US CAN CORP
PREM14A, 2000-06-30
METAL CANS
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<PAGE>   1

                                  SCHEDULE 14A
                                 (RULE 14A-101)
                    INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
                            SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
          PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES
                              EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

     Filed by the registrant [X]

     Filed by a party other than the registrant [ ]

     Check the appropriate box:

     [X] Preliminary proxy statement        [ ] Confidential, For Use of the
                                                Commission Only (as permitted by
                                                Rule 14a-6(e)(2)

     [ ] Definitive proxy statement

     [ ] Definitive additional materials

     [ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12

                              U.S. CAN CORPORATION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

Payment of filing fee (Check the appropriate box):

     [ ] No fee required.

     [X] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and
0-11.

     (1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: U.S.
Can Corporation common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Common Stock")

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

     (2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: 13,454,269

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

     (3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee
is calculated and state how it was determined): The proposed maximum aggregate
value of the transaction for purposes of calculating the filing fee only is
$276,332,150. The filing fee was determined by adding (a) the product of (i) the
13,454,269 shares of Common Stock that are proposed to be retired in the merger
and (ii) the merger consideration of $20.00 per share of Common Stock, plus (b)
$7,246,770 expected to be paid upon cancellation of outstanding options (the
"Total Consideration"). The filing fee equals one-fiftieth of one percent of the
Total Consideration.

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

     (4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: $276,332,150

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

     (5) Total fee paid: $55,267

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

     [ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials:

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

     [ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or
the form or schedule and the date of its filing.

     (1) Amount previously paid:

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

     (2) Form, schedule or registration statement no.:

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

     (3) Filing party:

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

     (4) Date filed:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2

                                  [USCAN LOGO]

                              U.S. CAN CORPORATION
                               900 COMMERCE DRIVE
                           OAK BROOK, ILLINOIS 60523
                               ------------------

                 PROPOSED MERGER -- YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT

TO U.S. CAN CORPORATION STOCKHOLDERS:

     U.S. Can Corporation has entered into a merger agreement with Pac Packaging
Acquisition Corporation to effect a recapitalization of U.S. Can in which Pac
will be merged with and into U.S. Can. Pac is a corporation newly formed by Paul
W. Jones, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Can, John L. Workman,
Chief Financial Officer of U.S. Can, and Berkshire Partners LLC for the sole
purpose of effecting the recapitalization.

     If the recapitalization is completed, each share of U.S. Can common stock
outstanding and owned by you at the effective time of the merger will be
canceled and converted into the right to receive $20.00 in cash, unless you are
a rollover stockholder identified in the merger agreement or you are a
dissenting stockholder and perfect your appraisal rights under Delaware law.
Certain shares held by rollover shareholders will be converted into the right to
receive $20.00 in cash and certain shares held by rollover shareholders will be
converted into shares of capital stock of U.S. Can, as the corporation that will
survive the merger. The rollover stockholders include members of senior
management of U.S. Can, Salomon Smith Barney Inc. (affiliated with U.S. Can
director Louis B. Susman), affiliates of U.S. Can directors Ricardo Poma and
Francisco A. Soler, and other designated U.S. Can stockholders. Certain members
of U.S. Can's senior management also will have the right to purchase additional
shares of U.S. Can common stock for a purchase price of $20.00 per share in the
recapitalization. As a result of the recapitalization, all of the outstanding
common stock of U.S. Can will be privately-owned by affiliates of Berkshire
Partners, the rollover stockholders, other members of U.S. Can's senior
management, and Squam Lake Investors IV L.P.

     In order to evaluate the advisability of the recapitalization, U.S. Can's
board of directors formed a special committee of the U.S. Can board, consisting
of three independent directors. The special committee has unanimously
recommended to the U.S. Can board of directors that the merger and the merger
agreement be approved and adopted. In its evaluation of the merger, the special
committee considered the opinion of Lazard Freres & Co. LLC, its independent
investment banker, to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion, the cash
merger consideration of $20.00 per share to be received by the stockholders of
U.S. Can other than the rollover stockholders is fair to such holders from a
financial point of view. Lazard's opinion is subject to the assumptions,
limitations and qualifications set forth in its written opinion, which is
attached as Annex B to the enclosed proxy statement.

     BOTH THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE AND THE U.S. CAN BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAVE
DETERMINED THAT THE MERGER AND THE MERGER AGREEMENT ARE ADVISABLE AND IN THE
BEST INTERESTS OF U.S. CAN AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS WHO ARE NOT ROLLOVER
STOCKHOLDERS AND RECOMMEND THAT YOU APPROVE AND ADOPT THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND
THE MERGER.

     The attached proxy statement provides you with detailed information about
the proposed merger and merger agreement. We urge you to read the entire
document carefully. The affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of U.S. Can common stock is required to adopt the merger
agreement and the merger.

     REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES YOU OWN, YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT.
Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, please complete, sign, date and
mail the enclosed proxy card.

                                  Paul W. Jones
                                  Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
                                  Executive Officer

     NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THIS TRANSACTION, OR PASSED UPON THE
FAIRNESS OR MERITS OF THIS TRANSACTION OR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE
ENCLOSED PROXY STATEMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
                               ------------------
The date of this proxy statement is                     , 2000
<PAGE>   3

                                  [USCAN LOGO]

                              U.S. CAN CORPORATION
                               900 COMMERCE DRIVE
                           OAK BROOK, ILLINOIS 60523

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

                   NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                         TO BE HELD ON           , 2000

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

To U.S. Can Corporation stockholders:

     We will hold a special meeting of stockholders of U.S. Can Corporation on
                    , 2000 at 9:00 a.m. Chicago time, at the headquarters of
U.S. Can located at 900 Commerce Drive, Oak Brook, Illinois. The purpose of the
meeting is:

        1. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt a merger
           agreement, as amended, and a merger to effect a recapitalization of
           U.S. Can in which Pac Packaging Acquisition Corporation will merge
           with and into U.S. Can. The affirmative vote of the holders of a
           majority of U.S. Can's common stock then outstanding is required to
           adopt the amended merger agreement and the merger.

        2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
           special meeting or any adjournments or postponements of the special
           meeting.

     We have described the amended merger agreement and merger in the
accompanying proxy statement, which you should read in its entirety before
voting. A composite copy of the amended merger agreement is attached as Annex A
to the proxy statement. The record date to determine who is entitled to vote at
the meeting is                     , 2000. Only holders of U.S. Can common stock
at the close of business on the record date are entitled to notice of, and to
vote at, the meeting.

     YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. You should complete, sign, date and return the
enclosed proxy card as soon as possible to make sure your shares are represented
at the meeting. If you attend the meeting and wish to vote in person, you may
revoke your proxy and vote in person. If you have instructed a broker to vote
your shares, you must follow directions received from the broker to change or
revoke your proxy.

                                          By Order of the Board of Directors,

                                          /s/ Steven K. Sims
                                          Steven K. Sims
                                          Vice President, General Counsel and
                                          Secretary
------------------, 2000
Oak Brook, Illinois

     WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON, PLEASE COMPLETE,
SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE ACCOMPANYING SELF-ADDRESSED
POSTAGE PRE-PAID ENVELOPE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
<PAGE>   4

                               SUMMARY TERM SHEET

     The following summary briefly describes the material terms of the
recapitalization of U.S. Can. This summary does not contain all the information
that may be important for you to consider when evaluating the recapitalization.
We encourage you to read this proxy statement and the documents we have
incorporated by reference before voting. We have included section references to
direct you to a more complete description of the topics described in this
summary.

     - Pac is a corporation newly formed by Paul W. Jones, Chairman and Chief
       Executive Officer of U.S. Can, John L. Workman, Chief Financial Officer
       of U.S. Can, and Berkshire Partners LLC for the sole purpose of effecting
       the recapitalization. Please read "Summary -- The Companies" beginning on
       page   .

     - If the recapitalization is completed, you will receive $20.00 per share
       in cash for each of your shares of U.S. Can common stock unless you are a
       rollover stockholder or a dissenting stockholder and you perfect your
       appraisal rights. The rollover stockholders will have some or all of
       their shares of U.S. Can common stock converted into shares of capital
       stock of U.S. Can as the corporation surviving the merger and, in some
       cases, will receive varying combinations of U.S. Can common stock, U.S.
       Can preferred stock and cash in the recapitalization. The rollover
       stockholders include certain members of U.S. Can's senior management,
       Salomon Smith Barney Inc. (affiliated with U.S. Can director Louis B.
       Susman), affiliates of U.S. Can directors Ricardo Poma and Francisco
       Soler, and other designated stockholders. Certain members of U.S. Can's
       senior management also will have the right to purchase additional shares
       of U.S. Can common stock in the recapitalization for a purchase price of
       $20.00 per share. Please read "Questions and Answers About the
       Recapitalization," "Special Factors," "The Merger Agreement" and
       "Information About Certain Persons Who Will Own U.S. Can Capital Stock
       After the Recapitalization and Their Affiliates" beginning on page iii,
       9, 43 and 65, respectively.

     - As a result of the recapitalization:

     -- U.S. Can will be owned by affiliates of Berkshire Partners, the rollover
        stockholders, other members of U.S. Can's senior management, and Squam
        Lake Investors;

     -- U.S. Can's stockholders who receive cash in exchange for their shares of
        U.S. Can common stock will no longer have any interest in the future
        earnings or growth of U.S. Can;

     -- U.S. Can will no longer be a public company; and

     -- U.S. Can will no longer be traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

     Please read "Special Factors -- Effects of the Recapitalization" beginning
      on page 9.

     - Because certain directors of U.S. Can have actual or potential conflicts
       of interest in evaluating the recapitalization, the U.S. Can board of
       directors appointed a special committee of independent U.S. Can directors
       to evaluate the proposed recapitalization. The special committee and the
       U.S. Can board of directors have determined that the merger and the
       merger agreement are advisable and in the best interests of U.S. Can and
       its stockholders other than the rollover stockholders and recommend that
       you approve and adopt the merger and the merger agreement. Please read
       "Recommendation of the Special Committee and the Board of Directors and
       Fairness of the Merger" beginning on page   .

     - The special committee received an opinion from Lazard Freres & Co. LLC,
       its investment banker, to the effect that as of the date of such opinion
       and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications set forth
       in such opinion, the cash merger consideration of $20.00 per share to be
       received by stockholders other than the rollover stockholders of U.S. Can
       for their U.S. Can common stock is fair to such stockholders from a
       financial point of view. Please read "Special Factors -- Opinion of the
       Special Committee's Investment Banker" beginning on page 9.

     - The merger agreement must be adopted by the affirmative vote of the
       holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of U.S. Can
       common stock. Please read "The Meeting -- Your Voting Rights; Required
       Vote" beginning on page 53.
                                        i
<PAGE>   5

     - If you do not vote in favor of the merger and you fulfill other
       procedural requirements, Delaware law entitles you to a judicial
       appraisal of the fair value of their shares. Please read "Special
       Factors -- Rights of Dissenting Stockholders" beginning on page 40.

     - The receipt of cash in the merger by you will be a taxable transaction to
       you. Please read "Special Factors -- Material Federal Income Tax
       Considerations" beginning on page 36.

                                       ii
<PAGE>   6

                QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE RECAPITALIZATION

Q:  WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE RECAPITALIZATION?

A:  Pac will be merged with and into U.S. Can, and U.S. Can will be the
    surviving corporation. Pac is a corporation newly formed by Paul W. Jones,
    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Can, John L. Workman, Chief
    Financial Officer of U.S. Can, and Berkshire Partners for the sole purpose
    of effecting the recapitalization. After the recapitalization, U.S. Can will
    become a privately-held company owned by affiliates of Berkshire Partners,
    the rollover stockholders, other members of U.S. Can's senior management,
    and Squam Lake. Affiliates of Berkshire Partners will hold approximately 77%
    of U.S. Can's common stock following the recapitalization and the rollover
    stockholders, other members of senior management and Squam Lake collectively
    will hold approximately 23% of U.S. Can's common stock.

Q:  WHAT WILL I RECEIVE IN THE RECAPITALIZATION?

A:  You will receive $20.00 in cash in exchange for each share of common stock
    owned by you at the effective time of the merger, unless you are a rollover
    stockholder or a dissenting stockholder and you perfect your appraisal
    rights under Delaware law.

Q:  WHO ARE THE ROLLOVER STOCKHOLDERS?

A:   The rollover stockholders include members of U.S. Can's senior management,
     Salomon Smith Barney Inc. (affiliated with U.S. Can director Louis B.
     Susman), affiliates of U.S. Can directors Ricardo Poma and Francisco Soler,
     Lennoxville Investments, Inc., Empire Investments S.A. and Carl Ferenbach,
     a Managing Director of Berkshire Partners and former director of U.S. Can.
     Certain members of U.S. Can's senior management also will have the right to
     purchase additional shares of U.S. Can common stock in the
     recapitalization. The rollover stockholders will have some or all of their
     shares converted into shares of U.S. Can common stock as the corporation
     surviving the merger and, in some cases, their shares will be converted
     into varying combinations of common stock of U.S. Can, preferred stock of
     U.S. Can and cash in the recapitalization.

Q:  CAN I CHOOSE TO BE A ROLLOVER STOCKHOLDER?

A:  No. The rollover stockholders will include only the U.S. Can stockholders
    designated in the merger agreement and described above.

Q:  WHY WAS THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE FORMED?

A:  Because certain directors of U.S. Can have actual or potential conflicts of
    interest in evaluating the recapitalization, U.S. Can's board of directors
    appointed a special committee of disinterested directors to review and
    evaluate the proposed recapitalization. The special committee has
    unanimously recommended to U.S. Can's board of directors that the merger and
    the merger agreement be approved and adopted. In arriving at its conclusion,
    the special committee considered the opinion of Lazard Freres & Co. LLC, its
    independent investment banker, that, as of the date of such opinion and
    based upon the limitations, qualifications and assumptions described in the
    opinion, the cash merger consideration of $20.00 per share to be received by
    the stockholders of U.S. Can is fair to such stockholders other than the
    rollover stockholders from a financial point of view.

Q:  WHAT AM I BEING ASKED TO VOTE UPON?

A:  You are being asked to vote to approve and adopt the merger and the merger
    agreement which provides for Pac to merge with and into U.S. Can. Under
    Delaware law, the merger agreement must be adopted by the affirmative vote
    of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of U.S. Can
    common stock.

Q:  WHAT DO I NEED TO DO NOW?

A:  After carefully reading and considering the information contained in this
    proxy statement, please vote by completing, signing and mailing your proxy
    card as soon as possible so that your shares can be represented at the
    meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, you should sign and
    return
                                       iii
<PAGE>   7

    your proxy. If you neither vote at the meeting nor grant your proxy as
    described in this proxy statement, your shares will not be voted, which will
    have the effect of voting against adoption of the merger agreement.

Q:  SHOULD I SEND IN MY STOCK CERTIFICATES NOW?

A:  No. If the merger is completed, you will receive written instructions for
    exchanging your U.S. Can stock certificates for cash.

Q:  IF MY SHARES ARE HELD IN "STREET NAME" BY MY BROKER, WILL MY BROKER VOTE MY
    SHARES FOR ME?

A:  Your broker will vote your shares only if you provide instructions on how to
    vote. You should follow the directions provided by your broker regarding how
    to instruct your broker to vote your shares.

Q:  MAY I CHANGE MY VOTE AFTER I HAVE MAILED MY SIGNED PROXY CARD?

A:  Yes. You may change your vote by delivering a written notice stating that
    you would like to revoke your proxy or by executing and submitting a new,
    later dated proxy card to the Corporate Secretary of U.S. Can before the
    meeting. You may also revoke your proxy by attending the U.S. Can special
    stockholders meeting and voting your shares in person.

Q:  WHEN DO YOU EXPECT THE RECAPITALIZATION TO BE COMPLETED?

A:  We are working toward completing the recapitalization as quickly as possible
    after the U.S. Can special stockholders meeting. We hope to complete the
    recapitalization during the third quarter of 2000, although there can be no
    assurance that we will be able to do so.

Q:  WHAT ARE THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE RECAPITALIZATION?

A:  The receipt of the cash merger consideration by you will be a taxable
    transaction for federal income tax purposes. To review the possible tax
    consequences to U.S. Can stockholders in greater detail, see "Special
    Factors -- Material Federal Income Tax Considerations." You should also
    consult your tax advisor as to your particular circumstances and the
    specific tax effects of the recapitalization to you.

Q:  WHO CAN HELP ANSWER MY QUESTIONS?

A:  If you have any questions about the merger or if you need additional copies
    of this proxy statement or the enclosed proxy card, you should contact:

    [insert contact information]

                                       iv
<PAGE>   8

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                PAGE
                                                                ----
<S>                                                             <C>
SUMMARY TERM SHEET..........................................       i
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE RECAPITALIZATION............     iii
SUMMARY.....................................................       1
  The Companies.............................................       1
  Effects of the Recapitalization...........................       1
  What You Will Receive in the Merger.......................       1
  Payment for Stock Certificates............................       1
  The Meeting...............................................       1
  Vote Required.............................................       1
  The Merger Agreement and the Merger.......................       2
  Material Federal Income Tax Considerations................       5
  Accounting Treatment......................................       5
  Financing of the Recapitalization.........................       5
  Appraisal Rights..........................................       6
  Summary Consolidated Historical and Pro Forma Financial
     Information............................................       7
SPECIAL FACTORS.............................................       9
  Effects of the Recapitalization...........................       9
  Background of the Recapitalization........................      10
  Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Special
     Committee and the Board of Directors...................      16
  Salomon Smith Barney's Presentation on behalf of Pac to
     the Special Committee's Investment Banker..............      18
  Opinion of the Special Committee's Investment Banker......      21
  Rollover Stockholders' Reasons for the Recapitalization...      26
  Position of Pac and the Rollover Stockholders as to
     Fairness of the Recapitalization.......................      26
  Interests of Directors and Officers in the
     Recapitalization that are Different From Your
     Interests..............................................      26
  Plans for U.S. Can After the Recapitalization.............      35
  Conduct of the Business of U.S. Can if the
     Recapitalization is Not Completed......................      35
  Regulatory Requirements...................................      35
  Material Federal Income Tax Considerations................      36
  Anticipated Accounting Treatment..........................      37
  Financing of the Recapitalization.........................      37
  Potential Fraudulent Conveyance Challenge to the
     Recapitalization.......................................      39
  Estimated Fees and Expenses of the Recapitalization.......      40
  Rights of Dissenting Stockholders.........................      40
  Provisions for Unaffiliated Security Holders..............      43
THE MERGER AGREEMENT........................................      43
  Structure of the Merger...................................      43
  When the Merger Becomes Effective.........................      43
  Effect of the Merger on the Capital Stock and Stock
     Options of U.S. Can and Pac............................      43
  Payment for U.S. Can Common Stock and Stock Options in the
     Merger.................................................      44
  Representations and Warranties............................      44
  Certain Agreements........................................      45
  Non-Solicitation of Competing Proposals...................      49
  Filings and Other Actions.................................      50
  Conditions to Completion of the Merger....................      50
  Termination of the Merger Agreement.......................      51
  Expenses..................................................      52
  Modification or Amendment to the Merger Agreement.........      52
</TABLE>

                                        v
<PAGE>   9

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                PAGE
                                                                ----
<S>                                                             <C>
THE MEETING.................................................      52
  Purpose of the Meeting....................................      52
  Date......................................................      53
  Your Voting Rights; Required Vote.........................      53
  Giving and Revoking Your Proxy; Solicitation..............      54
BUSINESS OF U.S. CAN........................................      54
  General...................................................      54
  Aerosol Products..........................................      55
  Paint, Plastic and General Line...........................      55
  Custom and Specialty Products.............................      55
  Customers.................................................      55
  Raw Materials.............................................      56
  Seasonality...............................................      56
  Labor.....................................................      56
  Competition...............................................      57
  Acquisitions..............................................      57
  Restructuring Programs....................................      58
  Properties................................................      58
  Legal Proceedings.........................................      59
MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION......................      60
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
  MANAGEMENT................................................      61
TRANSACTION IN SHARES OF COMMON STOCK BY CERTAIN PERSONS....      63
INFORMATION ABOUT CERTAIN PERSONS WHO WILL OWN U.S. CAN
  CAPITAL STOCK AFTER THE RECAPITALIZATION AND THEIR
  AFFILIATES................................................      65
  Salomon Smith Barney......................................      65
  Citigroup Inc.............................................      65
  Ricardo Poma..............................................      71
  Salcorp Ltd...............................................      71
  Katsura S.A...............................................      71
  Barcel Corporation........................................      72
  Scarsdale Company N.V., Inc...............................      73
  Francisco A. Soler........................................      73
  Windsor International Corporation.........................      73
  Atlas World Carriers S.A..................................      73
  The World Financial Corporation S.A.......................      74
  Paul W. Jones.............................................      74
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION......................................      75
  U.S. Can Stockholder Proposals............................      75
  Independent Public Accountants............................      75
  Where You Can Find More Information.......................      76
  Forward-Looking Statements................................      77
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
  STATEMENT.................................................
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS...............................
ANNEXES:
  A -- Composite Amended Agreement and Plan of Merger.......     A-1
  B -- Opinion of Lazard Freres & Co. LLC...................     B-1
  C -- Section 262 of the Delaware General Corporation
     Law....................................................     C-1
</TABLE>

                                       vi
<PAGE>   10

                                    SUMMARY

     This summary highlights some of the information from this proxy statement
and may not contain all of the information that is important to you. To
understand the recapitalization fully and for a more complete description of the
legal terms of the merger, you should carefully read this entire document,
including the annexes and other documents to which we have referred you. See
"Additional Information -- Where You Can Find More Information" for more
details.

THE COMPANIES

U.S. Can Corporation
900 Commerce Drive
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523
Telephone: 630-571-2500
website: http://www.uscanco.com

     U.S. Can is a Delaware corporation which is a leading manufacturer of steel
containers for personal care, household, automotive, paint, industrial and
specialty products in the United States and Europe, as well as plastic
containers in the United States. U.S. Can also sells food cans in Europe through
its subsidiary May Verpackungen.

Pac Packaging Acquisition Corporation
900 Commerce Drive
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523
Telephone: 630-571-2500

     Pac is a Delaware corporation formed by Paul W. Jones, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of U.S. Can, John L. Workman, Chief Financial Officer of U.S.
Can, and Berkshire Partners LLC. Berkshire Partners is a private equity firm
headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts that has been an investor in over 65
operating companies.

EFFECTS OF THE RECAPITALIZATION

     U.S. Can has entered into a merger agreement with Pac to effect a
recapitalization of U.S. Can in which Pac will merge with and into U.S. Can,
with U.S. Can being the surviving corporation.

     If the recapitalization is completed, all shares of U.S. Can common stock
will be canceled and converted into the right to receive cash, except for
certain shares of U.S. Can common stock held by the rollover stockholders which
will be converted into shares of capital stock of U.S. Can as the surviving
corporation in the recapitalization. The rollover stockholders include members
of senior management of U.S. Can, Salomon Smith Barney Inc. (an affiliate of
U.S. Can director Louis B. Susman), affiliates of U.S. Can directors Ricardo
Poma and Francisco A. Soler, and other named U.S. Can stockholders. After the
recapitalization, U.S. Can's capital stock will be privately held by affiliates
of Berkshire Partners, the rollover stockholders, other members of senior
management of U.S. Can, and Squam Lake. Upon the completion of the
recapitalization, U.S. Can's common stock will be delisted from the New York
Stock Exchange and the registration of U.S. Can's common stock under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 will be terminated.

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE IN THE MERGER

     If you are not a rollover stockholder or a dissenting stockholder you will
receive $20.00 in cash for each share of U.S. Can common stock that you own at
the effective time of the merger.

PAYMENT FOR STOCK CERTIFICATES

     Promptly after the merger, the paying agent for the merger will send a
letter of transmittal to you to be used for surrendering your U.S. Can common
stock certificates for $20.00 in cash per share. You should not send in your
U.S. Can common stock certificates until you receive the letter of transmittal.

THE MEETING

     The special meeting of U.S. Can's stockholders will take place on
               , 2000 at 900 Commerce Drive, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523, at 9:00
a.m. Chicago time. At the meeting you will be asked to approve and adopt the
merger and the merger agreement.

VOTE REQUIRED

     Each stockholder of record on the record date is entitled to one vote on
each matter submitted to a vote at the meeting for each share of U.S. Can common
stock held. A majority of the shares of U.S. Can common stock outstanding on the
record date represented in person or by proxy constitutes a quorum for
consideration of such matters at the
                                        1
<PAGE>   11

meeting. The affirmative vote of at least a majority of shares of U.S. Can
common stock outstanding and entitled to vote is required to adopt the merger
agreement. Delaware corporate law requires that the U.S. Can stockholders adopt
the merger agreement before U.S. Can can complete the merger.

THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE MERGER

     The merger agreement is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement in
composite form reflecting the changes made by an amendment dated June 28, 2000.
Whenever we refer to the merger agreement in this proxy statement we are
referring to the merger agreement as so amended. You should read the merger
agreement because it, and not this proxy statement, is the legal document that
governs the merger.

Recommendation of the Special Committee and the Board of Directors

     A special committee of independent directors of U.S. Can and U.S. Can's
board of directors carefully reviewed and considered the terms and conditions of
the merger and the merger agreement and determined that the merger and the
merger agreement are advisable and in the best interests of U.S. Can and its
stockholders and the cash consideration to be received for certain outstanding
shares of common stock in the merger is fair to the stockholders who will
receive such cash consideration. By a vote of all directors present and voting
at a meeting at which a quorum of directors was present (with one director,
Louis B. Susman, abstaining), U.S. Can's board of directors approved and adopted
the merger and the merger agreement. Accordingly, the special committee and U.S.
Can's board of directors recommend that you vote to approve and adopt the merger
and the merger agreement. See "Special Factors -- Reasons For the Merger;
Recommendation of the Special Committee and the Board of Directors" and "Special
Factors -- Background of the Recapitalization."

Opinion of the Special Committee's Investment Banker

     The special committee's investment banker, Lazard Freres & Co. LLC,
delivered a written opinion to the special committee of U.S. Can's board of
directors as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, as of the date of
such opinion, of the cash consideration to be paid in the merger to the U.S. Can
stockholders other than the rollover stockholders. The full text of Lazard's
written opinion dated June 1, 2000, is attached to this proxy statement as Annex
B. We encourage you to carefully read this opinion in its entirety for a
description of the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered and
limitations on the review undertaken. LAZARD'S OPINION IS DIRECTED TO THE
SPECIAL COMMITTEE AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A RECOMMENDATION TO ANY STOCKHOLDER AS
TO ANY MATTER RELATING TO THE MERGER.

Interests of U.S. Can Directors and Officers in the Recapitalization that are
Different from Your Interests

     A majority of the members of U.S. Can's board of directors and some of U.S.
Can's officers have interests in the recapitalization that are different from
your interests. For example:

     - Some of Salomon Smith Barney's shares of U.S. Can common stock will be
       converted into U.S. Can common stock and U.S. Can preferred stock in the
       recapitalization. Louis B. Susman, the Vice Chairman of Investment
       Banking and Managing Director of Salomon Smith Barney, is a director of
       U.S. Can and is expected to serve as a director of U.S. Can after the
       recapitalization. In addition, Salomon Smith Barney is serving as
       financial advisor to Pac and as a source of financing for the
       recapitalization. See "Special Factors -- Financing of the Merger." Mr.
       Susman abstained from voting at the U.S. Can board of directors meeting
       at which the merger agreement was approved in light of Salomon Smith
       Barney's several roles in the recapitalization.

     - Some of the shares of U.S. Can common stock owned by affiliates of
       Ricardo Poma, a U.S. Can director, will be converted into shares of U.S.
       Can common stock and U.S. Can preferred stock in the recapitalization.
       Mr. Poma is expected to continue to serve as a director of U.S. Can after
       the recapitalization.

     - Some of the shares of U.S. Can common stock owned by affiliates of
       Francisco A. Soler, a U.S. Can director, will be converted into shares of
       U.S. Can common stock and U.S. Can preferred stock in the
       recapitalization. Mr. Soler is expected to continue to

                                        2
<PAGE>   12

serve as a director of U.S. Can after the recapitalization.

     - Paul W. Jones, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Can will
       continue as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Can after the
       recapitalization. Mr. Jones will own common stock representing
       approximately 3.5% of the outstanding common stock of U.S. Can
       immediately after the recapitalization.

     - Some of the shares owned by current officers of U.S. Can will be
       converted into shares of U.S. Can common stock in the recapitalization.
       In addition, some officers of U.S. Can will have the right to purchase
       substantial additional shares of U.S. Can common stock in the
       recapitalization.

     - The officers of U.S. Can are expected to remain officers of U.S. Can
       after the merger.

     - U.S. Can will pay one-time cash bonuses in the aggregate amount of
       $1,682,700 to some of the officers of U.S. Can at the time of the
       recapitalization.

     - Some officers of U.S. Can will be granted new U.S. Can options after the
       recapitalization is completed.

     - All vested and unvested options granted prior to the recapitalization by
       U.S. Can to purchase U.S. Can common stock, including those held by
       certain officers of U.S. Can, will be converted into the right to receive
       a cash payment equal to the difference between the merger consideration
       and the exercise price of the stock option.

     - Participants in U.S. Can's executive deferred compensation plan who will
       be U.S. Can stockholders after the recapitalization are entitled to
       receive a cash distribution from the plan equal to the merger
       consideration for each stock unit held by the executive. Other
       participants in the plan will become vested in their matching stock units
       in the amount of $20.00 per matching stock unit, which amount will be
       transferred to other investments.

     - Some U.S. Can officers will be entitled to severance payments in the
       event their employment ceases following the merger.

     These interests are more fully described under "Special
Factors -- Interests of Directors and Officers in the Recapitalization that are
Different from Your Interests."

     U.S. Can's board of directors was aware of these interests and considered
them, among other matters, when approving the merger agreement.

What We Need to Do to Complete the Merger

     We will complete the merger only if the conditions set forth in the merger
agreement are satisfied or, in some cases, waived. These conditions include:

     - the approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the merger by U.S.
       Can's stockholders;

     - the expiration or termination of the waiting period applicable to the
       completion of the merger under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust
       Improvements Act of 1976 and the receipt of any consents to the
       transaction contemplated by the merger agreement required by German law
       or other applicable competition laws;

     - no governmental entity enacts or issues any law or order, whether
       temporary, preliminary or permanent, that is in effect and prohibits
       completion of the merger or otherwise imposes material limitations on
       U.S. Can's ability to effectively hold and continue its business after
       the merger;

     - U.S. Can's receipt of the debt financing proceeds described in the debt
       and bridge financing commitment letters described in the section entitled
       "Special Factors -- Financing of the Recapitalization" or an equal amount
       of proceeds from any substitute debt financing;

     - the representations and warranties of U.S. Can and Pac are true and
       correct in all material respects;

     - U.S. Can's and Pac's performance in all material respects of all
       obligations and compliance in all material respects with all agreements
       in the merger agreement;

     - U.S. Can obtaining all required consents and approvals to the merger;

     - U.S. Can having entered into agreements with certain members of senior
       management

                                        3
<PAGE>   13

       in which such persons acknowledge that the consummation of the
       recapitalization will not entitle them to receive change in control
       severance payments;

     - receipt by Pac of letters of resignation from each director of U.S. Can;
       and

     - receipt by U.S. Can's board of directors of written advice reasonably
       satisfactory to the board of directors from an independent advisor that,
       as a result of the recapitalization, U.S. Can will not be insolvent, have
       unreasonably small capital, have incurred debts beyond its ability to pay
       such debts as they mature, or have impaired capital.

     At any time before the merger, to the extent legally allowed, the board of
directors of either U.S. Can or Pac may waive compliance with any of the
conditions contained in the merger agreement without the approval of their
respective stockholders. As of the date of this proxy statement, neither U.S.
Can nor Pac expects that any condition will be waived.

Termination of the Merger Agreement

     U.S. Can, acting under the direction of the special committee, and Pac can
agree to terminate the merger agreement at any time without completing the
merger.

     Also, either U.S. Can, acting under the direction of the special committee,
or Pac can, without the consent of the other, terminate the merger agreement if:

     - the merger is not completed by November 30, 2000;

     - any law makes the completion of the merger illegal or otherwise
       prohibited or any governmental order preventing completion of the merger
       has become final and non-appealable; or

     - U.S. Can's stockholders do not approve and adopt the merger and the
       merger agreement.

     In addition, U.S. Can, acting under the direction of the special committee,
can terminate the merger agreement before the effective time of the merger if:

     - Pac has breached certain representations, warranties, covenants or
       agreements and such breach is not cured within 30 days after U.S. Can
       notifies Pac of the breach and the breach is incapable of being cured
       prior to November 30, 2000; or

     - prior to the approval by U.S. Can's common stockholders of the merger,
       U.S. Can receives a superior proposal from another person and Pac does
       not match or exceed the other person's proposal before the end of the
       second business day after the receipt by Pac of notice of such superior
       proposal.

     Finally, Pac can terminate the merger agreement if:

     - U.S. Can has breached certain representations, warranties, covenants or
       agreements and such breach is not cured within 30 days after Pac notifies
       U.S. Can of the breach and the breach is incapable of being cured prior
       to November 30, 2000;

     - the special committee or U.S. Can's board of directors withdraws,
       modifies or changes its approval or recommendation of the merger
       agreement in a manner adverse to Pac; or

     - the special committee recommends to U.S. Can's board of directors or
       stockholders another acquisition proposal or the special committee or the
       board of directors fails to reconfirm its recommendation for adoption of
       the merger agreement within ten days after a reasonable written request
       by Pac to do so.

Termination Fee

     U.S. Can must pay Pac a fee of $6 million in cash if the merger agreement
is terminated under any of the following circumstances:

     - Pac terminates the merger agreement because the special committee of U.S.
       Can's board of directors or U.S. Can's board of directors withdraws,
       modifies or changes its approval or recommendation of the merger
       agreement in a manner adverse to Pac;

     - Pac terminates the merger agreement because the special committee of U.S.
       Can's board of directors recommends to U.S. Can's board of directors or
       stockholders an acquisition proposal other than the merger or the special
       committee of U.S. Can's board of directors or U.S. Can's board of
       directors fails to reconfirm its recommendation of the merger agreement
       to U.S. Can's stockholders within ten days after a reasonable written
       request by Pac to do so;

                                        4
<PAGE>   14

     - U.S. Can terminates the merger agreement because it obtains a superior
       proposal and Pac does not propose a transaction which matches or exceeds
       such superior proposal prior to the end of the second business day after
       the receipt by Pac of notice of the superior proposal; or

     - an acquisition proposal for U.S. Can is publicly disclosed prior to the
       U.S. Can stockholders meeting and either Pac or U.S. Can terminates the
       merger agreement because the holders of U.S. Can common stock do not
       approve and adopt the merger and the merger agreement.

Non-Solicitation of Competing Proposals

     The merger agreement generally restricts U.S. Can's ability to initiate,
solicit, encourage or otherwise facilitate any competing merger or acquisition
inquiries, proposals or offers; however, U.S. Can may respond to unsolicited
offers if the special committee of the board of directors of U.S. Can determines
in good faith, after consultation with its independent financial advisors, that
any such offer is reasonably likely to, if consummated, result in a transaction
more favorable to U.S. Can stockholders other than the rollover stockholders.

Modifying or Amending the Merger Agreement

     Subject to any applicable law, U.S. Can and Pac may, at any time prior to
the effective time of the merger, modify or amend the merger agreement by
written agreement, provided that any such agreement by U.S. Can will be
effective only if authorized or approved by the special committee.

Expenses

     Whether or not the merger is consummated, U.S. Can and Pac will each pay
their own expenses up to the effective time of the merger. After the effective
time of the merger, U.S. Can, as the surviving corporation, will pay all of the
expenses paid by or on behalf of either U.S. Can or Pac.

MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

     The receipt of cash in the merger will be a taxable transaction for U.S.
federal income tax purposes under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
and may also be a taxable transaction under applicable state, local, foreign and
other tax laws.
     TAX MATTERS ARE VERY COMPLICATED. THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER TO YOU
WILL DEPEND UPON YOUR OWN SITUATION. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISORS FOR A
FULL UNDERSTANDING OF THE U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX
CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER TO YOU.

ACCOUNTING TREATMENT

     The merger is intended to be accounted for as a leveraged recapitalization
for accounting purposes. Accordingly, it is expected that the historical basis
of U.S. Can's assets and liabilities will not be impacted by the transaction.

FINANCING OF THE RECAPITALIZATION

     The following arrangements or understandings are in place to provide the
necessary financing for the recapitalization:

     - Pac has received a commitment letter from Berkshire Partners to purchase
       equity securities of Pac for an aggregate amount of up to $170 million;

     - Pac and Berkshire Partners have received a commitment letter from Bank of
       America, N.A., Banc of America Securities LLC, Citicorp North America,
       Inc. and Salomon Smith Barney to provide up to $450 million in senior
       secured financing;

     - U.S. Can intends to issue $150 million of senior subordinated notes;

     - in the event that U.S. Can cannot complete the senior subordinated notes
       offering, Pac and Berkshire Partners have received a commitment letter
       from Banc of America Bridge LLC, Banc of America Securities LLC, Citicorp
       North America, Inc. and Salomon Smith Barney to provide a bridge loan
       facility of up to $150 million in place of the senior subordinated notes;
       and

     - U.S. Can and Pac have agreed to take all necessary actions to:

       -- repurchase some or all of U.S. Can's outstanding 10 1/8% senior
          subordinated notes;

       -- obtain the consent of at least a majority of the principal amount of
          U.S. Can's senior subordinated notes outstanding to a supplemental
          indenture that would per-

                                        5
<PAGE>   15

          mit the merger and the related financing and other transactions to be
          effected without resulting in a breach or default under the original
          indenture or the notes; and

       -- execute a supplemental indenture containing terms and conditions
          reasonably acceptable to Pac.

APPRAISAL RIGHTS

     Any stockholder of U.S. Can who does not wish to accept the merger
consideration has the right under Section 262 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law to have the "fair value" of his or her shares of U.S. Can common
stock determined by the Delaware Court of Chancery. To perfect these appraisal
rights, you must follow the required procedures precisely. These procedures are
summarized in "Special Factors -- Rights of Dissenting Stockholders" and the
relevant text of Section 262 is attached to this proxy statement as Annex C.

                                        6
<PAGE>   16

SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED AND PRO FORMA HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     U.S. Can is providing the following information to aid in your analysis of
the recapitalization. U.S. Can derived this information from audited financial
statements for the years 1999 and 1998 and unaudited financial statements for
the quarterly periods ended April 2, 2000 and April 4, 1999. In the opinion of
U.S. Can management, this unaudited interim information reflects all
adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a
fair presentation of the results of operations and financial condition for the
quarterly periods ended April 2, 2000 and April 4, 1999. Results for interim
periods should not be considered indicative of results for any other periods or
for the year. This information is only a summary. You should read it along with
U.S. Can's historical and pro forma financial statements and related notes and
the section titled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" contained in this proxy statement and in U.S. Can's
annual reports, quarterly reports and other information on file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and incorporated by reference in this proxy
statement. See "Additional Information -- Where You Can Find More Information."

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         HISTORICAL                             PRO FORMA(F)
                                       -----------------------------------------------   --------------------------
                                        AS OF AND FOR THE     AS OF AND FOR THE FIRST
                                        FISCAL YEAR ENDED     QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED
                                       -------------------   -------------------------
                                          DECEMBER 31,        APRIL 4,      APRIL 2,     DECEMBER 31,    APRIL 2,
                                         1998       1999        1999          2000           1999          2000
                                         ----       ----      --------      --------     ------------    --------
                                                             (UNAUDITED)   (UNAUDITED)   (UNAUDITED)    (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                    <C>        <C>        <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>
Net Sales............................  $710,246   $714,115    $184,916      $207,674       $860,837      $207,674
Gross Income.........................    92,090    102,486      25,877        29,463        124,232        29,463
Special Charges (a)..................    35,869         --          --            --             --            --
Income (Loss) from Continuing
  Operations Before Extraordinary
  Items..............................    (7,525)    22,452       5,551         5,637         13,582         2,750
Net Loss on Sale of Discontinued
  Business, net of income taxes
  (b)................................    (8,528)        --          --            --             --            --
Net Income (Loss) before Preferred
  Stock Dividends....................   (16,053)    21,156       5,551         5,637         12,286         2,750
Preferred Stock Dividend
  Requirements (c)...................        --         --          --            --         11,140         3,064
Net Income (Loss) Available for
  Common.............................   (16,053)    21,156       5,551         5,637          1,146          (314)
Net Income (Loss) per Common Share
  from Continuing Operations Before
  Extraordinary Items
    Basic............................  $  (0.57)  $   1.67    $   0.42      $   0.42       $   0.02      $  (0.01)
    Diluted (e)......................                 1.65        0.41          0.41           0.02
Net Income (Loss) per Common Share
    Basic............................  $  (1.21)  $   1.57    $   0.42      $   0.42       $   0.02      $  (0.01)
    Diluted (e)......................                 1.56        0.41          0.41           0.02
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
  (d)................................      0.65       2.15        2.07          1.95           1.05          0.97
Current Assets.......................  $215,646   $259,331                  $268,285                     $265,479
Property, Plant and Equipment, net...   268,002    332,504                   295,299                      295,299
Other Noncurrent Assets..............    71,923     71,735                    93,603                      102,628
Current Liabilities..................   139,534    221,597                   220,772                      180,405
Senior Debt..........................    45,617     83,864                    75,546                      337,269
Subordinated Debt....................   264,325    236,629                   236,629                      150,000
Other Noncurrent Liabilities.........    55,918     52,924                    53,971                       53,971
Preferred Stock......................                                                                     111,400
Book Value per Share.................             $   5.13                  $   5.27                     $  (1.05)
</TABLE>

-------------------------
(a) Represents a pretax restructuring provision for plant closings and
    reassessments of previous restructuring programs.
(b) Loss on sale of U.S. Can's Metal Services segment, which was sold on
    November 9, 1998.
                                        7
<PAGE>   17

(c) Dividend on preferred stock. The preferred stock will accrue dividends at
    10% of the initial principal amount, payable in cash, if and when declared
    by the board of directors.
(d) For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings
    represent earnings from continuing operations plus fixed charges. Fixed
    charges include interest expense on indebtedness, amortization of debt
    discount and the portion of rent deemed representative of an interest
    factor. Approximately $13,187,000 of additional pretax earnings for the
    fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 would be required in order for the
    Company to have achieved a Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges of 1.00. As
    pretax earnings were reduced by non-cash special charges of $27,700,000, the
    ratio does not indicate an inability of the Company to make cash payments
    necessary to support its fixed charges. Approximately $500,000 of additional
    pretax earnings for the quarterly period ended April 2, 2000 would be
    required in order for the Company to have achieved a Ratio of Earnings to
    Fixed Charges of 1.00. As non-cash depreciation and amortization amounted to
    approximately $ 9.2 million on a pretax basis, the Company does not expect
    that it will not be able to make the cash payments necessary to support its
    fixed charges.
(e) Applicable to income periods only.
(f) As adjusted for the pro forma impact of the leveraged recapitalization and
    the acquisition of May Verpackungen as more fully described in "Pro Forma
    Consolidated Financial Statements."

