFH Publications. TFH is the largest producer of pet books in the United
States and the manufacturer of premium dog chews and edible bones under the
brand names Nylabone(R), Gumabone(R), Healthy Edibles(R) and Flexibone(R). TFH
currently has over 1,200 titles in print and publishes two monthly magazines and
ten quarterly magazines. Nylabone is also introducing a new line of dog houses,
pet carriers and dog and cat toys.

Kaytee. Kaytee is one of the nation's largest manufacturers of bird seed for
caged and wild birds as well as a manufacturer of food for small animals,
including the brand names Kaytee(R) and Amazon Smythe(R). Kaytee also
manufactures wild bird feed under the brand name Natures Harvest(TM) for Kmart
Corporation and under the PETsMART private label.

Wellmark. Wellmark is a leading manufacturer of flea, tick and pest
protection products for a diversified group of pest control markets. These
products--which include on-animal sprays, shampoos and powders, collars, indoor
foggers, aerosols, concentrates and pump-sprays--are based on the active
ingredient methoprene. Wellmark owns the Zodiac(R) and Vet-Kem(R) trademarks in
the United States and Canada as well as those of Ovitrol(R), Siphotrol(R),
Fleatrol(TM), vIGRen(R), Petcor(R), Precor(R) and Natural Signature(R).

Island Aquarium. Island Aquarium manufactures aquariums, terrariums, and
aquarium and terrarium furniture sold under the brand name Island(R) Aquarium.

Sales and Marketing

Pet Products' branded products are sold nationwide through distribution
networks and directly to retailers, including national specialty pet stores,
mass merchants, bookstores and independent pet retailers. Wellmark also sells
products to the professional pest control market and veterinarians. At September
25, 1999, Pet Products employed approximately 100 sales and marketing personnel
located throughout our Pet Products companies.

Sales to mass merchants and national specialty pet stores represent a
significant portion of Pet Products' sales. Sales to PETsMART represented 11% of
Pet Products' sales in fiscal 1999 and 10% in fiscal 1998. Sales to Petco
represented 9% of Pet Products' sales in fiscal 1999 and 7% in fiscal 1998.

Manufacturing

Pet Products currently operates nine manufacturing facilities. In addition,
certain of its proprietary branded products are manufactured by contract
manufacturers. Pet Products also has a development team that is responsible for
developing new products within existing proprietary branded product lines and
the development of new proprietary branded product lines.

Four Paws operates manufacturing facilities in Hauppauge, New York, along with
its nylon division in Damascus, Ohio. TFH's book division and Nylabone
manufacturing facilities are located in Neptune City, New Jersey. Kaytee
operates manufacturing facilities in Abilene, Kansas, Chilton, Wisconsin,
Cressona, Pennsylvania and Rialto, California.

12
<PAGE>

Wellmark operates a manufacturing and technology center in Dallas, Texas. Island
Aquarium operates a manufacturing facility in Fontana, California.

Purchasing

Most of the raw materials purchased by Pet Products are acquired from a number
of different suppliers; however, a number of items are purchased from limited or
single sources of supply, and disruption of these sources could have a temporary
adverse effect on product shipments and Pet Products' financial results. Pet
Products believes alternative sources could be obtained to supply these
materials, but a prolonged delay in obtaining certain materials could result in
lost sales.

The principal raw materials required for Kaytee's bird seed manufacturing
operations are bulk commodity grains, including millet, milo, wheat and
sunflower seeds. Kaytee generally purchases these raw materials one to three
months in advance. Raw materials are generally purchased from large national
commodity companies and local grain cooperatives.

In order to ensure an adequate supply of seed to satisfy expected production
volume, Kaytee enters into contracts to purchase grain and seed at future dates
by fixing the quantity, and often the price, at the commitment date.

Distribution

Pet Products sells its products directly to retailers, and through
Distribution and a network of independent distributors. Approximately 15% of the
products are distributed through Distribution's network.

Competition

The pet supply products industry is highly competitive. Our branded pet
products compete against national and regional products and private label
products produced by various suppliers. Our Four Paws and Wellmark branded
products compete principally against branded products marketed by such companies
as Hartz Mountain, Sergeants, Doskocil and Eight in One. TFH Publications' pet
books compete principally against books published by Howell and Barrons, and
Nylabone products compete principally against products manufactured by
Aspen/Booda. Our Kaytee products compete principally against products marketed
by Hartz Mountain, Sun Seed, Audobon Park and Wagner. Pet Products competes
primarily on the basis of its strong brand names, quality, value, service and
price. Pet Products' competitive position is supported by Distribution's
national sales force.

MATTERS RELATING TO CENTRAL GENERALLY

Significant Customers

Wal*Mart represented approximately 25% of Central's sales in fiscal 1999, 23%
in fiscal 1998 and 19% in fiscal 1997. Wal*Mart holds significant positions in
the retail lawn and garden and pet supplies markets. The loss of Wal*Mart or a
substantial decrease in the amount of its purchases could have a material
adverse effect on Central's business. Home Depot represented approximately 9% of
Central's sales in fiscal 1999 and 8% in fiscal 1998 and 1997. Lowe's
represented approximately 6% of Central's sales in fiscal 1999 and 1998.

Patent and Other Proprietary Rights

Central's branded products companies hold numerous patents in the United
States and in other countries, and have many patent applications pending in the
United States and in other countries. Central considers the development of
patents through creative research and the maintenance of an active patent
program to be advantageous in the conduct of its business, but does not regard
the holding of any particular patent as essential to its operations. Central
grants licenses to certain manufacturers on various terms and enters into cross-
licensing arrangements with other parties.

13
<PAGE>

Employees

As of September 25, 1999, Central had approximately 5,000 employees of which
approximately 4,100 were full-time employees and 900 were temporary or part-time
employees. We hire substantial numbers of temporary employees for the peak lawn
and garden shipping season of February through June to meet the increased demand
experienced during the spring and summer months, including merchandising in
stores. All of our temporary employees are paid on an hourly basis. Except for
certain employees at TFH Publications, Inc. and a Kaytee facility in Rialto,
California, none of our employees is represented by a labor union. We consider
our relationships with our employees to be good.

Environmental Considerations

Several of our subsidiaries and many of the products distributed by us are
subject to regulation by federal, state and local authorities. In addition, in
connection with the Sandoz Flea and Tick acquisition, we acquired a production
facility in Texas which makes, among other things, products based upon the
active ingredient Methoprene, and is subject to regulation by federal, state and
local authorities. Such regulations are often complex and are subject to change.
Environmental regulations may affect us by restricting the manufacturing or use
of our products or regulating their disposal. Regulatory or legislative changes
may cause future increases in our operating costs or otherwise affect
operations. Although we believe we are and have been in substantial compliance
with such regulations and have strict internal guidelines on the handling and
disposal of our products, there is no assurance that in the future we may not be
adversely affected by such regulations or incur increased operating costs in
complying with such regulations. However, neither the compliance with regulatory
requirements nor our environmental procedures can ensure that we will not be
subject to claims for personal injury, property damages or governmental
enforcement.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Certain information regarding the executive officers of the Company is set
forth below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Age Position
---- --- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
William E. Brown....................... 58 Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

Glenn W. Novotny....................... 52 President, Chief Operating Officer and Director

Robert B. Jones........................ 67 Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

Brooks M. Pennington III............... 45 Chief Executive Officer of Pennington Seed, Inc. and
Director
</TABLE>

William E. Brown has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company
since 1980. From 1977 to 1980, Mr. Brown was Senior Vice President of the
Vivitar Corporation with responsibility for Finance, Operations, and Research &
Development. From 1972 to 1977, he was with McKesson Corporation where he was
responsible for its 200-site data processing organization. Prior to joining
McKesson Corporation, Mr. Brown spent the first 10 years of his business career
at McCormick, Inc. in manufacturing, engineering and data processing.

Glenn W. Novotny has been President of the Company since June 1990 and was
President of the predecessor Weyerhaeuser Garden Supply ("WGS") since 1988.
Prior thereto, he was with Weyerhaeuser Corporation for 20 years with a wide
range of managerial experience including manufacturing, accounting, strategic
planning, sales, general management and business turnarounds.

Robert B. Jones joined the Company in July 1991 as Corporate Controller. He
became Chief Financial Officer in June 1993 and Secretary in May 1994.

Brooks M. Pennington III joined the Company in February 1998 when the Company
acquired Pennington Seed, Inc. Mr. Pennington has been the President and Chief
Executive Officer of Pennington Seed, Inc. since June 1994, and prior thereto,
he was the Senior Vice President, Legal, Finance and Administration of
Pennington Seed, Inc.

14
<PAGE>

Item 2. Properties

As of September 25, 1999, Central operated 43 distribution facilities totaling
approximately 4,387,000 square feet and 22 manufacturing facilities totaling
approximately 2,361,000 square feet. Most distribution centers consist of office
and warehouse space, and several large bays for loading and unloading. Each
distribution center provides warehouse, distribution, sales and support
functions for its geographic area under the supervision of a regional manager.
Central's executive offices are located in Lafayette, California.

The table below lists Central's Distribution facilities:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Northwest Region Midwest Region Eastern Region
---------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Algona, WA Bloomington, IL China Grove, NC
Boise, ID Kansas City, MO Mahwah, NJ
Denver, CO Minneapolis, MN
Medford, OR Wentzville, MO Southeast Region
Portland, OR ----------------
Salt Lake City, UT Southwest Region Atlanta, GA
---------------- Greensboro, NC
Western Region Albuquerque, NM# Miami, FL
-------------- Dallas, TX (2) Orlando, FL
Phoenix, AZ Hammond, LA Suwanee, GA
Sacramento, CA (2) Houston, TX (2) Tampa, FL
Santa Fe Springs, CA (2) Little Rock, AR
Visalia, CA# Lubbock, TX*
San Antonio, TX McAlester, OK#
New Orleans, LA
</TABLE>

* Company owned
# Scheduled for closure

The table below lists Central's Garden Products manufacturing and distribution
facilities:

<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Columbia, SC* Longmont, CO* San Leandro, CA (2)
Cullman, AL* Madison, GA (3)* Shady Dale, GA*
Eatonton, GA* Ontario, CA Sidney, NE*
El Centro, CA* Petersburg, VA* Stockton, CA
Greenfield, MO (3)* Ponchatoula, LA*
Lebanon, OR* Roll, AZ*
</TABLE>

* Company owned

The table below lists Central's Pet Products manufacturing facilities:

<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Abilene, KS* Dallas, TX* Hauppauge, NY
Chilton, WI* Damascus, OH Neptune City, NJ
Cressona, PA* Fontana, CA Rialto, CA*
</TABLE>

* Company owned

Central's leases generally expire between 2000 and 2007. Substantially all of
the leases contain renewal provisions with automatic rent escalation clauses. In
addition to the facilities that are owned, Central's fixed assets are comprised
primarily of trucks and warehousing, transportation and computer equipment. As
of September 25, 1999, Central operated a fleet of approximately 350 trucks most
of which are leased. During Central's peak season it rents additional trucks.

15
<PAGE>

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

Central is not a party to any material litigation. For a discussion of
potential litigation relating to the termination of the Solaris Agreement,
please see Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations.

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

Inapplicable.

PART II

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

The Common Stock of the Company has been traded on the Nasdaq National Market
under the symbol CENT since the Company's initial public offering on July 15,
1993. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the highest
and lowest closing sale prices for the Common Stock, as reported by the Nasdaq
National Market.

High Low
Fiscal 1998 ---- ---
First Quarter........................................ 32.00 25.75
Second Quarter....................................... 39.38 26.00
Third Quarter........................................ 40.06 27.38
Fourth Quarter....................................... 32.50 14.13
Fiscal 1999
First Quarter........................................ 22.81 12.25
Second Quarter....................................... 17.50 12.78
Third Quarter........................................ 16.88 10.25
Fourth Quarter....................................... 10.88 7.50

As of September 25, 1999, there were approximately 155 holders of record of
the Company's Common Stock and 8 holders of record of the Company's Class B
Stock.

Central has not paid any cash dividends on its common stock in the past.
Central currently intends to retain any earnings for use in its business and
does not anticipate paying any cash dividends on its common stock in the
foreseeable future. In addition, Central's line of credit restricts its ability
to pay dividends. See Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

16
<PAGE>

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The following selected income statement and balance sheet data of Central as
of and for the nine-month period ended September 30, 1995 and the fiscal years
ended September 28, 1996, September 27, 1997, September 26, 1998 and September
25, 1999 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements.
The financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with "Item 8 -
Financial Statements and Supplemental Data - Consolidated Financial Statements
of the Company and related Notes thereto and Item 7 - Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included
elsewhere herein.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine-Month Fiscal Year Ended
Period Ended -----------------------------------------------------------------------
September 30, September 28, September 27, September 26, September 25,
1995(1) 1996 1997 1998 1999
-------------- ------------ ------------ ------------- -------------
(in thousands, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Income Statement Data:
Net sales (2)........................ $373,734 $619,622 $841,007 $1,294,864 $1,535,629
Cost of goods sold and occupancy..... 316,832 535,189 694,925 1,009,143 1,182,828
-------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------
Gross profit....................... 56,902 84,433 146,082 285,721 352,801
Selling, general and administrative
expenses............................ 48,075 66,945 109,160 209,014 289,379
Other charges........................ - - - 11,003 7,602
-------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------
Income from operations............... 8,827 17,488 36,922 65,704 55,820
Interest expense - net............... (5,891) (4,061) (6,554) (7,609) (12,087)
Other income (expense) - net......... (953) 1,038 - - -
-------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------
Income before income taxes........... 1,983 14,465 30,368 58,095 43,733
Income tax expense................... 904 6,017 12,765 24,402 19,243
-------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------
Net income........................... $ 1,079 $ 8,448 $ 17,603 $ 33,693 $ 24,490
======== ======== ======== ========== ==========
Net income per common share
Basic.............................. $0.19 $0.74 $1.11 $1.18 $.90
Diluted............................ $0.18 $0.71 $1.07 $1.15 $.89
Weighted average shares
outstanding
Basic.............................. 5,774 11,430 15,832 28,502 27,328
Diluted............................ 5,972 11,904 19,970 33,007 27,437

September 30, September 28, September 27, September 26, September 25,
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- -------------
Balance Sheet Data:
Working capital...................... $ 25,316 $ 95,670 $253,926 $ 277,713 $ 169,628
Total assets......................... 142,680 283,664 559,043 928,700 955,830
Short-term borrowings................ 39,670 29,508 72 8,095 97,368
Long-term borrowings................. 11,130 7,635 115,200 125,125 123,898
Shareholders' equity................. 38,402 129,559 281,807 588,774 495,727
</TABLE>
_________________

(1) In 1995, the Company changed its fiscal year end to the last Saturday in
September. Accordingly, the fiscal period ended September 30, 1995 was a
nine-month period.