                                        8
<PAGE>   18

                                SPECIAL FACTORS

EFFECTS OF THE RECAPITALIZATION

     U.S. Can has entered into a merger agreement with Pac to effect a
recapitalization of U.S. Can in which Pac will merge with and into U.S. Can and
the separate corporate existence of Pac will end. U.S. Can will be the surviving
corporation in the merger. Pac was formed by Paul W. Jones, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of U.S. Can, John L. Workman, Chief Financial Officer of U.S.
Can, and Berkshire Partners.

     If the recapitalization of U.S. Can is completed, each share of U.S. Can
common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of
the merger will be canceled and converted into the right to receive $20.00 in
cash, except for certain shares of U.S. Can common stock held by the rollover
stockholders identified in the merger agreement and shares held by dissenting
stockholders who perfect their appraisal rights under Delaware law. All or a
portion of the shares of U.S. Can common stock held by each respective rollover
stockholder will be converted into shares of capital stock of U.S. Can, as the
surviving corporation in the merger. The rollover stockholders include members
of senior management of U.S. Can, Salomon Smith Barney (affiliated with U.S. Can
director Louis B. Susman), affiliates of U.S. Can directors Ricardo Poma and
Francisco A. Soler, Lennoxville Investments, Inc., Empire Investments S.A. and
Carl Ferenbach, a Managing Director of Berkshire Partners and former U.S. Can
director. Certain members of U.S. Can's senior management also have the right to
purchase additional shares of U.S. Can common stock in the recapitalization for
a purchase price of $20.00 per share. As a result of the recapitalization, U.S.
Can's common stock will be privately held by affiliates of Berkshire Partners,
the rollover stockholders, other members of senior management of U.S. Can, and
Squam Lake Investors.

     Set forth below is a table that describes (1) the persons who will be U.S.
Can stockholders after the recapitalization; (2) the number of shares of U.S.
Can common stock currently owned by each such stockholder, if any; (3) the
number of shares of U.S. Can common stock owned by each such stockholder that
will be converted into capital stock of U.S. Can as the surviving corporation in
the recapitalization, if any; (4) the percentage of shares of common stock that
will be owned by each such stockholder as a result of the recapitalization; and
(5) the percentage of shares of preferred stock of U.S. Can that will be owned
by each such stockholder as a result of the recapitalization.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    NUMBER OF SHARES                                               PERCENTAGE OF
                                      OF U.S. CAN       NUMBER OF     PERCENTAGE OF COMMON      PREFERRED STOCK OF
                                      COMMON STOCK      ROLLOVER     STOCK OF U.S. CAN AFTER    U.S. CAN AFTER THE
POST-RECAPITALIZATION STOCKHOLDERS  CURRENTLY OWNED      SHARES      THE RECAPITALIZATION(3)    RECAPITALIZATION(3)
----------------------------------  ----------------    ---------    -----------------------    -------------------
<S>                                 <C>                 <C>          <C>                        <C>
MANAGEMENT INVESTORS:
  Gillian V.N. Derbyshire*........         5,000           5,000            0.625%(4)                 0%
  David R. Ford*..................        15,000          15,000            1.10%(4)                  0%
  Paul W. Jones*..................        32,000          32,000            3.50%(4)                  0%
  J. Michael Kirk*................         5,000           5,000            0.625%(4)                 0%
  John L. Workman*................         9,500           9,500            1.75%(4)                  0%
  Roger B. Farley*................         6,000           6,000            1.00%(4)                  0%
  Thomas A. Scrimo................             0               0            0.40%(4)                  0%
AFFILIATES OF MR. POMA:
  Salcorp Ltd.*...................       340,000         147,867            1.63%                      1.79%
  Barcel Corporation*.............       518,000         200,000            2.21%                      2.43%
  Scarsdale Company N.V.,
     Inc.*(1).....................         4,266           4,266            0.05%                      0.06%
AFFILIATES OF MR. SOLER:
  Windsor International
     Corporation*.................       226,100          67,867            0.75%                      0.82%
  Atlas World Carriers S.A.*......       123,000          40,000            0.44%                      0.49%
  The World Financial Corporation
     S.A.*........................       118,000          40,000            0.44%                      0.49%
</TABLE>

                                        9
<PAGE>   19

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    NUMBER OF SHARES                                               PERCENTAGE OF
                                      OF U.S. CAN       NUMBER OF     PERCENTAGE OF COMMON      PREFERRED STOCK OF
                                      COMMON STOCK      ROLLOVER     STOCK OF U.S. CAN AFTER    U.S. CAN AFTER THE
POST-RECAPITALIZATION STOCKHOLDERS  CURRENTLY OWNED      SHARES      THE RECAPITALIZATION(3)    RECAPITALIZATION(3)
----------------------------------  ----------------    ---------    -----------------------    -------------------
<S>                                 <C>                 <C>          <C>                        <C>
OTHER INVESTORS:
  Berkshire Fund V/Berkshire
     Investors LLC(2).............             0               0           77.27%                     84.91%
  Carl Ferenbach*(5)..............        72,992          50,000            0.55%                      0.61%
  Salomon Smith Barney Inc.*......     1,204,488         443,961            4.90%                      5.38%
  Lennoxville Investments,
     Inc.*........................       148,200          90,000            0.99%                      1.09%
  Empire Investments S.A.*........       304,700         110,000            1.21%                      1.33%
  Squam Lake Investments IV
     L.P..........................             0               0            0.55%                      0.61%
</TABLE>

-------------------------
 *  Rollover stockholder.

(1) Scarsdale is affiliated with both Mr. Poma and Mr. Soler. Scarsdale is the
    record owner of 4,266 shares of U.S. Can common stock in the aggregate. Of
    these 4,266 shares, Mr. Poma is the beneficial owner of 2,133 shares and Mr.
    Soler is the beneficial owner of 2,133 shares. See "Security Ownership of
    Certain Beneficial Owners and Management."

(2) Berkshire Fund V and Berkshire Investors LLC are affiliates of Berkshire
    Partners.

(3) Assumes a total equity commitment of $170 million.

(4) Includes rollover shares and additional shares to be purchased in the
    recapitalization.

(5) Mr. Ferenbach is a Managing Director of Berkshire Partners and a former
    director of U.S. Can.

     The recapitalization will terminate all equity interests in U.S. Can except
for certain shares held by rollover stockholders. As a result, stockholders who
receive only cash in exchange for their U.S. Can shares will no longer benefit
from any increase in the future earnings, growth or value of U.S. Can or payment
of dividends on U.S. Can common stock, nor will they bear the risk of any
decrease in the future earnings, growth or value of U.S. Can following the
merger.

     The cash merger consideration to be received by stockholders of U.S. Can is
the result of arm's length negotiations between representatives of the rollover
stockholders and Berkshire Partners, on the one hand, and the members of the
special committee and their respective advisors, on the other hand.

     U.S. Can's common stock is currently registered under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange
under the symbol "USC". Upon the completion of the recapitalization, U.S. Can's
common stock will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange and registration
of U.S. Can's common stock under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 will be
terminated. Because its common stock will be privately held, U.S. Can will enjoy
certain efficiencies, such as a reduction of the time devoted by its management
and certain other employees to complying with certain reporting requirements of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and its directors, officers and beneficial
owners of more than 10% of the shares of common stock will be relieved of the
reporting requirements and restrictions on insider trading under Section 16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In addition, U.S. Can will be relieved of
New York Stock Exchange listing and reporting requirements.

BACKGROUND OF THE RECAPITALIZATION

     On February 2, 2000, Paul W. Jones, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
U.S. Can and John L. Workman, Chief Financial Officer of U.S. Can, met with
representatives of Banc of America Securities to discuss the possibility of a
leveraged transaction involving U.S. Can and the general considerations that
would be associated with such a transaction.

     On February 8, 2000, Mr. Jones and Mr. Workman met with representatives of
Banc of America Securities to further discuss the matters raised in their
meeting of February 2. Later on February 8, Mr. Jones and Mr. Workman met with
Louis B. Susman, a director of U.S. Can and Vice Chairman of Investment Banking
and Managing Director of Salomon Smith Barney Inc., to discuss the possibility
of a transaction.

                                       10
<PAGE>   20

     On February 9, 2000, U.S. Can directors Mr. Susman, Carl Ferenbach, Ricardo
Poma and Francisco A. Soler and Robert A. Helman of Mayer, Brown & Platt
(counsel to U.S. Can) met in advance of a regularly scheduled meeting of the
U.S. Can Board of Directors to be held the following day. At that meeting the
possibility of a leveraged transaction involving U.S. Can was discussed.

     At the regularly scheduled meeting of the U.S. Can Board of Directors held
on February 10, 2000, Mr. Ferenbach resigned as a director of U.S. Can pursuant
to a letter of resignation he had submitted on November 22, 1999.

     On February 23, 2000, Messrs. Jones and Workman met with representatives of
Banc of America Securities to discuss the possible role of Banc of America
Securities in any possible transaction.

     On February 25, 2000, Messrs. Jones and Workman met with Mr. Ferenbach and
other representatives of Berkshire Partners to discuss the possibility that
Berkshire Partners might participate as the primary equity investor in a
leveraged transaction involving U.S. Can.

     On February 28, 2000, Messrs. Jones and Workman met with representatives of
Madison Dearborn Partners to discuss the possibility that Madison Dearborn might
participate as the primary equity investor in a leveraged transaction involving
U.S. Can.

     On March 1, 2000, Messrs. Jones and Workman met with representatives of
Citicorp Venture Capital to discuss the possibility that Citicorp Venture
Capital might participate as the primary equity investor in a leveraged
transaction involving U.S. Can.

     On March 6, 2000, Messrs. Jones and Workman met with Mr. Susman to discuss
the possible role of Salomon Smith Barney in any possible transaction.

     On March 8, 2000, Messrs. Jones and Workman met with representatives of
Bain Capital to discuss the possibility that Bain Capital might participate as
the primary equity investor in a leveraged transaction involving U.S. Can.

     On March 13, 2000, Messrs. Jones and Workman selected Berkshire Partners to
participate as the primary equity investor in a possible leveraged transaction
involving U.S. Can.

     On March 17, 2000, Mr. Jones, Mr. Workman, Mr. Soler, Mr. Poma, Mr. Susman
and other representatives of Salomon Smith Barney, Mr. Ferenbach and other
representatives of Berkshire Partners and counsel to Berkshire Partners and U.S.
Can met to discuss a possible leveraged transaction involving U.S. Can. At that
meeting, the limitations imposed by U.S. Can's amended and restated stockholder
rights plan and by Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law were
discussed. In light of those limitations, Mr. Jones, Mr. Workman and Berkshire
Partners determined that they would proceed to make a proposal to the Board of
Directors of U.S. Can for a leveraged transaction without inviting other
existing investors in U.S. Can to participate in the transaction and further
determined to defer considering the possibility that other existing investors in
U.S. Can might be invited to participate in a transaction until the Board of
Directors of U.S. Can had taken action to permit such involvement.

     Between March 17, 2000 and March 22, 2000, Mr. Jones, Mr. Workman and
Berkshire Partners and their respective advisors prepared the terms of a
proposal for a possible leveraged transaction and negotiated the terms of a
letter regarding the availability of equity financing from Berkshire Partners
and negotiated to obtain letters regarding the availability of debt financing
from Salomon Smith Barney and its affiliates and Banc of America Securities and
its affiliates.

     On March 18, 2000, Mr. Jones informed U.S. Can directors Benjamin Bailar,
Calvin W. Aurand, Jr. and Charles W. Gaillard that a proposal for the
recapitalization of U.S. Can would be presented at a meeting of U.S. Can's board
of directors on March 22, 2000. Messrs. Bailar, Aurand and Gaillard were
informed that Mr. Jones, as chairman of the U.S. Can board, would propose that
each of them be asked to serve as members of a special committee of the board of
directors to make recommendations to the board with respect to the
recapitalization proposal.

                                       11
<PAGE>   21

     In preparation for the board meeting, Mr. Bailar met with a representative
of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (Illinois) on March 21, 2000, and
requested that a representative of the firm attend the meeting of the board of
directors as prospective legal counsel to the special committee to be created.

     On March 22, 2000, at a meeting of the board of directors of U.S. Can, Mr.
Jones presented the recapitalization proposal on behalf of Pac. The presentation
included a discussion of the positive trends in U.S. Can's historical operating
results, the negative trends in its stock price performance and Mr. Jones'
belief that this disparity was due, at least in part, to the lack of attention
paid to U.S. Can by investment analysts and a liquidity discount applied by the
market to U.S. Can's stock because of U.S. Can's relatively small market
capitalization. Mr. Jones then outlined the proposal for the recapitalization,
structured as a merger and intended to qualify for recapitalization accounting
treatment. In the merger, U.S. Can stockholders, other than stockholders who
were participants in the recapitalization with Pac, would receive $21 per share
in cash. Mr. Jones also provided letters from equity and debt financing sources
regarding the funds necessary to enable Pac to consummate the proposed
recapitalization. These letters outlined the basic terms of an equity commitment
and of senior and subordinated debt financing, subject to various conditions.
Mr. Jones also discussed the events leading to the recapitalization proposal. He
also indicated that Pac was requesting certain waivers and approvals under U.S.
Can's stockholder rights plan and Section 203 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law to permit Pac to hold discussions and reach understandings with
other potential participants in the recapitalization whose aggregate stock
ownership of U.S. Can, together with existing participants in the
recapitalization, would exceed 15% of the outstanding shares.

     Following a discussion of the recapitalization proposal from Pac and
related matters, the board of directors designated Messrs. Bailar, Aurand and
Gaillard as members of a special committee to evaluate the recapitalization
proposal, explore other strategic alternatives to the recapitalization proposal
and make a recommendation to the board of directors. The special committee was
empowered to engage financial, legal and such other advisors as they deemed
necessary or desirable. In addition, the special committee was requested to make
a recommendation to the board of directors concerning the waivers and approvals
under the stockholder rights plan and Section 203 requested by Pac. Following a
recess of the board meeting, the special committee, together with a
representative of Skadden Arps, met to discuss the recapitalization proposal,
the terms of the financing letters submitted by Pac and the legal duties and
responsibilities of the special committee in evaluating the proposal and other
alternatives for U.S. Can. The special committee designated Mr. Bailar as its
chairman and retained Skadden Arps as its counsel. When the board meeting
reconvened, the special committee sought clarification of its scope of
authority. The board of directors affirmed that the special committee had the
authority to contact third parties concerning potential alternatives and to take
other action to explore alternatives to the recapitalization proposal.

     Following further discussion, the compensation of the members of the
special committee was established at $75,000 for the chairman and $60,000 for
each of the other members. The board of directors authorized and directed U.S.
Can to provide mandatory advancement of expenses subject to repayment if the
director is not entitled to indemnification.

     Following the board meeting, U.S. Can issued a press release announcing the
receipt of the recapitalization proposal from Pac, and the stock price increased
to $19.81 at the close of trading on March 22, 2000 from $14.88 at the close of
trading on March 21, 2000.

     Mr. Bailar then held discussions with several nationally recognized
investment banking firms with respect to acting as the investment banker for the
special committee.

     On March 27, 2000, the special committee met to discuss Pac's request for
waivers and approvals under U.S. Can's stockholder rights plan and Section 203
of the Delaware General Corporation Law. After discussion and review of the
matter with representatives of Skadden Arps, the special committee determined to
recommend that the board of directors not grant the requested waivers and
approvals at that time. The special committee then discussed the selection of an
investment banker.

     The special committee met on March 30, 2000, to review and approve the
engagement of Lazard Freres & Co. LLC as the investment banker for the special
committee. The terms and conditions of the

                                       12
<PAGE>   22

engagement letter for Lazard were discussed and approved. The special committee
instructed Lazard to commence a process of evaluating strategic alternatives to
the recapitalization proposal by assessing the interest of the third parties in
pursuing a transaction with U.S. Can. After discussing the matter with Lazard,
the special committee determined that the third parties to be contacted should
include both strategic and financial investors.

     At a meeting of the special committee on April 3, 2000, Lazard presented a
proposed list of third parties to be contacted regarding an alternative
transaction. Following discussion of the proposed list and a strategy for
pursuing alternative transactions, the special committee directed Lazard to
contact the identified third parties to assess their interest in U.S. Can.

     Also on April 3, 2000, U.S. Can issued a press release announcing the
special committee's engagement of Lazard as its investment banker.

     Over the following weeks, at the instruction of the special committee,
Lazard contacted over thirty parties. Approximately ten of the parties
identified by Lazard requested a compilation of publicly available information
concerning U.S. Can prepared by Lazard. Lazard discussed with these parties
their interest in U.S. Can and all parties that expressed an interest in
continuing their evaluation of U.S. Can were asked to sign a confidentiality
agreement prior to receiving a confidential offering memorandum containing
non-public information. Over the same period of time, Lazard conducted a due
diligence review of U.S. Can and met with its management to discuss recent and
projected operating results.

     On April 7, 2000, an initial draft of a proposed merger agreement providing
for the recapitalization of U.S. Can was provided to Skadden Arps by legal
counsel to Pac.

     Mr. Jones sent a letter dated April 18, 2000, to the special committee
seeking a report on the progress of the special committee and an explanation of
the delay in the completion of the special committee's report and recommendation
to the board of directors. Mr. Bailar replied to Mr. Jones by letter dated April
19, 2000, informing him that the special committee was in the process of
evaluating other parties' interest in a potential transaction with U.S. Can.

     Of the ten parties that requested the compilation of publicly available
information from Lazard, only one party expressed an interest in receiving
additional information to evaluate a potential transaction. Following the
negotiation and delivery of a confidentiality agreement, Lazard sent this party
a confidential offering memorandum on April 24, 2000 and requested that a
preliminary indication of interest be submitted by May 1, 2000.

     On April 25, 2000, the special committee, together with representatives
from Skadden Arps and Lazard, met and reviewed the terms and conditions of Pac's
proposal, including the draft of the merger agreement received from Pac and the
status of the efforts of Lazard in soliciting indications of interest. Lazard
presented a preliminary analysis of the $21.00 per share offer and provided the
special committee with an update on its contacts with third parties concerning
an alternative transaction. A representative of Skadden Arps again reviewed the
legal duties and responsibilities of the special committee in relation to the
recapitalization proposal and the solicitation of indications of interest from
third parties.

     On April 27, 2000, U.S. Can announced its results of operations for the
first quarter of 2000 and publicly announced that the special committee had
retained financial and legal advisors to review the proposed recapitalization as
well as to consider other potential strategic alternatives.

     During the week of May 1, 2000, a company in U.S. Can's industry submitted
a preliminary indication of interest in acquiring U.S. Can for $21.00 per share.
This company also visited a data room containing additional non-public
information about U.S. Can.

     The special committee met again on May 8, 2000, with representatives of
Skadden Arps and Lazard to discuss the results of operations for the first
quarter and the projected results of operations for the second quarter, both of
which were lower than management originally anticipated. The special committee
discussed with Lazard the impact of these financial results on the proposal from
Pac and the possible interest of third parties in an alternative transaction.
The process by which Pac and other third parties were to submit final
                                       13
<PAGE>   23

proposals was also discussed. The special committee determined that final
transaction proposals should be submitted to the special committee by May 23,
2000, which Lazard communicated in writing to interested parties.

     On May 11, 2000, the special committee met with representatives of Skadden
Arps and Lazard to discuss the lower than expected financial results and the
possibility for other potentially interested parties who were contacted to
submit an indication of interest.

     The only company that had submitted an indication of interest to acquire
U.S. Can other than Pac informed Lazard on May 18, 2000, that it was no longer
interested in pursuing a transaction with U.S. Can under the circumstances and
financing environment existing at that time.

     On May 23, 2000, in response to the special committee's request for the
submission of final proposals for U.S. Can, only Pac submitted a proposal. The
proposal from Pac contained several important changes from its initial proposal,
including:

     - the price to be offered to U.S. Can's stockholders was decreased to
       $20.00 from $21.00 per share; and

     - the equity commitment from Berkshire Partners was increased to $170
       million from $150 million.

     Among the reasons cited by Pac for the changes in its proposal were the
recent decline in the demand for U.S. Can's products, the lower than expected
financial results of U.S. Can, lowered projections of short-term financial
results, and the deterioration of the debt markets and rise in interest rates
from the time of the initial proposal on March 22, 2000 to the revised proposal
on May 23, 2000. Also included with the proposal were commitment letters from
the debt and equity financing sources necessary to finance the recapitalization
and a revised draft of the merger agreement responding to the initial comments
provided on behalf of the special committee by Skadden Arps. The revised
proposal was conditioned upon receiving the requested waiver under the U.S. Can
Stockholder Rights Plan and approval under Section 203 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law. The revised proposal also requested a response from the special
committee by May 26, 2000.

     The special committee met on May 24, 2000, to review the terms of the
proposal from Pac and the financing commitment letters. Lazard reviewed the
deterioration in the debt markets and in the equity markets for companies in the
packaging industry since the original buyout proposal on March 22, 2000. U.S.
Can's first-quarter decline from expected operating results and outlook for the
rest of 2000 were discussed. After reviewing the proposal with representatives
of Skadden Arps and Lazard, the special committee directed Lazard to seek an
increase to the $20.00 per share price and to advise Pac that the financing
commitments had objectionable conditions in them, that the proposed size of the
termination fee payable to Pac should be reduced and that the circumstances
under which the termination fee would be payable must be limited.

     Representatives of Lazard, Berkshire Partners, Pac and Salomon Smith
Barney, the financial advisor to Pac, met on May 26, 2000, to review the
definitive proposal from Pac. Representatives from Salomon Smith Barney made a
presentation detailing the impact on Pac's offer of U.S. Can's recent financial
results and short-term projected financial results and the deterioration in the
debt market. Representatives of Salomon Smith Barney and Berkshire Partners
asserted that the $20.00 per share offer represented the highest price at which
Pac was willing to proceed with its recapitalization proposal. Following that
meeting, Lazard requested assurances that Pac's revised proposal would remain
available until May 29, 2000, which was later than the May 26, 2000 date
initially requested by Pac. See "Salomon Smith Barney's Presentation to the
Special Committee's Investment Banker" for a summary of Salomon Smith Barney's
presentation.

     On behalf of the special committee, Mr. Bailar contacted Mr. Ferenbach of
Berkshire Partners on May 26, 2000, to discuss the proposal from Pac. Mr. Bailar
proposed that the price be raised to $21.00 per share, and Mr. Ferenbach agreed
to consult with other members of the buyout group and respond. Several
discussions between Messrs. Bailar and Ferenbach were held that day and the
following day. On May 27, 2000, Mr. Ferenbach indicated that Pac would not be
able to raise the offer to $21.00 per share. Mr. Bailar continued to seek a
price above $20.00 per share. At the conclusion of such discussions, Mr.
Ferenbach indicated that, in light of current market conditions for senior and
subordinated debt, Pac could not increase the $20.00 per share offer price.

                                       14
<PAGE>   24

     Following these discussions, the special committee met on May 27, 2000,
with representatives of Skadden Arps and Lazard to review the proposal from Pac
and the terms of the equity and debt commitment letters delivered by Pac. The
special committee discussed, among other matters, a condition in the debt
commitment letters that required a successful tender offer and consent
solicitation with respect to U.S. Can's publicly-held subordinated notes. The
special committee also reviewed the results of Lazard's efforts to develop an
alternative proposal for U.S. Can. The special committee also considered whether
this was an appropriate time to sell U.S. Can given the recent decline in its
financial results and the adverse conditions in the debt markets, which reduced
the price that buyers would be willing to pay if they required debt financing
for the acquisition. The special committee also noted that Pac would not be
capitalized unless and until the merger closed and that prior to such time Pac
would have no net worth. A representative of Skadden Arps reviewed the legal
duties and responsibilities of the special committee and discussed possible
alternatives under the circumstances.

     The special committee also discussed the request from Pac to grant waivers
and approvals under U.S. Can's stockholder rights plan and Section 203 of the
Delaware General Corporation Law to expand the number of participants in the
recapitalization with Pac. Finally, the special committee directed that its
advisors seek to eliminate certain conditions to the financing commitments.

     On May 29, 2000, the special committee met again with representatives of
Skadden Arps and Lazard to review Lazard's preliminary financial analysis of
U.S. Can and the recapitalization proposal. At this meeting, Lazard presented
the special committee with additional information concerning the deterioration
of the debt markets since the time of the initial proposal from Pac on March 22,
2000. The special committee directed Skadden Arps to negotiate the terms and
conditions of the draft merger agreement and the forms of the waivers requested
by Pac so that the merger agreement could be executed and waivers and approvals
granted if the special committee ultimately determined to recommend acceptance
of the proposal from Pac.

     In addition, the special committee discussed the need for changes to the
recapitalization proposal before it could be deemed acceptable at $20.00 per
share and directed Lazard to discuss them with Pac's representatives. However,
the special committee did not at this time determine to recommend the
recapitalization proposal. The principal changes requested by the special
committee were:

     - a reduction in the termination fee payable to Pac to $6 million from
       Pac's original request for a termination fee of $10 million plus
       reimbursement of Pac's expenses;

     - the modification of the circumstances under which the termination fee
       would be payable to provide for such payment only if the merger agreement
       was terminated by U.S. Can to pursue a superior proposal or if the
       stockholders failed to approve and adopt the merger and the merger
       agreement and an alternative proposal had been publicly made at the time
       of the stockholder vote; and

     - the elimination of conditions in the debt commitment letters that made
       uncertain the availability of the debt financing necessary to finance the
       recapitalization.

     Following the May 29, 2000 meeting of the special committee,
representatives of Lazard and Salomon Smith Barney, as financial advisor to Pac,
reached an understanding that certain of these changes were acceptable to Pac.

     On May 30, 2000, U.S. Can issued a press release indicating that Pac had
submitted a revised recapitalization proposal for U.S. Can at a price of $20.00
per share to U.S. Can's stockholders. From May 30 to June 1, 2000, respective
legal counsel to the special committee and Pac negotiated the terms and
conditions of the merger agreement, the requested waivers and approvals and the
debt commitment letters.

     On June 1, 2000, the special committee met to consider the proposal from
Pac. Representatives of Skadden Arps addressed the function and responsibility
of the special committee in determining whether to recommend the proposal from
Pac to the board of directors. Counsel also reviewed the terms of the negotiated
merger agreement. Lazard then presented its financial analysis and delivered its
opinion to the special committee that, as of June 1, 2000, based on the
assumptions and qualifications set forth in its analysis, the consideration to
be received in the merger by the stockholders of U.S. Can other than the
stockholders

                                       15
<PAGE>   25

participating in the recapitalization with Pac, was fair to such stockholders
from a financial point of view. Finally, the terms of the revised debt
commitment letters were reviewed by the special committee. The special committee
determined that the commitment letters still contained objectionable conditions.
Representatives of Skadden Arps and Lazard were directed to seek the removal of
these conditions.

     Following a series of negotiations among the representatives of the special
committee, Pac and the financing sources, revised conditions to the commitment
letters were negotiated and the meeting of the special committee was reconvened.
At the reconvened special committee meeting, the revised conditions to the
commitment letters were reviewed by the special committee and representatives of
Skadden Arps and Lazard. Following further discussion, the special committee
unanimously:

     - determined that the merger contemplated by the merger agreement was
       advisable and in the best interests of U.S. Can and its stockholders,
       other than those stockholders participating in the recapitalization with
       Pac;

     - determined that the cash consideration to be received for outstanding
       shares of common stock of U.S. Can in the merger was fair to the U.S. Can
       stockholders entitled to receive such cash consideration;

     - recommended that the board of directors approve and adopt the merger and
       the merger agreement and the other transactions contemplated by the
       merger agreement;

     - recommended approval and adoption by the U.S. Can stockholders of the
       merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby; and

     - recommended that the board of directors approve and adopt the waivers and
       approvals requested by Pac under U.S. Can's stockholder rights plan and
       Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law.

     Immediately following the special committee meeting, a meeting of the board
of directors was convened. Mr. Bailar asked for and received confirmation from
representatives of management of U.S. Can that management had not revised its
projections for the remainder of the year and that management believed that such
projections should be achieved. Other inquiries of management were made by the
special committee. Mr. Bailar then advised the board of directors of the special
committee's recommendations as outlined above. After discussion of the
recommendations, the board of directors, with one director (Mr. Susman)
abstaining, unanimously determined that the merger and the merger agreement were
advisable and were fair to and in the best interests of U.S. Can and its
stockholders and approved and adopted the merger and the merger agreement and
recommended approval and adoption by the U.S. Can stockholders of the merger and
the merger agreement. The board of directors also approved and adopted the
waivers and approvals requested by Pac under U.S. Can's stockholder rights plan
and Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Mr. Susman, who is the
Vice Chairman of Investment Banking and a Managing Director of Salomon Smith
Barney, decided to abstain in consideration of Salomon Smith Barney's several
roles in the transaction as a financial advisor to Pac, a financing source for
the recapitalization, and a U.S. Can stockholder which will receive cash for a
portion of its shares and have the remaining portion of its shares converted
into capital stock of U.S. Can in the recapitalization.

     Following the board meeting, the merger agreement was executed and a press
release was issued by U.S. Can announcing the execution of the merger agreement.

     An amendment to the merger agreement was executed on June 28, 2000
definitively establishing the rollover shareholders and amending U.S. Can's
disclosure schedule.

REASONS FOR THE MERGER; RECOMMENDATION OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE AND THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS

     Both the special committee and the board of directors of U.S. Can recommend
that U.S. Can's stockholders approve and adopt the merger and the merger
agreement.

                                       16
<PAGE>   26

     In recommending approval of the merger agreement to the board of directors,
the special committee consulted with its legal counsel and investment banker and
considered a number of factors in making the recommendation, including:

     - The historical results of operations, financial condition, assets,
       liabilities, business strategy and prospects of U.S. Can and the nature
       of the industry in which U.S. Can competes. Based upon its consideration
       of the operations and prospects of U.S. Can, the nature of the industry
       and trading characteristics of companies with capitalizations similar in
       size to U.S. Can's, the special committee concluded that it might take a
       considerable period of time before the trading price of U.S. Can's shares
       would equal the $20.00 per share offered by Pac, if ever;

     - An extensive auction process pursuant to which over thirty potential
       acquirors, including competitors of U.S. Can and equity sponsors of
       leveraged buyouts, were contacted by Lazard to determine their interest
       in acquiring U.S. Can;

     - The fact that the auction process resulted in only one preliminary
       indication of interest from a potentially interested party but did not
       result in any final proposals for alternative transactions;

     - The fact that, to date, no third party has come forward with an
       alternative transaction proposal;

     - The opinion of Lazard, dated June 1, 2000, that, as of that date, the
       consideration to be received by U.S. Can's stockholders, other than those
       stockholders participating in the recapitalization with Pac, in the
       merger was fair to such stockholders from a financial point of view. The
       special committee also considered Lazard's presentation to the special
       committee. In its review of the analyses performed by Lazard, the special
       committee did not weigh each analysis prepared by Lazard separately, but
       rather considered all of them taken as a whole;

     - The terms and conditions of the merger agreement. The special committee
       considered in particular the termination provisions of the merger
       agreement, the "no solicitation" provisions of the merger agreement, the
       termination fee payable to Pac and the conditions precedent to payment of
       such termination fee. As discussed below, the special committee sought
       provisions in the merger agreement that would allow the special committee
       to consider and, under certain circumstances, pursue an unsolicited
       alternative proposal from a third party. While the merger agreement
       prohibits U.S. Can from soliciting alternative proposals, it does not
       prohibit U.S. Can from considering unsolicited proposals, negotiating
       with the parties submitting such proposals or furnishing such third
       parties with information about U.S. Can. Also, the merger agreement
       permits U.S. Can, subject to certain conditions and the payment of a fee
       of $6,000,000, to terminate the merger agreement if a superior proposal
       not matched by Pac is received from a third party. The special committee
       concluded that the amount of such fee would not deter a third party from
       making a proposal that was materially more favorable to U.S. Can's
       stockholders;

     - The relationship of the $20.00 per share cash consideration offered in
       the merger to the current market price and the market prices for U.S. Can
       common stock during the previous five years. The special committee
       considered the fact that the common stock had closing prices as high as
       $25.63 per share and as low as $11.63 per share during the five-year
       period prior to the public announcement of the recapitalization proposal
       and the fact that the highest closing price during the period ($25.63)
       occurred on August 12, 1999. The special committee also considered the
       fact that the $20.00 per share cash consideration offered in the merger
       represents a premium of approximately 34.5% over the per share closing
       price of U.S. Can shares on March 21, 2000, the last trading day prior to
       the public announcement of the recapitalization proposal from Pac. This,
       coupled with the special committee's conclusion as discussed above that
       it might take a considerable period of time before the trading price of
       U.S. Can shares would equal the $20.00 per share offered in the merger,
       if ever, supported the special committee's fairness determination;

     - The fact that approval of the merger agreement requires the affirmative
       vote of a majority of the outstanding U.S. Can shares entitled to vote
       thereon and that, under the General Corporation Law of

                                       17
<PAGE>   27

       Delaware, U.S. Can stockholders have the right to exercise their
       appraisal rights to receive the "fair value" of their shares if they
       dissent from the merger;

     - The nature of the financing commitments received by Pac with respect to
       the merger, including the identity of the institutions providing such
       commitments and their experience in consummating transactions such as the
       merger and the conditions to the obligations of such institutions to fund
       such commitment and the special committee's belief as to the strength of
       the financing commitments.

     - The arm's-length negotiations between the special committee and Pac and
       their respective representatives, including that the negotiations
       resulted in:

      - U.S. Can having the right to engage in negotiations with, and supply
        information to, a person who makes an unsolicited proposal if the
        special committee determines in good faith that such proposal is more
        favorable to U.S. Can's stockholders than the merger. For a further
        description of U.S. Can's ability to consider competing transactions,
        see "The Merger Agreement -- Non-Solicitation and Competing Proposals";

      - U.S. Can having the right to terminate the merger agreement to accept a
        superior transaction proposal;

      - A reduction in the termination fee sought by Pac if the merger agreement
        were to be terminated as a result of a superior transaction proposal;
        and

      - Significant changes in the buyout group's debt financing commitments to
        limit the conditions to such financing.

     - The representations from Pac in the merger agreement as to its belief
       that, following the merger and the financing of the recapitalization,
       U.S. Can would be solvent, would not be left with unreasonably small
       capital and would not have incurred debts beyond its reasonable ability
       to pay them as they mature and that the capital of U.S. Can would not be
       impaired. The receipt by the U.S. Can board of directors of an opinion of
       an independent financial advisor confirming such belief is a condition to
       U.S. Can's obligation to consummate the merger.

     The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the
special committee includes all of the material factors considered by the special
committee in reaching its conclusions and recommendations but is not meant to be
exhaustive. In view of the variety of factors considered in reaching its
determination, the special committee did not find it practicable to, and did
not, quantify or otherwise assign relative weights to the specific factors
considered in reaching its conclusions and recommendations. In addition,
individual members of the special committee may have given different weights to
different factors.

     U.S. Can's board of directors consists of seven members, three of whom
served on the special committee. At the June 1, 2000 meeting of the U.S. Can
board of directors, the special committee, with representatives of Skadden Arps
participating, reported to the entire U.S. Can board of directors on its review
of the merger agreement, the related financing commitments and the waivers
requested by Pac. U.S. Can's board of directors considered the conclusions and
recommendations of the special committee and believes that these factors
supported the determination of fairness by the board of directors. Furthermore,
U.S. Can's board of directors considered the fact that the $20.00 per share cash
consideration and the terms and conditions of the merger agreement were the
result of arm's-length negotiations among the special committee and Pac and
their respective advisors and the fact that the special committee received a
fairness opinion from Lazard. U.S. Can's board of directors believes that these
factors support its fairness determination.

SALOMON SMITH BARNEY'S PRESENTATION ON BEHALF OF PAC TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE'S
INVESTMENT BANKER

     On May 26, 2000, Salomon Smith Barney, acting as financial advisor to Pac,
met with representatives of Lazard, the investment bankers to the special
committee of the board of directors of U.S. Can, to discuss

                                       18
<PAGE>   28

Pac's revised $20.00 per share proposal. The following is a summary of the
report presented by Salomon Smith Barney on behalf of Pac at that meeting:

Factors Leading to the Revised Bid

     Since Pac's initial proposal on March 22, 2000, senior bank debt and high
yield debt market conditions have worsened, resulting in increased financing
costs. Over the same period of time, U.S. Can's operating performance has not
met expectations, in part because of soft demand in the rigid packaging sector
and higher raw materials prices. Additionally, an index of rigid packaging
stocks declined 11.9 percent since March 22, 2000, suggesting that U.S. Can's
stock price would, absent public statements regarding a potential transaction,
be lower than its pre-announcement price of $14.88.

     Salomon Smith Barney contended that the revised bid of $20.00 per share
represents a significant premium to the pre-announcement price. Further, the
transaction multiple is consistent with recent precedent transactions. For
example, Rexam is acquiring American National Can for approximately 5.7x last
twelve months earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization
(EBITDA), whereas the revised bid of $20.00 per share is equivalent to 6.1x
projected last twelve months' EBITDA at June 30, 2000.

Impact of Purchase Price on Equity Returns

     Salomon Smith Barney used certain fundamental transaction assumptions to
drive its financial models, including the following:

     - a financing structure with a maximum of 4.75x total debt to projected
       last twelve months EBITDA of $106.4 million at June 30, 2000; and

     - acquisition fees and expenses, including a bond prepayment premium,
       totaling approximately $39.7 million.

     Based on the assumptions stated above and U.S. Can's forecasted operating
results, Salomon Smith Barney's analysis indicated that a leveraged
recapitalization of U.S. Can would not provide an acceptable rate of return on
equity to a typical institutional private equity investor at a price in excess
of $20.00 per share.

Normalized Price Analysis

     Salomon Smith Barney considered the pre-announcement market price per share
of U.S. Can common stock in the context of a peer group index of rigid packaging
stocks. Salomon Smith Barney examined the changes in the index for the period
from the pre-announcement date until May 24, 2000. Salomon Smith Barney found
that, since the announcement date, the index of rigid packaging stocks had
declined 11.9 percent. This trend suggests that the "normalized" price per share
of U.S. Can as of May 24, 2000 would likely, absent public statements regarding
a potential transaction, have been lower than its pre-announcement price of
$14.88.

Implied Transaction Premiums

     Salomon Smith Barney reviewed certain implied transaction premiums using a
range of average prices per share of U.S. Can common stock for the following
periods ended March 22, 2000: one week, one month, three months, six months, one
year, two years and three years. Salomon Smith Barney noted that the merger
consideration represented a premium over the average stock price for each of the
foregoing periods prior to March 22, 2000, the date of the initial
recapitalization proposal by Pac.

Historical First Quarter Results

     The entire group of the most directly comparable rigid packaging companies,
including BWAY Corporation, Crown Cork & Seal, all experienced weaker financial
results in the first quarter of calendar year 2000 compared to the first quarter
of 1999. Among these companies, revenues decreased between 1.5 percent and 9.4
percent, while EBITDA decreased between 8.3 percent and 11.2 percent.

                                       19
<PAGE>   29

Discounted Cash Flow Analysis

     Salomon Smith Barney performed a discounted cash flow analysis of U.S.
Can's business. Using a discounted cash flow methodology, Salomon Smith Barney
calculated the present value of the projected future cash flows for U.S. Can.
Salomon Smith Barney aggregated (1) the present value of the free cash flows
over the applicable forecast period with (2) the present value of the range of
terminal values.

     The discounted cash flow analysis resulted in a range of values between
$18.00 and $22.00 per share of U.S. Can common stock. Stated another way, the
discounted cash flow analysis resulted in an EBITDA multiple ranging from 5.6x
to 6.2x, or an implied EBITDA multiple ranging from 5.8x to 6.3x, when adjusted
for certain costs associated with the transaction, including a bond prepayment
premium. Based upon this range of implied share prices, Salomon Smith Barney
noted that the revised bid of $20.00 per share equates to a multiple of 5.95x
EBITDA (6.1x EBITDA when adjusted for the bond prepayment premium), which is
within the valuation range calculated by Salomon Smith Barney's analysis of
comparable public companies and comparable precedent transactions as described
below.

Rexam PLC Acquisition of American National Can Group, Inc.

     Salomon Smith Barney reviewed the recent Rexam/American National Can
transaction. American National Can is the world's second largest beverage can
manufacturer and the largest can maker in Europe. The transaction with Rexam
valued American National Can at firm value multiples of 0.85x revenue, 5.68x
EBITDA and 8.72x earnings before interest and taxes (commonly referred to as
EBIT). By comparison, Pac's revised bid for U.S. Can equates to firm value
multiples of 0.76x revenue, 5.95x EBITDA (6.1x EBITDA when adjusted for the bond
prepayment premium) and 8.94x EBIT.

Comparable Public Companies Analysis

     Salomon Smith Barney reviewed certain publicly available financial and
operating information of five public companies in the rigid packaging sector
consisting of Ball Corporation, BWAY Corporation, Crown Cork & Seal,
Owens-Illinois and Silgan Corporation.

     In that review, the ratio of firm value to 1999 revenues, EBIT and EBITDA
multiples were developed from publicly available financial information, Salomon
Smith Barney's research and Wall Street financial institution research reports
as of May 2000. The comparable companies listed above were chosen because they
operate in the rigid packaging industry, as does U.S. Can. For this analysis
Salomon Smith Barney used trading information as of May 24, 2000.

     The review indicated that:

     - firm value as a multiple of 1999 revenues ranged from 0.5x to 1.5x, with
       a mean of 0.8x and a median of 0.6x for the comparable companies;

     - firm value as a multiple of 1999 EBIT ranged from 6.6x to 10.9x, with a
       mean of 8.7x and a median of 8.9x, for the comparable companies; and

     - firm value as a multiple of 1999 EBITDA ranged from 4.3x to 6.0x, with a
       mean of 5.2x and a median of 5.4x, for the comparable companies.

This comparable public companies analysis resulted in values ranging from $13.10
to $18.47 per share of U.S. Can common stock.

                                       20
<PAGE>   30

Precedent Transactions Analysis

     Using publicly available information, Salomon Smith Barney reviewed nine
transactions in the rigid packaging industry. These transactions were:

     - Rexam PLC/American National Can

     - U.S. Can/May Verpackungen

     - Rexam PLC/PLM

     - Silgan Corporation/Campbell Soup -- Food Cans

     - Suiza Foods/Continental Can

     - Ball Corporation/Reynolds Metals' Beverage Can Operations

     - Doughty Hanson/Pechiney & Schmalbach Food Can Operations

     - U.S. Can/Crown Cork & Seal Divestiture

     - Silgan/American National Can -- Food Can

     The review showed that for these transactions the acquisition value as a
multiple of sales ranged from 0.5x to 0.9x. The acquisition value as a multiple
of EBIT for the respective acquisitions ranged from 8.5x to 14.7x. The
acquisition value as a multiple of EBITDA for the respective acquisitions ranged
from 5.7x to 7.3x. This comparable transactions analysis resulted in values
ranging from $18.47 to $23.06 per share of U.S. Can common stock.

OPINION OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE'S INVESTMENT BANKER

     The special committee appointed by the U.S. Can board of directors retained
Lazard to act as its investment banker in connection with the proposal by Pac.
As part of this engagement, the special committee requested that Lazard evaluate
the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the price to be paid in the
merger to the stockholders of U.S. Can. On June 1, 2000, Lazard delivered to the
special committee its written opinion to the effect that, as of that date and
subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications set forth in such
opinion, the cash merger consideration of $20.00 per share to be received by the
stockholders of U.S. Can other than the rollover stockholders is fair to such
stockholders from a financial point of view.

     The full text of the opinion dated June 1, 2000, which explains the
assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the
scope of the review undertaken by Lazard in rendering its opinion, is attached
as Annex B to this proxy statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
Lazard's written opinion was delivered to the special committee for its use in
connection with its consideration of the merger and does not constitute a
recommendation to any stockholder of U.S. Can as to how such stockholder should
vote at the special stockholder meeting with respect to the merger agreement or
the merger. The following is only a summary of the Lazard opinion. You are
encouraged to, and should, read the Lazard opinion in its entirety.

     In connection with its opinion, Lazard:

     - Reviewed the financial terms and conditions of the merger agreement;

     - Analyzed certain historical business and financial information relating
       to U.S. Can;

     - Reviewed various financial forecasts and other data provided to Lazard by
       U.S. Can relating to its business and financial performance;

     - Held discussions with members of the senior management of U.S. Can with
       respect to the businesses and prospects of U.S. Can and its strategic
       objectives;

     - Reviewed public information with respect to certain other companies in
       lines of businesses Lazard believed to be generally comparable to the
       businesses of U.S. Can;

                                       21
<PAGE>   31

     - Reviewed the financial terms of certain business combinations involving
       companies in lines of businesses Lazard believed to be generally
       comparable to those of U.S. Can and in other businesses generally;

     - Reviewed the historical stock prices and trading volumes of U.S. Can's
       common stock; and

     - Reviewed such other information and conducted such other financial
       studies, analyses and investigations as Lazard deemed appropriate.

     Lazard relied upon the accuracy and completeness of the foregoing
information, and did not assume any responsibility for any independent
verification of such information or any independent valuation or appraisal of
any of the assets or liabilities of U.S. Can. Lazard did not opine or provide
any advice with respect to the impact of the merger on the solvency, viability
or financial condition of U.S. Can or its ability to satisfy its obligations as
they become due. With respect to financial forecasts, Lazard assumed that they
had been reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available
estimates and judgments of management of U.S. Can as to the future financial
performance of U.S. Can. Lazard assumed no responsibility for and expressed no
view as to such forecasts or the assumptions on which they were based. In
addition, Lazard's opinion did not address U.S. Can's underlying business
decision to enter into the merger agreement. Further, Lazard's opinion was
necessarily based on economic, monetary, market and other conditions as in
effect on, and the information made available to Lazard as of, the date of such
opinion. In rendering its opinion, Lazard assumed that the merger will be
consummated on the terms described in the merger agreement, without any waiver
of any material terms or conditions by U.S. Can, and that obtaining the
necessary regulatory approvals for the merger will not have a material adverse
effect on U.S. Can.

     The following is a summary of the material financial analyses performed by
Lazard in preparing its opinion:

Comparable Public Traded Companies Analysis

     Lazard reviewed and compared the actual and estimated financial, operating
and stock market information of certain companies in lines of businesses
believed to be generally comparable to those of U.S. Can in the packaging
industry. These companies included American National Can Group, Inc., Ball
Corporation, BWAY Corporation, Crown, Cork & Seal Company, Inc., Owens-Illinois,
Inc. and Silgan Holdings Inc.

     Specifically, Lazard analyzed the respective multiples of the enterprise
value of these companies to their revenue, EBITDA, EBITDA minus the three year
historical average of annual capital expenditures, referred to below as
EBITDA -- CapEx, and earnings before interest and taxes, commonly referred to as
EBIT, for the last twelve months and for projected calendar years 2000 and 2001;
and multiples of the equity value of these companies to their net income for the
last twelve months and for projected calendar years 2000 and 2001; and multiples
of the equity value of these companies to their most recent quarter's book
value. This Lazard analysis indicated the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         HIGH          LOW        MEDIAN
                                                         PERIOD        MULTIPLES    MULTIPLES    MULTIPLES
                                                         ------        ---------    ---------    ---------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>          <C>          <C>
Revenue..........................................             2001E      1.37x        0.58x        0.68x
                                                              2000E       1.42         0.60         0.70
                                                     Last 12 Months       1.46         0.48         0.68

EBITDA...........................................             2001E       5.6x         4.1x         4.4x
                                                              2000E        5.7          4.3          4.7
                                                     Last 12 Months        6.6          4.7          5.4

EBITDA-CapEx.....................................             2001E       8.3x         4.9x         6.3x
                                                              2000E        8.6          5.3          6.6
                                                     Last 12 Months       12.1          6.1          6.9
</TABLE>

                                       22
<PAGE>   32

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         HIGH          LOW        MEDIAN
                                                         PERIOD        MULTIPLES    MULTIPLES    MULTIPLES
                                                         ------        ---------    ---------    ---------
<S>                                                  <C>               <C>          <C>          <C>
EBIT.............................................             2001E       8.3x         5.7x         6.7x
                                                              2000E        9.3          6.3          7.3
                                                     Last 12 Months       11.3          7.2          8.7

Net Income.......................................             2001E       7.4x         3.3x         6.2x
                                                              2000E        9.2          3.6          7.1
                                                     Last 12 Months        9.0          3.7          6.7

Book Equity......................................      Last Quarter      1.37x        0.66x        0.84x
</TABLE>

     Lazard then derived a range of implied per share equity values for U.S. Can
by applying the multiples of the comparable companies listed above to the
corresponding data for U.S. Can prepared by U.S. Can's management. Lazard then
determined that using the median multiples was an appropriate measure for
purposes of narrowing those ranges, and calculated the mean, median, high and
low equity value per share ranges implied by applying those median multiples to
the respective performance measures. The resulting implied equity value of U.S.
Can ranged from a low of $4.25 per share to a high of $21.55 per share and,
based on the mean and median values implied by applying such median multiples,
the implied equity value of U.S. Can ranged from $15.11 per share to $15.96 per
share.

Selected Precedent Transaction Analysis

     Lazard reviewed selected publicly available financial and stock market
information of 14 transactions in the packaging industry since 1992 including:
Rexam PLC/American National Can, U.S. Can/May Verpackungen, Rexam PLC/PLM AB,
Drum Holdings SA/Blagden Packaging, Owens-Illinois, Inc./BTR Packaging, Suiza
Food Corporation/Continental Can Co. Inc., Ball Corporation/Domestic Beverage
Can Unit (Reynolds Metals Co.), Doughty Hanson/Metal Packaging Interests
(Pechiney SA/VIAG AG), U.S. Can/CPI Plastics Inc., U.S. Can/European Aerosol Can
(Crown, Cork & Seal), Silgan Corporation/Food Metal and Specialty Business
(American National Can), Crown, Cork & Seal/CarnaudMetalBox SA, Crown, Cork &
Seal/Tri Valley Growers Cont. and Ball Corporation/Heekin Can, Inc.

     Specifically, Lazard analyzed the respective multiples of the total
enterprise values for these transactions to the last twelve months' revenue,
EBITDA, EBITDA - CapEx and EBIT for the seller in these transactions, and
multiples of the equity value for these transactions to the last twelve months'
net income and latest quarter's book value for the seller in these transactions.
The Lazard analysis indicated the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        HIGH          LOW        MEDIAN
                                                       LAST 12      LAST 12      LAST 12
                                                       MONTHS       MONTHS       MONTHS
                                                      MULTIPLES    MULTIPLES    MULTIPLES
                                                      ---------    ---------    ---------
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>          <C>
Revenue...........................................       2.58x       0.47x         0.72x
EBITDA............................................       8.9         4.2           6.7
EBITDA - CapEx....................................      19.0         5.1          13.4
EBIT..............................................      16.4         5.7          10.9
Net Income........................................      20.0         5.0          11.1
Book Equity.......................................       2.09        1.06          1.59
</TABLE>

     Lazard then derived a range of implied per share equity values for U.S. Can
by applying the multiples from the precedent transactions listed above to the
corresponding data for U.S. Can prepared by U.S. Can's management. Lazard then
determined that using the median multiples was an appropriate measure for
purposes of narrowing those ranges, and calculated the mean, median, high and
low equity value per share ranges implied by applying those median multiples to
the respective performance measures. The resulting implied equity value of U.S.
Can ranged from a low of $8.01 per share to a high of $40.84 per share and,
based on the mean and median values implied by applying such median multiples,
the implied equity value of U.S. Can ranged from $23.17 per share to $24.51 per
share.

                                       23
<PAGE>   33

     Lazard also separately analyzed the Rexam PLC/American National Can
transaction because of its belief that it was the most relevant and recent
precedent transaction to U.S. Can. Specifically, Lazard analyzed the respective
multiples of the enterprise values for these transactions to the last twelve
months', 2000 estimated and 2001 estimated revenue, EBITDA, EBITDA -- CapEx and
EBIT for the seller in these transactions, and multiples of the equity value for
these transactions to the last twelve months', 2000 estimated and 2001 estimated
net income and the latest quarter's book value for the seller in these
transactions. In addition, Lazard analyzed the acquisition price as a premium to
the closing share price one day, one week and four weeks prior to the
announcement of the transaction and the acquisition price as a percentage of the
52-week and all-time high closing share prices. The Lazard analysis indicated
the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 REXAM BID MULTIPLES                         REXAM PURCHASE PREMIUMS
                         -----------------------------------         ----------------------------------------
                         LAST 12
                         MONTHS          2000E         2001E          1-DAY           1-WEEK          1-MONTH
                         -------         -----         -----          -----           ------          -------
<S>                      <C>             <C>           <C>           <C>             <C>              <C>
Revenue..............     0.90x          0.85x         0.83x          37.1%           41.9%            65.5%
                                                                     REXAM PURCHASE PRICE AS
EBITDA...............     5.9            5.3           4.9                   OF % OF
                                                                     ------------------------
EBITDA-CapEx.........     7.3            6.5           5.9           52 WEEK         ALL-TIME
EBIT.................     8.8            7.6           6.9            HIGH             HIGH
                                                                     -------         --------
Net Income...........    10.0            9.4           8.3           105.5%           105.5%
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          LAST
                         QUARTER
                         -------
<S>                      <C>             <C>           <C>           <C>             <C>              <C>
Book Equity..........     1.06x
</TABLE>

     Lazard then derived a range of implied per share equity values for U.S. Can
by applying the results from the American National Can transaction listed in the
charts above to the corresponding data for U.S. Can prepared by U.S. Can's
management. The resulting implied equity value of U.S. Can ranged from a low of
$5.36 per share to a high of $30.00 per share, with a mean and median equity
value range of $20.16 per share to $20.68 per share.

Discounted Cash Flow Analysis

     Lazard performed a discounted cash flow analysis of the projected free cash
flow of U.S. Can for the years ended December 31, 2000 through December 31,
2004, based on projections provided to Lazard by management of U.S. Can. A
discounted cash flow analysis is generally used to ascribe a present value to an
anticipated future stream of cash flow, based upon assumptions relating to,
among other things, prevailing market conditions, including costs of capital. As
part of its analysis, Lazard assumed, among other things, discount rates of
11%-13% and terminal multiples of EBITDA of 4.5x to 6.0x. The following sets
forth the results of the Lazard analysis:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   DISCOUNTED CASH FLOW ANALYSIS
-------------------------------------------------------------------
TERMINAL VALUE RANGE  DISCOUNT RATE  IMPUTED EQUITY VALUE PER SHARE
--------------------  -------------  ------------------------------
<S>                   <C>            <C>
    4.5x -- 6.0x       11% -- 13%           $15.93 -- $28.38
</TABLE>

                                       24
<PAGE>   34

Industrial Premiums Paid

     Lazard reviewed data from selected publicly available industrial domestic
transactions of $250 million to $1 billion in size from January 1, 1999 to May
22, 2000. Specifically, Lazard analyzed the acquisition price as a premium to
the closing share price one day, one week and four weeks prior to the
announcement of the transaction and the acquisition price as a percentage of the
52-week and all-time high closing share prices. Lazard's analysis indicated the
following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           RANGE OF ACQUISITION
                                                            PREMIUMS/DISCOUNTS
                                                        --------------------------
                                                         LOW      MEDIAN     HIGH
                                                         ---      ------     ----
<S>                                                     <C>       <C>       <C>
Acquisition Price as
% Premium to One Day Prior..........................    (3.6%)     29.6%     85.1%
% Premium to One Week Prior.........................    (6.3%)     39.8%    104.0%
% Premium to Four Weeks Prior.......................    (5.5%)     54.2%    152.6%
% of 52-Week High...................................    45.5%     106.1%    142.6%
% of All-Time High..................................    19.7%      80.5%    140.0%
</TABLE>

     Lazard then derived a range of implied per share equity values for U.S. Can
by applying the premiums from the industrial transactions mentioned above to the
corresponding share price data for U.S. Can. Lazard then narrowed those ranges
by focusing on the median implied per share equity value ranges, which Lazard
determined was an appropriate measure for this analysis. The resulting implied
equity value of U.S. Can ranged from a low of $18.53 per share to a high of
$27.19 per share, with a mean and median range of $19.94 per share to $21.11 per
share.

Leveraged Buyout Analysis

     Lazard prepared an analysis as to the consideration a leveraged buyout
purchaser might be willing to pay to acquire U.S. Can. This analysis was based
upon the projections provided by management of U.S. Can. Lazard assumed a
capital structure and a financing rate scenario consistent with the financing
commitments under the proposed capital structure. Assuming internal rates of
return to equity investors of approximately 20% to 30% and terminal multiples of
EBITDA of between 4.5x - 6.0x, the per share consideration a leveraged buyout
purchaser might be willing to pay for U.S. Can ranged from approximately $18.00
per share to $22.00 per share.

     The summary set forth above does not purport to be a complete description
of all the analyses performed by Lazard. Preparing a fairness opinion is a
complex analytic process and is not readily susceptible to partial analysis or
summary description. Lazard believes that its analyses must be considered as a
whole. Selecting portions of its analyses and factors, without considering all
analyses and factors, could create a misleading or incomplete view of the
processes underlying the analyses and its opinion. In arriving at its fairness
determination, Lazard considered the results of all such analyses and did not
assign relative weights to any of the analyses.

     In its analyses, Lazard made numerous assumptions with respect to industry
performance, general business, economic, market and financial conditions and
other matters, many of which are beyond the control of U.S. Can. The estimates
contained in these analyses and the valuation ranges resulting from any
particular analysis do not necessarily indicate actual values or predict future
results or values, which may be significantly more or less favorable than those
suggested by these analyses. In addition, analyses relating to the value of the
businesses are not appraisals and do not reflect the prices at which the
businesses may actually be sold or the prices at which their securities may
trade. As a result, these analyses and estimates are inherently subject to
substantial uncertainty. No company or transaction used in the analyses as a
comparison is identical to U.S. Can or the contemplated transaction.

                                       25
<PAGE>   35

     Lazard's opinion and financial analyses were not the only factors
considered by the U.S. Can special committee and board of directors in their
evaluation of the merger and should not be viewed as determinative of the views
of the U.S. Can special committee, the U.S. Can board of directors or U.S. Can's
management.

     Under the terms of Lazard's engagement, U.S. Can has agreed to pay Lazard
an advisory fee of $2.25 million, which the special committee believes is
reasonable for the services provided in connection with the merger. This fee
will not be paid unless and until the merger is completed. U.S. Can has agreed
to reimburse Lazard for travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred in
performing its services, including the fees and expenses of its legal counsel,
and to indemnify Lazard and related persons against liabilities, including
certain liabilities under the federal securities laws, arising out of Lazard's
engagement.

     Lazard is an internationally recognized investment banking firm and is
continually engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in
connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, secondary
distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements, leveraged
buyouts, and valuations for real estate, corporate and other purposes. Lazard
was selected to act as investment banker to the special committee because of its
expertise and its reputation in investment banking and mergers and acquisitions.

ROLLOVER STOCKHOLDERS' REASONS FOR THE RECAPITALIZATION

     Despite U.S. Can having shown strong earnings growth and substantially
reducing debt in 1998 and 1999, its stock price had generally declined over that
period. The rollover stockholders believe that this trend has prevented
stockholders from realizing appropriate value for their interests in U.S. Can
despite the company's good performance and has reduced the company's ability to
provide effective stock-based incentives to its employees. As a private company,
U.S. Can will have the flexibility to focus on continuing improvements to its
business without the constraints and distractions caused by the public market's
present disfavor, despite strong underlying performance, for many "old economy"
stocks such as U.S. Can. The rollover stockholders believe that the
recapitalization represents an opportunity for you, as well as some of the
rollover stockholders, to receive a substantial cash premium for your U.S. Can
shares while also allowing the rollover stockholders to maintain at least a
portion of their investment in U.S. Can.

     The rollover stockholders are engaging in the recapitalization transaction
to allow some of the rollover stockholders to receive $20.00 in cash per share
for a portion of their U.S. Can shares while simultaneously allowing affiliates
of Berkshire Partners, the rollover stockholders, other members of senior
management of U.S. Can, and Squam Lake, collectively, to acquire 100% ownership
of U.S. Can, before giving effect to the grant of employee stock options.

POSITION OF PAC AND THE ROLLOVER STOCKHOLDERS AS TO FAIRNESS OF THE
RECAPITALIZATION

     Pac and the rollover stockholders have considered the factors examined by
the special committee and the board of directors described in detail above.
Based on these factors, considered together, Pac and the rollover stockholders
each believe that the recapitalization is fair to U.S. Can's stockholders. Many
of the rollover stockholders are directors and executive officers of U.S. Can
and have interests in the recapitalization transaction not shared by you. These
interests are described below under the heading "Interests of Directors and
Officers in the Recapitalization that are Different From Your Interests." Each
of the rollover stockholders intends to vote in favor of the approval and
adoption of the merger and the merger agreement at the special stockholders
meeting.

INTERESTS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS IN THE RECAPITALIZATION THAT ARE DIFFERENT
FROM YOUR INTERESTS

     In considering the recommendation of the special committee and of the board
of directors with respect to the recapitalization, you should be aware that
certain officers and directors of U.S. Can have interests in the
recapitalization that are different from your interests. These interests include
those described below.

                                       26
<PAGE>   36

Ownership and Control of U.S. Can after the Recapitalization

     - Salomon Smith Barney, which currently is the beneficial owner of
       1,211,229 shares of U.S. Can common stock representing an approximately
       10.5% interest in U.S. Can, will receive $20.00 per share in cash for
       760,527 of those shares. The remaining shares will be converted into
       138,833 shares of common stock and 6,102,557 shares of preferred stock of
       U.S. Can. [Affiliates of Berkshire have agreed to purchase from Salomon
       Smith Barney immediately after the recapitalization           shares of
       common stock of U.S. Can at $20.00 per share and           shares of
       preferred stock of U.S. Can at $1.00 per share. The purpose of this
       transaction is to cause Salomon Smith Barney to hold approximately 4.9%
       of the common stock of U.S. Can and 5.4% of the preferred stock of U.S.
       Can immediately after the recapitalization based on the anticipated
       post-transaction capitalization of U.S. Can.] Louis B. Susman is Vice
       Chairman of Investment Banking and Managing Director of Salomon Smith
       Barney. Mr. Susman has served as a director of U.S. Can since 1998 and is
       expected to serve as a director of U.S. Can after the recapitalization.
       Salomon Smith Barney is a financial advisor to Pac in connection with the
       recapitalization and is providing financing for the recapitalization for
       which it will receive fees of $2 million and up to approximately $8
       million, respectively, if the recapitalization is closed. See "Special
       Factors -- Financing of the Recapitalization."

     - Ricardo Poma, who has served as a director of U.S. Can since 1983, is the
       beneficial owner of 920,133 shares of U.S. Can common stock representing
       an approximately 6.8% interest in U.S. Can. Barcel Corporation, Salcorp
       Ltd., Katsura, S.A. and Scarsdale Company N.V., Inc., which are companies
       associated or affiliated with Mr. Poma, are the owners of record of
       518,000, 340,000, 60,000 and 2,133 of these shares, respectively. It is
       expected that Mr. Poma will continue to serve as a director of U.S. Can
       after the recapitalization.

      -- In the recapitalization Katsura will receive $20.00 per share for each
         share of U.S. Can common stock held by it.

      -- In the recapitalization Barcel and Salcorp will receive $20.00 per
         share for 318,000 and 192,133 of the shares of U.S. Can stock held by
         them, respectively.

      -- The remaining 200,000 shares of U.S. Can common stock held by Barcel
         will be converted into 62,543 shares of common stock that will
         represent approximately 2.2% of the U.S. Can common stock immediately
         after the recapitalization and 2,749,141 shares of preferred stock that
         will represent approximately 2.4% of the U.S. Can preferred stock
         immediately after the recapitalization.

      -- The remaining 147,867 shares of U.S. Can common stock held by Salcorp
         will be converted into 46,240 shares of common stock that will
         represent approximately 1.6% of the U.S. Can common stock immediately
         after the recapitalization and 2,032,536 shares of preferred stock that
         will represent approximately 1.8% of the U.S. Can preferred stock
         immediately after the recapitalization.

      -- Scarsdale holds 4,266 shares of U.S. Can common stock in the aggregate,
         2,133 shares of which are beneficially owned by Mr. Poma. All of the
         4,266 shares of U.S. Can common stock held by it will be converted into
         1,334 shares of common stock that will represent approximately .05% of
         the U.S. Can common stock immediately after the recapitalization and
         58,639 shares of preferred stock that will represent approximately .06%
         of the U.S. Can preferred stock immediately after the recapitalization.

     - Francisco A. Soler, who has served as a director of U.S. Can since 1983,
       is the beneficial owner of 469,233 shares of U.S. Can common stock
       representing an approximately 3.5% interest in U.S. Can. Windsor
       International Corporation, Atlas World Carriers S.A., The World Financial
       Corporation S.A. and Scarsdale Company N.V., Inc., which are companies
       associated or affiliated with Mr. Soler, are the owners of record of
       226,100, 123,000, 118,000 and 2,133 of these shares, respectively. It is
       expected that Mr. Soler will continue to serve as a director of U.S. Can
       after the recapitalization.

                                       27
<PAGE>   37

      -- In the recapitalization Windsor, Atlas and World Financial will receive
         $20.00 per share for 158,233, 83,000, and 78,000 of the shares of U.S.
         Can stock held by them, respectively.

      -- The remaining 67,867 shares of U.S. Can common stock held by Windsor
         will be converted into 21,223 shares of U.S. Can common stock that will
         represent approximately 0.7% of the U.S. Can common stock immediately
         after the recapitalization and 932,880 shares of U.S. Can preferred
         stock that will represent approximately 0.8% of the U.S. Can preferred
         stock immediately after the recapitalization.

      -- The remaining 40,000 shares of U.S. Can common stock held by Atlas will
         be converted into 12,509 shares of common stock that will represent
         approximately 0.4% of the U.S. Can common stock immediately after the
         recapitalization and 549,828 shares of preferred stock that will
         represent approximately 0.5% of the U.S. Can preferred stock
         immediately after the recapitalization.

      -- The remaining 40,000 shares of U.S. Can common stock held by World
         Financial will be converted into 12,509 shares of U.S. Can common stock
         that will represent approximately 0.4% of the U.S. Can common stock
         immediately after the recapitalization and 549,828 shares of U.S. Can
         preferred stock that will represent approximately 0.5% of the U.S. Can
         preferred stock immediately after the recapitalization.

      -- Scarsdale holds 4,266 shares of U.S. Can common stock in the aggregate,
         2,133 shares of which are beneficially owned by Mr. Soler. As disclosed
         above, all of the 4,266 shares of U.S. Can common stock held by
         Scarsdale will be converted into 1,334 shares of common stock that will
         represent approximately 0.05% of the U.S. Can common stock immediately
         after the recapitalization and 58,639 shares of U.S. Can preferred
         stock that will represent approximately 0.06% of the U.S. Can preferred
         stock immediately after the recapitalization.

     - Paul W. Jones, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of U.S.
       Can, David R. Ford, Senior Vice President, International and President,
       European Operations of U.S. Can, John L. Workman, Executive Vice
       President and Chief Financial Officer of U.S. Can, Roger B. Farley,
       Senior Vice President, Human Resources of U.S. Can, Gillian V.N.
       Derbyshire, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Paint, Plastic,
       Custom and General Line Operations of U.S. Can, and J. Michael Kirk,
       Executive Vice President, Corporate Marketing and Aerosol Sales of U.S.
       Can directly own 32,000, 15,000, 9,500, 6,000, 5,000, and 5,000 issued
       and outstanding shares of U.S. Can common stock, respectively. All of
       such shares owned by Mr. Jones, Mr. Ford, Mr. Workman, Mr. Farley, Ms.
       Derbyshire and Mr. Kirk will be converted into shares of U.S. Can common
       stock in the recapitalization.

     - Mr. Jones will purchase 67,132 additional shares of common stock for
       aggregate consideration of $1,342,640 at the time of the
       recapitalization. The source of the funds necessary for the purchase of
       such additional shares will be the cash proceeds from the cancellation of
       employee stock options in the recapitalization, the distribution of cash
       from U.S. Can's executive deferred compensation plan and the receipt from
       U.S. Can of a one-time bonus payment of $697,500. Mr. Jones' $700
       investment in Pac will also be converted into 35 shares of U.S. Can
       common stock. The purchased shares, together with the shares of U.S. Can
       common stock he receives from conversion of his U.S. Can and Pac shares
       in the recapitalization, will represent 3.50% of the outstanding common
       stock of U.S. Can immediately after the recapitalization.

     - Mr. Workman will purchase 40,068 additional shares of common stock for
       aggregate consideration of $801,360 at the time of the recapitalization.
       The source of the funds necessary for the purchase of such additional
       shares will be the cash proceeds from the cancellation of employee stock
       options in the recapitalization, the distribution of cash from U.S. Can's
       executive deferred compensation plan, the receipt from U.S. Can of a
       one-time bonus payment of $309,000 and personal sources of funds. Mr.
       Workman's $300 investment in Pac will also be converted into 15 shares of
       U.S. Can common stock. The purchased shares, together with the shares of
       U.S. Can common stock he receives from

                                       28
<PAGE>   38

       conversion of his U.S. Can and Pac shares in the recapitalization, will
       represent 1.75% of the outstanding common stock of U.S. Can immediately
       after the recapitalization.

     - Mr. Ford will purchase 16,167 additional shares of common stock for
       aggregate consideration of $323,340 at the time of the recapitalization.
       The source of the funds necessary for the purchase of such additional
       shares will be the cash proceeds from the cancellation of employee stock
       options in the recapitalization, the distribution of cash from U.S. Can's
       executive deferred compensation plan, the receipt from U.S. Can of a
       one-time bonus payment of $156,600 and personal sources of funds. These
       shares, together with the shares of U.S. Can common stock he receives
       from conversion of his U.S. Can shares in the recapitalization, will
       represent 1.10% of the outstanding common stock of U.S. Can immediately
       after the recapitalization.

     - Ms. Derbyshire will purchase 12,708 additional shares of common stock for
       aggregate consideration of $254,160 at the time of the recapitalization.
       The source of the funds necessary for the purchase of such additional
       shares will be the cash proceeds from the cancellation of employee stock
       options in the recapitalization, the distribution of cash from U.S. Can's
       executive deferred compensation plan and the receipt from U.S. Can of a
       one-time bonus payment of $90,700. These shares, together with the shares
       of U.S. Can common stock she receives from conversion of her U.S. Can
       shares in the recapitalization, will represent 0.62% of the outstanding
       common stock of U.S. Can immediately after the recapitalization.

     - Mr. Kirk will purchase 12,708 additional shares of common stock for
       aggregate consideration of $254,160 at the time of the recapitalization.
       The source of the funds necessary for the purchase of such additional
       shares will be the cash proceeds from the cancellation of employee stock
       options in the recapitalization, the distribution of cash from U.S. Can's
       executive deferred compensation plan and the receipt from U.S. Can of a
       one-time bonus payment of $99,400. These shares, together with the shares
       of U.S. Can common stock he receives from conversion of his U.S. Can
       shares in the recapitalization, will represent 0.62% of the outstanding
       common stock of U.S. Can immediately after the recapitalization.

     - Mr. Farley will purchase 22,333 additional shares of common stock for
       aggregate consideration of $446,660 at the time of the recapitalization.
       The source of the funds necessary for the purchase of such additional
       shares will be the cash proceeds from the cancellation of employee stock
       options in the recapitalization, the distribution of cash from U.S. Can's
       executive deferred compensation plan, the receipt from U.S. Can of a
       one-time bonus payment of $226,100 and personal sources of funds. These
       shares, together with the shares of U.S. Can common stock he receives
       from conversion of his U.S. Can shares in the recapitalization, will
       represent 1.00% of the outstanding common stock of U.S. Can immediately
       after the recapitalization.

     - Thomas A. Scrimo, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Aerosol
       Operations and Business Support of U.S. Can will purchase 11,333 shares
       of common stock for aggregate consideration of $226,660 at the time of
       the recapitalization. The source of the funds necessary for the purchase
       of such additional shares will be the cash proceeds from the cancellation
       of employee stock options in the recapitalization, the distribution of
       cash from U.S. Can's executive deferred compensation plan, the receipt
       from U.S. Can of a one-time bonus payment of $103,400 and personal
       sources of funds. These shares will represent 0.40% of the outstanding
       common stock of U.S. Can immediately after the recapitalization.

                                       29
<PAGE>   39

Stockholders Arrangements

     All of the shares of U.S. Can common stock and U.S. Can preferred stock
outstanding immediately after the recapitalization will be subject to the terms
of several agreements among some or all of U.S. Can, affiliates of Berkshire
Partners, Mr. Jones, Mr. Workman, Mr. Ford, Mr. Farley, Mr. Scrimo, Ms.
Derbyshire, Mr. Kirk, Salomon Smith Barney, Scarsdale, Salcorp, Barcel, Windsor,
Atlas, World Financial, Lennoxville, Empire and other future holders of shares
of U.S. Can or of options to acquire shares of U.S. Can. The terms of these
stockholders arrangements are described below:

     - The equity capital of U.S. Can will consist of one-third common stock and
       two-thirds preferred stock.

     - As set forth in greater detail above, the senior managers of U.S. Can
       will hold in the aggregate 9% of the common stock of U.S. Can immediately
       after the recapitalization.

     - Sixty percent of the common stock of U.S. Can that will be held by Mr.
       Jones, Mr. Workman, Mr. Ford, Mr. Farley, Mr. Scrimo, Ms. Derbyshire and
       Mr. Kirk immediately after the recapitalization will be subject to a
       two-year vesting period. The remaining forty percent of the common stock
       of U.S. Can that will be held by such management stockholders will be
       subject to both a five-year vesting period and a requirement that the
       affiliates of Berkshire Partners who are U.S. Can stockholders shall have
       achieved at least a 25% annualized internal rate of return on their
       equity investment in U.S. Can as determined at the time they sell their
       equity investment in U.S. Can. These shares will be subject to the
       following restrictions and terms:

      -- Shares that have not been earned and vested in accordance with the
         foregoing criteria will generally be repurchasable by U.S. Can at the
         lesser of the management stockholder's original cost or fair market
         value at the time he or she ceases to be employed by U.S. Can other
         than due to a termination for cause.

      -- Assuming that the management stockholder has not voluntarily terminated
         his or her employment with U.S. Can during the 36 months after the
         recapitalization, shares that have been earned and vested in accordance
         with the foregoing criteria will generally be repurchasable by U.S. Can
         at their fair market value at the time he or she ceases to be employed
         by U.S. Can other than due to a termination for cause.

      -- If the management stockholder voluntarily terminates his or her
         employment prior to the expiration of 36 months after the
         recapitalization, the earned and vested shares will be prorated for the
         portion of such 36 months during which such person was employed by U.S.
         Can. For example, if an employee voluntarily terminates his or her
         employment 24 months after the recapitalization, two-thirds of his or
         her earned and vested shares could be repurchased by U.S. Can at fair
         market value and one-third of his or her earned and vested shares could
         be repurchased by U.S. Can for the lesser of cost or fair market value.

      -- Regardless of whether such shares have been earned and vested, U.S. Can
         will have the right to repurchase all such shares at the lesser of cost
         or fair market value if a management stockholder's employment is
         terminated for cause.

      -- In the event of death or disability or retirement in accordance with
         company policy, a management stockholder will have the right to require
         U.S. Can to repurchase all earned and vested shares at fair market
         value.

     - U.S. Can will establish an incentive stock option plan providing for the
       grant of time and performance vesting options to U.S. Can employees
       exercisable, in the aggregate, for up to 5.75% of the fully diluted
       common stock of U.S. Can. Of these, 4.35% will be subject to 5-year
       time-based vesting only and 1.40% will be subject to 5-year time-based
       vesting and a requirement that the affiliates of Berkshire Partners who
       are U.S. Can stockholders shall have achieved at least a 25% annualized
       internal rate of return on their equity investment in U.S. Can as
       determined at the time they sell their equity investment in U.S. Can. Mr.
       Jones, Mr. Workman, Mr. Scrimo, Ms. Derbyshire and Mr. Kirk will receive
       options exercisable for 0.50%, 0.75%, 0.60%, 0.375% and 0.375% of the
       outstanding common
                                       30
<PAGE>   40

       shares of U.S. Can, respectively. The remaining options will be issuable
       to other employees of U.S. Can. In the event an employee ceases to be
       employed by U.S. Can, his or her rights to exercise options or receive
       payments in the amount of the value of the options are subject to
       restrictions similar to those applicable to the common stock, described
       above.

     - As more fully described above, U.S. Can will pay one-time cash bonuses in
       the aggregate amount of $1,682,700 to the management stockholders.

     - The preferred stock will have an initial aggregate principal amount of
       $113,333,333 and each share will represent an initial principal amount of
       $1.00. The preferred stock will be non-voting and non-convertible and
       will have cumulative cash dividends of 10% per year, payable only as, if
       and when declared by the board of directors. The terms of redemption, if
       any, are to be determined.

     - The board of directors of U.S. Can will initially consist of two
       representatives of the affiliates of Berkshire Partners who are U.S. Can
       stockholders, two representatives of the management stockholders, Messrs.
       Susman, Poma and Soler and up to 2 independent members acceptable to the
       other directors. At the election of stockholders holding a majority of
       the shares, the composition of the board of directors may be changed to
       reflect proportional ownership of the common stock, subject to certain
       limitations.

     - So long as U.S. Can is not paying default interest under any of its
       financing arrangements, a supermajority vote of the common stockholders
       will be required to approve and adopt mergers, acquisitions, charter or
       bylaw amendments, extraordinary capital expenditures, extraordinary
       borrowings, dividends, stock issuances and certain other matters. A
       supermajority vote will be required at all times for a financial
       restructuring that treats the management stockholders differently and
       adversely from the rest of the common stockholders.

     - No stockholder will be permitted to transfer any shares within three
       years of the recapitalization except for certain permitted transfers.
       After such three-year period, shares may be transferred only pursuant to
       a right of first refusal in favor of U.S. Can and, if U.S. Can declines
       its right, the other stockholders on a pro rata basis. If the right of
       first refusal is not exercised, then all other investors will be given
       the option to sell their shares on a pro rata basis on the same terms and
       conditions to the same buyer except that stockholders owning 4% or less
       of the outstanding shares may transfer such shares without giving other
       holders the right to sell on the same terms and conditions as long as
       they have complied with the right of first refusal described in this
       paragraph.

     - If any of the stockholders, individually or collectively, determine to
       sell a significant portion of the then issued and outstanding shares of
       U.S. Can, then at the election of such selling stockholders each of the
       other stockholders will be required to sell the same proportion of their
       stock as the initiating stockholders on the same terms and conditions.

     - Stockholders will have pre-emptive rights to subscribe for newly issued
       shares on a pro rata basis, subject to certain exclusions.

     - Stockholders will have registration rights with respect to their shares
       subject to certain qualifying events and size requirements.

     - Most of the restrictions contained in the stockholders agreements will
       terminate upon consummation of a qualified initial public offering of
       common stock by U.S. Can or a change in control of U.S. Can.

Stock Options and Restricted Stock Awards

     All outstanding unvested options to purchase U.S. Can common stock,
including options held by members of senior management who will be rollover
stockholders and the other executive officers of U.S. Can, will become fully
vested and exercisable at the effective time of the merger. To the extent any
options are exercised prior to the merger, the shares acquired through the
exercise will be cancelled in the merger and will

                                       31
<PAGE>   41

entitle the holder to $20.00 per share. Stock options not exercised prior to the
merger will entitle the holder of these options to a cash payment equal to the
product of

     - $20.00 less the exercise price of the stock option; and

     - the number of shares of common stock subject to the stock option.

     Options that are not exercised will be cancelled at the effective time of
the merger, subject to any requirement to obtain option holder consent prior to
the cancellation.

     The restrictions on each outstanding award of restricted stock will lapse
at the effective time of the merger, entitling the holder of restricted stock to
receive $20.00 for each share of restricted stock owned by such holder at the
effective time of the merger. The stock options and stock awards that have been
granted to the management rollover stockholders and U.S. Can's other executive
officers were awarded as compensation in accordance with U.S. Can's overall
executive compensation policy and were not granted in anticipation of the
merger.

     The following table sets forth information as of June 28, 2000, as to the
number of shares subject to options to purchase U.S. Can common stock and the
number of shares of restricted stock held by U.S. Can's executive officers and
the cash payments to be received upon cancellation of such stock options and
restricted stock. None of the directors of U.S. Can other than Paul W. Jones
holds stock options or restricted stock of U.S. Can.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 NUMBER OF           NUMBER OF        AGGREGATE CASH PAYMENT FOR
                                              SHARES SUBJECT         SHARES OF              OPTION SHARES
            EXECUTIVE OFFICER                   TO OPTIONS        RESTRICTED STOCK       AND RESTRICTED STOCK
            -----------------                 --------------      ----------------    --------------------------
<S>                                          <C>                  <C>                 <C>
Paul W. Jones............................         500,000                   0                 $1,291,312
John L. Workman..........................         147,750                   0                    624,712
J. Michael Kirk..........................          87,000(1)                0                    220,287
Gillian V. N. Derbyshire.................          85,000(2)                0                    220,000
Roger B. Farley..........................         114,000                   0                    470,437
David R. Ford............................          53,000                   0                    252,250
Thomas A. Scrimo.........................          44,000                   0                    208,945
Peter J. Andres..........................          25,500               6,000                    312,875
John R. McGowan..........................          34,000               6,000                    358,000
Larry S. Morrison........................          27,000              10,000                    335,750
Emil P. Obradovich.......................          14,600                   0                     77,200
Steven K. Sims...........................          29,000(3)                0                    109,562
</TABLE>

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

(1) Includes 50,000 shares with exercise prices of $23.00 per share for which no
    cash payment is expected since the exercise price is greater than the
    transaction price.

(2) Includes 50,000 shares with exercise prices of $22.1875 per share for which
    no aggregate cash payment is expected since the exercise price is greater
    than the transaction price.

(3) Includes 7,500 shares with exercise prices of $20.875 per share for which no
    aggregate cash payment is expected since the exercise price is greater than
    the transaction price.

Executive Deferred Compensation Plan

     The U.S. Can executive deferred compensation plan permits eligible
executives to reduce the amount of their current taxable income by deferring
payment of up to 25% of the executive's annual cash bonus under the U.S. Can
management incentive plan. The deferrals are invested in stock units of U.S. Can
and the executive is entitled to a 20% company match on the number of stock
units credited. The matching stock units generally vest over five years. As a
result of the merger, each executive who will be a stockholder of U.S. Can after
the

                                       32
<PAGE>   42

recapitalization will receive a cash distribution from the executive deferred
compensation plan equal to the product of:

     - the number of stock units held by such executive, including vested and
       unvested matching stock units; and

     - $20.00.

     Participants in U.S. Can's executive deferred compensation plan who will
not be U.S. Can stockholders after the recapitalization will become vested in
their matching stock units in the amount of $20.00 per matching stock unit. The
vested amount will be transferred to other investments.

Change in Control Agreements

     Each of U.S. Can's executive officers, except Paul W. Jones, is a party to
a separate change in control agreement. The recapitalization will constitute a
change in control under each agreement, which will generally require U.S. Can to
provide severance benefits to the executive officer upon a termination of
employment during the agreement term.

     The agreements with Ms. Derbyshire and Messrs. Farley, Kirk, Morrison,
Scrimo, Sims and Workman extend through December 31, 2001 and are subject to
renewal. Each agreement provides that following a change in control, the
executive shall be entitled to the following benefits during the term of such
executives agreement while employed by the company:

     - a salary which is not less than his highest annual base salary rate
       during the one-year period preceding the change in control;

     - continued participation in the Management Incentive Plan or any
       replacement bonus plan; provided that for performance periods within the
       employment period, the executive will be provided with an opportunity for
       an incentive payment equal to at least the greatest incentive
       compensation opportunity provided to him during the one-year period prior
       to the change in control;

     - vesting of any outstanding stock options and future grants of stock
       options having values that are comparable to the average annual value of
       grants received during the two-year period prior to the change in
       control;

     - life insurance coverage providing an amount in death benefits that is not
       less than two times the executive's base salary and disability income
       replacement coverage; and

     - participation in health, welfare, retirement and other fringe benefit
       programs on substantially the same terms as those benefits are provided
       to other senior management employees.

If the executive is terminated by the company during the term of his or her
agreement without cause, or if the executive leaves employment as a result of a
constructive termination, the executive is entitled to a severance payment in
the form of a lump sum. This lump sum shall equal 18 months of base salary for
Ms. Derbyshire and Messrs. Farley, Kirk, Morrison, Scrimo and Workman and 12
months of base salary for Mr. Sims. In addition, the executives shall be
entitled to pro-rata payments of bonus awards under the Management Incentive
Plan.

     The agreements with Messrs. Andres, Ford, McGowan and Obradovich provide
that upon termination by the company or constructive termination by the
executive within two years of a change in control, the executive will be
entitled to:

     - a severance payment equal to two times the greater of his current annual
       base salary or the annual base salary immediately prior to the change in
       control in the cases of Messrs. Andres, Ford and McGowan and equal to one
       times such amount in the case of Mr. Obradovich;

     - A pro-rated bonus based on the executive's target bonus;

     - accelerated vesting of all restricted stock grants awarded to Messrs.
       Andres, Ford and McGowan;

                                       33
<PAGE>   43

     - continuation of health and welfare benefits for two years following
       termination in the cases of Messrs. Andres, Ford and McGowan and for one
       year in the case of Mr. Obradovich.

     The employment agreement with Paul W. Jones also provides certain change in
control protections. The term of the employment agreement ends March 31, 2001.
The agreement provides that if Mr. Jones is terminated following a change in
control for reasons other than cause or if Mr. Jones leaves employment as a
result of a constructive termination, he is entitled to the following:

     - continuation of salary for the greater of 18 months or until the end of
       the agreement term;

     - a pro-rated bonus award based on any partial year of employment; and

     - continuation of health, welfare, retirement and other benefits for the
       greater of 18 months or until the end of the agreement term.

The employment agreement with Mr. Jones also provides that if any payments to
him are considered "excess parachute payments" as defined in Section 280G of the
Internal Revenue Code, U.S. Can will provide a tax gross-up to make him whole
for any applicable excise tax.