(2) See Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations herein for a discussion of sales fluctuations related to
internal growth and business acquisitions for fiscal years 1999, 1998 and
1997.

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

Overview

From October 1, 1995 to September 30, 1999, Distribution distributed Solaris
product nationwide, pursuant to an exclusive distribution agreement. Management
believes that the relationship with Solaris embodied in the Solaris Agreement
had a substantial impact on our results of operations. Sales of products
purchased from Solaris, our largest

17
<PAGE>

supplier, accounted for approximately 43% of Distribution's net sales and 27% of
Central's net sales during fiscal 1999 and 41% of Distribution's net sales and
28% of Central's net sales during fiscal 1998. Under the Solaris Agreement,
Distribution, in addition to serving as the master agent and master distributor
of Solaris products, provided a wide range of value-added services including
logistics, order processing and fulfillment, inventory distribution and
merchandising. As a result of the Solaris Agreement, a majority of our sales of
Solaris products were derived from servicing direct sales accounts, whereas in
1995 and prior, a majority of our sales of Solaris products were made by us as a
traditional distributor. Under the Solaris Agreement, our inventories of Solaris
product increased significantly, since we not only carried inventories to
support our own sales of Solaris products but also certain inventory previously
carried by Solaris as well as additional inventories to support sales of Solaris
products by our former network of independent distributors.

Due to the changes in Scotts' distribution system, our inventory of Scotts
products and the related payables are likely to be reduced by an amount that is
estimated to be in excess of $75 million. Additionally, we have taken actions to
realign our lawn and garden distribution operations to reflect business levels
for fiscal 2000. As a result, we have recorded charges of $7.6 million in the
fiscal year ending September 25, 1999. These charges related principally to the
closing of three distribution centers and work force reductions as well as
charges to reduce the carrying value of inventory to be returned to Solaris to
its estimated net realizable value, and to establish a reserve for estimated
non-collectable amounts due from distributors involved in the Solaris program.

The amount and profitability of Distribution's business with Scotts in fiscal
2000 and in future years, if any, may be influenced by numerous factors and is
impossible to predict. Accordingly, the actual results of our operations may
differ significantly from the foregoing estimates.

18
<PAGE>

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the relative
percentages that certain income and expense items bear to net sales:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Ended
----------------------------------------------------
September 27, September 26, September 25,
1997 1998 1999
------------ ------------ --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales.......................................... 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Cost of goods sold and occupancy................... 82.6 77.9 77.0
-------- ---------- -----------
Gross profit....................................... 17.4 22.1 23.0
Selling, general and administrative expenses....... 13.0 16.1 18.8
Other charges...................................... 0.0 0.9 0.5
-------- ---------- -----------
Income from operations............................. 4.4 5.1 3.7
Interest expense - net............................. 0.8 0.6 0.8
-------- ---------- -----------
Income before income taxes......................... 3.6 4.5 2.9
Income taxes....................................... 1.5 1.9 1.3
-------- ---------- -----------
Net income......................................... 2.1% 2.6% 1.6%
======== ========== ===========
</TABLE>

Fiscal 1999 Compared with Fiscal 1998

Net sales for the year ended September 25, 1999 increased by 18.6% or $240.8
million to $1,535.6 million from $1,294.8 million for the year ended September
26, 1998. Of the $240.8 million increase, approximately $132.7 million was
attributable to businesses acquired. Of the increase related to our existing
business, approximately $85.2 million was attributable to Distribution, $28.4
million to Garden Products and a decrease of $5.5 million was attributable to
Pet Products.

Gross profit increased by 23.5% or $67.1 million from $285.7 million during
the year ended September 26, 1998 to $352.8 million for the comparable 1999
period. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased from 22.1% for
fiscal 1998 to 23.0% for fiscal 1999. While gross profit from existing
operations increased compared with 1998, approximately $47.5 million of the
increase related to acquired operations. The increase in gross profit as a
percentage of net sales is the result of a larger proportion of Garden Products
and Pet Products sales relative to total sales in fiscal 1999 compared to fiscal
1998.

For the year ended September 25, 1999, selling, general and administrative
expenses increased by $80.4 million to $289.4 million from $209.0 million for
the year ended September 26, 1998, an increase of 38.5%. Of the $80.4 million
increase, approximately $33.9 million related to newly acquired operations. As
a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses
increased from 16.1% in fiscal 1998 to 18.9% in fiscal 1999. Of the $46.5
million increase related to our existing business, approximately $29.4 million
is the result of increased sales volume in fiscal 1999. The balance of the
increase is attributable to (1) $7.8 million related to the expanded use of
common freight carriers, additional sales and service personnel and increased
facilities costs within Distribution, (2) $3.4 million related to product
development and packaging design and testing for both Pet Products and Garden
Products, (3) $1.4 million related to computer conversion costs for certain
older systems acquired in acquisitions, and expanded use of data communication
lines to link all our computer systems, (4) $1.7 million increase in goodwill
amortization, and (5) approximately $2.8 million related to increased medical
insurance, legal and professional, and personnel costs.

For the year ended September 25, 1999, the Company recorded other charges
totaling $7.6 million. $2.8 million of these charges related to the resizing of
our Distribution operations and costs associated with the expiration of the
Solaris Agreement. The resizing of our Distribution operations was made to
reflect the fact that our sales volume of Solaris products in fiscal 2000 will
be reduced from the volume in fiscal 1999 by an estimated $200-$250 million.
In order to minimize the impact of this loss of revenue, the Company has
initiated plans to close its distribution centers located in Visalia,
California; McAlester, Oklahoma; and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Customers
primarily serviced by these locations have been assigned to other Company
facilities. The remaining $4.8 million of the charge, is required to reduce

19
<PAGE>

the carrying value of inventory to be returned to Solaris to its estimated net
realizable value, and to establish a reserve for estimated non-collectable
amounts due from distributors involved in the Solaris program.

Net interest expense for the year ended September 25, 1999 increased by
approximately 59% or $4.5 million to $12.1 million for $7.6 million for the year
ended September 26, 1998. The increase is due to higher average outstanding
short-term debt resulting principally from the Company's stock repurchase
program and the acquisition in January 1999 of Norcal Pottery. During fiscal
1999, the Company repurchased its stock for a total cost of approximately $121.7
million primarily through the use of its revolving credit facility.

Average short-term borrowings for fiscal 1999 were $65.8 million compared with
$42.8 million for fiscal 1998. The average short-term interest rates for the
years ended September 25, 1999 and September 26, 1998 were 7.5% and 8.7%,
respectively.

The Company's effective income tax rate for 1999 was 44% compared with 42% for
fiscal 1998. The increase in the effective tax rate results principally from
non-deductible goodwill expense being a higher percentage of taxable income than
was the case in fiscal 1998.

Fiscal 1998 Compared with Fiscal 1997

Net sales for the year ended September 26, 1998 increased by 54.0% or $453.9
million to $1,294.9 million from $841.0 million for the year ended September 27,
1997. Of the $453.9 million increase, approximately $389.9 million was
attributable to businesses acquired. The increase related to existing business
was attributable principally to Distribution with modest increases in Garden
Products and Pet Products.

Gross profit increased by 95.6% or $139.6 million from $146.1 million during
the year ended September 27, 1997 to $285.7 million for the comparable 1998
period. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased from 17.4% for
fiscal year 1997 to 22.1% for fiscal year 1998. While gross profit from
existing operations increased compared with 1997, a substantial portion of the
total increase relates to newly acquired businesses. The increase in gross
profit as a percentage of net sales is due principally to a larger proportion of
higher margin branded product sales relative to total sales in fiscal 1997. The
change in sales mix is primarily attributed to businesses acquired since October
1997.

For the year ended September 26, 1998, selling, general and administrative
expenses increased by $99.8 million to $209.0 million from $109.2 million for
the year ended September 27, 1997. Of the $99.8 million increase, approximately
$91.9 million is attributable to newly acquired businesses. As a percentage of
net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased from 13.0% in
1997 to 16.1% in 1998. This percentage increase relates to the Garden Products
and Pet Products businesses acquired during fiscal 1998. These types of
businesses have significantly higher operating costs as a percentage of sales
than Distribution. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage
of net sales from existing operations decreased slightly from 13.0% for fiscal
1997 to 12.9% for fiscal year 1998. As branded products become a greater
percentage of total sales, selling, general and administrative expense as a
percentage of net sales should continue to increase.

For the year ended September 26, 1998, the Company recorded other charges
totaling $11.0 million. These charges related principally to (1) the closure of
11 of the Company's branch locations and (2) costs associated with professional
and due diligence expenses principally related to a potential major acquisition
that was not completed. Of the 11 operations which were closed, seven were
related to Distribution's pet supplies business; five in the Western U.S. and
two in the Northeast market. The closure and consolidation of these operations
into other existing branches was principally due to the acquisition of regional
pet retailers by two major pet retailers, and in the Northeast market the
decision by one major retailer to purchase a larger percentage of their products
either directly from manufacturers into its retail store locations or distribute
these products through internal distribution centers. As a result of these
actions, the overall market for the Company's pet supplies business in these
geographic areas was reduced. The costs to realign and integrate the affected
operations amounted to approximately $6.7 million. The Company believes that the
closure of these locations will enable it to serve its customer base more cost
effectively. The closure of two of the Company's Southern California
Distribution branches was done in conjunction with the transfer of certain
business previously shipped from the Company's Central California facility. The
operations of these three branches were consolidated into a larger existing
facility in Southern California. The Company believes that the move will reduce
shipping costs within California while at the same time provide better service
to its customers. The remaining branches which were closed related to the

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Company's vegetable seed distribution operation in Celaya, Mexico, and the
consolidation of the Pennington Seed operation in Arkansas into the Company's
branch in Arkansas. The Celaya branch was part of a larger acquisition made by
the Company several years ago. Since the sale of vegetable seed has never been
part of the Company's core business and revenues have remained modest with
little growth potential, the Company elected to exit this business.

Net interest expense for the year ended September 26, 1998 increased by 16.1%
or $1.1 million to $7.6 million from $6.6 million for the year ended September
27, 1997. The increase is due to higher average outstanding debt principally
related to debt assumed on the businesses acquired since October 1997, offset in
part by an increase in interest income. Interest income was earned from funds
available as a result of the public offering of the Company's common stock
completed in January 1998. Substantially all of these funds have been used to
acquire businesses during fiscal 1998.

Average short-term borrowings for fiscal 1998 were $42.8 million compared with
$9.2 million for fiscal 1997. The average interest rates for the fiscal years
ended September 26, 1998 and September 27, 1997 were 8.7% and 7.4%,
respectively.

The Company's effective income tax rate was 42% for both fiscal years.

Impact of Year 2000

State of Readiness. In early 1998, Central conducted an overall assessment of
its systems, including Year 2000 readiness. Based on this assessment, Central
developed a plan to deal with Year 2000 issues, which covered both systems and
vendor/customer issues. The plan included both upgrades to or replacement of
current systems to bring all of Central's systems into compliance. Many of the
existing information systems used by subsidiaries or divisions acquired by
Central were replaced, primarily for business reasons apart from Year 2000
issues.

Central has used primarily internal resources to reprogram or replace and test
its systems for Year 2000 compliance. In addition, Central has used certain
external resources to replace outdated information systems at certain of its
subsidiaries' operations. These systems changes were completed during fiscal
1999.

The plan developed to address vendor and customer issues included systems
integration, testing and communication strategies. Central has sent
confirmations and discussed Year 2000 readiness with its significant vendors and
customers to determine the extent to which it may be vulnerable to a failure by
any of these third parties to remediate their own Year 2000 issues. Central has
tested electronic data transmissions to and from its major vendors and customers
to ensure Year 2000 compliance. In addition to vendors and customers, Central
also relies upon governmental agencies, utility companies, telecommunication
service companies and other service providers outside of Central's control.
Nothing has come to the Company's attention that would indicate a Year 2000
problem which would affect the Company, however, there can be no assurance that
Central's vendors or customers, governmental agencies or other third parties
will not suffer a Year 2000 business disruption that could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or financial position.

Costs to Address the Year 2000 Issue. To date, Central has incurred no
significant incremental costs addressing Year 2000 issues, although it has
incurred costs, independent of the Year 2000 Issue, relating to the
implementation of new systems for certain subsidiaries. Central has no separate
budget for Year 2000 Issues, and expenditures relating to the Year 2000 issues
have not been material to the Company's results of operations or financial
position.

Risks Presented by the Year 2000 Issue. The Company believes that the most
likely risks of serious Year 2000 business disruptions are external in nature,
such as (i) disruptions in telecommunications, electric, or transportation
services, (ii) failure by third parties to provide goods or services essential
to the Company's business activities and (iii) noncompliance of smaller trading
partners. Of all the external risks, the Company believes the most reasonably
likely worst case scenario would be a business disruption resulting from an
extended and/or extensive communications failure. With its extensive use of
technology, the Company is now dependent on data and voice communications to
receive, process, track and bill customers' orders, move funds, replenish
product and complete other activities critical to the Company's business. Based
on the Company's information regarding the readiness of its major communications
carriers, as well as the Company's developing contingency plans, the Company
expects that any such disruption would be likely to be localized and of short
duration, and would therefore not be likely to have a material adverse effect on
the Company.

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Contingency Plans. Central's Year 2000 plan includes contingency plans in the
events that Central's computer systems experience unforeseen problems relating
to the Year 2000 issue or any third parties who provide goods or services
essential to Central's business fail to appropriately address their Year 2000
issues. These contingency plans include alternative electronic and manual means
for placing and receiving orders, and alternative power supplies and
communication lines, as well as having qualified computer professionals on
24-hour-a-day stand by during the period from December 31, 1999 through
January 4, 2000.

Inflation

The results of operations and financial condition are presented based upon
historical cost. While it is difficult to accurately measure the impact of
inflation, the Company believes that the effects of inflation on its operations
have been immaterial.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company has financed its growth through a combination of bank borrowings,
supplier credit, internally generated funds and sales of securities to the
public. The Company received net proceeds (after offering expenses) of
approximately $431.0 million from its five public offerings of common stock in
July 1993, November 1995, July 1996, August 1997 and January 1998. In November
1996, the Company completed the sale of $115 million 6% subordinated convertible
notes generating approximately $112 million net of underwriting commissions.

The Company's business is highly seasonal and its working capital requirements
and capital resources track closely to this seasonal pattern. During the first
fiscal quarter accounts receivable reach their lowest level while inventory,
accounts payable and short-term borrowings increase. Since the Company's short-
term credit line fluctuates based upon a specified asset borrowing base, this
quarter is typically the period when the asset borrowing base is at its lowest
and consequently the Company's ability to borrow is at its lowest. During the
second fiscal quarter, receivables, accounts payable and short-term borrowings
begin to increase, reflecting the build-up of inventory and related payables in
anticipation of the peak selling season. During the third fiscal quarter,
principally due to the Solaris Agreement, inventory levels remain relatively
constant while accounts receivable peak and short-term borrowings start to
decline as cash collections are received during the peak selling season. During
the fourth fiscal quarter, inventory levels are at their lowest, and accounts
receivable and payables are substantially reduced through conversion of
receivables to cash.

For the year ended September 25, 1999, the Company generated cash from
operating activities of $63.6 million. Net cash used in investing activities of
$32.7 million resulted from acquisitions and additions to plant and equipment .
Cash used by financing activities was $33.2 million and related principally to
the repurchase of the Company's stock in the amount of $121.7 million, and was
primarily financed by short-term borrowings of $87.4 million. Additionally,
$2.5 million was received from the exercise of stock options and shares
purchased under the Company's employee stock purchase plan.

The Company has a $125.0 million line of credit with Congress Financial
Corporation (Western). The available amount under the line of credit fluctuates
based upon a specific asset-borrowing base. The line of credit bears interest
at a rate equal to the prime rate per annum, and is secured by substantially all
of the Company's assets. At September 25, 1999, the Company had $75.8 million
of outstanding borrowings and had $49.2 million of available borrowing capacity
under this line. The Company's line of credit contains certain financial
covenants such as minimum net worth and minimum working capital requirements.
The line also requires the lender's prior written consent to any acquisition of
a business and includes a ceiling on the dollar amount the Company can utilize
to reacquire Company stock. In connection with the acquisition of one company
in fiscal 1998, the Company assumed a $60 million line of credit, of which
approximately $39.7 million was available at September 25, 1999. Interest
related to this line is based on a rate either equal to the prime rate or LIBOR
plus .875% at the Company's option.

The Company believes that cash flow from operations, funds available under its
lines of credit and arrangements with suppliers will be adequate to fund its
presently anticipated working capital requirements for the foreseeable future.
The Company anticipates that its capital expenditures will not exceed $18.0
million for the next 12 months.

As part of its growth strategy, the Company has engaged in acquisition
discussions with a number of companies in the past and it anticipates it will
continue to evaluate potential acquisition candidates. If one or more potential
acquisition

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opportunities, including those that would be material, become available in the
near future, the Company may require additional external capital. In addition,
such acquisitions would subject the Company to the general risks associated with
acquiring companies, particularly if the acquisitions are relatively large.

Weather and Seasonality

Historically, the Company's sales of lawn and garden products have been
influenced by weather and climate conditions in the markets it serves. For
example, during the first six months of both 1993 and 1995 and the first three
months of the calendar year in 1996, the Company's results of operations were
negatively affected by severe weather conditions in many parts of the country.
Additionally, the Company's business is highly seasonal. In fiscal 1999,
approximately 64% of the Company's sales occurred in the first six months of the
calendar year. Substantially all of the Company's operating income is typically
generated in this period which has historically offset the operating losses
incurred during the first fiscal quarter of the year.

Risk Factors Relating to Forward-Looking Statements

This Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. These forward looking statements include information regarding
future financial results, the estimated effect of the termination of the Solaris
Agreement and future acquisition activity. Our actual results could differ
materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a
result of factors both in and out of our control, including the risks faced by
us described below and elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

You should carefully consider the risks described below. We have separated
the risks into four groups:

. risks that relate to Garden Products;

. risks that relate to Distribution;

. risks that relate to Pet Products; and

. risks that relate to Central generally.

In addition, the risks described below are not the only ones facing us. We
have only described the risks we consider to be the most material. However,
there may be additional risks that are viewed by us as not material or are not
presently known to us.

If any of the events described below were to occur, our business, prospects,
financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows could be materially
adversely affected. When we say below that something could or will have a
material adverse effect on us, we mean that it could or will have one or more of
these effects. In any such case, the price of our common stock could decline,
and you could lose all or part of your investment in our company.

Risks Relating to Garden Products

Adverse weather during the peak gardening season can hurt Garden Products' and
our net sales.

Because demand for lawn and garden products is significantly influenced by
weather, particularly weekend weather during the peak gardening season, our
results of operations could be adversely affected by certain weather patterns
such as unseasonably cool or warm temperatures, water shortages or floods.
During the last several years, our results of operations were negatively
affected by severe weather conditions in some parts of the country.
Additionally, our business is highly seasonal, with approximately 66% of our
sales in fiscal 1999 occurring during the second and third quarters of the
fiscal year. Historically, substantially all of our operating income is
generated in this period.

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An increase in market prices for grains used to produce bird seed and grass seed
could have a negative impact on our operating income.

Garden Products' financial results depend to a large extent on the cost of raw
materials and the ability of Garden Products' to pass along to its customers
increases in these costs. In particular, our Pennington subsidiary is exposed
to fluctuation in market prices for commodity grains, used to produce bird seed
and grass seed. Historically, market prices for commodity grains have
fluctuated in response to a number of factors, including changes in United
States government farm support programs, changes in international agricultural
and trading policies and weather conditions during the growing and harvesting
seasons. In the event of any increases in raw materials costs, Garden Products
would be required to increase sales prices for its products in order to avoid
margin deterioration. There can be no assurance as to the timing or extent of
Garden Products' ability to implement future price adjustments in the event of
increased raw material costs or as to whether any price increases implemented by
Garden Products may affect the volumes of future shipments.

To protect against changes in market prices, we enter into purchase contracts
for grains, bird seed and grass seed to cover approximately one-third of the
purchase requirements for a selling season. Since we hedge only a portion of our
purchase requirements, if market prices for grains increase, our cost of
production would increase.

Garden Products depends on a few customers, including Wal*Mart and Lowes, for a
significant portion of its net sales.

Garden Products' largest customer is Wal*Mart, which accounted for
approximately 41% and 42% of its net sales for fiscal 1999 and fiscal 1998,
respectively. Garden Products' second largest customer is Lowes, which accounted
for approximately 10% and 15% of its net sales for fiscal 1999 and fiscal 1998,
respectively. The loss of, or significant adverse change in, the relationship
between us and Wal*Mart or Lowes could cause our net sales and income from
operations to decline. The loss of or reduction in orders from any significant
customer, losses arising from customer disputes regarding shipments, fees,
merchandise condition or related matters, or our inability to collect accounts
receivable from any major customer could reduce our income from operations.

Risks Relating to Distribution

Our net sales and operating income are expected to decrease significantly due to
the expiration of the Solaris Agreement.

From October 1, 1995 to September 30, 1999, we distributed Solaris product
nationwide, pursuant to an exclusive distribution agreement. Sales of products
purchased from Solaris, our largest supplier, accounted for approximately 43% of
Distribution's net sales and 27% of Central's net sales during fiscal 1999 and
41% of Distribution's net sales and 28% of Central's net sales during fiscal
1998. In January 1998 Monsanto sold its Solaris lawn and garden business
exclusive of its Roundup(R) herbicide products for consumer use to Scotts.
Beginning October 1, 1999, Scotts began to distribute Ortho(R) and Roundup(R)
products through a system that involves a combination of distributors, of which
we are the largest, as well as through direct sales by Scotts to certain major
retailers. In addition, Scotts has begun to sell Miracle-Gro directly to
certain retailers.

We believe that the business likely to be taken over in this fiscal year
ending September 30, 2000 by Scotts is estimated to be approximately $200-250
million in sales. The gross profit associated with these sales in fiscal 1999
was approximately $15-25 million. We expect this loss of gross profit to be
partially offset this fiscal year with expense reductions and other business
growth. However, there is no assurance that the business taken over by Scotts
in the current fiscal year will not be greater than $200-250 million. In
addition, there can be no assurance, that Scotts will continue to do business
with us in future years or that we will be successful in our attempts to reduce
expenses and generate new business. The amount and profitability of
Distribution's business with Scotts in fiscal 2000 and in future years, if any,
may be influenced by numerous factors and is impossible to predict.
Accordingly, the actual results of our operations may differ significantly from
the foregoing estimates.

The sale of the Solaris business by Monsanto and the end of the Solaris
Agreement subject our distribution business to significant uncertainties. These
include our new relationship with Scotts and the final accounting for all issues
between us and Monsanto under the Solaris Agreement, such as the amounts
receivable from Monsanto for cost reimbursements, payments for cost reductions
and payments for services; the amounts payable to Monsanto for inventory; and
responsibility for obsolete inventory and for non-payment by Solaris' sub-
agents. The resolution of these uncertainties

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may involve litigation and could have a material adverse effect on our results
of operations financial position and/or cash flows.

Distribution depends on a small number of suppliers for a significant portion of
its net sales.

While Distribution purchases products from over 1,000 different manufacturers
and suppliers, it believes that over 60% of its net sales in fiscal 1999 were
derived from products purchased from its five largest suppliers. Distribution
believes that approximately 43% of its net sales during fiscal 1999 and 41% of
its net sales during fiscal 1998 were derived from sales of products purchased
from Solaris, Distribution's largest supplier.

The Solaris Agreement expired on September 30, 1999. The loss of the
exclusive relationship between us and Solaris is expected to have a material
adverse impact on our business and financial results. Similarly, the loss of,
or a significant adverse change in, the relationship between us and any other
key manufacturer or supplier could have a material adverse impact on our
business and financial results. In addition, during the peak selling season,
there may be unanticipated shortages of certain high demand products. Although
historically Distribution has purchased enough inventory of such products or
their substitutes to satisfy retailer demand, the unanticipated failure of any
manufacturer or supplier to meet Distribution's requirements or its inability to
obtain substitutes could have a material adverse effect on us. In most cases
Distribution operates without written agreements with its suppliers.
Accordingly, although Distribution believes it has good relationships with its
suppliers, there is a risk that one or more of our suppliers may at any time
terminate its supply relationship with Distribution.

Distribution depends on a few customers, including Wal*Mart and Home Depot, for
a significant portion of its net sales.

Distribution's largest customer is Wal*Mart, which accounted for approximately
22% of Distribution's net sales for fiscal 1999 and 1998. Distribution's second
largest customer is Home Depot, which accounted for approximately 11% and 10% of
Distribution's net sales for fiscal 1999 and fiscal 1998, respectively. During
fiscal 2000, Wal*Mart is having certain products delivered to its internal
distribution centers rather than directly to stores. This will adversely affect
our revenue from these products. If Wal*Mart increases deliveries to its
internal distribution centers rather than directly to stores in the future, our
revenues could suffer. The loss of, or significant adverse change in, the
relationship between Distribution and Wal*Mart or Home Depot could have a
material adverse effect on our business and financial results. The loss of or
reduction in orders from any significant customer, losses arising from customer
disputes regarding shipments, fees, merchandise condition or related matters, or
our inability to collect accounts receivable from any major customer could have
a material adverse impact on our business and financial results.

Our business will suffer if manufacturers and suppliers sell directly to
retailers.

Manufacturers and suppliers of lawn and garden products have sold, and may
intensify their efforts to sell, their products directly to retailers, including
Distribution's major customers. Since the expiration of the Solaris Agreement,
Scotts has begun to sell Solaris(R) and Miracle-Gro(R) products directly to some
retailers. Most of Distribution's major customers, including its top ten
customers, purchase certain products--typically high volume items ordered in
large quantities--directly from manufacturers or suppliers. Distribution
believes that most major manufacturers and suppliers that utilize distributors
continually evaluate the effectiveness of their distribution programs as well as
the performance of individual distributors, and, accordingly, there can be no
assurance that major manufacturers and suppliers of the products distributed by
Distribution will not modify their distribution programs in ways that could
adversely affect us. In addition to direct sales from manufacturers and
suppliers to retailers, certain retailers, like Wal*Mart, have, and may
intensify their efforts to have, products shipped by Distribution to their
internal distribution centers rather than directly to stores. Such direct
shipments generally yield lower gross margins to Distribution than shipments to
retailers' stores, but Distribution believes that its associated operating costs
are typically lower with such direct shipments. If these programs become more
common or if other methods of distribution of lawn and garden products become
more widely accepted, our business and financial results could be materially
adversely affected.