     It is a condition to U.S. Can's obligation to consummate the merger that
each of Paul W. Jones and John L. Workman, and at least three of Messrs. Farley,
Ford, Scrimo and Kirk and Ms. Derbyshire have entered into agreements with U.S.
Can that acknowledge that he or she will have no right to receive any change in
control severance payments from U.S. Can or any subsidiary of U.S. Can as a
result of the completion of the merger and the recapitalization. In addition, it
is expected that Ms. Derbyshire and Messrs. Jones, Workman, Farley, Ford, Scrimo
and Kirk will amend their change in control agreements with respect to the
granting of additional options following a change in control.

Indemnification and Insurance

     The merger agreement provides that from and after the effective time of the
merger, U.S. Can will indemnify and hold harmless the present and former
officers and directors of U.S. Can and its subsidiaries (solely when acting in
such capacity) against all losses, expenses, claims, damages, liabilities and
amounts that are paid in settlement of, or otherwise in connection with, any
claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation arising out of actual or
alleged events, actions or omissions occurring or alleged to have occurred at or
prior to the effective time of the merger, in each case to the fullest extent
permitted under the Delaware corporate law. Both before and after the merger,
U.S. Can will also pay expenses in advance of the final disposition of any such
action or proceeding to each of those persons to the fullest extent permitted
under Delaware corporate law, upon receipt from the person to whom expenses are
advanced of an undertaking to repay such advances if it is ultimately determined
that such person is not entitled to indemnification.

     The merger agreement also provides that U.S. Can will maintain in effect
for not less than six years after the merger directors' and officers' liability
insurance and fiduciary liability insurance with respect to matters occurring at
or prior to the merger that is no less favorable than U.S. Can's current
insurance, with an amount of coverage of not less than 100% of the amount of
coverage maintained by U.S. Can as of the date of the merger agreement. If U.S.
Can's existing insurance policy expires, is terminated or is canceled during
such six year period, U.S. Can will obtain insurance in an amount and scope that
is no less favorable than the existing insurance, except that U.S. Can will not
be obligated to incur an annual premium in excess of 200% of the last annual
premium paid prior to the date of the merger agreement in order to obtain
insurance in such amount and scope. If insurance in an amount and scope that is
no less favorable than the existing insurance is not available for an annual
premium that is not in excess of 200% of the current premium or if the annual
premium for the insurance is increased to an amount in excess of 200% of the
current premium, in each case during such six year period, U.S. Can will obtain
insurance in an amount and scope as great as can be obtained for the remainder
of such period for an annual premium not in excess (on an annualized basis) of
200% of the current premium.

     In addition to the provisions of the two previous paragraphs, the merger
agreement also provides that the existing certificate of incorporation and
bylaws of U.S. Can will not be amended in a manner which adversely

                                       34
<PAGE>   44

affects the rights of the persons covered under any of the provisions of the
merger agreement regarding indemnification or exculpation from liability.

PLANS FOR U.S. CAN AFTER THE RECAPITALIZATION

     It is expected that, following the recapitalization, the operations and
business of U.S. Can will be conducted substantially as they are currently
conducted. None of U.S. Can, Berkshire Partners, or any of the rollover
stockholders has any present plans or proposals that relate to or would result
in an extraordinary corporate transaction involving U.S. Can's corporate
structure, business or management, such as a merger, reorganization,
liquidation, relocation of any operations or sale or transfer of a material
amount of assets. However, U.S. Can, Berkshire Partners and the rollover
stockholders will continue to evaluate U.S. Can's business and operations after
the merger from time to time, and may propose or develop new plans and proposals
which they consider to be in the best interests of U.S. Can and its
stockholders.

CONDUCT OF THE BUSINESS OF U.S. CAN IF THE RECAPITALIZATION IS NOT COMPLETED

     Consummation of the merger that is part of the recapitalization is subject
to several conditions, in addition to the approval of the merger by the holders
of a majority of the common stock. These conditions are described in "The Merger
Agreement--Conditions to Completion of the Merger."

     The approval of the special committee is required for any waiver of U.S.
Can's rights under the merger agreement, any waiver of certain conditions to the
obligation of U.S. Can and any amendment or modification of the merger
agreement.

     If the merger and recapitalization is not completed for any reason, it is
expected that U.S. Can's business and operations will continue to be conducted
by its current management under the direction of U.S. Can's board of directors,
substantially as they are currently being conducted. No other transaction is
currently being considered by the rollover stockholders or U.S. Can as an
alternative to the merger.

REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

     Under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvement Act of 1976 and the rules
and regulations promulgated under it by the Federal Trade Commission, the
recapitalization cannot be completed until notifications have been given and
certain information has been furnished to the Federal Trade Commission and the
Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice and specified waiting period
requirements have been satisfied. Pac and U.S. Can expect that all required
notification and report forms under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act together with
requests for early termination of the waiting period will be filed with the
Federal Trade Commission and the Antitrust Division before the U.S. Can
stockholders meeting.

     Under applicable German law, a notification of the proposed
recapitalization must be provided to the German federal cartel office. The
federal cartel office must either approve the recapitalization or commence a
second stage investigation within one month of the original notice being filed.
If a second stage investigation is commenced, a decision must be rendered within
four months of the date of filing of the original notice with the federal cartel
office. The four-month period can be extended with the consent of the parties
filing the notification. Pac and U.S. Can filed the notification with the German
cartel office on                     , 2000.

     At any time before or after completion of the recapitalization, the
Antitrust Division or the Federal Trade Commission or any state could take such
action under the antitrust laws as it deems necessary or desirable in the public
interest, including seeking to enjoin the completion of the recapitalization, to
rescind the merger or to seek divestiture of particular assets. Private parties
also may seek to take legal action under the antitrust laws under certain
circumstances. In addition, non-United States governmental and regulatory
authorities may seek to take action under applicable antitrust laws. If a
challenge to the merger on antitrust grounds is made, U.S. Can may not prevail
and/or may not complete the recapitalization.

                                       35
<PAGE>   45

MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

     The following summary of certain United States federal income tax
consequences relating to the recapitalization is based upon laws, regulations,
and decisions currently in effect, all of which are subject to change or
possible differing interpretations. This summary may not be fully applicable to
persons in special tax situations, such as financial institutions, insurance
companies, tax-exempt entities, regulated investment companies, dealers in
securities or currency, persons who acquired shares of U.S. Can common stock as
part of a hedge, "straddle", conversion transaction or other integrated
transaction, foreign individuals and entities, persons who hold U.S. Can common
stock through a partnership or other pass-through entity, or persons holding
U.S. Can common stock pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options or
otherwise as compensation. In addition, this summary does not address the
application of any foreign tax laws or tax laws of any state or political
subdivision of the United States.

     This summary is not exhaustive and may not address your individual
circumstances. You should consult your own tax advisor concerning the
application of United States federal income tax laws and the application of
state, local and foreign income tax laws to your own situation. In particular,
this summary does not address the federal income tax consequences of the
exchange of shares of U.S. Can common stock for the cash consideration in the
merger by any U.S. Can stockholder who, pursuant to the attribution rules of
Section 318 of the Internal Revenue Code, is treated as owning constructively or
indirectly any shares of U.S. Can common stock held by a person who is a U.S.
Can stockholder after the merger. Any such holder may in some instances be
subject to treatment differing from that described below. Furthermore, this
summary does not address federal income tax consequences of the recapitalization
transaction to the rollover stockholders.

     The receipt of cash for shares of U.S. Can common stock in the merger will
be a taxable transaction for federal income tax purposes under the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 and may also be a taxable transaction under applicable
state, local, foreign and other tax laws.

     For United States federal income tax purposes, a U.S. Can stockholder who
receives only cash in exchange for shares of U.S. Can common stock will
recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash
received and the stockholder's tax basis in the shares of U.S. Can common stock
surrendered. Gain or loss will be capital gain or loss if the shares of U.S. Can
common stock constitute capital assets in the hands of the exchanging holder.
The capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares of
U.S. Can common stock surrendered in the merger have been held for more than one
year at the time of the merger. Under current law, net capital gains recognized
by an individual are taxable at a maximum marginal rate of 20 percent. There are
certain limitations on deductibility of any loss recognized upon the exchange of
shares of U.S. Can common stock.

     Payments of cash to a U.S. Can stockholder in exchange for shares of U.S.
Can common stock owned by the stockholder may be subject to a backup withholding
tax at a rate of 31%, unless the stockholder:

     - is a corporation or comes within certain exempt categories; or

     - provides a correct tax identification number to the payer, certifies as
       to no loss of exemption from backup withholding, and otherwise complies
       with applicable requirements of backup withholding rules.

A stockholder who does not provide a correct tax identification number may be
subject to penalties imposed by the Internal Revenue Service. Any backup
withholding tax collected does not constitute additional tax and is creditable
against the stockholder's United States federal income tax liability, provided
that certain conditions are met.

     For United States federal income tax purposes, holders of employee stock
options to acquire U.S. Can common stock will recognize ordinary income equal to
the difference between the gross amount of cash received upon cancellation of
their options, determined as set forth under the section entitled "Payment for
U.S. Can Common Stock and Stock Options in the Merger," and the holder's basis,
if any, in such options. The actual amount of the cash received by a holder upon
cancellation of the options will be net of applicable withholding taxes.

                                       36
<PAGE>   46

ANTICIPATED ACCOUNTING TREATMENT

     The recapitalization is intended to be accounted for as a leveraged
recapitalization under generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, it
is expected that the historical basis of U.S. Can's assets and liabilities will
not be impacted by the recapitalization. Treatment of the transactions as a
leveraged recapitalization for accounting purposes is not, however, a condition
to the completion of the merger or the recapitalization.

FINANCING OF THE RECAPITALIZATION

     Immediately following the merger, U.S. Can will pay to the stockholders of
U.S. Can an aggregate amount of approximately $276 million to cancel the
outstanding shares of U.S. Can common stock and stock options, assuming no U.S.
Can stockholders exercise and perfect their appraisal rights in connection with
the merger. In addition, U.S. Can and Pac will incur approximately $44.5 million
in fees and expenses in connection with the recapitalization. The following
arrangements or understandings are intended to provide the necessary financing
for the recapitalization.

Equity Commitment

     Pac has received a commitment letter from Berkshire Partners to purchase on
the closing date of the merger equity securities of Pac representing 100% of
Pac's common stock for an aggregate amount of up to $170 million. Berkshire
Partners may allocate a portion of its investment to other investors including
the management team of U.S. Can and certain other current investors of U.S. Can.
The commitment letter provides that Berkshire Partners expects to subscribe for
a minimum of $100 million of such equity.

     Berkshire Partners's obligations under the commitment letter are subject to
the following conditions:

     - the execution of the merger agreement, the satisfaction of all conditions
       precedent to Pac's obligations under the merger agreement and the closing
       of the merger;

     - the funding of the loans contemplated by the commitment letters Pac has
       received from Salomon Smith Barney Inc. and Bank of America, N.A.; and

     - the execution and delivery of mutually acceptable documentation.

     Berkshire Partners's commitment will terminate if the recapitalization is
not completed on or before October 31, 2000.

Senior Secured Credit Facility

     Pac and Berkshire Partners have received a commitment letter from Bank of
America, N.A., Banc of America Securities LLC, Citicorp North America, Inc. and
Salomon Smith Barney Inc. to provide up to $450 million in senior secured
financing to fund a portion of the merger consideration and related expenses and
provide for the ongoing working capital needs of United States Can Company, the
borrower and a wholly owned subsidiary of U.S. Can. It is expected that the
senior secured credit facility will be in the form of a $300 million term loan
facility and $150 million revolving facility. The term and revolving facilities
are expected to have terms ranging from six to eight years and bear interest at
floating rates.

     The senior secured credit facility will be secured by a first priority lien
on substantially all of the outstanding capital stock and assets of United
States Can Company and its domestic subsidiaries. Additionally, U.S. Can and all
of its domestic subsidiaries except for United States Can Company will guarantee
the loans under the senior secured credit facility. Moreover, certain designated
foreign subsidiaries of U.S. Can will also guarantee the loans extended to them.
The senior secured credit facility will contain customary financial and other
covenants, including restrictions on liens, mergers, consolidations and sales of
assets, the payment of dividends and the incurrence of other debt.

                                       37
<PAGE>   47

Senior Subordinated Notes

     U.S. Can expects that United States Can Company will also issue $150
million of senior subordinated notes. The interest rate and other terms of the
senior subordinated notes will depend upon interest rate and market conditions
at the time of their issuance. However, it is anticipated that the senior
subordinated notes will have the following features:

     - a maturity of 10 years from the issue date;

     - be unsecured obligations and rank senior to all subordinated indebtedness
       of United States Can Company;

     - be subordinated to any senior indebtedness of United States Can Company,
       including the senior secured credit facility; and

     - be guaranteed by U.S. Can and by all domestic and foreign subsidiaries of
       United States Can Company and U.S. Can which guarantee the senior secured
       credit facility.

U.S. Can expects that the senior subordinated notes will also contain covenants
that are customary for this type of financing, including restrictions on
dividends, stock repurchases, liens, indebtedness, affiliate transactions, asset
sales, and mergers. It is expected that the senior subordinated debt securities
will be issued in a private offering to be consummated prior to or concurrently
with the merger. If the $150 million senior subordinated debt offering is unable
to be completed due to then current market conditions, Pac and Berkshire
Partners have obtained a bridge loan commitment to provide this portion of the
recapitalization financing.

Bridge Loan Facility

     Pac and Berkshire Partners have received a commitment letter from Banc of
America Bridge LLC, Citicorp North America, Inc. and Salomon Smith Barney Inc.
to provide up to $150 million in interim financing in place of the senior
subordinated notes. United States Can Company would be the borrower under this
commitment letter.

     It is expected that the bridge loan facility will have the following
features:

     - a one-year term, subject to certain extension rights;

     - be unsecured obligations and rank senior to all subordinated indebtedness
       of United States Can Company and subordinated to any secured indebtedness
       of United States Can Company, including the senior secured credit
       facility;

     - pay interest at floating rates;

     - be guaranteed by the domestic subsidiaries of United States Can Company
       and U.S. Can and by the foreign subsidiaries of United States Can Company
       and U.S. Can, which guarantee the senior secured credit facility; and

     - contain customary financial and other covenants for this type of
       financing, including restrictions on dividends, stock repurchases, liens,
       indebtedness, assets and mergers.

     The commitments for the senior secured credit facility and bridge loan
facility are subject to customary conditions, including the preparation and
execution of definitive loan agreements and related documents and the absence of
any material adverse change in the business of Pac, U.S. Can and, for the senior
secured credit facility, United States Can Company. The commitments will expire
on October 31, 2000. Copies of the commitment letters for the senior secured
credit facility and the bridge loan facility are filed as exhibits to the
Schedule 13E-3 filed by U.S. Can and its affiliates and are incorporated herein
by reference.

                                       38
<PAGE>   48

Repurchase of Senior Subordinated Notes and Consent to Supplemental Indenture

     U.S. Can and Pac have agreed to take all necessary actions to:

     - repurchase U.S. Can's outstanding 10 1/8% senior subordinated notes;

     - obtain the consent of at least a majority of the principal amount of the
       10 1/8% senior subordinated notes outstanding to a supplemental indenture
       that would permit the merger and the related financings and other
       transactions to be effected without resulting in a breach or default
       under the original indenture or the notes; and

     - execute a supplemental indenture containing terms and conditions
       reasonably acceptable to Pac.

POTENTIAL FRAUDULENT CONVEYANCE CHALLENGE TO THE RECAPITALIZATION

     The incurrence of indebtedness by U.S. Can or United States Can Company as
part of the financing of the recapitalization, the payment by United States Can
Company to U.S. Can of the proceeds of such indebtedness, and the payment to
U.S. Can stockholders of $20.00 in cash for each share of U.S. Can common stock
in connection with the merger, may be subject to review under federal bankruptcy
law or relevant state fraudulent conveyance laws if a bankruptcy case or lawsuit
is commenced by or on behalf of unpaid creditors of U.S. Can or its
subsidiaries. Under these laws, if a court were to find that, at the time of the
recapitalization and the related financings:

     - such indebtedness was incurred and the payments by U.S. Can or United
       States Can Company were made with the intent of hindering, delaying or
       defrauding current or future creditors; or

     - U.S. Can or United States Can Company received less than reasonably
       equivalent value or fair consideration in connection with the
       recapitalization or the related financings, and

     - U.S. Can or United States Can Company was insolvent or was rendered
       insolvent by reason of the recapitalization or the related financings,

     - U.S. Can or United States Can Company was engaged, or were about to
       engage, in a business or transactions for which its assets constituted
       unreasonably small capital, or

     - U.S. Can or United States Can Company intended to incur, or believed that
       it would incur, debts beyond its ability to pay as such debts matured,

then such court could determine that the cash payment of $20.00 per share to
U.S. Can's stockholders, or the payment by United States Can Company of the
proceeds of the indebtedness, violated applicable provisions of the United
States Bankruptcy Code and/or applicable state fraudulent conveyance laws. Such
a determination could permit the bankruptcy trustee or debtor in possession or
unpaid creditors to rescind the $20.00 per share cash payment and recover such
$20.00 per share cash payment from U.S. Can stockholders who received such cash
consideration.

     The measure of insolvency for purposes of the foregoing considerations will
vary depending upon the law of the jurisdiction that is being applied in any
such proceeding. However, U.S. Can or United States Can Company would be
considered insolvent if, at the time it incurs the indebtedness, either:

     - the sum of its liabilities, including contingent liabilities, is greater
       than its assets, at a fair valuation; or

     - the present fair saleable value of its assets is less than the amount
       required to pay the probable liability on its total existing debts and
       liabilities, including contingent liabilities, as they become absolute
       and matured.

     There can be no assurance as to what standards a court would use to
determine whether U.S. Can was solvent at the relevant time. None of the counsel
for U.S. Can, Pac or the lenders will express an opinion as to the applicability
of federal or state fraudulent transfer and conveyance laws. It is a condition
to the merger that U.S. Can receives a solvency opinion from an independent
advisor.

                                       39
<PAGE>   49

ESTIMATED FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE RECAPITALIZATION

     Estimated fees and expenses to be incurred by U.S. Can in connection with
the recapitalization are approximately as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                             <C>
Advisory fees and expenses (1)..............................    $ 7,550,000
Financing fees and expenses (2).............................     32,700,000
Legal fees and expenses (3).................................      4,000,000
Securities and Exchange Commission filing fees..............         55,267
Proxy solicitation, printing and mailing costs..............        200,000
                                                                -----------
       Total................................................     44,505,267
                                                                ===========
</TABLE>

-------------------------
(1) Includes the fees and expenses of Lazard, Salomon, Berkshire Partners and
    other accounting and consulting fees and expenses.

(2) Includes the fees and expenses of Bank of America, N.A., Banc of America
    Bridge LLC, Citibank, N.A., Banc of America Securities LLC, Salomon Smith
    Barney Inc. and bond tender expenses.

(3) Includes the estimated fees and expenses of the respective legal counsel for
    U.S. Can, the special committee, and Pac.

RIGHTS OF DISSENTING STOCKHOLDERS

     Holders of shares of U.S. Can's common stock are entitled to appraisal
rights in connection with the merger under Section 262 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law. Accordingly, a U.S. Can stockholder wishing to exercise
appraisal rights under Section 262 as to shares of common stock should follow
the procedure required by that section. Set forth below is a summary description
of Section 262 and the principal steps stockholders must take to secure their
appraisal rights under the statute. Stockholders should read Section 262 in its
entirety, a copy of which is attached as Annex C to this proxy statement. A U.S.
Can stockholder having a beneficial interest in the shares of common stock held
of record in the name of another person, such as a broker or nominee, must act
promptly to cause the record holder to follow the steps summarized below
properly and in a timely manner to secure whatever appraisal rights the
beneficial owner may have.

     This summary and Section 262 should be reviewed carefully by any
stockholder who wishes to exercise statutory appraisal rights or who wishes to
preserve the right to do so. Failure to comply strictly with the procedures set
forth in this proxy statement and in Section 262 will result in the loss of
appraisal rights.

     Holders of shares of U.S. Can common stock who do not wish to accept the
cash merger consideration provided for in the merger agreement and who follow
the procedures set forth in Section 262 will be entitled to have their shares of
common stock appraised by the Delaware Court of Chancery and to receive, in lieu
of the cash merger consideration, payment in cash of the fair value of such
shares of common stock, exclusive of any element of value arising from the
accomplishment or expectation of the merger, together with a fair rate of
interest, if any, as determined by the court.

     Under Section 262, where a merger is to be submitted for approval and
adoption at a meeting of stockholders, the corporation submitting the proposed
merger to a vote of its stockholders must notify each of its stockholders
entitled to appraisal rights that such appraisal rights are available. Such
notice must be given by the corporation to its stockholders entitled to
appraisal rights no less than 20 days prior to the meeting at which the merger
proposal will be submitted to the stockholders for a vote and such notice must
include a copy of Section 262. This proxy statement constitutes such notice to
the holders of shares of U.S. Can common stock, and Section 262 is attached as
Annex C to this proxy statement.

     A holder of shares of U.S. Can common stock wishing to exercise appraisal
rights must deliver, either in person or by mail, a written demand for appraisal
of the shares of common stock to the Office of Corporate Secretary, U.S. Can,
900 Commerce Drive, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523, before the vote on the merger and
the

                                       40
<PAGE>   50

merger agreement at the meeting. The demand must reasonably inform U.S. Can of
the identity of the stockholder and that the stockholder intends to demand the
appraisal of the stockholder's shares. A stockholder wishing to exercise
appraisal rights also must not vote shares of stock in favor of approval or
adoption of the merger and the merger agreement. Because a proxy which does not
contain voting instructions will, unless revoked, be voted for approval and
adoption of the merger and the merger agreement, a holder of shares of U.S. Can
common stock who votes by proxy and who wishes to exercise his appraisal rights
must:

     - vote against approval and adoption of the merger and the merger
       agreement; or

     - abstain from voting on approval and adoption of the merger and the merger
       agreement.

     Voting in person or by proxy against, abstaining from voting on, or failing
to vote on the proposal to approve and adopt the merger and the merger agreement
will not constitute a demand for appraisal. The written demand for appraisal
must be in addition to and separate from any such proxy or vote. In addition, a
stockholder wishing to exercise appraisal rights must continue to hold such
shares of common stock from the date of the demand for appraisal until the
effective time of the merger.

     Only the person who is the holder of record on the date the written demand
for appraisal is made is entitled to assert appraisal rights for the common
stock registered in that stockholder's name. A demand for appraisal should be
executed by or on behalf of the holder of record, fully and correctly, as the
name appears on the stock certificates. If the shares of common stock are owned
of record in a fiduciary capacity, such as by a trustee, guardian or custodian,
execution of the demand should be made in that capacity, and if the shares of
common stock are owned of record by more than one person, as in a joint tenancy
and tenancy-in- common, the demand should be executed by or on behalf of all
joint owners. An authorized agent, including one or more joint owners, may
execute a demand for appraisal on behalf of a holder of record; however, the
agent must identify the record owner or owners and expressly disclose the fact
that, in executing the demand, the agent is agent for such owners.

     A record holder such as a broker who holds shares of common stock as a
nominee for several beneficial owners may exercise appraisal rights with respect
to the shares of common stock held for one or more beneficial owners while not
exercising such rights with respect to the shares of common stock held for other
beneficial owners. In this case, the written demand should set forth the number
of shares of common stock as to which the appraisal is sought and when no number
of shares of common stock is expressly mentioned, the demand will be presumed to
cover all the shares of common stock held in the name of the record owner.
Stockholders who hold their shares of common stock in brokerage accounts or
other nominee forms and who wish to exercise appraisal rights are urged to
consult with their brokers to determine the appropriate procedures for the
making of a demand for appraisal by such nominee.

     At any time within 60 days after the effective time of the merger, any
stockholder may withdraw the demand for appraisal and accept the terms in the
merger agreement. After this 60 day period, a stockholder may withdraw the
demand for appraisal only with the written consent of U.S. Can.

     Within ten days of the effective time of the merger, U.S. Can must send a
notice as to the effectiveness of the merger to each of the former stockholders
of U.S. Can who has made such a written demand for appraisal and who has not
voted in favor of approval and adoption of the merger and the merger agreement.
Under Section 262, the surviving corporation or any holder who is entitled to
appraisal rights may file a petition in the Court of Chancery, within 120 days
of the effective time of the merger, demanding a determination of the fair value
of the shares of common stock. Accordingly, it is the obligation of the
stockholders to initiate all necessary action to maintain their appraisal
rights.

     Within 120 days after the effective time of the merger, any stockholder who
has complied with the requirements of Section 262 for exercise of appraisal
rights will be entitled, upon written request, to receive from U.S. Can a
statement setting forth the following information:

     - the aggregate number of shares of common stock with respect to which
       demands for appraisal have been received and which have not voted in
       favor of approval and adoption of the merger and the merger agreement;
       and

     - the aggregate number of holders of such shares of common stock.
                                       41
<PAGE>   51

This statement must be mailed within 10 days after a written request therefor
has been received by U.S. Can or within 10 days after the date of the meeting,
whichever is later.

     If a petition for appraisal is filed by a stockholder and a copy of such
petition is delivered to U.S. Can, U.S. Can will then be obligated within 20
days to provide the Court of Chancery with a duly verified list containing the
names and addresses of all holders of shares of common stock who have demanded
appraisal of their shares. After notice to such stockholders, the Court of
Chancery is empowered to conduct a hearing to determine those stockholders who
have become entitled to appraisal rights. The Court of Chancery may require
stockholders who have demanded an appraisal for their U.S. Can shares to submit
their certificates of stock to the Register in Chancery so that the Registrar
may place a notation on the stock certificates regarding the pendency of the
appraisal proceedings. If any stockholder fails to comply with such a direction
by the Court of Chancery, the Court of Chancery may dismiss the proceedings as
to such stockholder.

     After determining the stockholders entitled to an appraisal, the Court of
Chancery will appraise the fair value of the stockholder's shares, exclusive of
any element of value arising from the accomplishment or expectation of the
merger, together with a fair rate of interest, if any, to be paid upon the
amount determined to be the fair value. In determining the fair value, the Court
of Chancery is to take into account all relevant factors. Stockholders
considering whether to seek appraisal should be aware that the fair value of
their shares as determined under Section 262 could be more than, equal to, or
less than the consideration they would receive under the merger agreement if
they did not seek appraisal of their shares, and that investment banking
opinions as to fairness, from a financial point of view, are not necessarily
opinions as to fair value under Section 262.

     The cost of the appraisal proceeding may be determined by the Court of
Chancery and taxed against the parties in the manner deemed to be equitable in
the circumstances. Upon application of a stockholder, the Court of Chancery may
order all or a portion of the expense incurred by any stockholder in connection
with the appraisal proceeding, including, without limitation, reasonable
attorney's fees and the fees and expenses of experts, to be charged pro rata
against the value of all the shares entitled to an appraisal.

     From and after the effective time of the merger, a stockholder who has
demanded an appraisal in compliance with Section 262 will not be entitled to
vote the shares of common stock subject to the appraisal demand for any purpose
or be entitled to the payment of dividends or other distributions, if any, on
those shares (except dividends or other distributions, other than the merger
consideration, payable to holders of shares of common stock as of a date prior
to the effective time of the merger).

     If any U.S. Can stockholder who demands appraisal of his shares of common
stock under Section 262 withdraws or loses his right to appraisal, the shares of
common stock of such stockholder will be converted into the right to receive the
merger consideration in accordance with the merger agreement. A stockholder
withdraws or loses the right to appraisal if the stockholder:

     - was not a record owner of shares of common stock on the date of the
       demand for appraisal or failed to own the shares through the effective
       time of the merger;

     - fails to provide a written demand for appraisal of the shares of common
       stock before the taking of the vote on the merger;

     - votes for approval and adoption of the merger and the merger agreement or
       submits an executed proxy without voting instructions;

     - does not file a petition for appraisal in the Court of Chancery within
       120 days after the effective time of the merger; or

     - delivers to U.S. Can a written withdrawal of the demand for appraisal and
       an acceptance of the merger, except that any such attempt to withdraw
       made more than 60 days after the effective time of the merger will
       require the written approval of U.S. Can.

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<PAGE>   52

PROVISIONS FOR UNAFFILIATED SECURITY HOLDERS

     No provision has been made to grant unaffiliated stockholders of U.S. Can
access to the corporate files of U.S. Can or any other party to the
recapitalization or to obtain counsel or appraisal services at the expense of
U.S. Can or any other such party.

                              THE MERGER AGREEMENT

     The following is a summary of the material terms of the merger agreement,
as amended, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the amended merger
agreement. A composite copy of the amended merger agreement is attached as Annex
A to this proxy statement by reference. You should read the amended merger
agreement because it, and not this proxy statement, is the legal document that
governs the merger.

STRUCTURE OF THE MERGER

     At the effective time of the merger, Pac will merge with and into U.S. Can
and the separate corporate existence of Pac will end. U.S. Can will be the
surviving corporation in the merger and will continue to be a Delaware
corporation after the merger.

     The certificate of incorporation of Pac, as amended pursuant to the merger
agreement, and the bylaws of Pac, as in effect immediately prior to the
effective time of the merger, will be the certificate of incorporation and
bylaws of U.S. Can, as the surviving corporation. The directors of Pac and the
officers of U.S. Can immediately prior to the effective time of the merger will,
from and after the effective time of the merger, be the directors and officers,
respectively, of U.S. Can, as the surviving corporation, until their successors
are duly elected or appointed and qualified or until their earlier death,
resignation or removal.

WHEN THE MERGER BECOMES EFFECTIVE

     U.S. Can and Pac will file a certificate of merger with the Secretary of
State of the State of Delaware on or before the third business day following the
date the last of the closing conditions to the merger is fulfilled or waived or
at such other time as Pac and U.S. Can may agree in writing. The merger will
become effective at the time when the certificate of merger has been filed with
the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or at such other later time as
U.S. Can and Pac agree upon and set forth in the certificate of merger.

EFFECT OF THE MERGER ON THE CAPITAL STOCK AND STOCK OPTIONS OF U.S. CAN AND PAC

     At the effective time of the merger:

     - each share of U.S. Can common stock issued and outstanding immediately
       prior to the effective time of the merger (other than the shares of U.S.
       Can common stock issued and held in U.S. Can's treasury, the U.S. Can
       common stock shares being converted into shares of capital stock of U.S.
       Can, as the surviving corporation and the shares of U.S. Can common stock
       held by the dissenting stockholders) will be converted into the right to
       receive an amount equal to $20.00 in cash;

     - each share of U.S. Can common stock issued and held in U.S. Can's
       treasury will cease to be outstanding, be canceled and be retired without
       any payment for it and will cease to exist;

     - each issued and outstanding share of U.S. Can common stock designated in
       the merger agreement as a rollover share will be converted into the right
       to receive the aggregate number of shares of common stock of U.S. Can, as
       the surviving corporation, and the aggregate number of shares of
       preferred stock of U.S. Can, as the surviving corporation, set forth in
       the merger agreement; and

     - each share of common stock of Pac will be converted into one share of
       common stock of U.S. Can, as the surviving corporation, and each share of
       preferred stock of Pac will be converted into one share of preferred
       stock of U.S. Can, as the surviving corporation.

     Each option to purchase U.S. Can common stock granted under U.S. Can's
stock option plans that is outstanding and unexercised at the effective time of
the merger will be canceled and in lieu thereof, each
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<PAGE>   53

holder of such an option will receive from U.S. Can an amount in cash, net of
any applicable withholding taxes, equal to the product of

     - the excess, if any, of $20.00 over the per share exercise price of such
       option; and

     - the number of U.S. Can common stock shares subject to such option.

PAYMENT FOR U.S. CAN COMMON STOCK AND STOCK OPTIONS IN THE MERGER

     At the effective time of the merger, U.S. Can will deposit in trust for the
benefit of the holders of U.S. Can common stock and stock options, as the case
may be, with a bank or trust company designated by Pac and approved by U.S. Can,
sufficient cash to pay the holders of U.S. Can common stock and stock options
the amounts due to them under the merger agreement. No transfers of common stock
of U.S. Can, as the surviving corporation, will be made on the stock transfer
books of U.S. Can at or after the effective time of the merger, except in
connection with the merger.

     Promptly after the effective time of the merger, the paying agent will mail
to each record holder of U.S. Can common stock, other than the holders of U.S.
Can common stock being converted into surviving corporation shares, a form
letter of transmittal and instructions for use in effecting the surrender of
their U.S. Can common stock certificates for payment of $20.00 for each share of
U.S. Can common stock owned. YOU SHOULD NOT SEND IN YOUR U.S. CAN COMMON STOCK
CERTIFICATE UNTIL YOU RECEIVE THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

     If payment is to be made to a person other than the person in whose name
the U.S. Can common stock certificate surrendered is registered, it may be a
condition of payment that the certificate so surrendered be properly endorsed or
otherwise in proper form for transfer and that the person requesting such
payment pay any transfer or other taxes required by reason of the payment to a
person other than the registered holder of the certificate surrendered of the
amount due to U.S. Can common stock holders under the merger agreement, or that
such person establish to the satisfaction of U.S. Can that such tax has been
paid or is not applicable.

     Any portion of the payment fund held by the paying agent that remains
unclaimed by the stockholders of U.S. Can one year after the effective time of
the merger will promptly be repaid to U.S. Can, as the surviving corporation,
and any stockholders of U.S. Can who have not properly surrendered their stock
certificates will thereafter look only to U.S. Can, as the surviving
corporation, for payment of their claim for the amount due to them under the
merger agreement for their shares of U.S. Can common stock.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     The merger agreement contains representations and warranties of each of
U.S. Can and Pac as to, among other things:

     - the corporate organization, existence and good standing of it and its
       subsidiaries;

     - its compliance with its charter and bylaws;

     - its capitalization;

     - its corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform the
       merger agreement and to complete the merger;

     - the absence of any required governmental and third party approvals other
       than those specified in the merger agreement;

     - the absence of any conflict between the merger agreement and any
       provision of any material foreign or domestic law, any of its material
       contracts, or any provision of its charter or bylaws;

     - the absence of any material litigation involving it except as specified
       in the merger agreement; and

     - the absence of any fees owed to brokers in connection with the merger
       except as specified in the merger agreement.

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<PAGE>   54

     The merger agreement also contains representations and warranties of U.S.
Can as to, among other things:

     - the accuracy of U.S. Can's financial statements and filings with the
       Securities and Exchange Commission;

     - the absence of certain changes since December 31, 1999;

     - U.S. Can's ownership or right to use all intellectual property material
       to U.S. Can's business except as specified in the merger agreement;

     - the absence of any material defaults in the performance, observance or
       fulfillment of any material contract of U.S. Can or any of its
       subsidiaries;

     - environmental matters and compliance with all environmental laws except
       as specified in the merger agreement;

     - U.S. Can's employee benefit plans and other agreements with its
       employees;

     - U.S. Can's payment of all taxes due and filing of all tax returns
       required to be filed, except where such failure would not have a
       materially adverse effect on U.S. Can's business;

     - the opinion of U.S. Can's financial advisor;

     - U.S. Can's good and valid title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all
       of its material tangible properties and assets;

     - The absence of any violation by U.S. Can of any foreign or domestic law
       which would have a material adverse effect on U.S. Can's business, except
       as specified in the merger agreement;

     - U.S. Can's possession of all material permits, licenses, certifications,
       and other governmental approvals which are necessary for U.S. Can and its
       subsidiaries to carry on their businesses as presently conducted, except
       as specified in the merger agreement;

     - U.S. Can's relationship with its employees;

     - the required vote of the U.S. Can stockholders;

     - U.S. Can having taken necessary actions to permit consummation of the
       merger and related transactions under Delaware anti-takeover laws; and

     - U.S. Can's adoption of an amendment to its rights agreement to prevent
       the merger from triggering the rights agreement.

     The merger agreement also contains representations and warranties of Pac as
to, among other things:

     - the ownership of Pac, the assets and liabilities of Pac and the absence
       of any previous business conduct by Pac;

     - Pac's financing arrangements;

     - Pac's arrangements with certain members of U.S. Can's management relating
       to the merger; and

     - the absence of any necessary registration under any federal or state
       securities laws in connection with the offer, sale or issuance of shares
       of Pac stock in connection with the merger.

CERTAIN AGREEMENTS

     The merger agreement provides that, except as agreed to in writing by Pac,
or as contemplated or permitted by the merger agreement, during the period from
the signing of the merger agreement to the effective time of the merger, U.S.
Can will:

     - take all action reasonably necessary in accordance with applicable
       foreign or domestic law and its restated certificate of incorporation and
       bylaws to convene a special meeting of its stockholders to
                                       45
<PAGE>   55

       consider and vote upon the approval of the merger and the merger
       agreement and, through the special committee and its board of directors,
       to recommend such approval and use its reasonable best efforts to solicit
       such approval subject to their fiduciary duties to U.S. Can's
       stockholders other than the rollover stockholders;

     - file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a proxy statement and
       form of proxy relating to the merger and the other transactions
       contemplated by the merger agreement which comply with all applicable
       foreign and domestic laws and use its reasonable best efforts to mail the
       proxy statement and form of proxy to U.S. Can stockholders;

     - immediately cease any existing discussions and negotiations with any
       third parties conducted prior to the date of the merger agreement with
       respect to any proposal to acquire U.S. Can, except as specified in the
       merger agreement, and notify Pac immediately (and in no event later than
       24 hours) after receipt by U.S. Can of any proposal to acquire U.S. Can;

     - enforce, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, the
       provisions of any confidentiality agreements to which U.S. Can is a
       party, other than any involving Berkshire Partners (or its affiliates) or
       Pac, including seeking injunctions to prevent any breaches of such
       agreements and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of them
       in a state or federal court having jurisdiction;

     - provide to Pac consolidated monthly financial statements within 45
       calendar days following the end of each fiscal month;

     - upon the request of Pac, take all reasonable steps to assist in any
       challenges by Pac to the validity or applicability to the merger of any
       state takeover law; and

     - not do any of the following:

      -- sell, transfer or pledge or agree to sell, transfer or pledge any stock
         owned by it in any of its subsidiaries except as specified in the
         merger agreement;

      -- amend its restated certificate of incorporation or bylaws;

      -- split, combine or reclassify its outstanding shares of common stock;

      -- declare, set aside or pay any dividend payable in cash, stock or
         property with respect to any capital stock of U.S. Can;

      -- solicit, initiate, continue or encourage any inquiry, proposal or offer
         that constitutes, or could reasonably be expected to lead to, a
         proposal or offer for the acquisition of U.S. Can or any of its
         subsidiaries, other than the transactions contemplated by the merger
         agreement and as otherwise specified in the merger agreement;

      -- except as specified in the merger agreement, continue or engage in
         negotiations or discussions concerning, or provide any non-public
         information or data to any person relating to, any proposal to acquire
         U.S. Can or any of its subsidiaries or agree to, approve or recommend
         any such proposal;

      -- terminate, amend, modify or waive any material provision of any
         confidentiality or standstill agreement to which U.S. Can is a party,
         other than any involving Berkshire Partners (or its affiliates) or Pac,
         except as specified in the merger agreement; or

      -- redeem the preferred share purchase rights issued under the rights
         agreement between U.S. Can and Harris Trust and Savings Bank or waive
         or amend any provision of such rights agreement, in any case to permit
         or facilitate the completion of any proposal to acquire U.S. Can other
         than the merger, unless the merger agreement has been terminated in
         accordance with its provisions.

                                       46
<PAGE>   56

     The merger agreement provides that, except as agreed to in writing by Pac,
or as contemplated or permitted by the merger agreement, during the period from
the signing of the merger agreement to the effective time of the merger, U.S.
Can and its subsidiaries will:

     - conduct their respective businesses only in the ordinary course;

     - comply in all material respects with their respective obligations under
       all contracts which are material to U.S. Can and its subsidiaries taken
       as a whole as such obligations become due and with their respective
       obligations under applicable law;

     - use their reasonable best efforts to continue in force with good and
       responsible insurance companies adequate insurance covering risks of such
       types and in such amounts as are consistent with past practice;

     - subject to restrictions contained in confidentiality agreements to which
       U.S. Can is subject, afford the officers, counsel, accountants,
       investors, financing sources and other authorized representatives of Pac
       reasonable access, during normal business hours during the period prior
       to the effective time of the merger, to its properties, books, contracts
       and records and appropriate individuals as it may reasonably request and
       during such period, furnish promptly to Pac such information concerning
       its business, properties and personnel as Pac may reasonably request;

     - provide, at Pac's cost, all reasonable cooperation in connection with the
       arrangement of the financing of the merger; and

     - not do the following:

      -- issue, deliver or sell or authorize or propose the issuance, delivery
         or sale of, any shares of, or debt or equity securities convertible or
         exchangeable for, or options, warrants, calls, commitments or rights of
         any kind to acquire, capital stock or other equity interests of any
         class of U.S. Can or its subsidiaries other than the common stock of
         U.S. Can issuable pursuant to the agreements or arrangements described
         in the merger agreement and options issued under U.S. Can's option
         plans in the ordinary course of business;

      -- repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, or permit any subsidiary of
         U.S. Can to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, any shares of
         capital stock or other equity interests of U.S. Can or its subsidiaries
         (including securities exchangeable for, or options, warrants, calls,
         commitments or rights of any kind to acquire, capital stock or other
         equity interests of U.S. Can or its subsidiaries);

      -- take certain actions related to employee benefit plans and employee
         compensation;

      -- merge or consolidate with any legal entity except as provided in the
         merger agreement;

      -- liquidate, dissolve or effect a recapitalization or reorganization in
         any form;

      -- acquire or agree to acquire, including by merging or consolidating
         with, or purchasing all, substantially all, or any material portion of,
         the assets or capital stock or other equity interest of, any material
         business;

      -- sell, lease, license, encumber or otherwise dispose of, or agree to
         sell, lease, license, encumber or otherwise dispose of, any of its
         assets outside the ordinary course of business, except as specified in
         the merger agreement;

      -- except as contemplated by the debt commitment letters, incur or enter
         into any agreement to incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or
         guarantee any such indebtedness or issue or sell any debt securities or
         warrants or rights to acquire any debt securities of U.S. Can or any of
         its subsidiaries;

      -- make any loans or advances to, guarantees for the benefit of, or
         investments in, any person (other than U.S. Can or any existing
         subsidiary or an entity which becomes, after the date hereof, a
         subsidiary of U.S. Can) except in the ordinary course of business
         consistent with past practice;

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<PAGE>   57

      -- enter into, amend, modify or supplement any material contract or
         agreement which is either outside of the ordinary course of business
         and inconsistent with past practice (except as may be necessary for
         U.S. Can to comply with its obligations under the merger agreement) or
         which restricts, in any material respect, the conduct of the businesses
         of U.S. Can and its subsidiaries taken as a whole;

      -- make any capital expenditures, except as provided in the merger
         agreement, in excess of $2,500,000;

      -- enter into, amend, modify or supplement any material agreement,
         transaction, commitment or arrangement with any officer, director or
         other affiliate (or any affiliate of any of the foregoing) other than
         agreements, transactions, commitments and arrangements which are either
         solely between U.S. Can and any one or more of its subsidiaries, solely
         between the subsidiaries of U.S. Can or contemplated by the merger
         agreement;

      -- make any material change in any of the accounting principles or
         practices used by it, except as may be required as a result of a change
         in foreign or domestic law or in generally accepted accounting
         principles;

      -- settle any litigation for amounts in excess of $250,000 individually or
         $1,000,000 in the aggregate; or

      -- make any material tax election other than those tax elections as are
         consistent with past practice.