The majority of our pet supply distribution sales are made to independent pet
retailers, whose market share has been eroded by the growth of national
specialty pet stores.

Historically, a majority of our pet supply distribution sales have been made
to independent pet retailers. In recent years, these independent pet retailers
have experienced severe competition from and a loss of market share to national

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specialty pet retailers, like PETsMART and Petco, and mass merchants, like
Wal*Mart, Kmart and Target. In addition, these independent pet retailers are now
experiencing competition from internet e-retailers. The future success of our
pet supply distribution business will depend on our ability to offer competitive
costs and value-added services to independent pet dealers and to increase sales
to national specialty pet retailers and mass merchants. If independent pet
retailers continue to lose market share to national specialty pet retailers and
we are unable to expand our business with these pet retailers, Distribution's
net sales will decline and our operating income will suffer.

Adverse weather during the peak gardening season can hurt Distribution's and our
net sales.

Because demand for lawn and garden products is significantly influenced by
weather, particularly weekend weather during the peak gardening season,
Distribution's revenue and our results of operations could be adversely affected
by certain weather patterns such as unseasonably cool or warm temperatures,
water shortages or floods. During the last several years, our results of
operations were negatively affected by severe weather conditions in some parts
of the country. Additionally, Distribution's business is highly seasonal, with
approximately 66% of its sales in fiscal 1999 occurring during the second and
third quarters of the fiscal year. Historically, substantially all of
Distribution's operating income is generated in this period.

Because of intense competition, Distribution's product sales generate low
margins.

The lawn and garden and pet supply distribution industries in which we operate
are characterized by relatively low profit margins. As a result, Distribution's
success is highly dependent upon increasing revenues and profits through
internal expansion and acquisitions, effective cost and management controls and
differentiating its services from those of its competitors. The wholesale lawn
and garden and pet supply distribution businesses are highly competitive, with
many companies competing principally on the basis of price and service. In
addition to competition from other distributors, Distribution also competes with
manufacturers and suppliers, like Scotts, that elect to distribute certain of
their products directly to retailers, including Distribution's major customers,
and private label product suppliers. There can be no assurance that
Distribution will not encounter increased competition in the future or will not
lose business from major manufacturers that elect to sell their products
directly to retailers, either of which could adversely affect our operations and
financial results.

Risks Relating to Pet Products

Pet Products depends on a few customers, including PETsMART and Petco, for a
significant portion of its net sales.

Pet Products' largest customer is PETsMART, which accounted for approximately
11% and 10% of Pet Products' net sales for fiscal 1999 and fiscal 1998,
respectively. Pet Products' second largest customer is Petco, which accounted
for approximately 9% and 7% of Pet Products' net sales for fiscal 1999 and
fiscal 1998, respectively. The loss of, or significant adverse change in, the
relationship between Pet Products and PETsMART or Petco could have a material
adverse effect on Pet Products' business and financial results. The loss of or
reduction in orders from any significant customer, losses arising from customer
disputes regarding shipments, fees, merchandise condition or related matters, or
Pet Products' inability to collect accounts receivable from any major customer
could have a material adverse impact on our business and financial results.

An increase in market prices for grains could have a negative impact on our
operating income.

Pet Products' financial results depend to a large extent on the cost of raw
materials and the ability of Pet Products' to pass along to its customers
increases in these costs. In particular, our Kaytee subsidiary is exposed to
fluctuation in market prices for commodity grains. Historically, market prices
for commodity grains have fluctuated in response to a number of factors,
including changes in United States government farm support programs, changes in
international agricultural and trading policies and weather conditions during
the growing and harvesting seasons. In the event of any increases in raw
materials costs, Pet Products would be required to increase sales prices for its
products in order to avoid margin deterioration. There can be no assurance as
to the timing or extent of Pet Products' ability to implement future price
adjustments in the event of increased raw material costs or as to whether any
price increases implemented by Pet Products may affect the volumes of future
shipments.

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<PAGE>

To protect against changes in market prices, we enter into purchase contracts
for grains and bird seed to cover approximately one-third of the purchase
requirements for a selling season. Since we hedge only a portion of our purchase
requirements, if market prices for grains increase, our cost of production would
increase.

Risks Relating to Central Generally

Our quarterly operating results are susceptible to fluctuations, which could
cause our stock price to decline.

We expect to continue to experience variability in our net sales and net
income on a quarterly basis. Factors that may contribute to this variability
include:

. the final resolution of payments due between us and Monsanto under the
Solaris Agreement, such as the amounts receivable from Monsanto for cost
reimbursements, payments for cost reductions and payments for services; the
amounts payable to Monsanto for inventory; and responsibility for obsolete
inventory and for non-payment by Solaris' direct sales accounts;

. the extent of lost business from the expiration of the Solaris Agreement
and our ability to offset the loss of gross profit under the Solaris
Agreement through expense reductions and other business growth;

. weather conditions and seasonality during peak gardening seasons;

. shifts in demand for lawn and garden products;

. shifts in demand for pet products;

. changes in product mix, service levels and pricing by us and our
competitors;

. the effect of acquisitions; and

. economic stability of retail customers.

In addition, because our distribution business operates on relatively low
margins, our operating results in any quarterly period could be affected
significantly by slight variations in revenues or operating costs. For the same
reason, our quarterly results also may be vulnerable to problems in areas such
as collectibility of accounts receivable, inventory control and competitive
price pressures. The market price of our common stock could be subject to
significant fluctuations in response to these variations in quarterly operating
results and other factors.

Our ability to grow will depend upon internal expansion and acquisitions.

As part of our growth strategy, we aggressively pursue the acquisition of
other companies, assets and product lines that either complement or expand our
existing business. Acquisitions involve a number of special risks, including
the diversion of management's attention to the assimilation of the operations
and personnel of the acquired companies, adverse short-term effects on our
operating results, integration of financial reporting systems and the
amortization of acquired intangible assets. Since 1993, Central has completed
over 22 acquisitions. There can be no assurance that we can successfully
integrate acquired businesses or that such businesses will enhance our business.
We have also had preliminary acquisition discussions with, or have evaluated the
potential acquisition of, numerous other companies over the last several years.
We are unable to predict the likelihood of a material acquisition being
completed in the future. We may seek to finance any such acquisition through
additional debt or equity financings, which could result in dilution and
additional risk for the holders of our common stock.

We anticipate that one or more potential acquisition opportunities, including
those that would be material, may become available in the near future. If and
when appropriate acquisition opportunities become available, we intend to pursue
them actively. No assurance can be given that any acquisition by us will or
will not occur, that if an acquisition does occur that it will not materially
and adversely affect us or that any such acquisition will be successful in
enhancing our business. Our future results of operations will also depend in
part on our ability to successfully expand internally by increasing the number
of distribution centers and new product lines, and to manage any future growth.
No assurance can

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<PAGE>

be given that we will be able to open or operate new distribution centers,
obtain or integrate additional product lines or manage any future growth
successfully.

Our success is dependent upon retaining key personnel.

Our future performance is substantially dependent upon the continued services
of William E. Brown, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Glenn W. Novotny,
our President and Chief Operating Officer, and Brooks M. Pennington III, the
President of Pennington. The loss of the services of any of these persons could
have a material adverse effect upon us. In addition, our future performance
depends on our ability to attract and retain skilled employees. There can be no
assurance that we will be able to retain our existing personnel or attract
additional qualified employees in the future.

If we do not adequately address Year 2000 compliance issues, our business could
be disrupted, we could incur unanticipated expenses and we could lose customers.

Significant uncertainty exists concerning the potential effects associated
with the Year 2000 Issue. The Year 2000 Issue exists because many currently
installed computer systems, software products and applications use two-digit
date fields to designate a year. As the century date change occurs, date-
sensitive systems may not be able to recognize or distinguish the Year 2000 from
1900. The inability to recognize or properly treat the Year 2000 may cause
systems to incorrectly process critical operational and financial information.

Our services rely on a complex communications infrastructure including
telecommunications systems that we cannot adequately evaluate for Year 2000
compliance. In addition, our services are dependent upon equipment and software
provided by third parties that may not be Year 2000 compliant.

The failure of these systems or of any third-party equipment or software to
achieve Year 2000 compliance could result in:

. inability to process customer orders or communicate electronically with
suppliers and customers;

. delay or loss of revenue;

. cancellations of contracts by customers;

. diversions of our management's attention and development resources;

. damage to our reputation; and

. litigation costs.

For more information on our Year 2000 issues, you should read the discussion
in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations--Impact of Year 2000" section of this Form 10-K.

The holders of our Class B stock, through their voting power, can greatly
influence control of the Company.

As of December 1, 1999, William E. Brown, our Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer, controls approximately 48.5% of the voting power of our capital stock
and, therefore, can effectively control all matters requiring stockholder
approval, including the power to elect all of our directors. Holders of Class B
stock are entitled to the lesser of ten votes per share or 49% of the total
votes cast. Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share
owned. The holders of Class B stock have approximately 49.7% of the combined
voting power, subject to the aforementioned voting restrictions. Holders of
Class B stock are likely to be able to elect all of our directors, control our
management and policies and determine the outcome of any matter submitted to a
vote of our stockholders except to the extent that a class vote of the common
stock is required by applicable law. The disproportionate voting rights of the
common stock and Class B stock could have an adverse effect on the market price
of the common stock. Such disproportionate voting rights may make us a less
attractive target for a takeover than we otherwise might be, or render more
difficult or discourage a merger proposal, a tender offer or a proxy contest,
even if such actions were favored by our common stockholders. Accordingly, such
disproportionate voting rights may deprive holders of common stock of an
opportunity to sell their

28
<PAGE>

shares at a premium over prevailing market prices, since takeover bids
frequently involve purchases of stock directly from stockholders at such a
premium price.

The products that we manufacture and distribute may subject us to environmental
considerations.

Many of the products that we manufacture and distribute are subject to
regulation by federal, state and local authorities. Such regulations are often
complex and are subject to change. Environmental regulations may affect us by
restricting the manufacturing or use of our products or regulating their
disposal. Regulatory or legislative changes may cause future increases in our
operating costs or otherwise affect operations. Although we believe we are and
have been in substantial compliance with such regulations and has strict
internal guidelines on the handling and disposal of our products, there is no
assurance that in the future we may not be adversely affected by such
regulations or incur increased operating costs in complying with such
regulations. However, neither the compliance with regulatory requirements nor
our environmental procedures can ensure that we will not be subject to claims
for personal injury, property damages or governmental enforcement.

Product liability insurance.

Our business exposes us to potential product liability risks, which are
inherent in the manufacture and distribution of certain of our products.
Although we generally seek to insure against such risks, there can be no
assurance that such coverage is adequate or that we will be able to maintain
such insurance on acceptable terms. A successful product liability claim in
excess of our insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on us and
could prevent us from obtaining adequate product liability insurance in the
future on commercially reasonable terms.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

Central is exposed to market risks, which include changes in U.S. interest
rates and commodity prices and, to a lesser extent, foreign exchange rates.
Central does not engage in financial transactions for trading or speculative
purposes.

Interest Rate Risk. The interest payable on Central's bank line of credit is
based on variable interest rates and therefore affected by changes in market
interest rates. If interest rates on existing variable rate debt had been 10%
higher than actual rates, interest expense would have increased by approximately
$500,000 and $375,000 for the years ended September 25, 1999 and September 26,
1998, respectively. In addition, Central has fixed income investments
consisting of cash equivalents and short-term investments in marketable debt
securities, which are also affected by changes in market interest rates. Except
for the interest rate swap agreements discussed in Note 4 of the Consolidated
Financial Statements, Central does not use derivative financial instruments in
its investment portfolio.

Commodity Prices. Central is exposed to fluctuation in market prices for
grains, bird seed and grass seed. To mitigate risk associated with increases in
market prices and commodity availability, Central enters into contracts for
grains, bird seed and grass seed purchases.

Foreign Currency Risks. Central has minimal sales outside of the United States
and, therefore, has only minimal exposure to foreign currency exchange risks.
Purchases made from foreign vendors are primarily made in U.S. dollars and,
therefore, the Company has only minimal exposure to foreign currency exchange
risk. Central does not hedge against foreign currency risks and believes that
foreign currency exchange risk is immaterial.