     The merger agreement provides that, during the period from the signing of
the merger agreement to the effective time of the merger, Pac will:

     - perform all obligations required to be performed by it or its affiliates
       in accordance with and pursuant to the commitment letters from Salomon
       Smith Barney, Citicorp North America, Inc., Banc of America Bridge LLC,
       Bank of America, N.A., Banc of America Securities LLC and Berkshire
       Partners;

     - use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the financing on the terms set
       forth in the commitment letters from Salomon Smith Barney, Citicorp North
       America, Inc., Banc of America Bridge LLC, Bank of America, N.A. and Banc
       of America Securities LLC;

     - provide prompt written notice to U.S. Can of any refusal or intended
       refusal by Salomon Smith Barney, Citicorp North America, Inc., Banc of
       America Bridge LLC, Bank of America, N.A., Banc of America Securities LLC
       or Berkshire Partners to provide the financing described in the
       commitment letters from each such party; and

     - not amend, terminate or waive any provisions under any of the commitment
       letters from Salomon Smith Barney, Citicorp North America, Inc., Banc of
       America Bridge LLC, Bank of America, N.A., Banc of America Securities LLC
       and Berkshire Partners if the effect of doing so would be reasonably
       likely to prevent or materially delay the merger.

     The merger agreement provides that, during the period from the signing of
the merger agreement to the effective time of the merger, each of Pac and U.S.
Can will do the following:

     - promptly make all required filings and thereafter make any other required
       submissions under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and the European Community
       Merger Regulation (or any other applicable foreign antitrust, competition
       or foreign investment laws) with respect to the merger and related
       transactions;

     - use its reasonable best efforts promptly to take, or cause to be taken,
       all other action and do, or cause to be done, all other things necessary,
       proper or appropriate to consummate the merger and related transactions,
       as soon as practicable;

     - give prompt written notice to the other party of the occurrence, or
       failure to occur, of any event that would be likely to cause any
       representation or warranty contained in the merger agreement to be untrue
       or inaccurate in any material respect;

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<PAGE>   58

     - give prompt written notice to the other party of any material failure of
       U.S. Can or Pac, as the case may be, or of any officer, director,
       employee or agent thereof, to comply with or satisfy any agreement or
       condition to be complied with or satisfied by it under the merger
       agreement;

     - consult with each other in issuing any press releases or otherwise making
       public statements with respect to the merger and related transactions and
       in making any filings with any federal or state governmental or
       regulatory agency or with the New York Stock Exchange with respect to
       such transactions;

     - use their reasonable best efforts to obtain promptly all consents,
       waivers, approvals, authorizations and permits from, and to make promptly
       all registrations and filings with and notifications to, any governmental
       entity or other third party necessary for the completion of the merger
       and the related transactions;

     - cooperate with the other party in taking, or causing to be taken, all
       actions reasonably necessary to delist the common stock of U.S. Can from
       the New York Stock Exchange and to terminate registration of the U.S. Can
       common stock under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, provided that
       such delisting and termination shall not be effective until after the
       effective time of the merger; and

     - take reasonable actions as may be necessary to:

      -- repurchase some or all of U.S. Can's outstanding 10 1/8% senior
         subordinated notes;

      -- obtain the consent of at least a majority of the principal amount of
         the senior subordinated notes outstanding to a supplemental indenture
         that would permit the merger and the related financings and other
         transactions to be effected without resulting in a breach or default
         under the indenture; and

      -- execute a supplemental indenture containing terms and conditions
         reasonably acceptable to Pac.

     The merger agreement provides that, after the effective time of the merger,
U.S. Can will indemnify and hold harmless the present and former officers and
directors of U.S. Can and its subsidiaries against all losses, expenses, claims,
damages, liabilities and amounts that are paid in settlement of, or otherwise in
connection with, any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation arising
out of events, actions or omissions occurring or alleged to have occurred at or
prior to the merger. The merger agreement also provides that, subject to certain
exceptions, U.S. Can will maintain for not less than six years after the
effective time of the merger directors' and officers' liability insurance and
fiduciary liability insurance with respect to matters occurring at or prior to
the effective time of the merger.

     In addition, the merger agreement provides that, for a period of at least
one year following the effective time of the merger, U.S. Can will honor,
without modification, certain employment, consulting, severance, termination or
indemnification agreements or understandings involving U.S. Can or its
subsidiaries in effect as of the effective time of the merger except as may be
otherwise mutually agreed by U.S. Can and the person covered by such agreement
or understanding. The merger agreement further provides that U.S. Can will pay
or provide all benefits vested as of the effective time of the merger under any
employee benefit plan in accordance with the terms of such plan.

NON-SOLICITATION OF COMPETING PROPOSALS

     The merger agreement provides that:

     - U.S. Can will immediately cease any existing discussions and negotiations
       with any third parties conducted prior to the date of the merger
       agreement with respect to any acquisition proposal, which is defined to
       mean any inquiry, proposal or offer that constitutes, or could reasonably
       be expected to lead to, a proposal or offer for a merger, consolidation,
       business combination, sale of substantial assets (other than in the
       ordinary course of business), sale of a significant portion of the shares
       of capital stock (including by way of a tender offer), reorganization,
       recapitalization, reclassification, extraordinary joint

                                       49
<PAGE>   59

       venture or similar transaction involving U.S. Can or any of its
       subsidiaries, other than the transactions contemplated by the merger
       agreement; and

     - U.S. Can will not, directly or indirectly, through any officer, director,
       employee, attorney, financial advisor, accountant or other
       representative, agent, affiliate or any of its subsidiaries, or
       otherwise, (i) solicit, initiate, continue or encourage any acquisition
       proposal, (ii) continue or engage in negotiations or discussions
       concerning, or provide any non-public information or data to any person
       relating to, any acquisition proposal or (iii) agree to, approve or
       recommend any acquisition proposal;

provided, that nothing contained in the merger agreement will prevent U.S. Can
from:

     - furnishing non-public information or data to, or entering into
       discussions or negotiations with, any person in connection with an
       unsolicited bona fide acquisition proposal by such person if the special
       committee of the board of directors of U.S. Can determines in good faith,
       after consultation with its independent financial advisors, that such
       acquisition proposal is reasonably likely to, if consummated, result in a
       transaction more favorable to U.S. Can stockholders (other than those
       rollover stockholders) from a financial point of view than the
       transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and prior to
       furnishing such non-public information to, or entering into discussions
       or negotiations with, such person, U.S. Can receives from such person an
       executed confidentiality agreement with terms no less favorable to U.S.
       Can than those contained in the confidentiality agreement between U.S.
       Can and Pac; or

     - complying with Rule 14e-2 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934
       with regard to an acquisition proposal.

FILINGS AND OTHER ACTIONS

     The merger agreement provides that U.S. Can and Pac will:

     - if required by applicable law, promptly make their respective filings and
       thereafter make any other required submissions under the
       Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and the European Community Merger Regulation (or
       any other applicable foreign antitrust, competition or foreign investment
       laws) with respect to the merger and the transactions contemplated by the
       merger agreement; and

     - use their reasonable best efforts promptly to take, or cause to be taken,
       all other action and do, or cause to be done, all other things necessary,
       proper or appropriate to consummate and make effective the transactions
       contemplated by the merger agreement, as soon as practicable.

CONDITIONS TO COMPLETION OF THE MERGER

     U.S. Can will complete the merger only if the conditions set forth in the
merger agreement are satisfied. Each of U.S. Can's and Pac's obligation to
complete the merger is conditioned on:

     - the approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the merger by the
       stockholders of U.S. Can;

     - the expiration or termination of any waiting period (and any extension
       thereof) applicable to the completion of the merger under the
       Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and the receipt of any approvals or authorizations
       required under the European Community Merger Regulation;

     - that no governmental entity enacts, issues, promulgates, enforces or
       enters any law, rule, regulation, executive order or decree, judgment,
       injunction, ruling or other order, whether temporary, preliminary or
       permanent, that is then in effect and has the effect of prohibiting the
       completion of the merger or otherwise imposing material limitations on
       the ability of U.S. Can or its subsidiaries effectively to hold and
       continue the business of U.S. Can and its subsidiaries in all material
       respects after the effective time of the merger; and

     - the receipt by U.S. Can of the debt financing proceeds described in the
       commitment letters from Salomon Smith Barney, Citicorp North America,
       Inc., Banc of America Bridge LLC, Bank of America, N.A. and Banc of
       America Securities LLC or, if applicable, an equal amount of proceeds
                                       50
<PAGE>   60

       from any substitute debt financing, unless the cause of such non-receipt
       is a breach by Pac of any covenant under the merger agreement.

     The obligation of Pac to consummate the merger is subject to the
satisfaction of the following additional conditions, unless waived by Pac in
writing:

     - the representations and warranties of U.S. Can set forth in the merger
       agreement being true and correct as of the date of the merger agreement
       and as of the effective time of the merger;

     - U.S. Can's performance of all obligations and compliance with all
       agreements to be performed or complied with by U.S. Can under the merger
       agreement in all material respects; and

     - U.S. Can obtaining all required consents and approvals to the merger.

     The obligation of U.S. Can to consummate the merger is subject to the
satisfaction of the following additional conditions, unless waived by U.S. Can,
acting under the direction of the special committee of its board of directors,
in writing:

     - the representations and warranties of Pac set forth in the merger
       agreement being true and correct as of the date of the merger agreement
       and as of the effective time of the merger;

     - Pac's performance of all obligations and compliance with all agreements
       to be performed or complied with by Pac under the merger agreement in all
       material respects; and

     - the receipt by U.S. Can's board of directors of written advice,
       reasonably satisfactory to the board of directors, from an independent
       advisor that U.S. Can will not be insolvent, have unreasonably small
       capital, have incurred debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they
       mature, or have impaired capital upon consummation of the merger and
       related transactions.

TERMINATION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT

     The merger agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the effective
time of the merger, before or after the approval by the common stockholders of
U.S. Can, by the mutual consent of U.S. Can, acting under the direction of the
special committee of its board of directors, and Pac.

     In addition, either U.S. Can, acting under the direction of the special
committee of its board of directors, or Pac may terminate the merger agreement
prior to the effective time of the merger if:

     - the merger is not consummated by November 30, 2000;

     - there is any foreign or domestic law that makes the completion of the
       merger illegal or any governmental order that is final and nonappealable
       preventing the completion of the merger; or

     - the stockholders of U.S. Can do not approve and adopt the merger and the
       merger agreement.

     In addition, Pac can terminate the merger agreement if:

     - prior to the effective time of the merger, there has been a breach of
       certain representations or agreements set forth in the merger agreement
       on the part of U.S. Can and such breach is not cured within thirty days
       after Pac's written notification to U.S. Can of the occurrence of such
       breach and is incapable of being cured prior to November 30, 2000;

     - the special committee of U.S. Can's board of directors or U.S. Can's
       board of directors itself withdraws, modifies or changes its approval or
       recommendation of the merger agreement in a manner adverse to Pac; or

     - the special committee of U.S. Can's board of directors recommends to U.S.
       Can's board of directors or stockholders an acquisition proposal other
       than the merger or the special committee of U.S. Can's board of directors
       or U.S. Can's board of directors fails to reconfirm its recommendation of
       the merger agreement to U.S. Can's stockholders within ten days after a
       reasonable written request by Pac to do so.

                                       51
<PAGE>   61

     In addition, U.S. Can, acting under the direction of the special committee
of its board of directors, can terminate the merger agreement if:

     - prior to the effective time of the merger there has been a breach of
       certain representations or agreements set forth in merger agreement on
       the part of Pac and such breach is not cured within thirty days after
       U.S. Can's written notification to Pac of the occurrence of such breach
       and is incapable of being cured prior to November 30, 2000; or

     - prior to approval of the merger by the U.S. Can common stockholders, U.S.
       Can receives a superior proposal and Pac does not propose a transaction
       which matches or exceeds such superior proposal prior to the end of the
       second business day after the receipt by Pac of notice of the superior
       proposal.

Termination Fee

     U.S. Can must pay Pac a non-refundable fee of $6,000,000 if the merger
agreement is terminated under any of the following conditions:

     - Pac terminates the merger agreement because the special committee of U.S.
       Can's board of directors or U.S. Can's board of directors itself
       withdraws, modifies or changes its approval or recommendation of the
       merger agreement in a manner adverse to Pac;

     - Pac terminates the merger agreement because the special committee of U.S.
       Can's board of directors recommends to the U.S. Can board of directors or
       stockholders an acquisition proposal other than the merger or the special
       committee of U.S. Can's board of directors or U.S. Can's board of
       directors fails to reconfirm its recommendation of the merger agreement
       to U.S. Can's stockholders within ten days after a reasonable written
       request by Pac to do so;

     - U.S. Can terminates the merger agreement because it obtains a superior
       proposal and Pac does not propose a transaction which matches or exceeds
       such superior proposal prior to the end of the second business day after
       the receipt by Pac of notice of the superior proposal; or

     - an acquisition proposal for U.S. Can has been publicly disclosed prior to
       the U.S. Can's stockholders meeting and either Pac or U.S. Can terminates
       the merger agreement because the stockholders of U.S. Can do not approve
       and adopt the merger and the merger agreement.

EXPENSES

     Whether or not the merger is consummated, U.S. Can and Pac will each pay
its own expenses up to the effective time of the merger. After the effective
time of the merger, U.S. Can, as the surviving corporation, will pay all of the
expenses incurred by or on behalf of either U.S. Can or Pac.

MODIFICATION OR AMENDMENT TO THE MERGER AGREEMENT

     Subject to applicable law, U.S. Can and Pac may, at any time prior to the
effective time of the merger, modify or amend the merger agreement by written
agreement, provided that any such agreement by U.S. Can will be effective only
if authorized or approved by the special committee.

                                  THE MEETING

PURPOSE OF THE MEETING

     At the meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote upon:

     - a proposal to approve and adopt the merger and the merger agreement and
       any amendments thereto; and

     - such other business as may properly come before the special stockholders
       meeting or any adjournments or postponements of the special meeting.

                                       52
<PAGE>   62

     U.S. Can's board of directors is not aware, as of the date of this proxy
statement, of any other matters that may properly come before the meeting. If
any such other matters properly come before the meeting, or at a subsequent
meeting following any adjournment or postponement of the meeting, the persons
named in U.S. Can's proxy intend to vote proxies in accordance with their
discretion on any such matters and, unless other instructions are given, U.S.
Can's proxy will give such persons the power to do so.

     A SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS AND U.S. CAN'S BOARD OF
DIRECTORS CAREFULLY REVIEWED AND CONSIDERED THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE
MERGER AND THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND DETERMINED THAT THE MERGER AND THE MERGER
AGREEMENT ARE ADVISABLE AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF U.S. CAN AND ITS
STOCKHOLDERS OTHER THAN THE ROLLOVER STOCKHOLDERS AND THE CASH CONSIDERATION TO
BE RECEIVED FOR CERTAIN OUTSTANDING SHARES OF COMMON STOCK IN THE MERGER IS FAIR
TO SUCH STOCKHOLDERS. BY A VOTE OF ALL DIRECTORS PRESENT AND VOTING AT A MEETING
AT WHICH A QUORUM OF DIRECTORS WAS PRESENT (WITH ONE DIRECTOR, MR. SUSMAN,
ABSTAINING IN LIGHT OF THE SEVERAL ROLES OF SALOMON SMITH BARNEY IN THE
RECAPITALIZATION), U.S. CAN'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVED AND ADOPTED THE MERGER
AND THE MERGER AGREEMENT. ACCORDINGLY, THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE AND U.S. CAN'S
BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND THAT YOU VOTE TO APPROVE AND ADOPT THE MERGER AND
THE MERGER AGREEMENT.

DATE, TIME AND PLACE; RECORD DATE

     The meeting of U.S. Can's stockholders will take place on                ,
            , 2000 at 9:00 a.m. Central time, at the headquarters of U.S. Can at
900 Commerce Drive, Oak Brook, Illinois, 60523. The record date to determine who
is entitled to vote at the meeting is                ,             , 2000. Only
holders of record of U.S. Can common stock at the close of business on the
record date are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting. If your U.S.
Can common stock is registered in the name of a brokerage firm or trustee and
you plan to attend the meeting, you must obtain from the firm or trustee a
letter, account statement or other evidence of your beneficial ownership of
those shares of U.S. Can common stock, in order to be admitted to the meeting.
You must bring that documentation to the meeting to attend. As of the record
date,                shares of U.S. Can common stock and no shares of U.S. Can
capital stock other than common stock were outstanding and entitled to vote.

     The meeting may be adjourned or postponed to another date or place for
proper purposes, including, without limitation, for the purpose of soliciting
additional proxies. Unless revoked, proxies will remain valid following such
adjournment or postponement.

YOUR VOTING RIGHTS; REQUIRED VOTE

     Each stockholder of record on the record date is entitled to one vote on
each matter submitted to a vote at the meeting for each share of U.S. Can common
stock held. A majority of the shares of U.S. Can common stock outstanding on the
record date represented in person, or by proxy, constitutes a quorum for
consideration of such matters at the meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes
will be counted as present and represented for the purpose of determining a
quorum. If a quorum is present at the meeting, the affirmative vote of a
majority of the shares of U.S. Can common stock outstanding and entitled to vote
is required to adopt the merger agreement. Abstentions and broker non-votes will
have the effect of votes against the merger. ACCORDINGLY, THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE
AND U.S. CAN'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS URGE U.S. CAN STOCKHOLDERS TO COMPLETE, SIGN,
DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD IN THE ACCOMPANYING SELF-ADDRESSED
POSTAGE PREPAID ENVELOPE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

     If you own stock or maintain multiple accounts under different names, for
example, with and without a middle initial, you may receive more than one set of
proxy statement materials. To ensure that all of your shares of U.S. Can common
stock are voted, you must complete, sign, date and return by mail every proxy
card you receive.

                                       53
<PAGE>   63

GIVING AND REVOKING YOUR PROXY; SOLICITATION

Giving the Proxy

     Any holder of shares of U.S. Can common stock may vote such stockholder's
shares either by duly authorized proxy or in person at the meeting. By granting
a proxy, the proxyholders named on the proxy card will vote your shares in
accordance with your directions. If you grant a proxy without specifying how
your shares should be voted, the proxyholders will vote for the approval and
adoption of the merger and the merger agreement and any amendments to the merger
agreement and in accordance with their best judgment on any other business that
may come before the meeting or any adjournments or postponements of the meeting.
By granting a proxy to vote for the proposal, you will be authorizing the voting
of your shares in favor of the proposal. On the date of this proxy statement,
U.S. Can knew of no other business that will be presented for action at the
meeting.

     To grant your proxy, please complete the proxy card provided with this
proxy statement and sign, date and return it in the enclosed envelope. To be
valid, a returned proxy card must be signed and dated. If you attend the meeting
in person, you may vote your shares of U.S. Can common stock by completing a
ballot at the meeting.

Revoking the Proxy

     The giving of a proxy by a U.S. Can stockholder will not affect the
stockholder's right to vote such shares if the stockholder attends the meeting
and desires to vote in person. You may revoke a previously submitted proxy at
any time before it is voted by (i) delivering written notice of revocation to
Steven K. Sims, Corporate Secretary, U.S. Can, 900 Commerce Drive, Oak Brook,
Illinois 60523, (ii) executing and delivering a subsequently dated proxy that is
received prior to the meeting or (iii) voting your shares in person at the
meeting. Attendance at the meeting will not by itself constitute revocation of a
proxy. If you have instructed a broker to vote your shares, you must follow
directions received from the broker to change or revoke your proxy.

Solicitation

     In addition to soliciting proxies by mail, officers, directors and
employees of U.S. Can, without receiving any additional compensation, may
solicit proxies by telephone, fax, in person or by other means. Arrangements may
also be made with brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries
to forward proxy solicitation materials to the beneficial owners of U.S. Can
common stock held of record by those persons, and U.S. Can will reimburse the
brokerage firms, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for reasonable out-of-
pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with the solicitation. U.S. Can
has retained                to assist in the solicitation of proxies at an
estimated cost of $          plus reasonable expenses.

                              BUSINESS OF U.S. CAN

GENERAL

     U.S. Can, through its wholly owned subsidiary United States Can Company, is
a leading manufacturer of steel containers for personal care, household,
automotive, paint, industrial and specialty products in the United States and
Europe, as well as food cans in Europe and plastic containers in the U.S. U.S.
Can conducts its principal business operations in the general and food packaging
sectors of the metal container industry. U.S. Can's 1999 sales were generated by
three major segments:

     - aerosol products;

     - paint, plastic & general line products; and

     - custom and specialty products.

                                       54
<PAGE>   64

     The references in this section to market positions or market share are
based on information derived from annual reports, trade publications and
management estimates, which U.S. Can believes to be reliable. References in this
section to "U.S. Can" mean U.S. Can Corporation and its subsidiaries.

AEROSOL PRODUCTS

     U.S. Can is the leader in sales of aerosol cans in the United States,
accounting for more than 50% of all steel aerosol containers used in 1999. U.S.
Can is the second largest manufacturer of steel aerosol cans in Europe. Aerosol
containers represent U.S. Can's largest segment, accounting for approximately
67.7% of U.S. Can's total net sales for the year ended December 31, 1999.
Aerosol cans are used to package personal care, household, automotive, paint and
various other products. U.S. Can offers a wide range of aerosol containers in
order to meet its customers' requirements, including stylized necked-in and
beaded cans and barrier-pack cans used for products such as shaving gel.

PAINT, PLASTIC AND GENERAL LINE

     The paint, plastic & general line segment accounted for approximately 22.6%
of U.S. Can's total net sales for the year ended December 31, 1999. This segment
produces round steel cans for paint and coatings, oblong steel cans for products
such as turpentine and charcoal lighter, and plastic pails and other containers
for industrial and consumer products. Management estimates that U.S. Can is
second in market share in the United States, on a unit volume basis, in the
production of steel round and general line containers.

CUSTOM AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

     U.S. Can has a significant presence in the custom and specialty products
market. Its product lines include a wide array of functional and decorative
containers and tins, fitments and stampings, and collectible items. Beginning in
the first quarter of 2000, the pet food and the specialty food containers of May
Verpackungen GmbH & Co., KG, acquired on December 30, 1999, are reported as part
of the custom and specialty segment. Custom and specialty products (excluding
May Verpackungen) accounted for approximately 9.6% of U.S. Can's total net sales
for the year ended December 31, 1999.

CUSTOMERS

     As of May 31, 2000, U.S. Can had approximately 6,500 customers for its
products in the United States and approximately 450 customers in Europe. No
single customer accounted for more than 10% of U.S. Can's total net sales. To
the extent possible, U.S. Can enters into one-year or multi-year supply
agreements with its major customers. These agreements specify the number of
containers a customer will purchase or the mechanism for determining such
number, pricing, volume discounts (if any) and, in the case of many of U.S.
Can's multi-year supply agreements, a provision permitting U.S. Can to pass
through price increases in certain raw material and other costs.

     Aerosol containers accounted for 67.7% of U.S. Can's total net sales for
the year ended December 31, 1999. A significant reduction in the number of
aerosol containers used by U.S. Can's customers could have a material adverse
effect on U.S. Can.

     In October 1996, U.S. Can received written confirmation of a major
customer's intention to purchase certain annual unit volumes of aerosol cans
from U.S. Can. Largely in response to this customer's decision, U.S. Can opened
a manufacturing facility in Merthyr Tydfil, U.K., in which U.S. Can has invested
approximately $30 million. The loss of this customer or a material reduction in
the benefits to U.S. Can expected under this arrangement, would have an adverse
impact on the profitability of that facility and U.S. Can's ability to recoup
its investment in Merthyr Tydfil. The plant began to service other customers in
1998 and U.S. Can has continued to expand the customer base of this facility.

     U.S. Can's relationships with its customers are critical to its business. A
significant portion of U.S. Can's annual net sales are attributable to repeat
customers. The loss of a significant number of such customers could have a
material effect on U.S. Can.

                                       55
<PAGE>   65

     U.S. Can markets its products primarily through a sales force comprised of
inside and outside sales representatives dedicated to each segment.

RAW MATERIALS

     U.S. Can's principal raw materials are tin-plated steel and coatings and
inks used to print its customers' designs and logos onto the tinplate. U.S. Can
purchases tin-plated steel principally from domestic steel manufacturers, with a
smaller portion purchased from foreign suppliers for its operations in the
United States and USC Europe, the designation for U.S. Can's European
subsidiaries, purchases steel principally from European suppliers. Periodically,
U.S. Can's major suppliers announce increases in prices for tin-plated steel,
and in October 1999, its suppliers in the United States announced an increase of
3% in the price of tin-plated steel effective January 2000. Historically, U.S.
Can has been able to negotiate lower price increases than those announced by its
major suppliers. However, there can be no assurance that U.S. Can will be
successful in negotiating lower price increases with respect to future price
increases. Many of U.S. Can's multi-year supply agreements with its customers
permit U.S. Can to pass through tin-plated steel price increases and, in some
cases, other raw material costs. However, U.S. Can has not always been able to
immediately offset increases in tin-plated steel prices with price increases on
its products.

     U.S. Can believes that adequate quantities of tin-plated steel will
continue to be available from steel manufacturers. The individual suppliers of
steel accounting for more than 10% of raw material used by U.S. Can domestically
in 1999 were USX's U.S. Steel group, Weirton Steel Corporation and LTV
Corporation. U.S. Can has not historically entered into written supply contracts
with steel makers and believes that other can manufacturers generally follow the
same practice.

     U.S. Can's second largest raw material expense is for coatings and inks,
which are used to print designs and logos onto the tinplated steel prior to
assembly. Coatings and inks are purchased from regional suppliers. Based on the
ready availability of these materials in the past and the number of
manufacturers that continue to make these products, management does not
anticipate any lack of availability of coatings and inks in the foreseeable
future.

     U.S. Can's plastic products are produced from two main types of resins,
which are petroleum or natural gas products. High-density polyethylene resin is
used to make pails, drums and agricultural products. Recycled polyethylene or
polypropolene resin is used in the production of the Plastite line of paint
cans. The price of resin fluctuates significantly and management believes that
it is standard industry practice, as well as the U.S. Can's contractual right in
many of its supply agreements, to pass on increases and decreases in resin
prices to the customer.

SEASONALITY

     U.S. Can's business as a whole has minor seasonal variations, whereby
quarterly sales and earnings tend to be slightly stronger starting in early
spring during the second quarter, and extending through late summer during the
third quarter. Aerosol sales experience only relatively minor spring and summer
increases related to household products and insect repellents. Paint container
sales tend to be stronger in spring and early summer due to the favorable
weather conditions. Portions of the custom and specialty products line tend to
vary seasonally, because of holiday sales late in the year. May's food can sales
generally peak in the third and fourth quarters.

LABOR

     As of May 31, 2000, U.S. Can employed approximately 3,000 salaried and
hourly employees in the United States. Of U.S. Can's total United States
workforce, 1,767 employees, or 59%, were members of various labor unions,
including the United Steelworkers of America, the International Association of
Machinists and the Graphic Communications International Union. Labor agreements
covering 232 employees were successfully negotiated in March 2000 and no
additional contracts expire until 2001. USC Europe employed approximately 1,400
people as of May 31, 2000. In line with common European practices, all plants
are unionized.
                                       56
<PAGE>   66

     U.S. Can has followed a labor strategy designed to enhance its flexibility
and productivity through constructive relations with its employees and
collective bargaining units. Management believes U.S. Can and its employees have
benefitted from dealing directly with local unions in order to tailor their
contracts to local employee issues and plans to continue this practice in the
future. This practice also has the effect of staggering renewal negotiations
with the various bargaining units. Management believes U.S. Can's relations with
its employees and their collective bargaining units are generally good.

COMPETITION

     The principal methods of competition in the rigid metal and plastic
container industry are price, quality and service. Because shipping costs
associated with the delivery of cans from outside major geographic markets would
add a significant additional component of cost, the can industry has
historically had relatively little competition from manufacturers outside these
markets. Management believes that this condition is unlikely to change in the
foreseeable future. Price competition exists in the industry and limits U.S.
Can's ability to increase prices.

     Management believes that the following factors benefit U.S. Can from a
competitive standpoint:

     - reputation for quality and service;

     - strategically located manufacturing facilities;

     - a strong sales force;

     - substantial capital investment in new technology such as barrier package
       designs, high-speed presses and assembly equipment, and state-of-the-art
       lithography equipment;

     - quality control systems, including statistical process control and
       electronic "vision" error detection;

     - breadth of product line;

     - in-house decorating and lithography capability; and

     - a successful labor strategy.

     In steel aerosol containers, U.S. Can competes primarily with Crown, Cork &
Seal and BWAY Corporation in the United States. USC Europe competes in the steel
aerosol market with Crown, Cork & Seal, Impress Metal Packaging and a group of
other smaller regional producers. Crown, Cork & Seal is larger and has greater
financial resources than U.S. Can. Because aerosol cans are used for personal
care, household and other packaged products, and because they are pressurized,
aerosol cans are more sensitive to quality, can decoration and other
consumer-oriented features than some of U.S. Can's other products.

     In paint, plastic and general line, U.S. Can competes primarily with BWAY
Corporation and one smaller, private firm. U.S. Can's products also face
competition from aluminum, glass and plastic containers.

     Custom and specialty products compete with a large number of container
manufacturers; they do not compete across their entire product spectrum with any
single company. Competition is based principally on price, quality, service,
geographical proximity to customers and production capability, with varying
degrees of intensity according to the specific product category.

     U.S. Can believes that it has the ability to compete favorably in each
aspect of its businesses.

ACQUISITIONS

     On December 30, 1999, U.S. Can acquired all of the interests of May
Verpackungen GmbH & Co., KG, a German limited liability company, in a
transaction accounted for using the purchase method. May Verpackungen,
headquartered in Erftstadt, Germany, is a manufacturer of pet food and specialty
food packaging, as well as aerosol cans. Historically, U.S. Can has not had a
significant presence in the food can market.

                                       57
<PAGE>   67

     U.S. Can believes that strategic acquisition opportunities are important to
its growth. U.S. Can will continue to evaluate and selectively pursue
acquisitions which adhere to its strategy of seeking rigid packaging companies
that will complement and grow U.S. Can's existing product base, be accretive in
the first year with positive cash flow characteristics and create value for
stockholders. If acquisitions are made, U.S. Can would expect to finance them
through cash and debt financing as appropriate under the conditions in effect at
the time of the acquisition.

RESTRUCTURING PROGRAMS

1998

     In the third quarter of 1998, U.S. Can established a pre-tax special charge
of $35.9 million. The provision was for the closure of certain facilities and
write-downs of non-core businesses. The costs of closing and realigning selected
lithography facilities servicing U.S. Can's core business were also included in
the provision as part of U.S. Can's national lithography strategy.

1997

     In the third quarter of 1997, U.S. Can established a pre-tax special charge
of $52.2 million primarily for plant closings and overhead cost reductions.
These actions were due to the loss of a major aerosol customer representing
approximately $35 million of annual sales and to enhance efficiencies at certain
other locations. In addition, U.S. Can established a disposition provision for
the anticipated loss on the closure of its metal pail operation in North
Brunswick, New Jersey.

     Also in the fourth quarter of 1997, U.S. Can, at the direction of its board
of directors, employed the assistance of external business consultants to review
operations and explore other avenues for enhancing stockholder value. As a
result of this review, a provision of $10.8 million was established primarily to
include further personnel reductions and the reduction of asset value associated
with equipment used in the businesses U.S. Can had exited or was in the process
of exiting.

     U.S. Can continuously evaluates the composition of its various
manufacturing facilities in light of current and expected market conditions and
demands. In connection with the May Verpackungen acquisition, U.S. Can is
reviewing its European operations for potential consolidation opportunities.

PROPERTIES

     U.S. Can has 16 manufacturing facilities located in nine states in the
U.S., many of which are strategically positioned near principal customers and
suppliers. Through USC Europe, it also has production locations in the five
largest markets in Europe, including the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy
and Germany. The following table sets forth certain information with respect to
U.S. Can's principal plants as of May 31, 2000.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             LOCATION                      SIZE             STATUS                    SEGMENT
             --------                      ----             ------                    -------
<S>                                   <C>                   <C>            <C>
UNITED STATES
Elgin, IL.........................     481,346 sq. ft       Owned          Aerosol
Tallapoosa, GA....................     228,080 sq. ft       Owned          Aerosol
Tallapoosa, GA....................      21,400 sq. ft       Owned          Aerosol
Commerce, GA......................     215,860 sq. ft       Leased         Paint, Plastic & General Line
Burns Harbor, IN..................     190,000 sq. ft       Leased         Aerosol
Hubbard, OH.......................     174,970 sq. ft       Owned          Paint, Plastic & General Line
Baltimore, MD.....................     150,000 sq. ft       Leased         Paint, Plastic & General Line
Horsham, PA.......................     132,000 sq. ft       Owned          Aerosol
Baltimore, MD.....................     123,000 sq. ft       Owned          Custom & Specialty
Morrow, GA........................     110,160 sq. ft       Leased         Paint, Plastic & General Line
Weirton, WV.......................     108,000 sq. ft       Leased         Aerosol
Danville, IL......................     100,000 sq. ft       Owned          Aerosol
</TABLE>

                                       58
<PAGE>   68

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             LOCATION                      SIZE             STATUS                    SEGMENT
             --------                      ----             ------                    -------
<S>                                   <C>                   <C>            <C>
Newnan, GA........................      95,000 sq. ft       Leased         Paint, Plastic & General Line
Dallas, TX........................      87,000 sq. ft       Owned          Paint, Plastic & General Line
Alliance, OH......................      52,000 sq. ft       Leased         Paint, Plastic & General Line
Baltimore, MD.....................      45,000 sq. ft       Leased         Custom & Specialty
New Castle, PA....................      22,750 sq. ft       Owned          Custom & Specialty
EUROPE
Erftstadt, Germany................     369,000 sq. ft       Leased         Custom & Specialty
Merthyr Ttdfil, UK................     320,000 sq. ft       Leased(1)      Aerosol
Southall, UK......................     253,000 sq. ft       Owned          Aerosol
Laon, France......................     220,000 sq. ft       Owned(2)       Aerosol
Reus, Spain.......................     182,250 sq. ft       Owned          Aerosol
Dageling, Germany.................     172,224 sq. ft       Owned          Custom & Specialty
Itzehoe, Germany..................      80,730 sq. ft       Owned          Custom & Specialty
Esbjerg, Germany                      66,209 sq. ft..       Owned          Custom & Specialty
Voghera, Italy....................      45,200 sq. ft       Leased         Aerosol
Schwedt, Germany..................      35,500 sq. ft       Leased         Aerosol
</TABLE>

-------------------------
(1) The property at Merthyr Tydfil is subject to a 998-year lease with a
    pre-paid option to buy which becomes exercisable in January 2007. Up to that
    time, the landowner may require U.S. Can to purchase the property for
    payment of one Pound Sterling. Currently, U.S. Can's facility at Merthyr
    Tydfil is subject to a pledge of the leasehold interests and personal
    property located thereon to secure amounts outstanding under a credit
    agreement entered into with General Electric Capital Corporation.

(2) Subject to a mortgage in favor of Societe Generale.

     Management believes U.S. Can's facilities are adequate for its present
needs and that its properties are generally in good condition, well-maintained
and suitable for their intended use. U.S. Can continuously evaluates the
composition of its various manufacturing facilities in light of current and
expected market conditions and demands. Further consolidation of plant
operations may be implemented in the future.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     U.S. Can has been named as a potentially responsible party for costs
incurred in the clean-up of a regional groundwater plume partially extending
underneath a property located in San Leandro, California, formerly a site of one
of U.S. Can's can assembly plants. U.S. Can has indemnified the owner of the
property against this matter. Extensive soil and groundwater investigative work
has been performed at this site. U.S. Can, along with other potentially
responsible parties, participated in a coordinated sampling event in 1999. The
results of the sampling were inconclusive as to the source of the contamination.
While the State of California has not yet commented on the sampling results,
U.S. Can believes the source of the contamination is unrelated to its past
operations.

     As a potentially responsible party at various Superfund sites in the United
States, U.S. Can is or may be legally responsible, jointly and severally with
other members of the potentially responsible party group, for the cost of
remediation of these sites. Based on currently available data, U.S. Can believes
its contribution, and/or contribution of its predecessors, to these sites was,
in most cases, minimal.

     In May 1998, the National Labor Relations Board issued a decision ordering
U.S. Can to pay $1.5 million in back pay, plus interest, for a violation of
certain sections of the National Labor Relations Act as a result of U.S. Can's
closure of certain facilities in 1991 and the failure to offer inter-plant job
opportunities to certain affected employees. U.S. Can has appealed this decision
on the grounds, among others, that it is entitled to a credit against this award
for certain pension payments. U.S. Can believes its appeal will be successful.

     For further discussion on legal and environmental matters refer to note 9
to U.S. Can's consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31,
1999 and 1998, which are contained in U.S. Can's Annual Report on Form 10-K
incorporated by reference in this proxy statement.

                                       59
<PAGE>   69

                     MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION

     U.S. Can Corporation's common stock is listed on the New York Stock
Exchange, trading under the symbol "USC." The table below sets forth, for the
periods and dates indicated, the range of high and low per share sales prices
for U.S. Can common stock as reported in the consolidated transaction reporting
system.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 HIGH        LOW
                                                                 ----        ---
<S>                                                             <C>        <C>
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2000
  First quarter.............................................    $19.938    $12.500
  Second quarter (through May 31, 2000).....................     20.938     16.125
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1999
  First quarter.............................................    $17.813    $14.000
  Second quarter............................................     22.813     13.750
  Third quarter.............................................     25.625     20.375
  Fourth quarter............................................     22.500     17.125
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1998
  First quarter.............................................    $18.250    $14.875
  Second quarter............................................     18.250     13.875
  Third quarter.............................................     17.000     12.813
  Fourth quarter............................................     18.000     13.250
March 21, 2000 (the last trading day before U.S. Can
  announced the initial recapitalization proposal)..........    $15.000    $14.562
May 31, 2000 (the last trading day before U.S. Can announced
  the execution of the merger agreement)....................    $16.875    $16.250
            , 2000 (the most recent practicable day before
  the date of this proxy statement).........................    $          $
</TABLE>

     U.S. Can did not declare any cash dividends on its common stock during the
first quarter of 2000, or during 1999 or 1998, and U.S. Can has never paid cash
dividends and has no intention to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
There are restrictions on the ability of United States Can Company to transfer
funds to U.S. Can in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances, and on U.S.
Can's ability to declare cash dividends, under United States Can Company's
credit agreement and U.S. Can's indenture, respectively.

                                       60
<PAGE>   70

         SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

     The following table sets forth, as of March 31, 2000, the number and
percentage of shares of U.S. Can common stock beneficially owned by (i) each
person known by U.S. Can to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding
shares of U.S. Can common stock, (ii) each director or director nominee of U.S.
Can, (iii) each named executive officer and (iv) all directors and executive
officers of U.S. Can as a group. Each person has sole voting and investment
power over the shares of U.S. Can common stock unless otherwise indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       SHARES OF
                                                                     COMMON STOCK
                                                                  BENEFICIALLY OWNED
                                                                -----------------------
            NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER                 NUMBER         PERCENT
            ------------------------------------                 ------         -------
<S>                                                             <C>             <C>
Salomon Smith Barney Inc.,..................................    1,221,329(1)     10.54%
Salomon Brothers Holding Company, Inc.,
Salomon Smith Barney Holdings, Inc.
388 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10013
       and
Citigroup Inc.
153 East 53rd Street
New York, New York 10043
President and Fellows of Harvard College....................    1,390,500(2)     10.34%
John Stevens Trust, Nancy Stevens Trust, and
Harvard College Trust
c/o Harvard Management Company, Inc.
600 Atlantic Avenue
Boston, MA 02210
       and
Harvard Master Trust
1350 Massachusetts Avenue
Holyoke Center, Room 340
Cambridge, MA 02138
T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. and..........................    1,343,100(3)      9.99%
T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Stock Fund, Inc.
100 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Ricardo Poma................................................      920,133(4)      6.84%
Lomas de San Francisco
San Salvador, El Salvador
Mellon Financial Corporation................................      810,097(5)      6.02%
Mellon Bank N.A. and
The Dreyfus Corporation
One Mellon Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15258
Woodland Partners LLC.......................................      806,200(6)      6.00%
60 South Sixth Street, Suite 3750
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
Frontier Capital Management Co., Inc........................      707,340(7)      5.26%
99 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02110
Francisco A. Soler..........................................      469,233(8)      3.49%]
</TABLE>

                                       61
<PAGE>   71

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       SHARES OF
                                                                     COMMON STOCK
                                                                  BENEFICIALLY OWNED
                                                                -----------------------
            NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER                 NUMBER         PERCENT
            ------------------------------------                 ------         -------
<S>                                                             <C>             <C>
Calvin W. Aurand, Jr. ......................................        3,633            *
Benjamin F. Bailar..........................................       37,133(9)         *
Charles W. Gaillard.........................................        2,791            *
Louis B. Susman.............................................        3,000            *
Paul W. Jones...............................................      380,667(10)     2.75%
John L. Workman.............................................      104,250(11)        *
Roger B. Farley.............................................       81,334(12)        *
David R. Ford...............................................       39,334(13)        *
All directors and executive officers as a group.............      [     ](14)     [  ]%
</TABLE>

-------------------------
  *  The percentage of shares beneficially owned does not exceed 1% of U.S.
     Can's common stock.

 (1) Salomon Smith Barney Inc. and Salomon Brothers Holding Company Inc. each
     own beneficially 1,211,229 of these shares. Salomon Smith Barney Holdings
     Inc. and Citigroup Inc. each own all 1,221,329 of these shares. Each of
     Salomon Smith Barney Inc., Salomon Brothers Holding Company Inc., Salomon
     Smith Barney Holdings Inc. and Citigroup Inc. disclaim beneficial ownership
     of these shares.

 (2) President and Fellows of Harvard College owns beneficially 1,352,500 of
     these shares, the Harvard Master Trust owns beneficially 35,300 of these
     shares, the John Stevens Trust owns beneficially 300 of these shares, the
     Nancy Stevens Trust owns beneficially 1,000 of these shares and the Harvard
     Trust owns beneficially 1,400 of these shares.

 (3) T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. has sole voting power over 257,900 of these
     shares and sole dispositive power over 1,343,100 of these shares. T. Rowe
     Price Small-Cap Stock Fund, Inc. has sole voting power over 1,035,000 of
     these shares. These securities are owned by various institutional investors
     including T. Rowe Price Small Cap Stock Fund, Inc. (which owns 1,035,000
     shares, representing 7.70% of the shares outstanding as of February 29,
     2000), which T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. serves as investment adviser
     with power to direct investment and/or sole power to vote the securities.
     For purposes of the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act
     of 1934, T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. is deemed to be beneficial owner of
     such securities; however, T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. expressly
     disclaims that it is, in fact, a beneficial owner of such securities.

 (4) Salcorp Ltd. is the record holder of 340,000 of these shares and Katsura,
     S.A. is the record holder of 60,000 of these shares. Mr. Poma is the sole
     stockholder of both Salcorp and Katsura, and is therefore deemed the
     beneficial owner of these shares. Scarsdale Company N.V., Inc., a company
     associated or affiliated with Mr. Poma, owns 2,133 of these shares. The
     remaining 518,000 shares are owned by Barcel Corporation. Barcel is wholly
     owned by United Capital Corporation, which is wholly owned by Inversal
     Trust, a family trust of which Mr. Poma is also the trustee.

 (5) The shares reported are beneficially owned by the direct or indirect
     subsidiaries of Mellon Financial Corporation, which report shared voting
     and dispositive power with respect to 100,000 shares, sole voting power
     with respect to 703,997 shares and sole dispositive powers with respect to
     703,297 shares.

 (6) Woodland Partners LLC manages accounts for the benefit of its clients and
     reports sole voting power with respect to 708,100 shares, shared voting
     power with respect to 98,100 shares and sole dispositive power with respect
     to all shares.

 (7) Frontier Capital Management Co., Inc. is an investment advisor. These
     shares were owned directly by various accounts managed by Frontier. Such
     accounts have the right to receive the proceeds from the sale of these
     shares.

                                       62
<PAGE>   72

 (8) Windsor International Corporation, Atlas World Carriers S.A, The World
     Financial Corporation S.A. and Scarsdale, corporations affiliated or
     associated with Mr. Soler or certain of Mr. Soler's relatives, hold
     226,100, 123,000, 118,000 and 2,133 of these shares of U.S. Can common
     stock, respectively.

 (9) Mr. Bailar has sole investment power with respect to a trust in which
     35,000 of these shares are held. The other 2,133 shares are held directly
     by Mr. Bailar.

(10) Includes 2,000 shares owned beneficially by Mr. Jones' spouse (of which Mr.
     Jones disclaims beneficial ownership) and 346,667 shares subject to options
     vested and exercisable within 60 days. Mr. Jones also owns 23,704 units of
     deferred U.S. Can common stock under U.S. Can's executive deferred
     compensation plan.

(11) Includes 94,750 shares subject to options vested and exercisable within 60
     days. Mr. Workman also owns 7,310 units of deferred U.S. Can common stock
     under U.S. Can's executive deferred compensation plan.

(12) Includes 75,334 shares subject to options vested and exercisable within 60
     days. Mr. Farley also owns 4,538 units of deferred U.S. Can common stock
     under U.S. Can's executive deferred compensation plan.

(13) Includes 24,334 shares subject to options vested and exercisable within 60
     days. Mr. Ford also owns 7,605 units of deferred U.S. Can common stock
     under U.S. Can's executive deferred compensation plan.

(14) Includes [       ] shares subject to currently exercisable options. The
     executive officers also own 57,304 units of deferred U.S. Can common stock
     under the U.S. Can's executive deferred compensation plan.

           TRANSACTIONS IN SHARES OF COMMON STOCK BY CERTAIN PERSONS

     Except as described below, there were no transactions in shares of U.S. Can
common stock that were effected during the past 60 days by U.S. Can, Salomon
Smith Barney (excluding transactions in agency and fiduciary accounts), Louis B.
Susman, Ricardo Poma, Francisco A. Soler, Paul W. Jones, Salcorp Ltd., Barcel
Corporation, Scarsdale Company N.V., Inc., Windsor International Inc., Atlas
World Carriers S.A., or The World Financial Corporation S.A., or any of their
respective subsidiaries, directors, executive officers or controlling persons.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        PRICE PER
                                                    NUMBER OF SHARES      SHARE         DESCRIPTION OF
                  NAME                      DATE    OF COMMON STOCK        ($)           TRANSACTION
                  ----                      ----    ----------------    ---------       --------------
<S>                                         <C>     <C>                 <C>          <C>
U.S. Can................................    5/30/00       2,230           18.38        Purchase of shares
                                                                                        for United States
                                                                                     Can Company Salaried
                                                                                     Employees Saving and
                                                                                               Retirement
                                                                                        Accumulation Plan
</TABLE>

                                       63
<PAGE>   73

                 INFORMATION ABOUT CERTAIN PERSONS WHO WILL OWN
     U.S. CAN CAPITAL STOCK AFTER THE RECAPITALIZATION AND THEIR AFFILIATES

SALOMON SMITH BARNEY

     Salomon Smith Barney is a global, full-service financial firm, which
provides brokerage, investment banking and asset management services to
corporations, governments and individuals around the world. Salomon Smith Barney
is a New York corporation whose principal business address is 333 Greenwich
Street, New York, New York 10013 and business telephone number is (212)
816-6000. Salomon Smith Barney is a wholly owned subsidiary of Citigroup Inc.

     Salomon Smith Barney beneficially owns 10.54% of U.S. Can's common stock.
Louis B. Susman, Vice Chairman of Investment Banking and Managing Director of
Salomon Smith Barney, is a director of U.S. Can.

     The following persons are executive officers and managing directors of
Salomon Smith Barney. Unless indicated otherwise, the business address of each
person identified below is c/o Salomon Smith Barney Inc., 333 Greenwich Street,
New York, New York 10013.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS                      POSITION WITH SALOMON SMITH BARNEY
                 -------------------------                      ----------------------------------
<S>                                                             <C>
Michael A. Carpenter........................................    Chairman of the Board and Chief
                                                                  Executive Officer
Deryck C. Maughan...........................................    Director
Robert Druskin..............................................    Chief Administrative Officer
Joan Guggenheimer...........................................    General Counsel and Secretary
</TABLE>

     Set forth below is a description of the present occupation of each
executive officer and managing director of Salomon Smith Barney and such
person's business experience during at least the last five years. UNLESS NOTED
OTHERWISE, EACH OF THE SALOMON SMITH BARNEY EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND MANAGING
DIRECTORS LISTED BELOW IS A CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES.

     MICHAEL A. CARPENTER is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
of Salomon Smith Barney Inc. From January 1995 until November 1998 Mr. Carpenter
served as President and Chief Executive Officer of The Travelers Insurance
Company.

     DERYCK C. MAUGHAN is a director of Salomon Smith Barney Inc. From November
1998 to present Mr. Maughan has served as Vice Chairman of Citigroup Inc. From
November 1997 to November 1998 Mr. Maughan served as Co-Chairman and Co-Chief
Executive Officer of Salomon Smith Barney Inc. From 1991 until November 1997 Mr.
Maughan served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Salomon Brothers Inc.

     ROBERT DRUSKIN is the Chief Administrative Officer of Salomon Smith Barney
Inc. Mr. Druskin has served as Chief Administrative Officer since April 1991.

     JOAN GUGGENHEIMER is the General Counsel and Secretary with Salomon Smith
Barney Inc. Ms. Guggenheimer has served as Legal Counsel with Salomon Smith
Barney Inc. since December 1985.

CITIGROUP INC.

     Citigroup Inc. is a diversified holding company whose businesses provide a
broad range of financial services to consumer and corporate customers in 101
countries and territories. Citigroup's activities are conducted through global
consumer, global corporate and investment banking, global investment management
and private banking, and investment activities. Citigroup Inc. is a Delaware
corporation whose principal business address is 153 East 53rd Street, New York,
New York 10043 and business telephone number is (212) 559-1000.

                                       64
<PAGE>   74

     The following persons are executive officers and directors of Citigroup.
Unless indicated otherwise, the business address of each person identified below
is c/o Citigroup Inc., 155 East 53rd Street, New York, New York 10043.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      NAME AND POSITION WITH CITIGROUP                PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION OR EMPLOYMENT
      --------------------------------                ----------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>
C. Michael Armstrong.........................    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Director                                         AT&T Corp.
Alain J.P. Belda.............................    President and Chief Executive Officer
Director                                         Alcoa Inc.
Kenneth J. Bialkin...........................    Partner
Director                                         Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Kenneth T. Derr..............................    Chairman of the Board, Retired
Director                                         Chevron Corporation
John M. Deutch...............................    Institute Professor
Director                                         Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Ann Dibble Jordan............................    Consultant
Director
Reuben Mark..................................    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Director                                         Colgate-Palmolive Company
Michael T. Masin.............................    Vice Chairman and Director
Director                                         GTE Corporation
Dudly C. Mecum...............................    Managing Director
Director                                         Capricorn Holdings, LLC
Richard D. Parsons...........................    President
Director                                         Time Warner Inc.
Andrall E. Pearson...........................    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Director                                         Tricon Global Restaurants, Inc.
Robert E. Rubin..............................    Director, Member of the Office of the
                                                 Chairman
Director, Member of the Office of the            and Chairman of the Executive Committee
  Chairman                                       Citigroup
  and Chairman of the Executive Committee
Franklin A. Thomas...........................    Former President
Director                                         The Ford Foundation
Sanford I. Weill.............................    Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer
Director, Chairman and Chief Executive           and Member of the Office of the Chairman
  Officer and Member of the Office of the        Citigroup
  Chairman
Edgar S. Woolard.............................    Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Director                                         E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company
Arthur Zankel................................    General Partner
Director                                         Zankel Capital Advisors, LLC
Gerald R. Ford...............................    Director and Honorary Director
Honorary Director                                Citigroup
Winfried F.W. Bischoff.......................    Chairman Citigroup Europe and
Chairman Citigroup Europe and Member of          Member of Citigroup Management Committee
  Citigroup Management Committee
Michael A. Carpenter.........................    Co-Chief Executive Officer, Global Corporate
Co-Chief Executive Officer, Global Corporate     and Investment Bank
  and Investment Bank                            Citigroup
</TABLE>

                                       65
<PAGE>   75

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      NAME AND POSITION WITH CITIGROUP                PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION OR EMPLOYMENT
      --------------------------------                ----------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>
Paul J. Collins..............................    Vice Chairman
Vice Chairman                                    Citigroup
Michael D'Ambrose............................    Senior Human Resources Officer
Senior Human Resources Officer                   Citigroup
Jay S. Fishman...............................    Chairman of the Board, Chief
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive           Executive Officer and President,
  Officer and President, Travelers Property      Travelers Property Casualty Corp.
  Casualty Corp.
Michael B.G. Froman..........................    Chief of Staff and
Chief of Staff and                               Director Strategic Development
  Director Strategic Development                 Citigroup
Edward D. Horowitz...........................    Chief Executive, e-Citi
Chief Executive, e-Citi                          Citigroup
Thomas W. Jones..............................    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Global
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Global     Investment Management and Private Banking
  Investment Management and Private Banking      Group Citigroup
  Group
Robert I. Lipp...............................    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Global
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Global     Consumer Business Citigroup
  Consumer Business
Marjorie Magner..............................    Head of Citibanking and Primerica
Head of Citibanking and Primerica
Deryck C. Maughan............................    Vice Chairman, Citigroup
Vice Chairman
Victor J. Menezes............................    Co-Chief Executive Officer, Global Corporate
                                                 and
Co-Chief Executive Officer, Global Corporate     Investment Bank Citigroup
  and Investment Bank
Charles O. Prince, III.......................    General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary          Citigroup
William R. Rhodes............................    Vice Chairman, Citigroup
Vice Chairman
Petros Sabatacakis...........................    Senior Risk Officer
Senior Risk Officer                              Citigroup
Todd S. Thomson..............................    Chief Executive Officer, Citibank Private
                                                 Bank
Chief Executive Officer, Citibank Private        Citigroup
  Bank
Thomas Trainer...............................    Chief Information Officer
Chief Information Officer                        Citigroup
Marc P. Weill................................    Chief Executive of Citigroup Investments,
                                                 Inc.
Citigroup Investments, Inc.
Robert B. Willumstad.........................    Head of Global Consumer Lending
Global Consumer Lending                          Citigroup
Barbara A. Yastine...........................    Chief Auditor
Chief Auditor                                    Citigroup
</TABLE>

     Set forth below is a description of the business experience of Citigroup's
directors and executive officers during at least the last five years. Such
person's business experience is not described below if such person has been
employed in the position listed above or in other executive or management
positions within Citigroup for at least five years.

                                       66
<PAGE>   76

     C. MICHAEL ARMSTRONG has served as a director of Citigroup or its
predecessor since 1993. Mr. Armstrong has served as Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer for AT&T Corp since 1997. Mr. Armstrong served as Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer for Hughes Electronic Corporation from 1992 to 1997. Mr.
Armstrong serves as a director for Thyssen-Bornemisza Group (Supervisory Board).

     ALAIN J.P. BELDA has served as a director of Citigroup (or its predecessor)
since 1997. Mr. Belda has served as Chief Executive Officer for Alcoa Inc. since
1999 and he has served as President since 1997. Mr. Belda also served as Chief
Operating Officer for Alcoa from 1997 to 1999, as Vice Chairman from 1995 to
1997, and as Executive Vice President from 1994 to 1995. Mr. Belda also serves
as a director for Cooper Industries, Inc. and E.I. du Pont de Nemours and
Company.

     KENNETH J. BIALKIN has served as a director of Citigroup (or its
predecessor) since 1986. Mr. Bialkin is a partner with the law firm of Skadden,
Arps, Slate Meagher & Flom LLP since 1988. Mr. Bialkin serves as a director for
Travelers Property Casualty Corp. (TAP), an approximately 85% owned subsidiary
of Citigroup, The Municipal Assistance Corporation for the City of New York,
Tecnomatix Technologies Ltd. and Sapiens International Corporation N.V.

     KENNETH T. DERR has served as a director of Citigroup (or its predecessor)
since 1987. Mr. Derr served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Chevron
Corporation from 1989 until his retirement in 1999. Mr. Derr serves as a
director for AT&T Corp. and Potlatch Corporation.

     JOHN M. DEUTCH has served as a director of Citigroup (or its predecessor)
since 1996, and previously served as a director of Citigroup (or its
predecessor) from 1987 to 1993. Mr. Deutch has served as an Institute Professor
at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology since 1990. Mr. Deutch served as
Director of Central Intelligence Agency for the United States from 1995 to 1996.
Mr. Deutch currently serves as a director for Ariad Pharmaceuticals, Inc., CMS
Energy, Cummins Engine Company, Inc., Raytheon Company and Schlumberger, Ltd.

     ANN DIBBLE JORDAN has served as a director of Citigroup (or predecessor)
since 1989. Ms. Jordan serves as a director for Johnson & Johnson Corporation
and Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

     REUBEN MARK has served as a director of Citigroup (or its predecessor)
since 1996. Mr. Mark has served as Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive
Officer, Colgate-Palmolive Company since 1996. Mr. Mark serves as a director for
Pearson plc and Time Warner Inc.

     MICHAEL T. MASIN has served as a director of Citigroup (or its predecessor)
since 1997. Mr. Masin has been named as Designated President and Vice Chairman
of Company to be formed by merger of GTE Corporation and Bell Atlantic. Mr.
Masin has served as President -- International, for GTE Corporation since 1995,
and as Vice-Chairman since 1993. Mr. Masin serves as a director for Compania
Nacional Telefonos de Venezuela, BCT Telus Communications, Inc., and Puerto
Rican Telephone Company.

     DUDLEY C. MECUM has served as a director of Citigroup (or its predecessor)
since 1986. Mr. Mecum has served as Managing Director for Capricorn Holdings,
LLC since 1997. Mr. Mecum was a partner with G.L. Ohrstrom & Co. from 1989 to
1996. Mr. Mecum serves as a director to TAP, Dyncorp, Lyondell Companies, Inc.,
Suburban Propane Partners, MLP and CCC Information Services, Inc.

     RICHARD D. PARSONS has served as a director of Citigroup (or its
predecessor) since 1996. Mr. Parsons has served as a director for Time Warner
Inc. since 1991, and as President since 1995. Mr. Parsons serves as a director
to Estee Lauder Companies Inc. and Philip Morris Companies Inc.

     ANDRALL E. PEARSON has served as director of Citigroup (or its predecessor)
since 1986. Mr. Pearson has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for
Tricon Global Restaurants, Inc. since 1997. Mr. Pearson served as Operating
Partner for Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, Inc. from 1993 to 1997. Mr. Pearson serves
as a director to DBT-OnLine, Inc.

     ROBERT E. RUBIN has served as a director and as Member of the Office of the
Chairman of the Executive Committee of Citigroup (or its predecessor) since
October 1999. Mr. Rubin served as Secretary of the Treasury of the United States
from 1995 to 1999. Mr. Rubin serves as a director to Ford Motor Company.

                                       67
<PAGE>   77

     FRANKLIN A. THOMAS has served as a director of Citigroup (or its
predecessor) since 1970. Mr. Thomas served as President of The Ford Foundation
from 1979 to 1996. Mr. Thomas serves as a director to Alcoa, Inc., Cummins
Engine Company, Inc., Lucent Technologies, Inc., PepsiCo., Inc. and CONOCO Inc.

     SANFORD I. WEILL has served as a director of Citigroup (or its predecessor)
since 1986. Mr. Weill has served as Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of
Citigroup Inc. since 1998. Mr. Weill served as Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer for Travelers Group from 1986 to 1998. Mr. Weill currently
serves as a director to TAP, AT&T Corp., E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company and
United Technologies Corp. Foundation (Chairman) and United States Treasury
Department's Working Group on Child Care (member).

     EDGAR S. WOOLARD, JR. has served as a director of Citigroup (or its
predecessor) since 1987. Mr. Woolard served as Chairman of E.I. du Pont de
Nemours & Company from 1995 to 1997. Mr. Woolard serves as a director for Apple
Computer, Inc.

     ARTHUR ZANKEL has served as a director of Citigroup (or its predecessor)
since 1986. Mr. Zankel has served as a General Partner with Zankel Capital
Advisors, LLC since 2000. Mr. Zankel served as a General Partner with First
Manhattan Co. from 1965 to 1999, and as Co-Managing Partner with First Manhattan
Co. from 1980 to 1997. Mr. Zankel serves as a director to TAP, Vicorp
Restaurants, Inc. and White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd.

     THE HONORABLE GERALD R. FORD, Former President of the United States, has
served as a director or Honorary Director of Citigroup (or its predecessor)
since 1986. The Hon. Gerald R. Ford is an honorary director and as such is
appointed by the Board and does not stand for election. Mr. Ford serves as a
director to the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., as an Advisory
Director to Chase Bank of Texas, and as Advisor to the Board of the American
Express Company.

     WINFRIED F.W. BISCHOFF has served as Chairman Citigroup Europe and a member
of the Citigroup Management Committee since April 2000. Prior to the acquisition
of the investment banking business of Schroders plc by Salomon Smith Barney, he
was the Chairman of Schroders. He is also Deputy Chairman of Cable and Wireless
plc where he has been a Non-Executive Director since February 1991 and a
Non-Executive Director of The McGraw-Hill Companies, New York and of Land
Securities plc since October 1999.

     MICHAEL A. CARPENTER has served as Co-Chief Executive--Global Corporate and
Investment Bank since November 1998. He is also Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer and a Director of each of Salomon Smith Barney Inc. and
Salomon Smith Barney Holdings Inc., wholly owned subsidiaries of Citigroup.
Previously, from January 1989 to June 1994 he was Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Kidder, Peabody Group, Inc., and from
1986 to 1989, he was Executive Vice President of GE Capital Corporation.

     PAUL J. COLLINS has served as Vice Chairman of Citigroup. He joined
Citicorp in 1961. Mr. Collins is also a Director of each of Citicorp and
Citibank, N.A. since 1985. He is also a Director of Kimberly-Clark Corporation
and Nokia Corporation; a Trustee of Carnegie Hall, the Central Park Conservancy
and the Glyndebourne Arts Trust.

     MICHAEL D'AMBROSE joined Citigroup in 1997, and was in charge of Executive
Resources of Citibank until September 1999. Prior to that time, he served as
Chief Operating Officer of Westwood One, Inc. and President and Chief Executive
Officer of Shadow Broadcast Services.

     JAY S. FISHMAN has served as Chairman of the Board of Travelers Property
Casualty Corp. since March 2000 and Chief Executive Officer and President of
Travelers Property Casualty Corp. since 1998. He was Chief Executive Officer and
President, Commercial Lines in 1998 and its Chief Operating Officer, Consumer
Lines from 1996 to 1998. Since joining Travelers Group in 1989, he has held
various positions including, Vice Chairman and Chief Administrative Officer of
the Company from 1996 to 1998.

     MICHAEL B.G. FROMAN serves as Chief of Staff and Director, Strategic
Development. Previously he was a Senior Fellow at the Council of Foreign
Relations and a Resident Fellow at the German Marshall Fund. He
                                       68
<PAGE>   78

served as Chief of Staff of the Department of Treasury between January 1997 and
July 1999 and Treasury Deputy Assistant Secretary of Eurasia and the Middle East
from December 1995 to December 1996.

     EDWARD D. HOROWITZ joined Citigroup in January 1997 and, prior to that
time, was a Senior Vice President -- Technology at Viacom, Inc. and Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of Viacom Interactive Media.

     THOMAS W. JONES joined Citigroup in August 1997 and, prior to that time, he
was Vice Chairman, President, Chief Operating Officer, and a director of the
Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association -- College Retirement Equities Fund.

     ROBERT I. LIPP serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer -- Global
Consumer Business. From 1976 to 2000 he was Chairman of the Board of TAP and
from 1996 to 1998 he was Chief Executive Officer of Travelers Property Casualty
Corp. From October 1998 to April 1999, he was Co-Chairman -- Global Consumer
Business of Citigroup. He is a Director of Citicorp and Citibank, N.A. Prior to
joining Citigroup, Mr. Lipp spent 23 years with Chemical New York Corporation.
He is President of the New York City Ballet; a director of the Wadsworth
Atheneum a Trustee of Williams College; and Chairman of Dance-On Inc.

     MARJORIE MAGNER serves as Head of Citibanking and Primerica. Previously,
she was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CitiFinancial, a consumer
finance subsidiary of Citigroup, where she has been employed in executive or
management positions for more than the past five years. Prior to joining
Citigroup, Ms. Magner spent 10 years with Chemical Bank in various positions
including the post of Managing Director of Chemical Technologies Corporation.

     DERYCK C. MAUGHAN serves as Vice Chairman. He is a Director of Salomon
Smith Barney Holdings Inc. and Salomon Smith Barney Inc. and a Managing Director
of Salomon Smith Barney Inc. He has been employed in such position or other
executive or management positions with Citigroup since November 1997. He was,
until, the consummation of the merger with Salomon Inc in November 1997,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Salomon Brothers Inc and an Executive
Vice President of Salomon Inc. He is a member of the Group of Thirty and the
Trilateral Commission, serves on the International Advisory Board of the British
American Business Council and is Trustee of the Japan Society. Mr. Maughan is a
citizen of the United Kingdom.

     VICTOR J. MENEZES serves as Co-Chief Executive -- Global Corporate and
Investment Bank. He has been President of Citibank, N.A. since June 1998. Mr.
Menezes is a Director of Citicorp and Citibank, N.A. He is a Trustee of the Asia
Society and a member of the U.S. Advisory Board of INSEAD.

     CHARLES O. PRINCE, III serves as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary.
He joined Commercial Credit Company (a predecessor company to Citigroup) in
1979, was promoted to Senior Vice President and General Counsel in 1983 and was
named Executive Vice President in 1996.

     WILLIAM R. RHODES serves as Vice Chairman. He is also a Vice Chairman of
Citicorp and Citibank, N.A. Mr. Rhodes joined Citibank, N.A. in 1957. He is a
Governor and Trustee of The New York and Presbyterian Hospital and a Director of
the New York City Partnership and Chamber of Commerce.

     PETROS SABATACAKIS joined Citigroup in August 1999 and prior to that time,
was Senior Vice President -- Financial Services for American International
Group. Previously, he was senior risk manager and head of Global Treasury and
Capital Markets at Chemical Bank.

     TODD S. THOMSON joined Citigroup in July 1998 and, prior to that time, was
Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and Business Development for GE
Capital Services. Previously, Mr. Thomson held management positions at Barents
Group LLC and Bain and Company.

     LOUIS B. SUSMAN is Vice Chairman of Investment Banking and Managing
Director of Salomon Smith Barney. He is also a member of the Investment Banking
Managing Committee, with responsibility for all of Salomon's investment banking
offices outside of New York City. Prior to joining Salomon Brothers Inc. (one of
the predecessors of Salomon Smith Barney) in June 1989, Mr. Susman was a senior
partner at the St. Louis-based law firm of Thompson & Mitchell. Mr. Susman is a
director of Drury Inns and has previously

                                       69
<PAGE>   79

served on the boards of the St. Louis National Baseball Club, Inc., Silver
Eagle, Inc., Hasco International, PennCrop Financial, Avery, Inc. and other
publicly-held corporations.

     THOMAS TRAINER has served as Chief Information Officer since 1999.
Previously Mr. Trainer served as Vice President and Chief Information Officer,
and Operations Committee member at Eli Lilly and Company.

     MARC P. WEILL serves as Chief Executive of Citigroup Investments, Inc. He
is Chief Investment Officer of The Travelers Insurance Company. He also serves
as Chairman of the Board of Travelers Asset Management International
Corporation, a registered investment advisor, and serves as an officer and/or
director of various other subsidiaries of Citigroup. Mr. Weill has held various
other positions with Citigroup and its subsidiaries since January 1991. He is a
board member and sponsor of The Fresh Air Fund as well as the Connecticut
Special Olympics.

     ROBERT B. WILLUMSTAD serves as Head of Global Consumer Lending. He is also
Chairman of CitiFinancial Credit Company. Mr. Willumstad has been employed in
executive or management positions with Citigroup for more than the past five
years. Prior to joining Citigroup, Mr. Willumstad spent 20 years with Chemical
Bank in various positions including the post of President of Chemical
Technologies Corporation.

     BARBARA A. YASTINE serves as Chief Auditor. Previously, she was the Chief
Administrative Officer of the Global Consumer Group of Citigroup. She has also
served as Executive Vice President, Finance and Insurance of CitiFinancial, a
consumer finance subsidiary of Citigroup, and has been employed in executive or
management positions with Citigroup (or its predecessors) since 1987.

RICARDO POMA

     Ricardo Poma has served as a director of U.S. Can since 1983. Mr. Poma has
been the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Grupo Poma, a family holding
company involved in automobile distribution, hotels, real estate development and
manufacturing, since June 1979 and held various other executive positions with
Grupo Poma from 1971 to 1996. Mr. Poma has been an honorary director of the
International Bank of Miami, Inc. 2121, S.W. 3rd Avenue, Miami, Florida 33129,
since 1984; a director and President of Fundacion Para La Salud Y Educacion
(Fusal) (El Salvador) since 1996, and President of the Escuela Superior de
Economia Y Negocios/El Salvador (El Salvador) (Esen) since 1995. Mr. Poma is a
citizen of El Salvador. The principal business address of Mr. Poma is Blvd.
Constitucion #169, Colonia Escalon, San Salvador, El Salvador and the business
telephone number for Mr. Poma is 011-503-211-2242.

     Mr. Poma beneficially owns 920,133 shares of U.S. Can common stock as a
result of his relationship to Salcorp Ltd., Katsura, S.A., Scarsdale Company
N.V., Inc. and Barcel Corporation. Salcorp is the record holder of 340,000 of
these shares and Katsura is the record holder of 60,000 of these shares. Mr.
Poma is the sole stockholder of both Salcorp and Katsura. Scarsdale owns 2,133
of these shares. The remaining 518,000 shares are owned by Barcel Corporation.
Barcel is wholly owned by United Capital Corporation, which is wholly owned by
Inversal Trust, a family trust of which Mr. Poma is also the trustee.

SALCORP LTD.

     Salcorp is a holding company owned by Mr. Poma which holds real estate and
various other investments. Salcorp is a company organized in the British Virgin
Islands whose principal business address is Palm Chambers #3, P.O. Box 3152,
Roadtown Tortola, British Virgin Islands and business telephone number is (284)
494-4693. Mr. Poma is the sole director and executive officer of Salcorp.

KATSURA, S.A.

     Katsura is a holding company owned by Mr. Poma which holds various
financial investments for Mr. Poma. Katsura is a company organized in Panama
whose principal business address is Edificio Banco de Boston - 8th Floor,
Panama, Republic of Panama and business telephone number is 011-507-263-2677.

                                       70
<PAGE>   80

     The following persons are executive officers and directors of Katsura:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS                       POSITION IN KATSURA
                 -------------------------                       -------------------
<S>                                                             <C>
Ricardo Poma................................................    Director and President
  Calle La Mascota 221
  San Salvador, El Salvador
L. Eduardo Poma.............................................    Director and Treasurer
  Poma Hnos.
  Blvd. Constitucion #169
  Col. Escalon, San Salvador, El Salvador
Rodolfo Pita................................................    Director and Secretary
  c/o Transal Corporation
  2121 S.W. 3rd Avenue
  Suite 800
  Miami, Florida 33129
M. Ernesto Poma.............................................    Director
  c/o Transal Corporation
  2121 S.W. 3rd Avenue
  Suite 800
  Miami, Florida 33129
</TABLE>

     Except for Ricardo Poma, who is described above, the following table sets
forth a description of the present occupation of the executive officers and
directors of Katsura and such person's business experience during at least the
last five years.

     L. EDUARDO POMA has served as director and officer of Katsura since 1993.
Mr. Eduardo Poma has also served as the president of the automotive division of
Grupo Poma since 1996 and has been employed by Grupo Poma since 1980. Mr.
Eduardo Poma is a United States citizen.

     RODOLFO PITA has served as director and secretary of Katsura since 1993.
Mr. Pita also has served as Chief Financial Officer of Transal Corporation since
1984. Mr. Pita is a United States citizen.

     M. ERNESTO POMA has served as a director of Katsura since 1993. Ernesto
Poma has served as the President of Transal Corporation since 1996. Mr. Ernesto
Poma has been employed by Transal Corporation since 1991, in various positions
including real estate management. Mr. Ernesto Poma is a citizen of El Salvador.

BARCEL CORPORATION

     Barcel Corporation is a holding company organized by the Poma family in the
British Virgin Islands which holds a variety of financial investments. The
principal business address of Barcel Corporation is King and George Streets,
Nassau, Bahamas and the business telephone number is (242) 322-8711.

     The directors of Barcel Corporation are LloydTru Limited, a corporation
organized in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, and Equus Limited, a corporation
organized in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. LloydTru's principal business
address is Bolam House, King and George Streets, Nassau, Bahamas and the
business telephone number is (242) 322-8716. Equus' principal business address
is Bolam House, King and George Streets, Nassau, Bahamas and the business
telephone number is (242) 322-8716.

     LloydTru and Equus do not have officers and directors. Certain authorized
employees of Lloyds TSB Bank & Trust (Bahamas) Limited may bind the
corporations.

                                       71
<PAGE>   81

SCARSDALE COMPANY N.V., INC.

     Scarsdale is a holding company organized in the Bahamas. Scarsdale's
principal business address is Calle La Mascota 221, San Salvador, El Salvador,
and business telephone number is (503) 224-4206. Ricardo Poma and Francisco A.
Soler are the directors and executive officers of Scarsdale.

FRANCISCO A. SOLER

     Francisco A. Soler has served as a director of U.S. Can since 1983. Mr.
Soler is Chairman of International Bancorp of Miami, N.A., and has held this
position since 1985. Mr. Soler is also President of Harbour Club Milano Spa and
a Director of various industrial and commercial companies in the United Kingdom
and El Salvador. Mr. Soler is a citizen of El Salvador. The principal business
address of Mr. Soler is (503) 224-4206. Calle La Mascota 221, San Salvador, El
Salvador. The business telephone number for Mr. Soler is (503) 224-4206.

     Mr. Soler beneficially owns 469,233 shares of U.S. Can common stock through
Windsor International Corporation, Atlas World Carriers S.A., The World
Financial Corporation S.A. and Scarsdale corporations affiliated or associated
with Mr. Soler or certain of Mr. Soler's relatives. Windsor, Atlas, World
Financial and Scarsdale hold 226,100, 123,000, 118,000 and 2,133 of these shares
of U.S. Can common stock, respectively.

WINDSOR INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

     Windsor is a holding company organized by Mr. Soler in the British Virgin
Islands which holds a variety of financial investments. The principal business
address for Windsor is Lake Building, Wickhams Cay, P.O. Box 3174, Road Town,
Tortola, British Virgin Islands and its business telephone number is (284)
494-4694.

     The executive officers and directors of Windsor are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS                      POSITION WITH WINDSOR
                 -------------------------                      ---------------------
<S>                                                             <C>
Francisco A. Soler..........................................    Director and President
Ricardo Poma................................................    Director and Treasurer
Evelyne M. Soler............................................    Director and Secretary
40 Chelsea Park Gardens
London, SW3 6AB, England
</TABLE>

     EVELYNE M. SOLER the spouse of Mr. Soler, has been a director and the
secretary of Windsor since 1983. Since 1995, Ms. Soler's principal occupation
has been as a self-employed antique dealer. Ms. Soler is a citizen of France.

ATLAS WORLD CARRIERS S.A.

     Atlas is a holding company organized by Mr. Soler which holds a variety of
his financial investments. Atlas is a company organized in Panama whose
principal business address is Calle La Mascota 221, San Salvador, El Salvador
and business telephone number is (503) 224-4206.

                                       72
<PAGE>   82

     The following persons are executive officers and directors of Atlas:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS                        POSITION IN ATLAS
                 -------------------------                        -----------------
<S>                                                             <C>
Francisco A. Soler..........................................    Director and President
Ana Vilma de Soler..........................................    Director and Secretary
  Calle La Mascota 221
  San Salvador, El Salvador
Miguel A. Duenas............................................    Director and Treasurer
  Calle La Mascota 221
  San Salvador, El Salvador
</TABLE>

     ANA VILMA DE SOLER has been a director and secretary of Atlas since 1989.
Ms. Soler has served as Consul of El Salvador at 46 Park Avenue, New York, New
York 10016 and as a director of La Fabril de Aceites, S.A. at Calle La Mascota
221, San Salvador, El Salvador since 1995. Ms. Soler is a citizen of the
Republic of El Salvador.

     MIGUEL A. DUENAS has been a director and treasurer since 1989. Mr. Duenas'
has been a self-employed private investor since 1995. Mr. Duenas is a citizen of
the Republic of El Salvador.

THE WORLD FINANCIAL CORPORATION S.A.

     The World Financial Corporation is a holding company which holds various
financial investments for Mr. Soler. The World Financial Corporation is a
company organized in Panama whose principal business address is Calle La Mascota
221, San Salvador, El Salvador and business telephone number is (503) 224-4206.

     The following persons are executive officers and directors of World
Financial:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS                        POSITION IN ATLAS
                 -------------------------                        -----------------
<S>                                                             <C>
Francisco A. Soler..........................................    Director and President
Rafael Angel Aguilar........................................    Director and Treasurer
c/o Simpson, Thatcher & Bartlett
425 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Mercedes Leitzelar..........................................    Director and Secretary
Calle La Mascota 221,
San Salvador, El Salvador
</TABLE>

     Except for Mr. Soler, who is described above, the following is a
description of the present occupation of the executive officers and directors of
World Financial and such person's business experience during at least the last
five years.

     RAFAEL ANGEL AGUILAR has served as director and treasurer since 1997. Mr.
Aguilar has been a lawyer with the firm of Simpson, Thatcher & Bartlett, New
York, New York since May 1998. Mr. Aguilar was a lawyer with Skadden, Arps,
Slate, Meagher & Flom, 4 Times Square, New York, NY 10036-6522 from June 1996 to
May 1998. Prior to that time, Mr. Aguilar was a law student at New York
University Law School from September 1992 to May 1996. Mr. Auguilar is a citizen
of the Republic of El Salvador.

     MERCEDES LEITZELAR has served as a director and secretary officer since
1997. Mercedes Leitzelar is a citizen of the Republic of El Salvador and has
been a retired business executive since 1995.

PAUL W. JONES

     Paul W. Jones joined U.S. Can as President and Chief Executive Officer
April 1998, and was elected Chairman of the Board in July 1998. From 1989 to
1998, Mr. Jones was the President of Greenfield Industries, Inc., an
international cutting tool manufacturer. Prior to joining Greenfield, Mr. Jones
was with

                                       73
<PAGE>   83

General Electric for 19 years, holding many positions. From 1988 to 1989, he
served as General Manager -- Manufacturing for GE Transportation Systems. Prior
to that time, Mr. Jones was the General Manager of GE Drives, Motor and
Generator Operations. Mr. Jones is a member of the Board of Directors of Federal
Signal Corporation and Regal-Beloit Corporation. Mr. Jones is a citizen of the
United States. The principal business address of Mr. Jones is c/o U.S. Can
Corporation, 900 Commerce Drive, Oak Brook, Illinois, 60523 and his business
telephone number is (630)571-2500.

     Mr. Jones owns 32,000 shares of U.S. Can common stock and 346,667 shares
subject to options vested and exercisable within 60 days.

     None of the persons or entities discussed above was, during the past five
years, convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or
similar misdemeanors) or was, during the past five years, a party to a civil
proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction and as
a result of such proceeding was or is subject to a judgment, decree or final
order enjoining further violations of, or prohibiting activities subject to,
federal or state securities laws or finding any violation of such laws.

                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

U.S. CAN STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

     U.S. Can will hold its 2001 annual meeting of U.S. Can stockholders only if
the recapitalization is not consummated. In the event that the 2001 annual
meeting is held, stockholders wishing to submit a proposal to be considered for
inclusion in the proxy material for U.S. Can's 2001 annual meeting must send it
to the Office of the Corporate Secretary, U.S. Can Company, 900 Commerce Drive,
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523. Under the rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, proposals must be received by U.S. Can on or before November 28,
2000 to be eligible for inclusion in U.S. Can's annual meeting proxy statement,
and must comply with all applicable regulations.

     Under U.S. Can's by-laws, notices of other stockholder proposals for
director nominations or other business at U.S. Can's 2001 annual meeting must be
delivered to the Office of the Corporate Secretary at the address noted above
between January 27, 2001 and February 26, 2001. The notice must set forth the
following information:

     - As to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election
       or reelection as a director all information relating to such person that
       is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of
       directors under Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and
       Rule 14a-11, including such nominated person's written consent to being
       named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if
       elected;

     - As to any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring before
       the meeting, a brief description of the business desired to be brought
       before the meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at the
       meeting and any material interest in such business of such stockholder
       and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made;
       and

     - As to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any,
       on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made;

      -- the name and address of such stockholder and such beneficial owner; and

      -- the class and number of shares of U.S. Can which are owned beneficially
         and of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner.

INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

     The U.S. Can consolidated financial statements and financial statement
schedule incorporated by reference in this proxy statement from U.S. Can's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 have been
audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated

                                       74
<PAGE>   84

in their reports with respect thereto, and are incorporated by reference herein
in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and
auditing in giving said reports. Representatives of Arthur Andersen expect to be
present at the special stockholders meeting and while such representatives have
stated that they do not plan to make a statement at the meeting, they will be
available to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders in attendance.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     U.S. Can files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
You may read and copy that information at the following locations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission:

<TABLE>
<S>                              <C>                              <C>
Public Reference Room            New York Regional Office         Chicago Regional Office
450 Fifth Street, N.W.           7 World Trade Center             Citicorp Center
Room 1024                        Suite 1300                       500 West Madison Street
Washington, D.C. 20549           New York, New York 10048         Suite 1400
1-800-SEC-0330                                                    Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511
</TABLE>

     You may also obtain copies of this information by mail from the Public
Reference Section of the Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street,
N.W., Room 1024, Washington D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates.

     The Securities and Exchange Commission also maintains an Internet world
wide web site that contains reports, proxy statements and other information
about issuers, including U.S. Can, that file electronically with the Securities
and Exchange Commission. The address of that site is http://www.sec.gov.

     You can also inspect reports, proxy statements and other information about
U.S. Can at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New
York, New York, 10005.

     The Securities and Exchange Commission allows U.S. Can to "incorporate by
reference" information into this proxy statement. This means that we can
disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed
separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The information
incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this proxy statement,
except for any information that is superseded by information that is included
directly in this document.

     This proxy statement incorporates by reference the documents listed below
that U.S. Can has previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The documents contain important information about U.S. Can and its financial
condition. Because there is no safe harbor for forward-looking statements under
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 in connection with a going
private transaction such as the proposed recapitalization, the documents
incorporated by reference herein are incorporated exclusive of the language
claiming the safe harbor.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         U.S. CAN'S FILINGS WITH THE COMMISSION                             PERIOD
         --------------------------------------                             ------
<S>                                                         <C>
Annual Report on Form 10-K..............................    Year ended December 31, 1999
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q..........................    Quarterly period ended April 2, 2000
Current Reports on Form 8-K.............................    Filed on June 15, 2000, March 2, 2000,
                                                            January 13, 2000
</TABLE>

     The description of U.S. Can's capital stock set forth in U.S. Can's
registration statement on Form 8-A (file no. 0-21314) filed with the SEC on
March 8, 1993, including any amendment or report filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission for the purpose of updating such description is incorporated
herein by reference.

     U.S. Can incorporates by reference additional documents that we may file
with the Securities and Exchange Commission between the date of this proxy
statement and the date of the U.S. Can stockholders' meeting. Those documents
include periodic reports, such as Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports
on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as proxy statements.

                                       75
<PAGE>   85

     U.S. Can has supplied all information contained or incorporated by
reference in this proxy statement relating to U.S. Can, Pac has supplied all
such information relating to Pac, Berkshire Partners has supplied all such
information relating to Berkshire Partners and Salomon Smith Barney has supplied
all such information relating to Salomon Smith Barney.

     You can obtain any of the documents incorporated by reference in this
document through U.S. Can or from the Securities and Exchange Commission's web
site at the address described above. Documents incorporated by reference are
available from the companies without charge, excluding any exhibits to those
documents unless the exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference as an
exhibit in this proxy statement. You can obtain documents incorporated by
reference in this proxy statement by requesting them in writing or by telephone
from U.S. Can at the following address and telephone number:

                                 Steven K. Sims
                              Corporate Secretary
                              U.S. Can Corporation
                               900 Commerce Drive
                           Oak Brook, Illinois 60523
                            Telephone: 630-571-2500

     If you would like to request documents, please do so by, [T-5 BUSINESS
DAYS], 2000, to receive them before the meeting. Please be sure to include your
complete name and address in your request. If you request any incorporated
documents, we will mail them to you by first class mail, or another equally
prompt means, within one business day after we receive your request.

     U.S. Can has not authorized anyone to give any information or make any
representation about the recapitalization or U.S. Can that is different from, or
in addition to, that contained in this proxy statement or in any of the
materials that we have incorporated into this document. Therefore, if anyone
does give you information of this sort, you should not rely on it. If you are in
a jurisdiction where offers to exchange or sell, or solicitations of offers to
exchange or purchase, the securities offered by this document or the
solicitation of proxies is unlawful, or if you are a person to whom it is
unlawful to direct these types of activities, then the offer presented in this
document does not extend to you. The information contained in this document
speaks only as of the date of this document unless the information specifically
indicates that another date applies.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     This proxy statement, including information included or incorporated by
reference in this document, contains certain forward-looking statements with
respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives,
future performance and business of U.S. Can, as well as certain information
relating to the recapitalization, including, without limitation, statements
preceded by, followed by or that include the words "believes," "expects,"
"anticipates," "estimates" or similar expressions. Those forward-looking
statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ
materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements due to,
among others, the following known risks and uncertainties:

     - the timing and cost of plant closures;

     - the level of cost reduction achieved through restructuring;

     - failure to achieve success with new technology;

     - the timing of, and synergies achieved through, integration of
       acquisitions;

     - changes in market conditions or product demand;

     - loss of important customers;

     - fluctuations in raw material costs; and

     - currency exchange risk.