29
<PAGE>

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Central Garden & Pet Company

Independent Auditors' Report.................................................................................. 31

Consolidated Balance Sheets, September 25, 1999 and September 26, 1998........................................ 32

Consolidated Statements of Income for Fiscal Years Ended September 25, 1999,
September 26, 1998 and September 27, 1997..................................................................... 33

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for Fiscal Years Ended September 25, 1999
September 26, 1998 and September 27, 1997..................................................................... 34

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for Fiscal Years Ended September 25, 1999,
September 26, 1998 and September 27, 1997..................................................................... 35

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal Years Ended September 25, 1999,
September 26, 1998 and September 27, 1997..................................................................... 36
</TABLE>

30
<PAGE>

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

Board of Directors
Central Garden & Pet Company
Lafayette, California

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Central Garden
& Pet Company and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of September 25, 1999 and
September 26, 1998, and the related consolidated statements of income,
shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the fiscal years in the three-
year period ended September 25, 1999. 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, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the Company as of September 25,
1999 and September 26, 1998, and the results of their operations and their cash
flows for each of the fiscal years in the three-year period ended September 25,
1999 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company
is negotiating final payments due under an expired vendor contract.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

December 20, 1999
San Francisco, California

31
<PAGE>

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 25, September 26,
1999 1998
------------- -------------
(dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents.............................................................. $ 8,017 $ 10,328
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of
$6,143 and 6,458...................................................................... 149,411 142,293
Inventories............................................................................ 240,207 292,809
Inventories held for return to manufacturer............................................ 75,887 --
Prepaid expenses and other assets...................................................... 11,254 26,884
--------- --------
Total current assets............................................................... 484,776 472,314
Land, buildings, improvements and equipment:
Land................................................................................... 5,200 5,138
Buildings and improvements............................................................. 38,969 37,929
Transportation equipment............................................................... 5,842 5,873
Machinery and warehouse equipment...................................................... 47,354 41,319
Office furniture and equipment......................................................... 32,081 21,928
--------- --------
Total.............................................................................. 129,446 112,187
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization......................................... 35,267 25,805
--------- --------
Land, buildings, improvements and equipment--net................................... 94,179 86,382
Goodwill................................................................................ 346,488 339,430
Other assets............................................................................ 30,387 30,574
--------- --------
Total.............................................................................. $ 955,830 $928,700
========= ========

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Notes payable.......................................................................... $ 95,883 $ 6,956
Accounts payable....................................................................... 188,113 153,739
Accrued expenses....................................................................... 29,667 32,767
Current portion of long-term debt...................................................... 1,485 1,139
--------- --------
Total current liabilities.......................................................... 315,148 194,601
Long-term debt.......................................................................... 123,898 125,125
Deferred income taxes and other long-term obligations................................... 21,057 20,200
Commitments and contingencies -- --
Shareholders' equity:
Series A convertible preferred stock................................................... -- --
Class B stock.......................................................................... 16 16
Common stock........................................................................... 302 298
Additional paid-in capital............................................................. 524,058 519,933
Retained earnings...................................................................... 94,474 69,984
Restricted stock deferred compensation................................................. -- (39)
Treasury stock......................................................................... (123,123) (1,418)
--------- --------
Total shareholders' equity ........................................................ 495,727 588,774
--------- --------
Total.............................................................................. $ 955,830 $928,700
========= ========
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

32
<PAGE>

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Ended
--------------------------------------------------
September 25, September 26, September 27,
1999 1998 1997
------------- ------------- -------------
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales......................................................... $1,535,629 $1,294,864 $841,007

Cost of goods sold and occupancy.................................. 1,182,828 1,009,143 694,925
---------- ---------- --------

Gross profit................................................... 352,801 285,721 146,082

Selling, general and administrative expenses...................... 289,379 209,014 109,160

Other charges..................................................... 7,602 11,003 --
---------- ---------- --------

Income from operations......................................... 55,820 65,704 36,922

Interest expense -- net........................................... 12,087 7,609 6,554
---------- ---------- --------

Income before income taxes..................................... 43,733 58,095 30,368

Income taxes...................................................... 19,243 24,402 12,765
---------- ---------- --------

Net income........................................................ $ 24,490 $ 33,693 $ 17,603
========== ========== ========

Net income per common share:

Basic.......................................................... $ 0.90 $ 1.18 $ 1.11
========== ========== ========
Diluted........................................................ $ 0.89 $ 1.15 $ 1.07
========== ========== ========

Weighted average shares outstanding:

Basic.......................................................... 27,328 28,502 15,832
========== ========== ========
Diluted........................................................ 27,437 33,007 19,970
========== ========== ========
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

33
<PAGE>

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Restricted
Series A Additional Stock
Convertible Paid-in Retained Deferred
Preferred Stock Class B Stock Common Stock Capital Earnings Compensation
--------------- -------------- ------------ ------- -------- ------------
Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
(dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, September 29, 1996..... 100 $ -- 1,933,575 $ 19 12,562,521 $125 $111,228 $18,733 $ (182)
Amortization, restricted stock
deferred compensation.......... 72
Conversion of Class B stock
into common stock.............. (270,408) (3) 270,408 3
Issuance of common stock........ 6,310,396 63 141,571
Net income...................... 17,603
Preferred dividends paid........ (45)
Redemption of stock warrant..... (7,016)
------- ------ --------- ------ ---------- ---- -------- ------- ------------

Balance, September 27, 1997..... 100 -- 1,663,167 16 19,143,325 191 245,783 36,291 (110)

Amortization, restricted stock
deferred compensation.......... 71
Tax benefit from exercise of
stock options.................. 2,566
Conversion of Class B stock
into common stock.............. (1,405) 1,405
Conversion of Class A preferred
stock into common stock........ (100) -- 100,000
Issuance of common stock........ 10,473,800 107 271,584
Treasury stock purchases
Net income...................... 33,693
------- ------ --------- ------ ---------- ---- -------- ------- ------------

Balance, September 26, 1998..... -- -- 1,661,762 16 29,718,530 298 519,933 69,984 (39)

Amortization, restricted stock
deferred compensation.......... 39
Tax benefit from exercise of
stock options.................. 120
Conversion of Class B stock
into common stock.............. (843) 843
Issuance of common stock........ 463,992 4 4,005
Treasury stock purchases........
Net income...................... 24,490
------- ------ --------- ------ ---------- ---- -------- ------- ------------

Balance, September 25, 1999..... -- $ -- 1,660,919 $ 16 30,183,365 $302 $524,058 $94,474 $ -
======= ====== ========= ====== ========== ==== ======== ======= ============

<CAPTION>
Treasury Stock Total
-------------- -----
Shares Amount
------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, September 29, 1996..... (26,000) $ (364) $ 129,559
Amortization, restricted stock
deferred compensation.......... 72
Conversion of Class B stock
into common stock.............. --
Issuance of common stock........ 141,634
Net income...................... 17,603
Preferred dividends paid........ (45)
Redemption of stock warrant..... (7,016)
--------- --------- ---------

Balance, September 27, 1997..... (26,000) (364) 281,807

Amortization, restricted stock
deferred compensation.......... 71
Tax benefit from exercise of
stock options.................. 2,566
Conversion of Class B stock
into common stock.............. --
Conversion of Class A preferred
stock into common stock........ --
Issuance of common stock........ 271,691
Treasury stock purchases........ (46,000) (1,054) (1,054)
Net income...................... 33,693
-------- --------- ---------

Balance, September 26, 1998..... (72,000) (1,418) 588,774

Amortization, restricted stock
deferred compensation.......... 39
Tax benefit from exercise of
stock options.................. 120
Conversion of Class B stock
into common stock.............. --
Issuance of common stock........ 4,009
Treasury stock purchases........ (10,779,350) (121,705) (121,705)
Net income...................... 24,490
------------ --------- ---------

Balance, September 25, 1999..... (10,851,350) $(123,123) $ 495,727
=========== ========= =========
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

34
<PAGE>

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Ended
------------------------------------------------
September 25, September 26, September 27,
1999 1998 1997
---------------- --------------- ---------------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income.......................................................... $ 24,490 $ 33,693 $ 17,603
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization...................................... 20,492 16,114 5,373
Deferred income taxes.............................................. (1,104) 5,918 983
Loss (Gain) on sale of land, building and improvements............. 118 (107) 72
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables...................................................... (5,882) 3,851 (7,107)
Inventories...................................................... (20,001) 16,637 (20,830)
Prepaid expenses and other assets................................ 16,008 (1,396) (1,322)
Accounts payable................................................. 33,896 (24,830) 18,853
Accrued expenses................................................. (6,364) (22,374) (3,413)
Other long-term obligations...................................... 1,960 3,324 --
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities....................... 63,613 30,830 10,212
--------- --------- ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to land, buildings, improvements and equipment............ (18,640) (18,904) (4,605)
Payments to acquire companies, net of cash acquired................. (14,091) (219,892) (96,793)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash used by investing activities........................... (32,731) (238,796) (101,398)
--------- --------- ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings (repayments) of notes payable, net....................... 87,398 (63,859) (27,832)
Payments on long-term debt.......................................... (1,366) (20,375) (14,247)
Payments to reacquire stock......................................... (121,705) (1,054) --
Payment to redeem warrant........................................... -- -- (7,016)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt............................ -- -- 111,227
Proceeds from issuance of stock..................................... 2,480 203,457 127,952
Preferred dividends paid............................................ -- -- (45)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities................ (33,193) 118,169 190,039
--------- --------- ---------
Net increase (decrease) in cash...................................... (2,311) (89,797) 98,853
Cash at beginning of year............................................ 10,328 100,125 1,272
--------- --------- ---------
Cash at end of year.................................................. $ 8,017 $ 10,328 $ 100,125
========= ========= =========
Supplemental information:
Cash paid for interest.............................................. $ 11,275 $ 8,216 $ 7,049
Cash paid for income taxes.......................................... 10,678 28,847 12,682
Assets (excluding cash) acquired through purchase of subsidiaries... 4,907 222,710 58,280
Liabilities assumed through purchase of subsidiaries................ 2,756 171,969 34,897
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

35
<PAGE>

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Fiscal Years Ended September 25, 1999, September 26, 1998
and September 27, 1997

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

Organization -- Central Garden & Pet Company, a Delaware corporation, and
subsidiaries (the "Company"), is a national manufacturer, supplier and
merchandiser of lawn and garden and pet supply products. The Company also offers
an array of proprietary branded lawn and garden and pet supply products. The
Company's business strategy is to capitalize on its national presence,
comprehensive product selection, menu of value-added services and efficient
operations. Utilizing these capabilities, the Company strives to develop and
enhance servicing relationships with both large national and regional retailers
as well as manufacturers.

The Solaris Agreement -- The Company entered into an agreement effective
October 1, 1995 with The Solaris Group ("Solaris"), a strategic business unit of
Monsanto Company, the manufacturer of Ortho, Round-up and Green Sweep lawn and
garden products (the "Solaris Agreement"). Under the Solaris Agreement, which
had a four year term, the Company, in addition to serving as the master agent
and master distributor for sales of Solaris products, provided a wide range of
value-added services including logistics, order processing and fulfillment,
inventory distribution and merchandising. However, Solaris continued to
negotiate its sales prices directly with its direct sales accounts. The Solaris
Agreement provided for the Company to be reimbursed for costs incurred in
connection with services provided to Solaris' direct sales accounts and to
receive payments based on the growth of sales of Solaris products. The Company
was also entitled to share with Solaris in the economic benefits of certain cost
reductions, to the extent achieved.

In February 1999, Monsanto sold its Solaris lawn and garden business
exclusive of its Roundup(R) herbicide products for consumer use to The Scotts
Company ("Scotts") and entered into a separate, long-term, exclusive agreement
pursuant to which Monsanto continues to make Roundup herbicide products for
consumer use and Scotts markets the products. Scotts has been for many years a
substantial supplier to the Company and, in connection with its direct sales, a
substantial purchaser of Company services. On September 30, 1999, the Solaris
Agreement expired according to its terms.

Scotts has altered its distribution systems for certain products, including
Ortho(R) and Miracle-Gro(R) products and Monsanto's consumer Roundup products
for which Scotts acts as Monsanto's exclusive sales agent. Beginning October 1,
1999, Scotts began to distribute Ortho and Roundup products through a system
that involves a combination of distributors, of which the Company is the
largest, as well as through direct sales by Scotts to certain major retailers.
In addition, Scotts has begun to sell Miracle-Gro directly to certain retailers.
The Company will continue to serve as a distributor of Scotts products during
fiscal 2000. However, management believes that the Company's sales volume of
Solaris products in fiscal 2000 will be reduced from the volume of fiscal 1999
by an estimated $200-$250 million.

At September 25, 1999, the Company held approximately $76 million of
inventory, to be returned to Scotts after year end in accordance with the terms
of the Solaris Agreement. Such inventory has been recorded at its estimated net
realizable value, and reported on the consolidated balance sheet as Inventory
held for return to manufacturer. The final payments due under the Agreement will
be determined through negotiations between the Company and Monsanto. The outcome
of such negotiations is uncertain, and the ultimate resolution could have a
material adverse impact on the consolidated financial statements taken as a
whole.

Basis of Consolidation and Presentation -- The consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of the Company. All transactions between the
consolidated companies are eliminated.

36
<PAGE>

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)

Use of Estimates -- The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles requires that management make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of 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.

Revenue Recognition -- Sales are recorded, net of estimated returns and
discounts, when merchandise is shipped from Company warehouses, because title
passes to its customer and the Company has no further obligations to provide
services related to such merchandise, or when services are provided to
customers. The Company's current practice on product returns generally is to
accept and credit the return of unopened cases of products from customers where
the quantity is small, where the product has been misshipped or the product is
defective.

Other Charges -- In September 1999, the Company recorded other charges
totaling $7.6 million associated with the expiration of the Solaris Agreement,
workforce reductions and facility closures in the Company's Distribution
operations.

Of the $7.6 million charge, $4.7 million was recorded to reduce the
carrying value of inventory to be returned to Solaris to its estimated net
realizable values and to establish a reserve for estimated non-collectible
amounts due from distributors involved in the Solaris program. The Company also
recorded a $0.1 million charge for exit related costs, primarily lease costs
required to be paid subsequent to the expiration of the Solaris Agreement.

The Company initiated a plan for closure of three distribution centers as
well as a workforce reduction which is expected to be completed by the end of
the first quarter of fiscal 2000. Also included in the $7.6 million charge is
$2.8 million related to such closures and workforce reductions. Of this charge,
$1.5 million was required to reduce the $3.0 million carrying value of a
building and certain facility assets which will no longer be used and are
expected to be disposed of during the first half of fiscal 2000. Also related to
such closures, a charge of $0.4 million was recorded for other exit-related
costs. These primarily consist of lease costs and property taxes and other
facility costs required to be paid subsequent to the termination of operations.
As part of this plan, the Company recorded a severance charge of $0.6 million
for workforce reductions. The severance charge relates to the termination of
approximately 70 employees, primarily in the sales force and distribution
centers and associated back-office functions. Severance of $0.2 million was paid
during fiscal 1999 which related to the termination of 51 employees. The
remaining severance will be paid in fiscal 2000. The Company also recorded a
charge of $0.3 million to reduce the carrying value of inventory to its
estimated recoverable value. $0.9 million of the $7.6 million other charges,
recorded in September 1999 is included in accrued expenses as of September 25,
1999.

In fiscal 1998, the Company recorded other charges totaling $11.0 million.
These charges include approximately $6.7 million in costs related to the closure
of 11 of the Company's branch locations and approximately $4.3 million in costs
associated with professional and due diligence expenses principally related to a
potential major acquisition that was not completed. Of the $6.7 million of
closure related costs, $4.1 million related to costs incurred during the close
down process, $2.1 million was recorded for other exit-related costs, primarily
lease costs and a $0.5 million loss on the disposal of one facility. There were
approximately $0.6 million and $0.9 million accrued liabilities at September 25,
1999 and September 26, 1998 respectively, for remaining facility lease
obligations.

Income Taxes are accounted for under the liability method in accordance
with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 109, Accounting
for Income Taxes. Deferred income taxes result primarily from bad debt
allowances, inventory reserves, depreciation and nondeductible reserves.

Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid debt instruments
purchased with a maturity of three months or less at the date of acquisition.

37
<PAGE>

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)

Inventories, which primarily consist of garden products and pet supplies
finished goods are stated at the lower of FIFO cost or market. Cost includes
certain indirect purchasing, merchandise handling and storage costs.

Inventories held for return to manufacturer consist of Solaris garden
products inventory to be returned after year end in accordance with the terms of
the Solaris Agreement.

Long-lived assets - The Company periodically reviews its long-lived assets,
including goodwill, for potential impairment based on a review of projected
undiscounted cash flows associated with these assets.

Land, buildings, improvements and equipment are stated at cost.
Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method over thirty years for
buildings. Improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter
of the useful life of the asset or the terms of the related leases. Depreciation
on equipment is computed by the straight-line and accelerated methods over the
estimated useful lives of 3 to 10 years.

Goodwill is amortized using the straight-line method over periods ranging
from 20 to 40 years. Accumulated amortization totaled $22,006,000 and
$12,516,000 at September 25, 1999 and September 26, 1998, respectively.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments -- At September 25, 1999 and September
26, 1998, the carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable,
accounts payable and non convertible debt approximates its fair value. The fair
value of the Company's convertible subordinated notes was $80,500,000 and
$101,217,000 at September 25, 1999 and September 26, 1998, respectively, which
was computed by using quoted market prices.

Derivative Financial Instruments - The Company's policy generally is to use
financial derivatives only to manage exposure to fluctuations in interest rates.
The Company has entered into interest rate swap agreements to hedge certain
interest rate risks which are accounted for using the settlement basis of
accounting. Premiums paid on interest rate swap agreements are deferred and
amortized to interest expense over the life of the underlying hedged instrument,
or immediately if the underlying hedged instrument is settled. No gains or
losses are recorded for movements in the swaps' values during the terms of the
respective agreements.

Purchase commitments -- Seed production and purchase agreements obligate
the Company to make future purchases based on estimated yields. At September 25,
1999, estimated annual seed purchase commitments were $63 million for 2000, $16
million for 2001 and $11 million for 2002.

Reclassifications -- Certain 1997 and 1998 balances have been reclassified
to conform with the 1999 presentation.

New Accounting Pronouncements -- In June 1998, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards
for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in
either assets or liabilities. As amended in June 1999 by SFAS No. 137 this
statement is effective for all fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000 and is
not to be applied retroactively to financial statements for prior periods. The
impact of adoption of the standard has not yet been determined.

SFAS No. 130 requires an enterprise report, by major components and as a
single total, the change in its net assets, during the period from non-owner
sources. The Company does not have any items of Other Comprehensive Income, as
defined by SFAS No. 130, and thus Net Income is equal to Comprehensive Income.

38
<PAGE>

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)

2. Acquisitions

Fiscal 1997

In January 1997, the Company acquired Four Paws Products, Ltd., a
manufacturer of branded dog, cat, reptile and small animal products, for $55
million, including the issuance of 449,944 shares of common stock at a value of
$10 million. The purchase price exceeded the fair market value of net assets
acquired by $40 million, which was recorded as goodwill and is being amortized
on a straight-line basis over 40 years.

In February 1997, the Company's wholly owned Kenlin Pet Supply subsidiary
acquired the pet supplies business of Country Pet Supply, N.W., Inc., a
distributor of pet supply and pet food products. In March 1997, the Company
acquired a 33.3% equity interest in Commerce LLC, a distributor of lawn and
garden products which is being accounted for under the equity method. In May
1997, the Company acquired Ezell Nursery Supply, Inc., a distributor of lawn and
garden, barbecue and patio products. The purchase price for these three
acquisitions totaled $24 million, including the issuance of 193,104 shares of
common stock at a value of $4 million. The purchase price exceeded the fair
market value of net assets acquired by $18 million which was recorded as
goodwill and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 40 years.

In May 1997, the Company completed its acquisition of the United States and
Canada flea and tick business of Sandoz Agro, Inc., for $31 million, which
exceeded the fair market value of net assets acquired by $23 million, which was
recorded as goodwill and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 40
years. The acquisition includes all methoprene-based products produced by Sandoz
for use in the U.S. and Canada, and certain other specialty products.

Fiscal 1998

In December 1997, the Company acquired Kaytee Products Incorporated
("Kaytee"), one of the nation's largest manufacturers of bird and small animal
food. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company paid approximately $50
million. An additional payment of $3 million based on future revenues was
recorded in fiscal 1999 as a liability and remained outstanding at September 25,
1999. The purchase price of Kaytee exceeded the fair value of net assets
acquired by approximately $49 million which was recorded as goodwill and is
being amortized on a straight-line basis over 40 years.

In December 1997, the Company acquired TFH Publications, Inc. ("TFH"), a
manufacturer of premium dog chews and the largest producer of pet books in the
U.S. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company paid approximately $71
million, and will pay $13 million for the stock of a related company over the
next four years, subject to adjustments. Additional amounts may be paid based
on future earnings over a five-year period. The purchase price of TFH exceeded
the fair value of net assets acquired by approximately $82 million, which was
recorded as goodwill and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 40
years.

In February 1998, the Company acquired Pennington Seed, Inc.
("Pennington"), a manufacturer of proprietary branded grass and wild bird seed,
and a manufacturer and distributor of lawn and garden products. Under the terms
of the agreement, the Company paid approximately $83 million in cash and
2,178,866 shares of common stock at a value of approximately $68 million. The
purchase price exceeded the fair market value of net assets acquired by
approximately $109 million, which was recorded as goodwill and is being
amortized on a straight-line basis over 40 years.

Fiscal 1999

In January 1999, the Company acquired Norcal Pottery Products, Inc.
("Norcal"), an importer and distributor of lawn and garden pottery products.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Company paid approximately $14 million

39
<PAGE>

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)

in cash and 115,634 shares of common stock at a value of approximately $2
million. The purchase price exceeded the fair market value of net assets
acquired by approximately $12 million, which was recorded as goodwill and is
being amortized on a straight-line basis over 40 years. The fair value of net
assets acquired is based on preliminary estimates which are subject to change.

The fiscal 1999, 1998 and 1997 acquisitions have been accounted for under
the purchase method and have been included in the Company's consolidated
statements of income from date of acquisition.

Unaudited Pro Forma Results of Operations -- The following table summarizes
on a pro forma basis the combined results of operations of the Company and its
subsidiaries for fiscal years 1999, 1998 and 1997 as if the fiscal year 1999,
1998 and 1997 acquisitions were made on September 29, 1996. The pro forma
results of operations also reflect pro forma adjustments for stock issued to
facilitate the acquisitions, adjustments to conform inventory methods and
facilities costs, for the amortization of goodwill and additional interest
expense which would have been incurred. Although this pro forma combined
information includes the results of operations of the acquisitions, it does not
necessarily reflect the results of operations that would have occurred had the
acquisitions been managed by the Company prior to their acquisition.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Ended
---------------------------------------------------
September 25, September 26, September 27,
1999 1998 1997
--------------- --------------- ---------------
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except
per share amounts)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales..................................................... $1,538,816 $1,419,192 $1,334,148
Gross profit.................................................. 354,091 325,475 304,991
Income from operations........................................ 54,804 66,682 60,253
Income before taxes........................................... 42,605 54,407 30,928
Net income.................................................... 23,859 31,556 17,938

Net income per share:
Basic....................................................... $ 0.87 $ 1.08 $ 0.98
Diluted..................................................... $ 0.87 $ 1.06 $ 0.94

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic....................................................... 27,357 29,343 18,346
Diluted..................................................... 27,466 29,741 23,026
</TABLE>

40
<PAGE>

CENTRAL GRADEN & PET COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)

3. Concentration of Credit Risk and Significant Customers and Suppliers

Customer Concentration -- Approximately 51%, 48% and 47% of the Company's
net sales for fiscal years 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively, were derived from
sales to the Company's top ten customers. The Company's largest customer
accounted for approximately 25%, 23% and 19% of the Company's net sales for
fiscal years 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The Company's second largest
customer accounted for approximately 9%, 8% and 8% of the Company's net sales
for fiscal years 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The Company's third largest
customer accounted for approximately 6% of the Company's net sales for fiscal
years 1999 and 1998. The loss of, or significant adverse change in, the
relationship between the Company and these three customers could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business and financial results. The loss of or
reduction in orders from any significant customer, losses arising from customer
disputes regarding shipments, fees, merchandise condition or related matters, or
the Company's inability to collect accounts receivable from any major customer
could have a material adverse impact on the Company's business and financial
results. As of September 25, 1999 and September 26, 1998, accounts receivable
from the Company's top ten customers comprised 46% and 35%, respectively, of the
Company's total accounts receivable.

Supplier Concentration -- While the Company purchases products from over
1,000 different manufacturers and suppliers, approximately 40%, 42% and 45% of
the Company's net sales in fiscal years 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively, were
derived from products purchased from the Company's five largest suppliers. The
Company believes that approximately 27%, 28% and 32% of the Company's net sales
during fiscal years 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively, were derived from sales
of products purchased from Solaris, the Company's largest supplier. As discussed
in Note 1, the Solaris Agreement expired on September 30, 1999.

4. Notes Payable

The Company has a line of credit providing for aggregate borrowings of up
to $125,000,000 which expires on July 12, 2001. The available amount under the
line of credit fluctuates based upon a specific asset borrowing base. At
September 25, 1999 and September 26, 1998, balances of $75,779,726 and
$6,956,000, respectively, were outstanding under this agreement, bearing
interest at a rate based on the prime rate (8.25% at September 25, 1999 and
8.50% at September 26, 1998). Available borrowings at September 25, 1999 and
September 26, 1998 were $49,220,274 and $143,044,000, respectively. This line is
secured by substantially all of the Company's assets, and contains certain
financial covenants requiring maintenance of minimum levels of working capital
and net worth, places a ceiling on the Company's treasury stock purchases and
does not allow the Company to pay dividends. The Company was in compliance with
such covenants at September 25, 1999 and September 26, 1998.

The Company also has available through its Pennington subsidiary a
$60,000,000 line of credit. As of September 25, 1999 and September 26, 1998, the
Company had $20,238,000 and $0, respectively, of borrowings under this line of
credit facility. Interest related to this line is based on a rate either equal
to the prime rate or LIBOR plus .875%, at the Company's option. The line of
credit contains certain restrictive financial covenants. The Company was in
compliance with such covenants at September 25, 1999 and September 26, 1998.

Pennington has entered into interest rate swap agreements to limit the
effect of increases in the interest rates on any variable rate debt. The
differential is accrued as interest rates change and is recorded in interest
expense. During 1996, Pennington entered into swap agreements expiring in
November 1999 and November 2000, with an aggregate notional amount of $9.0
million. The effect of these agreements is that the Company exchanged variable
rate interest payments for fixed rate payments at 8.745% on $3.0 million and
7.325% on $6.0 million of Pennington's line of credit. As a result of these swap
agreements, interest expense was increased by approximately $155,000 in 1999 and
$111,000 in 1998. The fair value of the interest rate swap agreements was not
recognized in the consolidated financial statements since they are accounted for
as hedges. The estimated fair value of the interest

41
<PAGE>

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)

rate swap agreements, based on current market rates, approximated a net payable
of $76,000 at September 25, 1999 and $188,000 at September 26, 1998.

5. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 25, September 26,
1999 1998
------------- -------------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Convertible subordinated notes, interest at 6% payable semi-annually,
principal due 2003; convertible at the option of the holder into shares of
common stock of the Company, at any time prior to redemption or
maturity, at a conversion price of $28.00 per share (equal to a conversion
rate of 35.7143 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes)................................ $115,000 $115,000
Industrial development revenue bonds due in annual sinking fund installments
of $305,000 to $310,000 through July 2010, bearing interest at floating rates,
secured by an unconditional letter of credit................................................ 3,390 3,695
Industrial development revenue bonds due in annual sinking fund installments
of $300,000 through December 2005, bearing interest at floating rates,
secured by an unconditional letter of credit................................................ 2,100 2,400
Mortgage note payable to bank, interest based on a formula (7.0% at
September 25, 1999), principal and interest due in monthly installments
through March 2012.......................................................................... 1,703 1,785
Industrial development revenue bonds due in annual sinking fund installments
ranging from $130,000 to $195,000 through July 2005, bearing interest at
floating rates, secured by an unconditional letter of credit................................ 1,105 1,295
Mortgage note payable to bank, interest based on a formula (6.8% at
September 25, 1999), principal and interest due in monthly installments
through December 2019....................................................................... 1,017 1,038
Industrial development revenue bonds due in quarterly sinking fund
installments of $30,000, with a final principal installment of $90,000 due
March 2004, bearing interest at floating rates, secured by an unconditional
letter of credit............................................................................ 600 720
Note payable to a former owner of an acquired company, interest at 10%,
payable quarterly, principal due 2000....................................................... 200 200
Other notes payable.......................................................................... 268 131
-------- --------
Total...................................................................................... 125,383 126,264
Less current portion of long-term debt....................................................... 1,485 1,139
-------- --------
Total................................................................................... $123,898 $125,125
======== ========
</TABLE>

Principal repayments on long-term debt are scheduled as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in thousands)
<S> <C>
Fiscal year:
2000............................................................................................... $ 1,485
2001............................................................................................... 1,042
2002............................................................................................... 1,052
2003............................................................................................... 116,062
2004............................................................................................... 1,073
Thereafter......................................................................................... 4,669
--------
Total............................................................................................ $125,383
========
</TABLE>

42
<PAGE>

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)

6. Operating Leases

The Company has operating lease agreements principally for office and
warehouse facilities and equipment. Such leases have remaining terms, inclusive
of renewal options, of 1 to 8 years. Rental expense was $20,477,000,
$13,948,000 and $12,669,000 for fiscal years 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

Certain facility leases have renewal options and provide for additional
rent based upon increases in the Consumer Price Index.