     There is no safe harbor for forward-looking statements under the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 in connection with a going-private
transaction such as the recapitalization. As a result, the reports which are
incorporated by reference herein are incorporated exclusive of the language
claiming the safe harbor.

                                       76
<PAGE>   86

                  PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     The following unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements have
been prepared by applying certain pro forma adjustments resulting from the
leveraged recapitalization and the acquisition of May Verpackungen GmbH & Co. KG
on December 30, 1999 to the historical financial statements of U.S. Can. The
transaction has been reflected as a leveraged recapitalization. The pro forma
consolidated balance sheet as of April 2, 2000, has been prepared by adjusting
the historical balance sheet of U.S. Can (which includes the impact of the
acquisition of May Verpackungen) for the effect to the recapitalization, as if
the recapitalization occurred as of that date. The pro forma consolidated
statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 1999 and for the
quarterly period ended April 2, 2000 give effect to the acquisition of May
Verpackungen and the recapitalization as if each occurred on January 1, 1999.
The pro forma consolidated statements of operations exclude non-recurring items
directly attributable to the recapitalization.

     The pro forma consolidated financial statements are presented for
informational purposes only and have been derived from, and should be read in
conjunction with, the historical consolidated financial statements of U.S. Can,
including the notes thereto incorporated by reference herein. They are not
necessarily indicative of the financial position or results of operations that
would have occurred had the recapitalization taken place on the dates indicated,
nor are they necessarily indicative of future financial position or results of
operations.

                                       F-1
<PAGE>   87

                              U.S. CAN CORPORATION
                 PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                     (000'S OMITTED, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  TOTAL
                                                                  MAY            PROFORMA             AS
                                                 U.S. CAN    HISTORICAL(A)    ADJUSTMENTS(I)       ADJUSTED
                                                 --------    -------------    --------------       --------
<S>                                              <C>         <C>              <C>                  <C>
Net Sales....................................    $714,115      $146,722          $     --          $860,837
Cost of Sales................................     611,629       129,403            (4,427)(b)       736,605
                                                 --------      --------          --------          --------
Gross Income.................................     102,486        17,319             4,427           124,232
Selling, General and Administrative
  Expenses...................................      33,783        11,281                 6(c)         45,070
                                                 --------      --------          --------          --------
Operating Income.............................      68,703         6,038             4,421            79,162
Interest Expense.............................      28,726           931            20,637(d)         50,294
Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs.....       1,175            --             2,641(e)          3,816
Other Expenses...............................       1,728           308               782(f)          2,818
                                                 --------      --------          --------          --------
Income before Income Taxes...................      37,074         4,799           (19,639)           22,234
Income Tax Expense...........................      14,622           633            (6,603)(g)         8,652
                                                 --------      --------          --------          --------
Income from Continuing Operations Before
  Extraordinary Items........................      22,452         4,166           (13,036)           13,582
Extraordinary Item...........................      (1,296)           --                --            (1,296)
                                                 --------      --------          --------          --------
Net Income before Preferred Dividends........      21,156         4,166           (13,036)           12,286
Preferred Stock Dividends....................          --            --            11,140(h)         11,140
                                                 --------      --------          --------          --------
Net Income (Loss) Available for Common
  Stockholders...............................    $ 21,156      $  4,166          $(24,176)         $  1,146
                                                 ========      ========          ========          ========
Net Income per Common Share from Continuing
  Operations Before Extraordinary Items
     Basic...................................    $   1.67                                          $   0.02
     Diluted.................................        1.65                                              0.02
Net Income (Loss) per Common Share
     Basic...................................    $   1.57                                          $   0.02
     Diluted.................................        1.56                                              0.02
Weighted Average Shares
     Basic...................................      13,442                                            55,700
     Diluted.................................      13,593                                            55,700
</TABLE>

          See Notes to Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of Operations

                                       F-2
<PAGE>   88

                              U.S. CAN CORPORATION
                 PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                  FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED APRIL 2, 2000
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                     (000'S OMITTED, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                U.S. CAN      PRO FORMA           AS
                                                               HISTORICAL    ADJUSTMENTS       ADJUSTED
                                                               ----------    -----------       --------
<S>                                                            <C>           <C>               <C>
Net Sales..................................................     $207,674      $     --         $207,674
Cost of Sales..............................................      178,211            --          178,211
                                                                --------      --------         --------
Gross Income...............................................       29,463            --           29,463
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses...............       11,277            80(c)        11,357
                                                                --------      --------         --------
Operating Income...........................................       18,186           (80)          18,106
Interest Expense...........................................        8,001         4,542(d)        12,543
Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs...................          393            35(e)           428
Other Expenses.............................................          664            --              664
                                                                --------      --------         --------
Income before Income Taxes.................................        9,128        (4,657)           4,471
Income Tax Expense.........................................        3,491        (1,770)(g)        1,721
                                                                --------      --------         --------
Net Income before Preferred Dividends......................        5,637        (2,887)           2,750
Preferred Stock Dividends..................................           --         3,064(h)         3,064
                                                                --------      --------         --------
Net Income (Loss) Available for Common Stockholders........     $  5,637      $ (5,951)        $   (314)
                                                                ========      ========         ========
Net Income per Common Share from Continuing Operations
  Before Extraordinary Items
     Basic.................................................     $   0.42                       $  (0.01)
     Diluted (applicable to income periods only)...........         0.41
Net Income (Loss) per Common Share
     Basic.................................................     $   0.42                       $  (0.01)
     Diluted (applicable to income periods only)...........         0.41
Weighted Average Shares
     Basic.................................................       13,564                         55,700
     Diluted (applicable to income periods only)...........       13,621
</TABLE>

          See Notes to Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of Operations

                                       F-3
<PAGE>   89

                              U.S. CAN CORPORATION
            NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                      DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND APRIL 2, 2000
                                  (UNAUDITED)

(a) Represents the historical earnings for May Verpackungen GmbH & Co., KG
    ("May"), which was acquired on December 30, 1999 in a transaction accounted
    for as a purchase.

(b) Represents the benefit of contractual arrangements entered into as a result
    of the acquisition of May and a $2,427,000 depreciation expense benefit
    related to the lengthening of depreciable lives, net of increased
    depreciation expense due to the write-up of property and equipment acquired
    in the May acquisition to fair value. The contractual arrangement benefit
    applicable to the first quarter of 2000 was realized and is included in the
    historical results. The lengthened depreciable lives are in accordance with
    U.S. Can's accounting policies relating to depreciable lives.

(c) The pro forma adjustment relating to Selling, General and Administrative
    expense is as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   DESCRIPTION                        DECEMBER 31, 1999    APRIL 2, 2000
                   -----------                        -----------------    -------------
<S>                                                   <C>                  <C>
May historical expenses related to sale of the
  company.........................................          $(684)             $  --
Amortization of unearned restricted stock, which
  became 100% vested as a result of the
  transaction.....................................            (60)              (108)
New management fee payable to Berkshire
  Partners........................................            750                188
                                                            -----              -----
Pro Forma Adjustment..............................          $   6              $  80
                                                            =====              =====
</TABLE>

(d) The pro forma adjustment relating to Interest expense is as follows (in
    thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   DESCRIPTION                        DECEMBER 31, 1999    APRIL 2, 2000
                   -----------                        -----------------    -------------
<S>                                                   <C>                  <C>
Interest on new Term Loan.........................        $ 25,750            $ 6,824
Interest on new Senior Subordinated Borrowings....          19,500              4,875
Interest on new Revolving Loan Agreement..........           1,063                188
Historical interest on borrowings under the Credit
  Agreement and Senior Subordinated 10 1/8%
  Notes...........................................         (25,676)            (7,345)
                                                          --------            -------
Pro Forma Adjustment..............................        $ 20,637            $ 4,542
                                                          ========            =======
</TABLE>

     The interest rates to be charged under the new term loan agreement and the
new revolving loan agreement are based on LIBOR plus a margin, or on the
applicable base rate plus a margin. The assumed interest rates applicable to
these agreements were 8.58% and 9.25% for the year ended December 31, 1999 and
the quarter ended April 2, 2000, respectively. A 1/8% increase in the LIBOR rate
would cause an increase in interest expense of $380,000 and $92,000 for the year
ended December 31, 1999 and the quarter ended April 2, 2000, respectively. The
assumed interest rate for the new Senior Subordinated borrowings was 13% for
both periods. Interest expense for the new Revolving Loan Agreement includes
commitment fees of .5% per annum of the unused amount.

                                       F-4
<PAGE>   90

(e) The pro forma adjustment relating to Amortization of Deferred Financing
    Costs is as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   DESCRIPTION                        DECEMBER 31, 1999    APRIL 2, 2000
                   -----------                        -----------------    -------------
<S>                                                   <C>                  <C>
Amortization of Deferred Financing costs incurred
  in connection with new senior and senior
  subordinated debt facilities....................         $1,487              $ 373
Fees incurred in connection with the bridge
  financing commitment............................          2,000                 --
Historical deferred financing expense related to
  the
  Credit Agreement and Senior Subordinated 10 1/8%
  Notes...........................................           (846)              (338)
                                                           ------              -----
Pro Forma Adjustment..............................         $2,641              $  35
                                                           ======              =====
</TABLE>

(f) Amortization of goodwill incurred in connection with the acquisition of May.

(g) Represents income taxes (at the Company's U.S. effective tax rate of 39.44%
    for the year ended December 31, 1999 and 38% for the quarter ended April 2,
    2000) related to the pro forma adjustments. The 1999 adjustment includes the
    increase in income tax expense to be incurred by May due to the change in
    its tax structure as a result of the acquisition.

(h) Dividend on the Preferred Stock issued in connection with the
    recapitalization.

(i) See note (i) to the Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet for a description
    of transactions, including the extraordinary items related to the redemption
    and repayment of the Company's debt, which have been excluded from the Pro
    Forma statements of Operations. Pro Forma adjustments were not made relating
    to these items because these costs are one-time, non-recurring items that
    are directly attributable to the acquisition.

                                       F-5
<PAGE>   91

                              U.S. CAN CORPORATION
                      PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                                 APRIL 2, 2000
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                                (000'S OMITTED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              PRO FORMA            U.S. CAN
                                                                U.S. CAN     ADJUSTMENTS           PRO FORMA
                                                                ---------    -----------           ---------
<S>                                                             <C>          <C>                   <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash and cash equivalents.................................    $  12,224    $  (10,000)(a)        $   2,224
  Accounts receivable, less allowances of $12,225...........      103,824            --              103,824
  Inventories...............................................      115,335            --              115,335
  Prepaid Expenses and other current assets.................       20,788        (1,013)(b)           19,775
  Prepaid income taxes......................................       16,114         8,207(c)            24,321
                                                                ---------    ----------            ---------
         Total Current Assets...............................      268,285        (2,806)             265,479
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
  Land......................................................        6,051            --                6,051
  Buildings.................................................       67,935            --               67,935
  Machinery, equipment and construction in progress.........      448,617            --              448,617
                                                                ---------    ----------            ---------
                                                                  522,603            --              522,603
    Less -- Accumulated depreciation........................     (227,304)           --             (227,304)
                                                                ---------    ----------            ---------
         Total Property, plant and equipment................      295,299            --              295,299
                                                                ---------    ----------            ---------
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, less accumulated amortization of $11,796
  (historical) and $7,446 (pro forma).......................       72,715         9,025(d)            81,740
OTHER ASSETS................................................       20,888            --               20,888
                                                                ---------    ----------            ---------
         Total Assets.......................................    $ 657,187    $    6,219            $ 663,406
                                                                =========    ==========            =========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Current maturities of long-term debt......................    $  49,936    $  (21,302)(e)        $  28,634
  Accounts payable..........................................      100,926            --              100,926
  Accrued payroll, benefits and insurance...................       25,454            --               25,454
  Restructuring reserves....................................       13,391            --               13,391
  Other current liabilities.................................       31,065       (19,065)(c)(f)        12,000
                                                                ---------    ----------            ---------
         Total current liabilities..........................      220,772       (40,367)             180,405
SENIOR DEBT.................................................       75,546       261,723(e)           337,269
SUBORDINATED DEBT...........................................      236,629       (86,629)(e)          150,000
                                                                ---------    ----------            ---------
         Total long-term debt...............................      312,175       175,094              487,269
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
  Deferred income taxes.....................................       12,330            --               12,330
  Other long-term liabilities...............................       41,641            --               41,641
                                                                ---------    ----------            ---------
         Total other long-term liabilities..................       53,971            --               53,971
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
  Preferred Stock...........................................           --       111,400(g)           111,400
  Common Stock..............................................          136           421(h)               557
  Paid-in capital...........................................      112,991       (57,848)(h)           55,143
  Unearned restricted stock.................................         (521)          521(h)                --
  Treasury common stock, at cost............................       (1,658)        1,658(h)                --
  Currency translation adjustment...........................      (11,677)           --              (11,677)
  Accumulated deficit.......................................      (29,002)     (184,660)(h)(i)      (213,662)
                                                                ---------    ----------            ---------
         Total stockholders' equity.........................       70,269      (128,508)             (58,239)
         Total liabilities and stockholders' equity.........    $ 657,187    $    6,219            $ 663,406
                                                                =========    ==========            =========
</TABLE>

               See Notes to Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet

                                       F-6
<PAGE>   92

                              U.S. CAN CORPORATION
                 NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                                 APRIL 2, 2000
                                  (UNAUDITED)

(a) Represents cash used to consummate the recapitalization.

(b) Represents deferred financing costs written off related to facilities that
    will be terminated in connection with the recapitalization.

(c) Represents the income tax impact related to the items discussed in note (i).

(d) Represents $13,375 of costs related to the new senior and senior
    subordinated debt facilities to be deferred over the estimated terms of the
    related facilities, net of $4,350 of deferred financing costs written off
    related to facilities that will be terminated in connection with the
    recapitalization.

(e) Represents the borrowings made under the new senior and senior subordinated
    debt facilities, net of the repayment of borrowings under the company's
    Amended and Restated Credit Agreement ("Credit Agreement") and Senior
    Subordinated 10 1/8% Notes, as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                CURRENT MATURITIES OF     SENIOR     SUBORDINATED
                DESCRIPTION                        LONG-TERM DEBT          DEBT          DEBT
                -----------                     ---------------------     ------     ------------
<S>                                             <C>                      <C>         <C>
New Term Loan...............................          $  5,200           $294,800     $      --
New Revolving Loan..........................                --              8,065            --
New Senior Subordinated Borrowings..........                                            150,000
Existing Credit Agreement...................           (26,502)           (41,142)
Existing Senior Subordinated 10 1/8%
  Notes.....................................                --                 --      (236,629)
                                                      --------           --------     ---------
Pro Forma Adjustment........................          $(21,302)          $261,723     $ (86,629)
                                                      ========           ========     =========
</TABLE>

(f) See notes (c) and (i). Also includes payments of accrued interest of $11,102
    related to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement ("Credit Agreement")
    and Senior Subordinated 10 1/8% Notes and a $252 increase in liabilities
    related to the accelerated vesting (as a result of the transaction) of units
    under the company's Executive Deferred Compensation Plan.

(g) Represents Preferred Stock issued in connection with the recapitalization.

(h) Represents capital transactions required to effect the recapitalization, as
    follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 UNEARNED     TREASURY
                                         COMMON    PAID-IN-     RESTRICTED     COMMON     ACCUMULATED
             DESCRIPTION                 STOCK      CAPITAL       STOCK        STOCK        DEFICIT
             -----------                 ------    --------     ----------    --------    -----------
<S>                                      <C>       <C>          <C>           <C>         <C>
Vest unearned Restricted stock.......    $  --     $      --       $521        $   --      $    (323)
Issue common stock...................      557        55,143         --            --             --
Cancel treasury stock................       (1)       (1,657)        --         1,658             --
Purchase common stock of current
  U.S. Can stockholders..............     (135)     (111,334)        --            --       (157,616)
                                         -----     ---------       ----        ------      ---------
Pro Forma Adjustment.................    $ 421     $ (57,848)      $521        $1,658      $(157,939)
                                         =====     =========       ====        ======      =========
</TABLE>

(i) In addition to the items described in (h), includes the net of tax impact of
    the following (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          PRETAX      INCOME     ACCUMULATED
                     DESCRIPTION                          AMOUNT      TAXES        DEFICIT
                     -----------                          ------      ------     -----------
<S>                                                      <C>         <C>         <C>
Advisory fees........................................    $(10,883)   $ (4,136)    $ (6,747)
Extraordinary item -- redemption premium on Senior
  Subordinated 10 1/8% Notes.........................     (19,200)     (7,296)     (11,904)
Vest unearned deferred compensation..................        (407)       (155)        (252)
Pay optionholders the difference between the
  transaction price and the option exercise price....      (7,247)     (2,754)      (4,493)
Extraordinary item -- write-off of deferred financing
  costs related to Credit Agreement and Senior
  Subordinated 10 1/8% Notes.........................      (5,363)     (2,038)      (3,325)
                                                         --------    --------     --------
Pro Forma Adjustment.................................    $(43,100)   $(16,379)    $(26,721)
                                                         ========    ========     ========
</TABLE>

                                       F-7
<PAGE>   93

                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the stockholders of Pac Packaging
               Acquisition Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Pac Packaging Acquisition
Corporation (a Delaware corporation) as of June 1, 2000. This balance sheet is
the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on this balance sheet based on our audit.

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

In our opinion, the balance sheet referred to above presents fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Pac Packaging Acquisition
Corporation as of June 1, 2000, in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States.

/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Chicago, Illinois
June 28, 2000

                                       F-8
<PAGE>   94

                     PAC PACKAGING ACQUISITION CORPORATION
                                 BALANCE SHEET
                                  JUNE 1, 2000
                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)

<TABLE>
<S>                                                             <C>
                           ASSETS
Cash........................................................    $ 3
                                                                ---
       TOTAL ASSETS.........................................    $ 3
                                                                ===
            LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Total Liabilities...........................................    $--
Stockholders Equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value; 5,000 shares authorized, 3,000
  issued and outstanding....................................     --
                                                                ---
Paid-in Capital.............................................      3
Retained Earnings...........................................     --
                                                                ---
       Total Stockholders' Equity...........................      3
       TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY...........    $ 3
                                                                ===
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes to balance sheet are an integral part of this statement.

                                       F-9
<PAGE>   95

                     PAC PACKAGING ACQUISITION CORPORATION
                             NOTES TO BALANCE SHEET
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

     NOTE ONE ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION -- Pac Packaging
Acquisition Corporation (PAC) was incorporated on February 22, 2000 in the State
of Delaware. PAC was formed for the sole purpose of effecting the
recapitalization (the "Recapitalization") of U.S. Can Corporation (U.S. Can).
Upon completion of the Recapitalization, PAC will be merged with and into U.S.
Can, with U.S. Can being the surviving corporation. Other than its formation and
immaterial charges related to its formation, PAC has not conducted any
activities.

     The preparation of financial statements requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

     NOTE TWO RECENT DEVELOPMENTS -- On June 1, 2000 PAC entered into an
Agreement and Plan of Merger with U.S. Can, whereby PAC would effect the
recapitalization of U.S. Can by the merger of PAC with and into U.S. Can and the
resulting payment of $20 per share to existing U.S. Can stockholders, with the
exception of shares held by certain rollover stockholders. The agreement is
subject to a number of conditions, including the approval of the merger
agreement by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the outstanding
shares of U.S. Can common stock. Other key conditions which must be satisfied or
waived include the receipt by U.S. Can of all required consents and approvals to
the merger, the receipt by U.S. Can of debt financing proceeds and the receipt
by the U.S. Can board of directors of written advice from an independent advisor
that, as a result of the recapitalization, U.S. Can will not be insolvent, have
unreasonably small capital, have debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as
they mature, or have impaired capital. The agreement can be terminated by either
party if the merger is not completed by November 30, 2000.

                                      F-10
<PAGE>   96

                                                                         ANNEX A

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

                               COMPOSITE AMENDED
                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
                                 BY AND BETWEEN
                              U.S. CAN CORPORATION
                                      AND
                     PAC PACKAGING ACQUISITION CORPORATION
                            DATED AS OF JUNE 1, 2000
              (AS AMENDED BY THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT AND
                   PLAN OF MERGER DATED AS OF JUNE 28, 2000)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   97

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             PAGE
                                                                             ----
<S>            <C>                                                           <C>
RECITALS...................................................................    1
ARTICLE I THE MERGER.......................................................    1
  Section 1.1  The Merger..................................................    1
  Section 1.2  Closing.....................................................    2
  Section 1.3  Effective Time..............................................    2
  Section 1.4  Subsequent Actions..........................................    2
  Section 1.5  Certificate of Incorporation................................    2
  Section 1.6  The Bylaws..................................................    2
  Section 1.7  Officers and Directors......................................    2
ARTICLE II EFFECT OF THE MERGER ON CAPITAL STOCK...........................    2
  Section 2.1  Effect on Capital Stock.....................................    2
  Section 2.2  Stock Options...............................................    4
  Section 2.3  Dissenting Shares...........................................    4
               Payment for Company Shares and Stock Options in the
  Section 2.4    Merger....................................................    4
  Section 2.5  No Transfer of Company Shares After the Effective Time......    5
  Section 2.6  No Liability................................................    5
  Section 2.7  Lost Certificates...........................................    6
  Section 2.8  No Fractional Shares........................................    6
  Section 2.9  Adjustments to Prevent Dilution.............................    6
ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY..................    6
  Section 3.1  Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries................    6
  Section 3.2  Charter Documents and Bylaws................................    7
  Section 3.3  Capitalization..............................................    7
  Section 3.4  Authority Relative to this Agreement........................    7
  Section 3.5  No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents..................    8
  Section 3.6  SEC Filings; Financial Statements...........................    9
  Section 3.7  Absence of Certain Changes or Events........................    9
  Section 3.8  Intellectual Property.......................................   10
  Section 3.9  Material Contracts..........................................   10
  Section
     3.10      Environmental Matters.......................................   11
  Section
     3.11      Benefit Plans...............................................   12
  Section
     3.12      Tax Matters.................................................   13
  Section
     3.13      Litigation..................................................   14
  Section
     3.14      Opinion of Financial Advisor................................   14
  Section
     3.15      Brokers.....................................................   15
  Section
     3.16      Properties and Assets.......................................   15
  Section
     3.17      Compliance with Laws in General.............................   15
  Section
     3.18      Labor Matters...............................................   15
  Section
     3.19      Required Company Vote.......................................   15
  Section
     3.20      State Takeover Laws.........................................   15
  Section
     3.21      Rights Agreement............................................   16
ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF NEWCO.........................   16
  Section 4.1  Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries................   16
  Section 4.2  Charter Documents and Bylaws................................   16
  Section 4.3  Authority Relative to this Agreement........................   16
  Section 4.4  No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents..................   17
  Section 4.5  Ownership of Newco; No Prior Activities.....................   17
  Section 4.6  Litigation..................................................   17
</TABLE>

                                       (i)
<PAGE>   98

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             PAGE
                                                                             ----
<S>            <C>                                                           <C>
  Section 4.7  Financing...................................................   18
  Section 4.8  Management Arrangements.....................................   18
  Section 4.9  Capitalization..............................................   18
  Section
     4.10      Brokers.....................................................   18
  Section
     4.11      No Registration.............................................   18
ARTICLE V COVENANTS........................................................   18
  Section 5.1  Interim Operations of the Company...........................   18
  Section 5.2  Meeting of the Stockholders.................................   20
  Section 5.3  Filings; Other Action.......................................   22
  Section 5.4  Access......................................................   22
  Section 5.5  Notification of Certain Matters.............................   22
  Section 5.6  Publicity...................................................   22
  Section 5.7  Indemnification.............................................   22
  Section 5.8  Employee Benefit Plans......................................   23
  Section 5.9  No Solicitation of Transactions.............................   24
  Section
     5.10      Third Party Standstill Agreements...........................   25
  Section
     5.11      Consents....................................................   25
  Section
     5.12      Delisting...................................................   25
  Section      Actions Respecting Commitment Letters; Financing,
     5.13        Notification..............................................   25
  Section
     5.14      Financial Statements........................................   25
  Section
     5.15      State Takeover Laws.........................................   26
  Section
     5.16      Senior Subordinated Notes...................................   26
ARTICLE VI CONDITIONS......................................................   26
  Section 6.1  Conditions to the Obligations of Each Party.................   26
  Section 6.2  Conditions to the Obligations of Newco......................   27
  Section 6.3  Conditions to the Obligations of the Company................   27
ARTICLE VII TERMINATION....................................................   28
  Section 7.1  Termination by Mutual Consent...............................   28
  Section 7.2  Termination by Either Newco or the Company..................   28
  Section 7.3  Termination by Newco........................................   28
  Section 7.4  Termination by the Company..................................   29
  Section 7.5  Effect of Termination.......................................   29
ARTICLE VIII MISCELLANEOUS; GENERAL........................................   29
  Section 8.1  Payment of Expenses.........................................   29
  Section 8.2  Survival....................................................   30
  Section 8.3  Modification or Amendment...................................   30
  Section 8.4  Waiver of Conditions........................................   30
  Section 8.5  Counterparts................................................   30
  Section 8.6  Governing Law...............................................   30
  Section 8.7  Notices.....................................................   30
  Section 8.8  Entire Agreement, etc.......................................   31
  Section 8.9  Interpretation..............................................   31
  Section
     8.10      Certain Definitions.........................................   31
  Section
     8.11      No Third Party Beneficiaries................................   31
  Section
     8.12      Company Disclosure Schedule.................................   31
</TABLE>

                                      (ii)
<PAGE>   99

                           GLOSSARY OF DEFINED TERMS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                POSITION OF
DEFINED TERM                                                    DEFINITION
------------                                                  ---------------
<S>                                                           <C>
Acquisition Proposal........................................  Section 5.9(a)
affiliate...................................................  Section 8.10
associate...................................................  Section 8.10
Agreement...................................................  Preamble
Berkshire...................................................  Recitals
Berkshire Commitment Letter.................................  Recitals
Benefit Plans...............................................  Section 3.11(b)
Board.......................................................  Recitals
Bylaws......................................................  Section 1.6
Certificate of Merger.......................................  Section 1.3
Certificates................................................  Section 2.4(b)
Charter.....................................................  Section 1.5
Claim.......................................................  Section 5.7(a)
Closing.....................................................  Section 1.2
Code........................................................  Section 3.11(c)
Commitment Letters..........................................  Section 4.7
Common Stock................................................  Recitals
Company.....................................................  Preamble
Company Disclosure Schedule.................................  Article III
Company Material Adverse Effect.............................  Section 3.1
Company Shares..............................................  Section 2.1(a)
Company Subsidiary..........................................  Section 3.1
Confidentiality Agreement...................................  Section 5.4
COBRA.......................................................  Section 3.11(f)
Current Premium.............................................  Section 5.7(b)
Current SEC Reports.........................................  Article III
DGCL........................................................  Section 1.1
Debt Commitment Letters.....................................  Section 4.7
Dissenting Shares...........................................  Section 2.3
D&O Insurance...............................................  Section 5.7(b)
Effective Time..............................................  Section 1.3
Environmental Law...........................................  Section 3.10
ERISA.......................................................  Section 3.11(b)
Exchange Act................................................  Section 3.5(b)
Exempted Person.............................................  Section 3.20
Expenses....................................................  Section 8.1(a)
Financing...................................................  Section 4.7
Governmental Authority......................................  Section 3.5(b)
HSR Act.....................................................  Section 3.5(b)
Indemnified Parties.........................................  Section 5.7(a)
Indenture...................................................  Section 5.16
Intellectual Property.......................................  Section 3.8
knowledge of the Company....................................  Section 8.10
Law.........................................................  Section 3.5(a)
Liens.......................................................  Section 3.5(a)
Material Contracts..........................................  Section 3.9(b)
Merger......................................................  Recitals
Merger Consideration........................................  Section 2.1(a)
Multiemployer Pension Plans.................................  Section 3.11(b)
</TABLE>

                                      (iii)
<PAGE>   100

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                POSITION OF
DEFINED TERM                                                    DEFINITION
------------                                                  ---------------
<S>                                                           <C>
Newco.......................................................  Preamble
Newco Material Adverse Effect...............................  Section 4.1
Newco Common Stock..........................................  Section 2.1(d)
Newco Preferred Stock.......................................  Section 2.1(d)
Newco Shares................................................  Section 2.1(d)
Newco Stockholder...........................................  Section 2.4(c)
NYSE........................................................  Section 3.5(b)
Notes.......................................................  Section 5.16
Notice of Superior Proposal.................................  Section 5.9(a)
Option Consideration........................................  Section 2.2(a)
Options.....................................................  Section 3.3(a)
Option Plans................................................  Section 3.3(a)
Order.......................................................  Section 6.1(c)
Paying Agent................................................  Section 2.4(a)
Payment Fund................................................  Section 2.4(a)
Pension Plans...............................................  Section 3.11(b)
person......................................................  Section 8.10
Preferred Stock.............................................  Section 3.3(a)
Proxy Statement.............................................  Section 5.2(b)
Representatives.............................................  Section 5.4
Rights......................................................  Section 3.21
Rights Agreement............................................  Section 3.21
Rollover Shares.............................................  Section 2.1(c)
Rollover Stockholder........................................  Recitals
Schedule 13E-3..............................................  Section 5.2(b)
SEC.........................................................  Article III
SEC Reports.................................................  Section 3.6(a)
Securities Act..............................................  Section 3.6(a)
Special Committee...........................................  Recitals
Stockholders Meeting........................................  Section 5.2(a)
subsidiary..................................................  Section 8.10
Substitute Debt Financing...................................  Section 5.13(b)
Superior Proposal...........................................  Section 5.9(a)
Surviving Corporation.......................................  Section 1.1
Surviving Corporation Common Stock..........................  Section 2.1(c)
Surviving Corporation Preferred Stock.......................  Section 2.1(c)
Tax.........................................................  Section 3.12(f)
Tax Return..................................................  Section 3.12(f)
Transactions................................................  Recitals
</TABLE>

                                      (iv)
<PAGE>   101

                               COMPOSITE AMENDED
                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

     AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, as amended by the First Amendment to
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of June 28, 2000, (hereinafter called this
"Agreement"), dated as of June 1, 2000, between U.S. Can Corporation, a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), and Pac Packaging Acquisition Corporation, a
Delaware corporation ("Newco").

                                    RECITALS

     WHEREAS, the Company desires that Newco merge with and into the Company,
all upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement (the
"Merger");

     WHEREAS, a special committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the
"Board") consisting solely of disinterested directors (the "Special Committee"),
subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, has unanimously (i)
determined that (A) the Merger is advisable and in the best interests of the
Company and its public stockholders and (B) the cash consideration to be
received for certain outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per
share, of the Company (the "Common Stock"), in the Merger is fair to the
stockholders of the Company who will be entitled to receive such cash
consideration, (ii) recommended that the Board approve and adopt this Agreement,
the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby (collectively, the
"Transactions") and (iii) recommended approval and adoption by the stockholders
of the Company of this Agreement and the Transactions;

     WHEREAS, the Board has heretofore taken the actions referred to in Section
3.20 and Section 3.21 relating to Section 203 of the DGCL (as defined below) and
the Rights Agreement (as defined below);

     WHEREAS, the Board, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein,
has (i) determined that (A) the Merger is advisable and in the best interests of
the Company and its public stockholders and (B) the cash consideration to be
received for certain outstanding shares of Common Stock in the Merger is fair to
the stockholders of the Company who will be entitled to receive such cash
consideration, (ii) approved and adopted this Agreement and the Transactions and
(iii) recommended approval and adoption by the stockholders of the Company of
this Agreement and the Transactions;

     WHEREAS, those stockholders of the Company identified on Schedule I hereto
(each, a "Rollover Stockholder" and collectively, the "Rollover Stockholders"),
shall retain all or a portion of their equity interest in the Company in
connection with the Merger as more fully described herein;

     WHEREAS, concurrent with the execution of this Agreement, Berkshire
Partners LLC ("Berkshire") has entered into an agreement with Newco in which it
has agreed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, to invest (or
cause its affiliates to invest) up to a specified amount in Newco at or prior to
the Effective Time (the "Berkshire Commitment Letter"); and

     WHEREAS, the Company and Newco intend that the Merger qualify as a
leveraged recapitalization for financial reporting purposes but such
qualification shall not be a condition to this Agreement.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual
representations, warranties, covenants, agreements and conditions herein
contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE I

                                   THE MERGER

     SECTION 1.1  The Merger. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, at the Effective Time (as defined below), Newco shall be merged with
and into the Company and the separate corporate existence of Newco shall
thereupon cease. The Company shall be the surviving corporation in the Merger
(sometimes hereinafter referred to as the "Surviving Corporation") and shall
continue to be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, and the separate
corporate existence of the Company with all its rights,

                                        1
<PAGE>   102

privileges, immunities and franchises shall continue unaffected by the Merger,
except as set forth in Sections 1.5, 1.6 and 1.7. The Merger shall have the
effects specified in the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as
amended (the "DGCL").

     SECTION 1.2  Closing. Subject to the conditions contained in this
Agreement, the closing of the Merger (the "Closing") shall take place (i) at
9:00 a.m. at the offices of Mayer, Brown & Platt, Chicago, Illinois, as promptly
as practicable but in no event later than the third business day after which the
last to be fulfilled or waived of the conditions set forth in Article VI (other
than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing,
but subject to the fulfillment or waiver of those conditions) shall be fulfilled
or waived in accordance with this Agreement, or (ii) at such other date, place
and time as the Company and Newco may agree in writing.

     SECTION 1.3  Effective Time. At the Closing, the Company and Newco will
cause a Certificate of Merger (the "Certificate of Merger") to be executed,
acknowledged and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as
provided in Section 251 of the DGCL. The Merger shall become effective at the
time when the Certificate of Merger has been duly filed with the Secretary of
State of the State of Delaware or such other later time as shall be agreed upon
by the parties and set forth in the Certificate of Merger in accordance with the
DGCL (the "Effective Time").

     SECTION 1.4  Subsequent Actions. If, at any time after the Effective Time,
the Surviving Corporation shall consider or be advised that any deeds, bills of
sale, assignments, assurances or other actions or things are necessary or
desirable to vest, perfect or confirm of record or otherwise in the Surviving
Corporation its right, title or interest in, to or under any of the rights,
properties or assets of either of the Company or Newco or to be acquired by the
Surviving Corporation as a result of, or in connection with, the Merger or
otherwise to carry out this Agreement, the officers and directors of the
Surviving Corporation shall be authorized to execute and deliver, in the name
and on behalf of each of the Company and Newco or otherwise, all such deeds,
bills of sale, assignments and assurances and to take and do, in the name and on
behalf of each of the Company and Newco or otherwise, all such other actions and
things as may be necessary or desirable to vest, perfect or confirm any and all
right, title and interest in, to and under such rights, properties or assets in
the Surviving Corporation or otherwise to carry out this Agreement.

     SECTION 1.5  Certificate of Incorporation. The certificate of incorporation
of Newco as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the
certificate of incorporation of the Surviving Corporation (the "Charter"), until
duly amended as provided therein or by applicable Law, except that Article I
thereof shall be amended and restated in its entirety to state: "The name of the
Corporation is U.S. Can Corporation (the "Corporation")."

     SECTION 1.6  The Bylaws. The bylaws of Newco as in effect immediately prior
to the Effective Time shall be the bylaws of the Surviving Corporation (the
"Bylaws").

     SECTION 1.7  Officers and Directors. The directors of Newco and the
officers of the Company immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, from and
after the Effective Time, be the directors and officers, respectively, of the
Surviving Corporation until their successors have been duly elected or appointed
and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal in accordance
with the Charter and the Bylaws.

                                   ARTICLE II

                     EFFECT OF THE MERGER ON CAPITAL STOCK

     SECTION 2.1  Effect on Capital Stock. At the Effective Time, the Merger
shall have the following effects on the capital stock of the Company and Newco:

          (a) At the Effective Time, each share of the Company's Common Stock
     (each, a "Company Share" and together the "Company Shares") issued and
     outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than (i) Company
     Shares issued and held in the Company's treasury, (ii) the Rollover Shares
     (as defined below) and (iii) the Dissenting Shares (as defined below))
     shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the
     holder thereof, be converted into the right to receive an
                                        2
<PAGE>   103

     amount equal to twenty dollars ($20.00) in cash (the "Merger
     Consideration"). All such Company Shares, by virtue of the Merger and
     without any action on the part of the holders thereof, shall no longer be
     outstanding and shall be canceled and retired and shall cease to exist, and
     each holder of a certificate representing any such Company Shares shall
     thereafter cease to have any rights (including rights under the Rights
     Plan) with respect to such Company Shares, except the right to receive the
     Merger Consideration for such Company Shares upon the surrender of such
     certificate in accordance with Section 2.4.

          (b) At the Effective Time, each Company Share issued and held in the
     Company's treasury shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on
     the part of the holder thereof, cease to be outstanding, be canceled and be
     retired without payment of any consideration therefor and cease to exist.

          (c) At the Effective Time, the aggregate number of issued and
     outstanding shares of Common Stock held by a Rollover Stockholder and
     designated on Schedule I under the column designated "Rollover Shares"
     (each a "Rollover Share" and together the "Rollover Shares") shall, by
     virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holder
     thereof, be converted into the right to receive (1) the aggregate number of
     shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Surviving
     Corporation ("Surviving Corporation Common Stock") and (2) the aggregate
     number of shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the
     Surviving Corporation ("Surviving Corporation Preferred Stock") set forth
     on Schedule I next to the name of each such Rollover Stockholder in the
     columns designated "Surviving Corporation Common Stock" and "Surviving
     Corporation Preferred Stock," respectively. All such Rollover Shares, by
     virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holders
     thereof, shall no longer be outstanding and shall be canceled and retired
     and shall cease to exist, and each holder of a certificate representing any
     such Rollover Shares shall thereafter cease to have any rights with respect
     to such Rollover Shares, except the right to receive the Surviving
     Corporation Common Stock and the Surviving Corporation Preferred Stock for
     such Rollover Shares as set forth in Schedule I upon the surrender of such
     certificate in accordance with Section 2.4.

          (d) At the Effective Time, each share of common stock, par value $0.01
     per share, of Newco ("Newco Common Stock") shall, by virtue of the Merger
     and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, be converted into
     one share of Surviving Corporation Common Stock and each share of preferred
     stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Newco ("Newco Preferred Stock") shall,
     by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holder
     thereof, be converted into the right to receive one share of Surviving
     Corporation Preferred Stock. All such shares of Newco Common Stock and
     Newco Preferred Stock (collectively, the "Newco Shares"), by virtue of the
     Merger and without any action on the part of the holders thereof, shall no
     longer be outstanding and shall be canceled and retired and shall cease to
     exist, and each holder of a certificate representing any such Newco Common
     Stock or Newco Preferred Stock shall thereafter cease to have any rights
     with respect to such Newco Common Stock and Newco Preferred Stock, except
     the right to receive Surviving Corporation Common Stock or Surviving
     Corporation Preferred Stock as set forth above. For purposes of this
     Section 2.1, references to Company Shares and Rollover Shares include the
     Rights associated with such Company Shares and Rollover Shares.

     SECTION 2.2  Stock Options. As part of the Transactions, the Company and
the Surviving Corporation shall cause Options granted under the Option Plans to
be treated as follows:

          (a) At the Effective Time, all then outstanding Options shall be
     canceled and in lieu thereof, each holder of such an Option shall receive
     from the Surviving Corporation, an amount in cash equal to the product of
     (i) the excess, if any, of the Merger Consideration over the per share
     exercise price of such Option and (ii) the number of Company Shares subject
     to such Option, net of any applicable withholding taxes (the "Option
     Consideration").

          (b) Each of the Company and the Surviving Corporation, as the case may
     be, covenants that prior to the Effective Time it will take all actions
     necessary to provide that the cancellation and cash-out of

                                        3
<PAGE>   104

     Options pursuant to this Section 2.2 will qualify for exemption under Rule
     16b-3(d) or (e), as applicable, under the Exchange Act.

          (c) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain all
     necessary consents, waivers or releases from holders of Options and shall
     take such action as may be reasonably necessary to give effect to, and
     accomplish, the transactions contemplated by this Section 2.2.

          (d) Except as otherwise provided herein or agreed by the parties, the
     Option Plans shall terminate effective as of the Effective Time and the
     Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the provisions in
     any other plan, program or arrangement providing for the issuance or grant
     of any other interest in respect of the capital stock of the Company or any
     Company Subsidiary to be canceled as of the Effective Time.

     SECTION 2.3  Dissenting Shares. Notwithstanding any provisions of this
Agreement to the contrary, Company Shares which are issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time and which are held by a Company
stockholder who has not voted such Company Shares in favor of the Merger, who
shall have delivered a written demand for appraisal of such Company Shares in
the manner provided by the DGCL and who, as of the Effective Time, shall not
have effectively withdrawn or lost such right to appraisal (the "Dissenting
Shares") shall not be converted into a right to receive the Merger
Consideration. The holders thereof shall be entitled only to such rights as are
granted by Section 262 of the DGCL. Each holder of Dissenting Shares who becomes
entitled to payment for such Company Shares pursuant to Section 262 of the DGCL
shall receive payment therefor from the Surviving Corporation in accordance with
the DGCL; provided, however, that (i) if any such holder of Dissenting Shares
shall have failed to establish its entitlement to appraisal rights as provided
in Section 262 of the DGCL, (ii) if any such holder of Dissenting Shares shall
have effectively withdrawn its demand for appraisal of such Company Shares or
lost its right to appraisal and payment for its Company Shares under Section 262
of the DGCL or (iii) if neither any holder of Dissenting Shares nor the
Surviving Corporation shall have filed a petition demanding a determination of
the value of all Dissenting Shares within the time provided in Section 262 of
the DGCL, such holder shall forfeit the right to appraisal of such Company
Shares and each such Company Share shall be treated as if such Company Share had
been converted, as of the Effective Time, into a right to receive the Merger
Consideration, without interest thereon, from the Surviving Corporation as
provided in Section 2.1. The Company shall give Newco prompt notice of any
demands received by the Company for appraisal of Company Shares, and, until the
Effective Time, Newco shall have the right to participate in all negotiations
and proceedings with respect to such demands. The Company shall not, except with
the prior written consent of Newco, make any payment with respect to, or settle
or offer to settle, any such demands.

     SECTION 2.4  Payment for Company Shares and Stock Options in the
Merger. The manner of making payment for Company Shares and Options in the
Merger shall be as follows:

          (a) At the Effective Time, the Company shall deposit in trust for the
     benefit of the holders of Company Shares and Options, as the case may be,
     with a bank or trust company designated by Newco and approved by the
     Company (the "Paying Agent"), cash in an aggregate amount equal to the sum
     of (A) the product of (1) the number of Company Shares issued and
     outstanding at the Effective Time (other than Company Shares owned by the
     Company and the Rollover Shares) and (2) the Merger Consideration and (B)
     the amount necessary for the payment in full of the Option Consideration
     for all Options outstanding at the Effective Time (such aggregate amount
     being hereinafter referred to as the "Payment Fund"). The Paying Agent
     shall, pursuant to irrevocable instructions, make the payments provided for
     in Sections 2.1 and 2.2 out of the Payment Fund. The Payment Fund shall not
     be used for any other purpose except as provided in this Agreement.