Aggregate minimum annual payments on noncancelable operating leases at
September 25, 1999 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in thousands)
<S> <C>
Fiscal year:
2000........................................................................... $18,870
2001........................................................................... 17,086
2002........................................................................... 14,106
2003........................................................................... 9,707
2004........................................................................... 7,789
Thereafter..................................................................... 5,840
-------
Total...................................................................... $73,398
=======
</TABLE>

7. Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes consists of the following:

Federal................................................... $16,796 $15,277 $ 9,578
State..................................................... 3,551 3,207 2,204
------- ------- -------
Total........................................................ 20,347 18,484 11,782

Deferred..................................................... (1,104) 5,918 983
------- ------- -------
Total.................................................. $19,243 $24,402 $12,765
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>

A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate with the
Company's effective income tax rate is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Ended
-----------------------------------------------------
September 25, September 26, September 27,
1999 1998 1997
------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Statutory rate............................................... 35% 35% 35%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit................... 5 5 5
Nondeductible expenses....................................... 5 6 6
Other........................................................ (1) (4) (4)
--- --- ---
Effective tax rate........................................... 44% 42% 42%
=== === ===
</TABLE>

43
<PAGE>

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS---(Continued)

Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of "temporary differences" between
amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and such
amounts as measured by tax laws. The tax effect of temporary differences and
carryforwards which give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities are as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 25, 1999 September 26, 1998
----------------------- -----------------------
Deferred Deferred Deferred Deferred
Tax Tax Tax Tax
Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities
------ ----------- ------ -----------
Current: (in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable..................... $1,131 $1,213
Inventory reserves............................................. 3,318 246
Prepaid expenses............................................... $ 1,810 $ 473
Nondeductible reserves......................................... 2,708 1,001
State taxes.................................................... 419
Other.......................................................... 4 172
------ ------- ------ ------
Current.......................................................... 7,580 1,810 2,632 473
Noncurrent:
Depreciation and amortization.................................. 8,970 5,137
Joint venture income........................................... 626 822
Nondeductible reserves......................................... 920 904
Other.......................................................... 147 967
------ ------- ------ ------
Noncurrent....................................................... 1,067 9,596 904 6,926
------ ------- ------ ------
Total...................................................... $8,647 $11,406 $3,536 $7,399
====== ======= ====== ======
</TABLE>

8. Shareholders' Equity

At September 25, 1999, there were 1,000 shares of Series A convertible
preferred stock ($.01 par value) authorized, of which none were outstanding. In
July 1995, in connection with an agreement to become the master agent and
distributor for Solaris, the Company received from Monsanto Company $900,000 in
exchange for its issuance of 100 shares of Series A convertible preferred stock
and a warrant to purchase up to 500,000 shares of common stock with an exercise
price of $9.00 per share. Each share of Series A convertible preferred stock is
entitled to a liquidation preference of $9,000 per share, is convertible into
1,000 shares of common stock, is entitled to an annual 5% cumulative dividend,
votes together with common stock, and has a number of votes equal to the number
of shares of common stock into which it is convertible. In July 1997, the
Company redeemed the warrant for $7.0 million. In June 1998, the 100 shares of
Series A convertible preferred stock were converted into 100,000 shares of
common stock.

At September 25, 1999, there were 3,000,000 shares of Class B stock ($.01 par
value) authorized, of which 1,660,919 were outstanding. The voting powers,
preferences and relative rights of the Class B stock are identical to common
stock in all respects except that (i) the holders of common stock are entitled
to one vote per share and the holders of Class B stock are entitled to the
lesser of ten votes per share or 49% of the total votes cast, (ii) stock
dividends on common stock may be paid only in shares of common stock and stock
dividends on Class B stock may be paid only in shares of Class B stock and (iii)
shares of Class B stock have certain conversion rights and are subject to
certain restrictions on ownership and transfer. Each share of Class B stock is
convertible into one share of common stock, at the option of the holder.
Additional shares of Class B stock may only be issued with majority approval of
the holders of the common stock and Class B stock, voting as separate classes.

At September 25, 1999, there were 80,000,000 shares of common stock ($.01 par
value) authorized, of which 19,332,015 were outstanding.

44
<PAGE>

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)

On August 8, 1997, the Company completed an offering which consisted of
5,540,000 shares of its common stock at $24.25 per share before deduction for
underwriting commission and expenses related to the offering. The net proceeds
were used to repay the Company's borrowings under its principal line of credit
(including borrowings used for the acquisition of the flea and tick business of
Sandoz Agro, Inc.) and to provide the Company with a source of funds for working
capital and possible acquisitions of complementary businesses.

On January 15, 1998, the Company completed an offering of 8,050,000 shares of
its common stock at $26.25 per share before deduction for underwriting
commission and expenses related to the offering. The net proceeds were used to
finance recent acquisitions and for general corporate purposes.

In August 1998, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a program for the
Company to repurchase up to $25 million of common shares. In several subsequent
authorizations, the Company's Board of Directors increased such authorization up
to $155 million of common shares as of December 1, 1999. As of that date, the
Company had repurchased 13,312,750 shares for a total of $140.7 million under
such program.

In 1993, the Company adopted the Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan")
which provided for the grant of options to key employees and consultants of the
Company for the purchase of up to an aggregate of 900,000 shares of common stock
of the Company. In 1995, the Company amended the Plan to increase the number of
shares authorized for issuance by an additional 300,000, in 1996 the Company
amended the Plan to increase the number of shares authorized for issuance by an
additional 800,000 and in 1998 the Company further amended the Plan to increase
the number of shares authorized for issuance by an additional 2,000,000. The
Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors,
comprised of outside independent directors only, who determine individual awards
to be granted, vesting and exercise of share conditions.

Additional Stock Plan Information - The Company continues to account for its
stock-based awards using the intrinsic value method in accordance with
Accounting Principles Board No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,
and its related interpretations.

SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, requires the disclosure
of pro forma net earnings and earnings per share had the Company adopted the
fair value method as of the beginning of fiscal 1997. These calculations require
subjective assumptions, including future stock price volatility and expected
time to exercise, which greatly affect the calculated values. The Company's
calculations were made using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the
following weighted average assumptions: expected life of four years from date of
grant; stock volatility, 64% in fiscal 1999, 59% in fiscal 1998 and 64% in
fiscal 1997; risk free interest rates, 4.6% in fiscal 1999, 5.8% in fiscal 1998
and 6.1% in fiscal 1997; and no dividends during the expected term.

The Company's calculations are based on a single option valuation approach and
forfeitures are recognized as they occur. If the computed fair values of the
fiscal 1999, fiscal 1998, and fiscal 1997 awards had been amortized to expense
in the consolidated financial statements over the vesting period of the awards,
pro forma net earnings would have been as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Ended
-----------------------------------------------------
September 25, September 26, September 27,
1999 1998 1997
----------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Pro forma net earnings......................................... $20,849,000 $31,398,000 $15,444,000
Net earnings per common share:
Basic........................................................ $ 0.76 $ 1.10 $ 0.98
Diluted...................................................... $ 0.76 $ 1.08 $ 0.94
</TABLE>

However, the impact of outstanding non-vested stock options granted prior to
fiscal 1996 has been excluded from the pro forma calculation; accordingly, the
fiscal 1999, fiscal 1998 and fiscal 1997 pro forma adjustments are not
indicative of future period pro forma adjustments, when the calculation will
apply to all stock options.

<PAGE>

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS --- (Continued)

Option activity under the Plan is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Weighted
Number of Average
Options Exercise Price
------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Balance September 29, 1996 876,535 $ 8.64

Granted (weighted average fair value of $10.65) 660,402 18.26
Exercised (72,918) 3.15
Cancelled (16,129) 9.25
----------

Balance at September 27, 1997 1 ,447,890 13.38

Granted (weighted average fair value of $13.32) 918,224 21.75
Exercised (215,297) 5.28
Cancelled (35,264) 14.84
----------

Balance at September 26, 1998 2 ,115,553 17.83

Granted (weighted average fair value of $7.26) 1 ,929,224 13.45
Exercised (159,867) 4.36
Cancelled (974,915) 22.85
----------

Balance at September 25, 1999 2 ,909,995 14.35
==========

Exercisable at September 26, 1998 265,474 9.14
Exercisable at September 25, 1999 467,651 15.04
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
September 25, 1999 September 25, 1999
- ----------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------
Weighted
Average Weighted Weighted
Range Number of Remaining Average Number Average
of Exercise Options Contractual Exercise Of Options Exercise
Prices Outstanding Life (Years) Price Exercisable Price
----------- ----------- ------------ ----- ----------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 1.30 - $ 4.99 94,237 3.6 $ 2.18 56,151 $ 2.49
5.00 - 9.99 55,650 1.1 6.83 30,150 5.25
10.00 - 14.99 2,099,100 2.6 13.59 170,950 14.35
15.00 - 19.99 328,534 3.5 16.42 65,400 16.59
20.00 - 24.99 300,000 3.3 21.13 120,000 21.13
25.00 - 33.94 32,474 2.8 27.48 25,000 26.50
--------- -------

$1.30-$33.94 2,909,995 2.8 $14.35 467,651 $15.04
========= ======= ======
</TABLE>

In October 1998, options to purchase 712,000 shares of common stock were
repriced from a weighted average exercise price of $22.43 to an exercise price
of $14.50 which was equal to the fair market value at the date of repricing.
These shares are reflected as both granted and cancelled during the year ended
September 25, 1999, in the option activity table above.

46
<PAGE>

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ---(Continued)

The Company sponsors several 401(k) plans which cover substantially all
employees. The Company accrued contributions of $987,000, $296,000 and $293,000
for fiscal years 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

The Company maintains an employee discount stock purchase plan for eligible
employees. Under such plan, participants may use up to 15% of their annual
compensation up to certain dollar limitations, whichever is higher, to purchase,
through payroll deductions, the Company's common stock at the end of six-month
periods ending June 30 and December 31 of each plan year for 85% of the lower of
the beginning or ending stock price for the applicable six-month period of each
plan year.

9. Earnings Per-Share

The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the
basic and diluted earnings per-share (EPS) computations:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Ended Fiscal Year Ended Fiscal Year Ended
September 25, 1999 September 26, 1998 September 27, 1997
--------------------------- ------------------------------ ---------------------------
(dollars and shares in thousands)
Per Per Per
Income Shares Share Income Shares Share Income Shares Share
------ ------ ----- ------ ------ ----- ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Basic EPS:
Net income..................... $24,490 $33,693 $17,603
Stock dividend payment......... (45)
Net income available to ------- ------- -------
common stock................... 24,490 27,328 $0.90 33,693 28,502 $1.18 17,558 15,832 $1.11
===== ===== =====

Effect of dilutive securities:
Options to purchase
common stock.................. 109 324 473
Convertible notes.............. 4,314 4,107 3,730 3,565
Series A convertible
Preferred stock............... 74 100

Diluted EPS:
Net income attributed to ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------
common shareholders........... $24,490 27,437 $0.89 $38,007 33,007 $1.15 $21,288 19,970 $1.07
======= ====== ===== ======= ====== ===== ======= ====== =====
</TABLE>

47
<PAGE>

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ---(Continued)

10. Transactions with Related Parties

The Company leased certain warehouse facilities and equipment from related
entities which had been controlled by the Company's principal shareholder.
Rental expense under these leases totaled $156,000 annually in fiscal years
1998, and 1997, respectively. During fiscal year 1999, the Company's principal
shareholder disposed of these assets.

11. Business Segment Data

The Company adopted SFAS No. 131 "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise
and Related Information" effective September 25, 1999. SFAS No. 131 established
standards for reporting information about operating segments in its financial
reports to shareholders. Operating segments are defined as components of an
enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is
evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision making
group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The
Company's chief operating decision making group is comprised of the Chief
Executive Officer and the lead executives of each of the Company's operating
segments. The lead executive for each operating segment is also a member of a
Strategy Board that manages the profitability of each respective segment's
various product lines and business. The operating segments are managed
separately because each segment represents a strategic business unit that offers
different products or services. The chief operating decision making group
evaluates performance based on profit or loss from operations The Company's
Corporate division is included in the presentation of reportable segment
information since certain revenues and expenses of this division are not
allocated separately to the three operating segments. Segment assets exclude
cash equivalents, short-term investments, deferred taxes and goodwill.

The Distribution segment is the leading national distributor of lawn and
garden and pet supply products. This segment operates 34 distribution centers
across the United States stocking approximately 45,000 products. Their products
are sold to independent retailers, national retail chains, grocery stores and
mass merchants.

The Garden Products segment consists of Pennington Seed, Matthews Four
Seasons, Grant's and Norcal Pottery. Products manufactured or designed and
sourced are products found typically in the lawn and garden sections of mass
merchandisers, warehouse-type clubs, home improvement centers and nurseries and
include grass seed, bird seed, clay pottery, outdoor wooden planters and
trellises, ant control and animal repellents. These products are sold directly
to retailers and to distributors.

The Pet Products segment consists of Four Paws Products, TFH Publications,
Wellmark, Kaytee and Island Aquarium. These companies are engaged in the
manufacturing, delivery and sale of pet supplies, books and food principally to
independent pet distributors and retailers, national specialty pet stores, mass
merchants and bookstores.

The Corporate division includes expenses associated with corporate functions
and projects, certain employee benefits and nonoperating items such as interest
income, interest expense, goodwill amortization and intersegment eliminations.

<PAGE>

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ---(Continued)

Financial information relating to the Company's business segments for each of
the three most recent fiscal years is presented in the tables below (dollars in
thousands). Amounts are in thousands.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net Sales
Distribution $ 972,670 $ 887,479 $791,917
Garden Products 380,777 239,796 12,964
Pet Products 236,336 197,149 47,066
Corporate, eliminations and all other (54,154) (29,560) (10,940)
---------- ---------- --------
Total Net Sales $1,535,629 $1,294,864 $841,007
========== ========== ========

Intersegment Sales
Distribution - $ 273 $ 641
Garden Products $ 20,679 16,032 5,422
Pet Products 34,599 14,789 5,160
Corporate, eliminations and all other (55,278) (31,094) (11,223)
---------- ---------- --------
Total Intersegment Sales $ - $ - $ -
========== ========== ========

Income from operations
Distribution $ 16,333 $ 31,553 $ 27,112
Garden Products 40,640 26,241 1,100
Pet Products 27,056 23,677 12,931
Corporate, eliminations and all other (28,209) (15,767) (4,221)
---------- ---------- --------
Total income from operations 55,820 65,704 36,922

Interest expense (12,087) (7,609) (6,554)
Income taxes (19,243) (24,402) (12,765)
---------- ---------- --------
Net Income $ 24,490 $ 33,693 $ 17,603
========== ========== ========

Assets
Distribution $ 216,981 $ 198,641 $206,103
Garden Products 179,953 118,846 5,882
Pet Products 99,583 83,812 54,009
Corporate, eliminations and all other 459,313 527,401 293,049
---------- ---------- --------
Total Assets $ 955,830 $ 928,700 $559,043
========== ========== ========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
--------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Depreciation and amortization
Distribution $ 3,137 $ 1,543 $2,260
Garden Products 3,404 2,522 100
Pet Products 4,225 3,391 256
Corporate, eliminations and all other 9,726 8,658 2,757
--------- -------- -------
Total Depreciation and amortization $20,492 $16,114 $5,373
========= ======== =======

Expenditures for long-lived Assets
Distribution $ 7,730 $ 3,291 $1,806
Garden Products 1,548 5,870 875
Pet Products 8,456 8,707 1,127
Corporate, eliminations and all other 906 1,036 797
--------- -------- -------
Total Expenditures for long-lived Assets $18,640 $18,904 $4,605
========= ======== =======
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

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

None.

PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from
Central's Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
under the captions "Election of Directors" and "Section 16(a) Beneficial
Ownership Reporting Compliance." See also Item 1 above.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from
Central's Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
under the caption "Executive Compensation."

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from
Central's Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
under the caption "Ownership of Management and Principal Stockholders."

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from
Central's Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
under the captions "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation"
and "Transactions with the Company."

PART IV

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

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

(1) Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company are included in
Part II, Item 8:

Independent Auditors' Report

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Statements of Income

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

50
<PAGE>

(2) Supplementary Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule as of and for
the fiscal years ended September 25, 1999, September 26, 1998 and September
27, 1997:

Independent Auditors Report on Supplementary Consolidated Financial
Statement Schedule

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

All other schedules are omitted because of the absence of conditions under
which they are required or because the required information is included in the
consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

(3) Exhibits:

See attached Exhibit Index.

(b) The Company filed the following reports on Form 8-K during the fourth
quarter of fiscal 1999:

(1) A report dated July 12, 1999 disclosing the issuance of a press
release announcing changes in distribution services for The Scotts Company.

(2) A report dated July 13, 1999 disclosing the issuance of a press
release with respect to Central's stock repurchase program.

51
<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.

Date: December 22, 1999

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

By /s/ William E. Brown
-------------------------------------
William E. Brown
Chairman of the Board

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 indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Capacity Date
--------- -------- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ William E. Brown Chairman and Chief Executive December 22, 1999
- -----------------------------------
William E. Brown Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Robert B. Jones Vice President, Chief Financial December 22, 1999
- -----------------------------------
Robert B. Jones Officer (Principal Financial Officer
and Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/ Glenn W. Novotny Director December 22, 1999
- -----------------------------------
Glenn W. Novotny

/s/ Daniel P. Hogan, Jr. Director December 22, 1999
- -----------------------------------
Daniel P. Hogan, Jr.

/s/ Lee D. Hines, Jr. Director December 22, 1999
- -----------------------------------
Lee D. Hines, Jr.

/s/ Director
- -----------------------------------
Brooks M. Pennington, III

/s/ Director
- -----------------------------------
Bruce A. Westphal
</TABLE>

52
<PAGE>

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

The Board of Directors of Central Garden & Pet Company:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Central Garden
& Pet Company and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of September 25, 1999 and
September 26, 1998 and the related consolidated statements of income,
shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the fiscal years in the three-
year period ended September 25, 1999, and have issued our report thereon dated
December 20, 1999 (which expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an
explanatory paragraph related to the Company negotiating final payments due
under an expired vendor contract); such report is included elsewhere in this
Form 10-K. Our audits also included the supplementary consolidated financial
statement schedule of the Company listed in Item 14(a). This supplementary
consolidated financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits.
In our opinion, such supplementary consolidated financial statement schedule,
when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken
as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth
therein.

/s/DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

San Francisco, California
December 20, 1999

53
<PAGE>

SCHEDULE II

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
As of and for the Fiscal Years Ended September 25, 1999,
September 26, 1998 and September 27, 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Additions
-----------------------
Balances at Charged to Charged to Balances at
Description Beginning Costs and Other End of
----------- of Period Expenses Accounts Deductions Period
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
AMOUNTS DEDUCTED FROM ASSETS TO
WHICH THEY APPLY:
Year ended September 27, 1997
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable............ 5,278 1,950 450(1) 2,474 5,204
Year ended September 26, 1998
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable............ 5,204 2,138 3,266(1) 4,150 6,458
Year ended September 25, 1999
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable............ 6,458 4,909 - 5,224 6,143
</TABLE>

Note: (1) Recorded on the books of companies acquired

54
<PAGE>

EXHIBIT INDEX

Set forth below is a list of exhibits that are being filed or incorporated by
reference into this Form 10-K:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number Exhibit
------ -------

<S> <C>
3.1 Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit
to Registration Statement No. 33-98544).

3.1.1 Certificate of Amendment of Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (Incorporated
by reference from Exhibit 3.1.1 to Registration Statement No. 333-46437).

3.2 Copy of Registrant's Bylaws (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.2 to Registration Statement
No. 33-48070).

4.1 Specimen Common Stock Certificate (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to Registration
Statement No. 33-48070).

4.2 Indenture dated as of November 15, 1996 between the Company and Chemical Trust Company of
California, as Trustee, including the form of Notes (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 to
Registration Statement No. 333-21603).

4.3 Registration Rights Agreement dated as of November 15, 1996 among the Company, Alex. Brown & Sons
Incorporated, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Hambrecht & Quist LLC and
Wasserstein Perella Securities (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 to Registration
Statement No. 333-21603).

10.1 Lease between Central Garden Supply and Road 80 Investors dated as of December 31, 1985
(Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.11 to Registration Statement No. 33-48070).

10.2 Amendment to Lease between Central Garden & Pet and Road 80 Investors dated as of May 29, 1998.

10.3 Supplementary Retirement Benefit Agreement for Key Employees between Central Garden & Pet Supply
Company and Glenn W. Novotny dated as of July 1, 1991 (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit
10.12 to Registration Statement No. 33-48070).

10.4 Supplementary Retirement Benefit Agreement for Key Employees between Central Garden & Pet Supply
Company and Neill J. Hines dated as of July 1, 1991 (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.13
to Registration Statement No. 33-48070).

10.5 Form of Indemnification Agreement between Registrant and Executive Officers and Directors
(Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.18 to Registration Statement No. 33-48070).

10.6 Loan and Security Agreement by and among Congress Financial Corporation (Western) and Central
Garden & Pet Company, Matthews Redwood and Nursery Supply, Inc., Four Paws Products, Ltd. and
Ezell Nursery Supply, Inc., dated December 17, 1997 (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10 to
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 27, 1998).

10.7 Intercreditor Agreement between Congress Financial Corporation (Western) and Monsanto Corporation
dated as of January 28, 1994 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32.1 to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 1993).

10.8 Forms of Restricted Stock Grant Agreements (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.35 to
Registration Statement No. 33-48070).*

10.9 1993 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibits 4.1 to the
Company's Registration Statements Nos. 33-7236, 33-89216, 333-1238 and 333-41931).

10.10 Master Agreement by and between The Solaris Group, a Strategic Business Unit of Monsanto Company,
and the Company dated July 21, 1995 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.66 to the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 25, 1995).
</TABLE>

55
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number Exhibit
- ------ -------
<S> <C>
10.11 Exclusive Agency and Distributor Agreement by and between The Solaris Group and the Company dated
July 21, 1995 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.68 to the Company's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 25, 1995).

10.12 Compensation Agreement by and between The Solaris Group and Central Garden & Pet Company dated
July 21, 1995 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.69 to the Company's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 25, 1995).

10.13 Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of December 17, 1996 among the Company and the stockholder of
Four Paws Products, Ltd. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 to the Company's Report on
Form 8-K dated January 20, 1997).

10.14 Amended and Restated Asset Purchase Agreement among Novartis Inc. and the Company dated as of
February 3, 1997, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto, dated as of April 22, 1997, and Amendment
No. 2 thereto, dated as of May 23, 1997 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 to the Company's
Report on Form 8-K dated May 26, 1997).

10.15 Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of December 10, 1997 among the Company and the shareholders of
Kaytee Products Incorporated (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 to the Company's Report n
Form 8-K dated December 16, 1997).

10.16 Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of December 5, 1997 among the Company and the shareholders of
T.F.H. Publications, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 to the Company's Report on
Form 8-K/A dated December 18, 1997)

10.17 Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated as of February 17, 1998 among Pennington Seed, Inc.,
the stock holders of Pennington Seed, Inc., the Company and PS Sub, Inc. (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2 the Company's Report on Form 8-K dated February 27, 1998).

10.18 Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Registration
Statement No. 333-09865).

10.19 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Registration Statement
No. 333-26387).

10.20 Employment Agreement dated as of February 27, 1998 between Pennington Seed, Inc. of Delaware and
Brooks Pennington III.

12 Statement re Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges

21 List of Subsidiaries

23 Independent Auditors' Consent

27 Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
____________________

<PAGE>

EXHIBIT 12

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(Dollars in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine-Month Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year
Period Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended
September 30, September 28, September 27, September 26, September 25,
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Income before income taxes $1,983 $14,465 $30,368 $58,095 $43,733
Fixed charges (1) 6,414 4,826 7,609 8,807 13,755
-------- ------- ------- ------- --------
Total earnings and fixed charges 8,397 19,291 37,977 66,902 57,488

Fixed charges (1) $6,414 $ 4,826 $ 7,609 $ 8,807 $13,755

Ratio of earnings to fix charges 1.31 4.00 4.99 7.60 4.18
======== ======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>

(1) Fixed charges consist of interest expense incurred and the portion of
rental expense under operating leases deemed by the Company to be
representative of the interest factor.

<PAGE>

EXHIBIT 21

LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES

The following table sets forth certain information concerning the principal
subsidiaries of the Company.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
State or Other
Name Jurisdiction of Incorporation
---- -----------------------------
<S> <C>
Ezell Nursery Supply, Inc. California
Four Paws Products, Ltd. New York
Kaytee Products Incorporated Wisconsin
Norcal Pottery Products, Inc. California
Pennington Seed, Inc. Delaware
TFH Publications, Inc. Delaware
Wellmark International California
</TABLE>

The names of certain subsidiaries have been omitted because such unnamed
subsidiaries, considered in the aggregate, would not constitute a significant
subsidiary as that term is defined in Regulation S-X.

<PAGE>

EXHIBIT 23

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to incorporation by reference in Central Garden & Pet Company's
Registration Statement Nos. 333-09065, 333-01238, 33-96816, 33-89216, 33-72326,
333-22209, 333-41931 and 333-84737 on Form S-8, Registration Statement Nos. 333-
05261, 333-26387 and 333-46437 on Form S-4 and Registration Statement Nos. 33-
86284, 333-21603 and 333-48617 on Form S-3 of our reports dated December 20,
1999 (which expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory
paragraph related to the Company negotiating final payments due under an expired
vendor contract) appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Central Garden
& Pet Company for the year ended September 25, 1999.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

San Francisco, California
December 22, 1999

<PAGE>

<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

<S> <C> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> SEP-25-1999 SEP-26-1998
<PERIOD-START> SEP-27-1998 SEP-28-1997
<PERIOD-END> SEP-25-1999 SEP-26-1998
<CASH> 8,017 10,328
<SECURITIES> 0 0
<RECEIVABLES> 149,411 142,293
<ALLOWANCES> 6,143 6,458
<INVENTORY> 316,094 292,809
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 484,776 472,314
<PP&E> 129,446 112,187
<DEPRECIATION> 35,267 25,805
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 955,830 928,700
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 315,148 194,601
<BONDS> 123,898 125,125
0 0
0 0
<COMMON> 302 298
<OTHER-SE> 495,425 588,476
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 955,830 928,700
<SALES> 1,535,629 1,294,864
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 1,535,629 1,294,864
<CGS> 1,182,828 1,009,143
<TOTAL-COSTS> 296,981 220,017
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 12,087 7,609
<INCOME-PRETAX> 43,733 58,095
<INCOME-TAX> 19,243 24,402
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 0 0
<DISCONTINUED> 0 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0 0
<CHANGES> 0 0
<NET-INCOME> 24,490 33,693
<EPS-BASIC> .90 1.18
<EPS-DILUTED> .89 1.15

</TABLE>