          (b) Promptly after the Effective Time, the Paying Agent shall mail to
     each record holder, as of the Effective Time, of an outstanding certificate
     or certificates which, immediately prior to the Effective Time, represented
     Company Shares other than Rollover Shares (the "Certificates") a form
     letter of transmittal and instructions for use in effecting the surrender
     of the Certificates for payment therefor. Upon surrender to the Paying
     Agent of a Certificate, together with such letter of transmittal duly

                                        4
<PAGE>   105

     executed, the holder of such Certificate shall be entitled to receive in
     exchange therefor cash in an amount equal to the product of the number of
     Company Shares, other than Rollover Shares, represented by such Certificate
     and the Merger Consideration (subject to reduction only for any applicable
     withholding or stock transfer taxes) and such Certificate shall forthwith
     be canceled. No interest will be paid or accrued on the cash payable upon
     the surrender of the Certificates. If payment is to be made to a person
     other than the person in whose name the Certificate surrendered is
     registered, it may be a condition of payment that the Certificate so
     surrendered shall be properly endorsed or otherwise in proper form for
     transfer and that the person requesting such payment shall pay any transfer
     or other taxes required by reason of the payment to a person other than the
     registered holder of the Certificate surrendered of the Merger
     Consideration, or that such person shall establish to the satisfaction of
     the Surviving Corporation that such tax has been paid or is not applicable.
     Until surrendered in accordance with the provisions of this Section 2.4,
     each Certificate shall represent, for all purposes, only the right to
     receive an amount in cash equal to the Merger Consideration multiplied by
     the number of Company Shares, other than Rollover Shares, evidenced by such
     Certificate.

          (c) At the Closing, each Rollover Stockholder and each holder of Newco
     Shares (each, a "Newco Stockholder" and collectively, the "Newco
     Stockholders") shall surrender the certificate(s) representing the Rollover
     Shares or the Newco Shares held by such Rollover Stockholder or Newco
     Stockholder and the Surviving Corporation shall issue to each such Rollover
     Stockholder and Newco Stockholder a certificate or certificates
     representing the number of shares of Surviving Corporation Common Stock and
     Surviving Corporation Preferred Stock to which such Rollover Stockholder
     and Newco Stockholder is entitled pursuant to Sections 2.1(c), 2.1(d) and
     Schedule I.

          (d) Any portion of the Payment Fund that remains unclaimed by the
     stockholders of the Company on the first anniversary of the Effective Time
     shall promptly be repaid to the Surviving Corporation and any stockholders
     of the Company who have not theretofore complied with Section 2.4(b) shall
     thereafter look only to the Surviving Corporation for payment of their
     claim for the Merger Consideration for Company Shares, without any interest
     or dividends thereon. Unless otherwise directed by the Surviving
     Corporation, the Paying Agent shall invest and reinvest the Payment Fund on
     behalf of the Surviving Corporation in securities issued or guaranteed by
     the United States government or certificates of deposit of commercial banks
     that have, or are members of a group of commercial banks that has,
     consolidated total assets of not less than $10,000,000,000 and the
     Surviving Corporation shall receive the interest earned thereon.

          (e) Any portion of the Payment Fund made available to the Paying Agent
     pursuant to Section 2.4(a) to pay for Company Shares that become Dissenting
     Shares shall be returned to the Surviving Corporation upon demand.

     SECTION 2.5  No Transfer of Company Shares After the Effective Time. No
transfers of Company Shares shall be made on the stock transfer books of the
Surviving Corporation at or after the Effective Time.

     SECTION 2.6  No Liability. Neither the Surviving Corporation nor the Paying
Agent shall be liable to any person in respect of any cash delivered to a public
official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar law.
If any Certificates shall not have been surrendered prior to the second
anniversary of the Effective Time (or immediately prior to such earlier date on
which any payment pursuant to this Article II would otherwise escheat to or
become the property of any governmental entity), the cash payment in respect of
such Certificate shall, unless otherwise provided by applicable Law, become the
property of the Surviving Corporation, free and clear of all claims or interest
of any person previously entitled thereto.

     SECTION 2.7  Lost Certificates. If any Certificate shall have been lost,
stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person
(who shall be the record owner of such Certificate) claiming such Certificate to
be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if required by the Surviving Corporation, the
posting by such person of a bond in such reasonable amount as the Surviving
Corporation may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against
it with respect to such Certificate, the Paying Agent will issue in

                                        5
<PAGE>   106

exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate the Merger Consideration
deliverable in respect thereof pursuant to this Agreement.

     SECTION 2.8  No Fractional Shares. Notwithstanding any other provision of
this Agreement, no fractional shares of Surviving Corporation Common Stock will
be issued and any Rollover Stockholder or Newco Stockholder entitled to receive
a fractional share of Surviving Corporation Common Stock but for this Section
2.8 shall be entitled to receive in lieu thereof an amount in cash (without
interest) determined by multiplying such fraction (rounded to the nearest
one-hundredth of a share) by $20.00.

     SECTION 2.9  Adjustments to Prevent Dilution. In the event that prior to
the Effective Time, solely as a result of a reclassification, stock split
(including a reverse split), or stock dividend or stock distribution, made on a
pro rata basis to all holders of such class of stock of the entity making such a
stock dividend or stock distribution, there is a change in the number of Company
Shares or Newco Shares outstanding or issuable upon the conversion, exchange or
exercise of securities or rights convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable
for Company Shares or Newco Shares, then the Merger Consideration, Option
Consideration, and the number of shares of Surviving Corporation Common Stock
and Surviving Corporation Preferred Stock into which the Rollover Shares and
Newco Shares are entitled to be converted pursuant to Sections 2.1(c), 2.1(d)
and Schedule I shall all be equitably adjusted to eliminate the effects of such
event.

                                  ARTICLE III

                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

     Except as otherwise disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1999, the Company's definitive proxy statement
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on March 28, 2000,
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2000
and the Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 13,
2000 and March 2, 2000 (the "Current SEC Reports") or set forth in the
Disclosure Schedule delivered by the Company to Newco concurrently with the
execution of this Agreement as amended by the Addendum to Company Disclosure
Schedule delivered in connection with the Amendment to Agreement and Plan of
Merger granted as of June 28, 2000, (the "Company Disclosure Schedule"), the
Company hereby represents and warrants to Newco that:

     SECTION 3.1  Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries. The Company and
each subsidiary of the Company (each, a "Company Subsidiary") is a corporation
or limited liability company, as the case may be, duly incorporated or formed,
as the case may be, validly existing and in good standing or its equivalent
under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or formation and has the
requisite power and authority and all necessary governmental approvals to own,
lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as it is now being
conducted except where the failure to be in good standing or its equivalent or
to have such governmental approvals would not, individually or in the aggregate,
have a Company Material Adverse Effect or prevent or materially delay the
consummation of the Transactions. The Company and each Company Subsidiary is
duly qualified or licensed as a foreign corporation to do business, and is in
good standing or its equivalent, in each jurisdiction where the character of the
properties owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of its business makes
such qualification or licensing necessary, except for such failure to be so
qualified or licensed and in good standing or its equivalent that would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect or
prevent or materially delay the consummation of the Transactions. The term
"Company Material Adverse Effect" means, for all purposes of this Agreement, any
effect, circumstance or change that is materially adverse to the business,
operations, assets and liabilities (taken together), financial condition or
results of operations of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, taken as a
whole. Section 3.1 of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete and
accurate list of all subsidiaries of the Company. Except as set forth in Section
3.1 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, the Company owns directly or indirectly
all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of, or other equity
interests in, the Company Subsidiaries. Other than as set forth in Section 3.1
of the Company Disclosure Schedule, as of the date of this Agreement the Company
has no other equity interest or profit participation in any entity other than
the Company Subsidiaries. No Company Shares are held by a Company Subsidiary.
                                        6
<PAGE>   107

     SECTION 3.2  Charter Documents and Bylaws. The Company has heretofore
furnished to Newco a complete and correct copy of the restated certificate of
incorporation and the bylaws of the Company as now in effect. The restated
certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Company are each in full force
and effect. The Company is not in violation of any of the provisions of its
restated certificate of incorporation or bylaws.

     SECTION 3.3  Capitalization.

          (a) The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of (i)
     50,000,000 shares of Common Stock and (ii) 10,000,000 shares of preferred
     stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Preferred Stock"). As of May 31,
     2000, (i) 13,447,269 shares of Common Stock were issued and outstanding,
     all of which are validly issued, fully paid, nonassessable and free of
     preemptive rights, and 82,498 shares of Common Stock were held in treasury
     and (ii) no shares of Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding. As of
     May 31, 2000, the Company was obligated to issue up to 1,823,483 shares of
     Common Stock at a weighted average exercise price of $16.3559 per share
     pursuant to outstanding options ("Options") granted pursuant to the
     Company's 1984 Incentive Stock Option Plan, 1993 Stock Option Plan, 1994
     Stock Option Plan, 1995 Equity Incentive Plan, 1997 Equity Incentive Plan,
     1998 Equity Incentive Plan and 1999 Equity Incentive Plan (the "Option
     Plans"). Except as set forth above, there are not now, nor (except as
     expressly permitted by this Agreement) will there be at the Effective Time,
     any options, warrants, calls, subscriptions or other rights, agreements,
     arrangements or commitments of any character relating to the issued or
     unissued capital stock of the Company or obligating the Company to issue,
     reserve for issuance or sell any shares of capital stock of, or other
     equity interests in, the Company or any Company Subsidiary. Section 3.3(a)
     of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth the name of each holder of an
     Option, together with the exercise price and number of shares of Common
     Stock subject to each such Option as of March 29, 2000. Except as
     contemplated hereby, there are no outstanding contractual obligations of
     the Company or any Company Subsidiary to repurchase, redeem or otherwise
     acquire any shares of capital stock of, or other equity interests in, the
     Company or any Company Subsidiary.

          (b) Other than as set forth on Section 3.3(b) of the Company
     Disclosure Schedule, there are no stockholder agreements, voting trusts or
     other agreements or understandings to which the Company is a party relating
     to voting or disposition of any shares of capital stock of the Company or
     granting to any person or group of persons the right to elect, or to
     designate or nominate for election, a director to the board of directors of
     the Company. All of the outstanding shares of capital stock of, or other
     equity interests in, each of the Company Subsidiaries have been validly
     issued and are fully paid, non-assessable and free of any preemptive rights
     and, except as set forth in Section 3.1 of the Company Disclosure Schedule,
     are owned directly or indirectly by the Company free and clear of all
     liens, charges, claims or encumbrances.

     SECTION 3.4  Authority Relative to this Agreement.

          (a) The Company has all necessary corporate power and authority to
     execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder
     and to consummate the Transactions. The execution and delivery of this
     Agreement by the Company and the consummation by the Company of the
     Transactions have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary
     corporate action and no other corporate proceedings on the part of the
     Company are necessary to authorize this Agreement or to consummate the
     Transactions, other than the approval and adoption of this Agreement by the
     holders of a majority of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock and
     the filing and recordation of appropriate documents for the Merger as
     required by the DGCL. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
     delivered by the Company and, assuming the due authorization, execution and
     delivery by Newco, constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the
     Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms,
     subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer,
     reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws relating to creditors'
     rights generally and to general principles of equity.

          (b) The Special Committee has unanimously (i) determined that (A) the
     Merger is advisable and in the best interests of the Company and its
     stockholders other than the Rollover Stockholders and

                                        7
<PAGE>   108

     (B) the Merger Consideration is fair to the stockholders of the Company
     other than the Rollover Stockholders and (ii) recommended that the Board
     approve and adopt this Agreement and the Transactions. Following such
     actions by the Special Committee, the Board of Directors of the Company
     unanimously (i) determined that (A) the Merger is advisable and in the best
     interests of the Company and its stockholders other than the Rollover
     Stockholders and (B) the Merger Consideration is fair to the stockholders
     of the Company other than the Rollover Stockholders and (ii) approved and
     adopted this Agreement and the Transactions.

     SECTION 3.5  No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents.

          (a) Except as set forth in Section 3.5(a) of the Company Disclosure
     Schedule, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company does
     not, and the performance of this Agreement by the Company and the
     consummation by the Company of the Transactions will not (i) conflict with
     or violate the restated certificate of incorporation or bylaws of the
     Company or conflict with or violate the certificate of incorporation or
     bylaws or equivalent organizational documents of any Company Subsidiary,
     (ii) assuming that all consents, approvals, authorizations and other
     actions described in subsection (b) have been obtained and all filings and
     obligations described in subsection (b) have been made or complied with,
     conflict with or violate any foreign or domestic (federal, state or local)
     law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, permit, license, injunction,
     writ, judgment, decree or order ("Law") applicable to the Company or any
     Company Subsidiary or by which any asset of the Company or any Company
     Subsidiary is bound or affected, or (iii) conflict with, result in any
     breach of or constitute a default (or an event that with notice or lapse of
     time or both would become a default) under, or give to others any right of
     termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or require any
     payment under, or result in the creation of a lien, claim, security
     interest or other charge, title imperfection or encumbrance (collectively,
     "Liens") on any asset of the Company or any Company Subsidiary pursuant to,
     any contract, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease, agreement or other
     instrument or obligation to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is
     a party or by which any asset of the Company or any Company Subsidiary is
     bound or affected, except, with respect to clauses (ii) and (iii), for any
     such conflicts, violations, breaches, defaults, or other occurrences that
     would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material
     Adverse Effect or prevent or materially delay the consummation of the
     Transactions.

          (b) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company does
     not, and the performance of this Agreement by the Company and the
     consummation by the Company of the Transactions will not, require any
     consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or
     notification to, any domestic (federal, state or local) or foreign
     government or governmental, regulatory or administrative authority, agency,
     commission, board, bureau, court or instrumentality or arbitrator of any
     kind ("Governmental Authority"), except (i) for applicable requirements, if
     any, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
     Act"), the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"), the pre-merger notification
     requirements of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976,
     as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the "HSR Act"), the
     European Community Merger Control Regulation or any other applicable
     foreign antitrust, competition or foreign investment Laws, and filing and
     recordation of appropriate documents for the Merger as required by the DGCL
     and (ii) other consents, approvals, authorizations, permits, filings or
     notifications where the failure to obtain all such consents, approvals,
     authorizations or permits, and to make all such filings or notifications,
     would not prevent or materially delay consummation of the Transactions and
     would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material
     Adverse Effect.

     SECTION 3.6  SEC Filings; Financial Statements.

          (a) Since January 1, 1998, the Company has filed all forms, reports,
     statements and other documents required to be filed with the SEC, including
     (A) all Annual Reports on Form 10-K, (B) all Quarterly Reports on Form
     10-Q, (C) all proxy statements relating to meetings of stockholders
     (whether annual or special), (D) all Reports on Form 8-K, (E) all other
     reports or registration statements and (F) all amendments and supplements
     to all such reports and registration statements (collectively, the

                                        8
<PAGE>   109

     "SEC Reports"). The SEC Reports, as well as all forms, reports and
     documents to be filed by the Company with the SEC after the date hereof and
     prior to the Effective Time, (i) were and will be prepared in all material
     respects in accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933,
     as amended (the "Securities Act"), the Exchange Act and the published rules
     and regulations of the SEC thereunder, each as applicable to such SEC
     Reports and (ii) did not as of the time they were filed, and in the case of
     such forms, reports and documents filed by the Company with the SEC after
     the date of this Agreement, will not as of the time they are filed, contain
     any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
     required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
     therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were and will
     be made, not misleading. No Company Subsidiary is subject to the periodic
     reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. To the knowledge of the Company
     as of the date hereof, there is no material unresolved violation of the
     Exchange Act or the published rules and regulations of the SEC asserted by
     the SEC in writing with respect to the SEC Reports.

          (b) Each of the consolidated financial statements (including, in each
     case, any notes thereto) contained in the SEC Reports has been prepared in
     all material respects in accordance with the published rules and
     regulations of the SEC and generally accepted accounting principles applied
     on a consistent basis throughout the periods indicated (except as may be
     set forth in the notes thereto) and each fairly presents, in all material
     respects, the consolidated financial position, results of operations and
     cash flows of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries as at the
     respective dates thereof and for the respective periods indicated therein,
     except as otherwise set forth in the notes thereto (subject, in the case of
     unaudited statements, to normal and recurring year-end adjustments).

          (c) Except as set forth in any SEC Report and except as disclosed in
     Section 3.6(c) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, at the date of the most
     recent audited financial statements of the Company included in the SEC
     Reports, neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries had, and
     since such date neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has
     incurred, any liabilities or obligations of any nature (whether accrued,
     absolute, contingent or otherwise) which, individually or in the aggregate,
     would be required to be disclosed in a balance sheet (or the footnotes
     thereto) of the Company prepared in accordance with generally accepted
     accounting principles except liabilities incurred in the ordinary and usual
     course of business and consistent with past practice, liabilities incurred
     in connection with the Transactions, and liabilities that have not had and
     would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

     SECTION 3.7  Absence of Certain Changes or Events. From December 31, 1999
to the date hereof, except as contemplated or permitted by this Agreement or the
Transactions or as disclosed in the Company Disclosure Schedule, the Company and
the Company Subsidiaries have conducted their businesses only in the ordinary
course and in a manner consistent with past practice and there has not been (a)
any material change by the Company in its accounting methods, principles or
practices except as required by generally accepted accounting principles and
disclosed in any SEC Report filed since December 31, 1999, (b) any material
revaluation by the Company of any material asset (including any writing down of
the value of inventory or writing off of notes or accounts receivable), other
than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice after the
date of the most recent SEC Report filed prior to the date hereof, (c) any entry
by the Company or any Company Subsidiary into any commitment or transaction
material to the Company and the Company Subsidiaries taken as a whole, except in
the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice, (d) any
declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividend or distribution in respect
of any shares of the Company's capital stock or any redemption, purchase or
other acquisition of any of the Company's securities, (e) any material increase
in the benefits under, or the establishment, material amendment or termination
of, any bonus, insurance, severance, deferred compensation, pension, retirement,
profit sharing, or other employee benefit plan covering employees of the Company
or any Company Subsidiary, or any material increase in the compensation payable
or to become payable to or any other material change in the employment terms for
any directors or officers of the Company or any Company Subsidiary or any other
employee earning noncontingent cash compensation in excess of $200,000 per year,
(f) any entry by the Company or any Company Subsidiary into any employment,
consulting, severance, termination or indemnification agreement
                                        9
<PAGE>   110

with any director or officer of the Company or any Company Subsidiary or entry
into any such agreement with any other person for a noncontingent cash amount in
excess of $100,000 per year or outside the ordinary course of business, (g) any
issuance by the Company or any Company Subsidiary of any notes, bonds or other
debt securities or any capital stock or other equity securities or any
securities convertible, exchangeable or exercisable into any capital stock or
other equity securities, except for the issuance of any shares of Common Stock
pursuant to the exercise of any stock options pursuant to the Option Plans and
the issuance of any capital stock expressly contemplated by this Agreement, (h)
any agreement by the Company or any Company Subsidiary to take any of the
actions described in this Section 3.7 except as expressly contemplated by this
Agreement, or (i) any event, change or circumstance that has or is reasonably
likely to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

     SECTION 3.8  Intellectual Property. Except as set forth in Section 3.8 of
the Company Disclosure Schedule and except as would not have a Company Material
Adverse Effect, the Company and each of the Company Subsidiaries own and possess
free and clear of any Liens, or have the valid and enforceable right to use, the
patents, copyrights, know-how (including trade secrets and other proprietary or
confidential information, systems or procedures), trademarks, service marks,
trade names, domain names, inventions, software, data, databases, specifications
and designs (collectively, "Intellectual Property") presently employed by them
in connection with the operation of the businesses now operated by them. Section
3.8 of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete list of all
material: (i) patented and registered Intellectual Property, and pending patent
applications or applications for registration of Intellectual Property, owned or
filed by the Company or any Company Subsidiary, (ii) all trade names and
material trademarks, service marks and copyrights owned or used by the Company
or any Company Subsidiary, and (iii) all licenses of Intellectual Property to
which the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries is a party. Neither the
Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has received any written notice of
infringement or misappropriation of or conflict with asserted Intellectual
Property rights of others that, if decided in a manner adverse to the Company,
would have a Company Material Adverse Effect. No claim by any third party
contesting the validity, enforceability, use or ownership of any of the
Intellectual Property owned or used by the Company or any Company Subsidiary, is
currently outstanding or is threatened that would reasonably be expected to have
a Company Material Adverse Effect. The Company has no knowledge of any material
infringement or misappropriation by any third party with respect to the
Intellectual Property of the Company or any Company Subsidiary. All of the
Intellectual Property owned or used by the Company or any Company Subsidiary as
of the date hereof will be owned or licensed, subject to any modification of a
license agreement agreed upon by the Company in the ordinary course of business,
by the Company or such Company Subsidiary on identical terms and conditions
immediately subsequent to the Closing except for such changes which,
individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a
Company Material Adverse Effect. The Company and each Company Subsidiary has
taken all reasonable and necessary actions to maintain and protect its
Intellectual Property except for those actions, which the failure to take,
individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a
Company Material Adverse Effect.

     SECTION 3.9  Material Contracts.

          (a) Except as disclosed in Section 3.9(a) of the Company Disclosure
     Schedule, neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries is, nor,
     to the Company's knowledge, is any other party, in default in the
     performance, observance or fulfillment of any of the obligations, covenants
     or conditions contained in any Material Contracts (as hereinafter defined)
     to which it is a party, except for such defaults which, individually or in
     the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Company
     Material Adverse Effect; and, to the knowledge of the Company, there has
     not occurred any event that, with the lapse of time or giving of notice or
     both, would constitute such a default other than such events which,
     individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have
     a Company Material Adverse Effect. Each of the Material Contracts is in
     full force and effect and is enforceable in accordance with its terms
     subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws relating to
     creditors' rights and general principles of equity except where the failure
     to be in full force and effect or enforceable individually or in the
     aggregate would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material
     Adverse Effect.

                                       10
<PAGE>   111

          (b) Section 3.9(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a
     list as of the date of this Agreement of all (i) credit agreements,
     indentures, and other agreements related to any indebtedness for borrowed
     money in excess of $500,000 of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, (ii)
     material joint venture or other similar agreements to which the Company or
     any Company Subsidiary is a party, (iii) lease agreements to which the
     Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party with annual lease payments in
     excess of $250,000, (iv) agreements under which the Company or any Company
     Subsidiary has advanced or loaned any other person any material amount, (v)
     guaranties of any obligations in excess of $500,000 (other than a guarantee
     by the Company of a Company Subsidiary's debts or a guarantee by a Company
     Subsidiary of the Company's debts or another Company Subsidiary's debts),
     (vi) agreements or groups of related agreements with the same party or
     group of parties the performance of which involves annual consideration in
     excess of $500,000 which are not cancelable by the Company on 90-days' or
     less notice without premium or penalty, (vii) agreements under which the
     Company has granted any person registration rights (including demand and
     piggy-back registration rights), (viii) material agreements purporting to
     restrict or prohibit the Company or any Company Subsidiary from engaging or
     competing in any business or engaging or competing in any business in any
     geographic area, (ix) all employment, consulting, severance, termination or
     indemnification agreements between the Company or any Company Subsidiary
     and any director or officer of the Company or any Company Subsidiary or any
     other employee earning noncontingent cash compensation in excess of
     $200,000 per year, and (x) all other contracts which are material to the
     Company and the Company Subsidiaries taken as a whole (collectively, the
     "Material Contracts"). The Company has made available to Newco a correct
     and complete copy of each agreement listed in Section 3.9(b) of the Company
     Disclosure Schedule.

          (c) Except as set forth in Section 3.5 of the Company Disclosure
     Schedule, no Material Contract will, by its terms, terminate as a result of
     the Transactions or require any consent from any party thereto in order to
     remain in full force and effect immediately after the Effective Time,
     except for any Material Contracts which, if terminated or if any such
     consents were not obtained, would not have a Company Material Adverse
     Effect.

     SECTION 3.10  Environmental Matters. Except as set forth in Sections 3.10
or 3.17 of the Company Disclosure Schedule and except as would not have a
Company Material Adverse Effect, neither the Company nor any of the Company
Subsidiaries has violated, or has any liability under, any environmental, safety
or similar law or regulation applicable to its business or property relating to
the protection of human health and safety, the environment or hazardous or toxic
substances or waste, pollutants or contaminants ("Environmental Law"), lacks any
permits, licenses or other approvals required of them under applicable
Environmental Law or is violating any term or condition of any such permit,
license or approval. Except as set forth in Section 3.10 of the Company
Disclosure Schedule and except as would not have a Company Material Adverse
Effect, neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has received any
written notice or report regarding any violation of, or any liability under, any
Environmental Law, with respect to their operations, properties or facilities.
The Company and the Company Subsidiaries have made available to Newco all
material environmental audits, reports and other material environmental
documents relating to their properties, facilities or operations which are in
their possession or control. Neither the Company nor any of the Company
Subsidiaries has treated, stored, disposed of, arranged for or permitted the
disposal of, handled, or released any substance, or owned or operated its
business or any property or facility (and no such property or facility is, to
the knowledge of the Company, currently contaminated by any such substance) in a
manner that has given or would reasonably be expected to give rise to any
Company Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Company nor any of the Company
Subsidiaries has arranged for the disposal or treatment or for the
transportation for disposal or treatment, of any substance at any off-site
location where such arrangement has had or would reasonably be expected to have
a Company Material Adverse Effect.

                                       11
<PAGE>   112

     SECTION 3.11  Benefit Plans.

          (a) Except as disclosed in the Current SEC Reports or in Sections
     3.9(b) or 3.11 of the Company Disclosure Schedule or as expressly
     contemplated by this Agreement, there exists no employment, consulting,
     severance or termination agreement, arrangement or understanding between
     the Company or any Company Subsidiary and any employee, officer or director
     of the Company or any Company Subsidiary earning noncontingent cash
     compensation in excess of $200,000 per year.

          (b) Section 3.11 of the Company Disclosure Schedule contains a list of
     all (i) "employee pension benefit plans" (as defined in Section 3(2) of the
     Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"))
     (sometimes referred to herein as "Pension Plans"), including any such
     Pension Plans that are "multiemployer plans" (as such term is defined in
     Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA) (collectively, the "Multiemployer Pension
     Plans"), (ii) "employee welfare benefit plans" (as defined in Section 3(1)
     of ERISA) and all other benefit plans and (iii) other bonus, deferred
     compensation, severance pay, pension, profit-sharing, retirement,
     insurance, stock purchase, stock option, or other fringe benefit plan,
     arrangement or practice maintained, or contributed to, by the Company or
     any of the Company Subsidiaries for the benefit of any current or former
     employees, officers or directors of the Company or any of the Company
     Subsidiaries (collectively, the "Benefit Plans"). The Company has delivered
     or made available to Newco correct and complete copies of (i) each Benefit
     Plan, (ii) the most recent annual report on Form 5500 filed with the
     Internal Revenue Service with respect to each Benefit Plan (if any such
     report was required), (iii) the most recent summary plan description for
     each Benefit Plan for which such summary plan description is required and
     (iv) each trust agreement and group annuity contract relating to any
     Benefit Plan.

          (c) Except as disclosed in the Company Disclosure Schedule, all
     Pension Plans intended to be qualified plans have been the subject of
     determination letters from the Internal Revenue Service to the effect that
     such Pensions Plans are qualified and exempt from Federal income taxes
     under Section 401(a) and 501(a), respectively, of the Internal Revenue Code
     of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and no such determination letter has been
     revoked. To the knowledge of the Company as of the date hereof, there is no
     reasonable basis for the revocation of any such determination letter.

          (d) Except as disclosed in Section 3.11 of the Company Disclosure
     Schedule, none of the Benefit Plans is, and none of the Company or any of
     the Company Subsidiaries has ever maintained or had an obligation to
     contribute to (i) a "single employer plan" (as such term is defined in
     Section 4001(a)(15) of ERISA) subject to Section 412 of the Code or Title
     IV of ERISA, (ii) a "multiemployer plan" (as such term is defined in
     Section 3(37) of ERISA), or (iii) a funded welfare benefit plan (as such
     term is defined in Section 419 of the Code). Except as disclosed in Section
     3.11 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, there are no unpaid contributions
     due prior to the date hereof with respect to any Benefit Plan that are
     required to have been made under the terms of such Benefit Plan, any
     related insurance contract or any applicable Law. Except as disclosed in
     Section 3.11 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, none of the Company or any
     of the Company Subsidiaries has incurred any liability or taken any action,
     and the Company does not have any knowledge of any action or event, that
     could reasonably be expected to cause any one of them to incur any
     liability (i) under Section 412 of the Code or Title IV of ERISA with
     respect to any "single-employer plan" (as such term is defined in Section
     4001(a)(15) of ERISA), (ii) on account of a partial or complete withdrawal
     (as such term is defined in Sections 4203 and 4205 of ERISA, respectively)
     with respect to any Multiemployer Pension Plan, or (iii) on account of
     unpaid contributions to any Multiemployer Pension Plan, which, in the case
     of clauses (i), (ii) or (iii), would result in a Company Material Adverse
     Effect.

          (e) None of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries has engaged
     in a non-exempt "prohibited transaction" (as such term is defined in
     Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code) or any breach of
     fiduciary responsibility with respect to any Benefit Plan subject to ERISA
     that reasonably could be expected to subject the Company or any of the
     Company Subsidiaries to (x) any material tax or penalty on prohibited
     transactions imposed by Section 4975 of the Code or (y) any liability under
     Section 502(i) or Section 502(l) of ERISA except in each case as to (y) as
     would not,

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<PAGE>   113

     individually or in the aggregate, result in a Company Material Adverse
     Effect. As of the date of this Agreement, except as disclosed in the
     Company Disclosure Schedule, with respect to any Benefit Plan: (i) no
     filing, application or other matter is pending with the Internal Revenue
     Service, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, the United States
     Department of Labor or any other governmental body, and (ii) there is no
     action, suit or claim pending, other than routine claims for benefits.

          (f) Except as disclosed in the Company Disclosure Schedule, none of
     the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries has any obligation to
     provide any material health benefits or other non-pension benefits to
     retired or other former employees, except as specifically required by Part
     6 of Title I of ERISA ("COBRA").

          (g) For purposes of this Section 3.11, the term "Company ERISA
     Affiliate" means each trade or business (whether or not incorporated) which
     together with the Company is treated as a single employer under Section
     414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code.

          (h) Each Benefit Plan has at all times been maintained, by its terms
     and in operation, in accordance with all applicable Laws in all material
     respects, including (to the extent applicable) Code Section 4980B. Further,
     there has been no failure to comply with applicable ERISA or other
     requirements concerning the filing of reports, documents, and notices with
     the Secretary of Labor and Secretary of Treasury or the furnishing of such
     documents to participants or beneficiaries that could subject the Company,
     any Benefit Plan or any Company ERISA Affiliate to any material civil or
     any criminal sanction.

          (i) The Company and each Company ERISA Affiliate have made full and
     timely payment of all amounts required to be contributed under the terms of
     each Benefit Plan and applicable Law or required to be paid as expenses
     under such Benefit Plan, and no excise taxes are assessable as a result of
     any nondeductible or other contributions made or not made to a Benefit
     Plan. The assets of all Benefit Plans which are required under applicable
     Laws to be held in trust are in fact held in trust, and, except as
     disclosed in the Company Disclosure Schedule, the assets of each such
     Benefit Plan equal or exceed the liabilities of each such Benefit Plan. The
     liabilities of each Benefit Plan are properly and accurately reported on
     the financial statements and records of the Company. The assets of each
     Benefit Plan are reported at their fair market value on the books and
     records of each such Benefit Plan.

     SECTION 3.12  Tax Matters. Except as set forth in Section 3.12 of the
Company Disclosure Schedule:

          (a) Except where the failure to do so has not had, and would not
     reasonably be expected to have, a Company Material Adverse Effect: (i) the
     Company and each of the Company Subsidiaries has filed all federal income
     Tax Returns and all other Tax Returns required to be filed by it prior to
     the date hereof, and each such Tax Return has been prepared in compliance
     with all applicable Laws and is true and correct in all material respects;
     (ii) the Company and each of the Company Subsidiaries has paid (or the
     Company has paid on the Company Subsidiaries' behalf) all Taxes shown as
     due on such returns and all other Taxes due and payable prior to the date
     hereof except such Taxes as are currently being contested in good faith and
     for which adequate reserves, as applicable, have been established in the
     Company's financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
     accounting principles, and the most recent financial statements contained
     in the Current SEC Reports reflect an adequate reserve for all Taxes
     payable by the Company and the Company Subsidiaries for all taxable periods
     and portions thereof through the date of such financial statements; and
     (iii) neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has incurred any
     liability for Taxes subsequent to the date of such most recent financial
     statement other than in the ordinary course of such Company's or Company
     Subsidiary's business.

          (b) Except as would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect: (i) no
     Tax Return of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries is under audit
     or examination by any taxing authority, and no written notice of such an
     audit or examination or any other audit or examination with respect to
     Taxes has been received by the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries;
     (ii) each deficiency resulting from any audit or examination relating to
     Taxes by any taxing authority has been paid, except for deficiencies
     currently being contested in good faith and for which adequate reserves, as
     applicable, have
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<PAGE>   114

     been established in the Company's financial statements in accordance with
     generally accepted accounting principles; (iii) there are no liens for
     Taxes upon the assets of the Company or any Company Subsidiary except liens
     relating to current Taxes not yet due and payable; (iv) all Taxes which the
     Company or any Company Subsidiary is required by Law to withhold or to
     collect for payment have been duly withheld and collected; (v) none of the
     Company or the Company Subsidiaries has consented to extend the time in
     which any Tax may be assessed or collected by any taxing authority; and
     (vi) to the knowledge of the Company, no written claim has been made by any
     taxing authority in a jurisdiction where the Company and the Company
     Subsidiaries do not file Tax Returns that the Company or Company Subsidiary
     is or may be subject to taxation in that jurisdiction.

          (c) There is no contract or arrangement, plan or agreement by or with
     the Company or any Company Subsidiary covering any person that,
     individually or collectively, would give rise to the payment of any amount
     by the Company or a Company Subsidiary that would not be deductible by the
     Company or such Company Subsidiary by reason of Section 280G of the Code
     with respect to the Transactions.

          (d) Each of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries has made
     available to Newco true, correct and complete copies of all federal income
     Tax Returns, and all other material Tax Returns, examination reports and
     statements of deficiencies assessed against or agreed to by any of the
     Company or the Company Subsidiaries that have been filed by any of the
     Company or the Company Subsidiaries for the taxable years ending December
     31, 1996, 1997, 1998 and, if filed at the time of execution of this
     Agreement, 1999.

          (e) None of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries (A) has been a
     member of an affiliated group filing a consolidated federal income Tax
     Return (other than a group the common parent of which was the Company), (B)
     is a party to or bound by any Tax allocation or Tax sharing agreement with
     any person other than the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, or (C) has
     any liability for the Taxes of any person (other than any of the Company or
     the Company Subsidiaries) under Treas. Reg. sec. 1.1502-6 (or any similar
     provision of Law), as a transferee or successor, by contract, or otherwise.

          (f) As used in this Section 3.12, the terms (i) "Tax" (and, with
     correlative meaning, "Taxes") means: (A) any federal, state, local or
     foreign net income, gross income, gross receipts, windfall profit,
     severance, property, production, sales, use, license, excise, franchise,
     employment, payroll, withholding, alternative or add-on minimum, ad
     valorem, value added, transfer, stamp, or environmental tax, or any other
     tax of any kind whatsoever, together with any interest or penalty, addition
     to tax or additional amount imposed by any Governmental Authority; and (B)
     any liability of the Company or any Company Subsidiary for the payment of
     amounts with respect to payments of a type described in clause (A) as a
     result of any obligation of the Company or any Company Subsidiary under any
     tax sharing agreement or tax indemnity agreement; and (ii) "Tax Return"
     means any return, report or similar statement required to be filed with
     respect to any Tax.

     SECTION 3.13  Litigation. Except as set forth in Section 3.13 of the
Company Disclosure Schedule, there is no suit, claim, action, proceeding or
investigation pending, or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against
the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries, at law or in equity, that,
individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a Company
Material Adverse Effect or prevent or materially delay the consummation of the
Transactions (it being understood that the mere filing of litigation, or mere
existence of litigation, by or on behalf of stockholders of the Company, that
challenges or otherwise seeks damages with respect to the Transactions shall not
in and of itself be deemed to have such effect). Neither the Company nor any of
the Company Subsidiaries is subject to any outstanding order, writ, injunction
or decree that would reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse
Effect or prevent or materially delay the consummation of the Transactions.

     SECTION 3.14  Opinion of Financial Advisor. The Special Committee has
received the opinion of Lazard Freres & Co. LLC on or prior to the date of this
Agreement to the effect that the Merger Consideration to be received in the
Merger by the Company's stockholders is fair to the Company's

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<PAGE>   115

stockholders other than the Rollover Stockholders from a financial point of view
and the Company has delivered a copy of such opinion to Newco.

     SECTION 3.15  Brokers. No broker, finder or investment banker (other than
Lazard Freres & Co. LLC) is entitled to any brokerage, finder's or other fee or
commission in connection with the Transactions based upon arrangements made by,
or on behalf of, the Company or any Company Subsidiary. Prior to the execution
hereof, the Company has made available to Newco a complete and correct copy of
all agreements between the Company and Lazard Freres & Co. LLC pursuant to which
such firm would be entitled to any payment relating to the Transactions.

     SECTION 3.16  Properties and Assets. The Company and the Company
Subsidiaries have good and valid title to, or, in the case of leased properties
and assets, valid leasehold interests in, all of their material tangible
properties and assets, real and personal, used or held for use in their
businesses located on their premises or shown on the consolidated balance sheet
of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 or acquired
thereafter, free and clear of any Liens, except (i) as set forth in the Current
SEC Reports or Section 3.16 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (ii) Liens for
taxes not yet due and payable and for which adequate reserves, as applicable,
have been established in the Company's financial statements in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, (iii) Liens which do not, individually
or in the aggregate, materially interfere with or materially impair the conduct
of the business of the Company or any Company Subsidiary and (iv) Liens which
would not reasonably be expected to result in a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Except as set forth in Section 3.16 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, neither
the Company nor any Company Subsidiary owns any material real property. The real
property listed in Section 3.16 of the Company Disclosure Schedule constitutes
all of the material real property used or occupied by the Company or any Company
Subsidiary as of the date hereof.

     SECTION 3.17  Compliance with Laws in General. Except as set forth in
Sections 3.10 or 3.17 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (i) the Company has
not received any notices of, nor to its knowledge have there been any,
violations by the Company or any Company Subsidiary of any Law relating to its
business and operations that, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably
be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect and (ii) the Company and
the Company Subsidiaries possess all permits, licenses, certifications, and
other governmental or regulatory authorizations and approvals necessary to
enable the Company and the Company Subsidiaries to carry on their businesses as
presently conducted, except for such failure to possess such permits, licenses,
certifications and other governmental authorizations and approvals which would
not be reasonably expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

     SECTION 3.18  Labor Matters. Except as set forth in Section 3.18 of the
Company Disclosure Schedule, (i) there is no labor strike, dispute, slowdown,
stoppage or lockout actually pending, or to the knowledge of the Company,
threatened against or affecting the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries,
(ii) neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries is a party to or
bound by any collective bargaining or similar agreement with any labor
organization, or work rules or practices agreed to with any labor organization
or employee association in each case applicable to employees of the Company or
any of the Company Subsidiaries, and (iii) none of the employees of the Company
or any of the Company Subsidiaries is represented by any labor organization and,
to the knowledge of the Company, there are not any union organizing activities
with respect to the Company or the Company Subsidiaries, except in each case
where the foregoing would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be
expected to result in a Company Material Adverse Effect.

     SECTION 3.19  Required Company Vote. The approval of this Agreement at the
Stockholders Meeting (as defined below) by holders of a majority of the issued
and outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote at the Stockholders
Meeting is the only vote of the holders of any class or series of the Company's
securities necessary to approve this Agreement and the Merger.

     SECTION 3.20  State Takeover Laws. Based on information provided by Newco
to the Company on or prior to the date hereof, the Company has taken such
actions as it reasonably determined necessary for the consummation of the
Transactions under Section 203 of the DGCL and to permit Newco, Paul W. Jones,
John L. Workman, Roger B. Farley, David R. Ford, Thomas A. Scrimo, J. Michael
Kirk, Gillian V.N.
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<PAGE>   116

Derbyshire, Ricardo Poma, Francisco A. Soler, Salcorp Ltd., Katsura, S.A. Barcel
Corporation, Scarsdale Company N.V., Inc., Windsor International Corporation,
Atlas World Carriers S.A., The World Financial Corporation S.A., Citigroup Inc.,
Salomon Smith Barney Inc., Berkshire Partners LLC, Lennoxville Investments,
Inc., Empire Investments, S.A. and their respective spouses, associates,
affiliates and subsidiaries (collectively, the "Exempted Persons"), or any
combination thereof, to become "interested stockholders" (within the meaning of
Section 203 of the DGCL), in connection with developing agreements, arrangements
or understandings among themselves relating to the participation or all or any
of them in the Transactions and by taking any and all actions relating to the
consummation of, and by consummating, the Transactions.

     SECTION 3.21  Rights Agreement. The Board has amended the Amended and
Restated Rights Agreement dated as of October 19, 1995 between the Company and
Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as Rights Agent (the "Rights Agreement") in a
manner sufficient so that the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
consummation of the Merger and the other Transactions will not cause (i) any of
the Exempted Persons, or any combination of them, to constitute an Acquiring
Person (as defined in the Rights Agreement) or to be a Beneficial Owner of or to
beneficially own (as such terms are defined in the Rights Plan) 15% or more of
the outstanding Company Shares (subject to certain limitations set forth in
Amendment No. 1 to Rights Agreement dated the date hereof), (ii) a Distribution
Date (as defined in the Rights Agreement) to occur or (iii) the preferred share
purchase rights (the "Rights") issued pursuant to the Rights Plan to become
exercisable.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF NEWCO

     Newco hereby represents and warrants to the Company that:

     SECTION 4.1  Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries. Newco is a
corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the State of Delaware and has the requisite power and authority and all
necessary governmental approvals to own, lease and operate its properties and to
carry on its business as it is now being conducted, except where the failure to
be in good standing or to have such governmental approvals would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Newco Material Adverse Effect (as
defined below). Newco is duly qualified or licensed as a foreign corporation to
do business, and is in good standing, in each jurisdiction where the character
of the properties owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of its business
makes such qualification or licensing necessary, except for such failure to be
so qualified or licensed and in good standing that would not, individually or in
the aggregate, have a Newco Material Adverse Effect. The term "Newco Material
Adverse Effect" means, for all purposes of this Agreement, any effect,
circumstance or change that would be reasonably expected to prevent or
materially delay the consummation of the Transactions or otherwise prevent Newco
from performing its obligations under this Agreement. Newco has no subsidiaries.

     SECTION 4.2  Charter Documents and Bylaws. Newco heretofore has provided
the Company a complete and correct copy of its certificate of incorporation and
its bylaws. The certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Newco so provided are
in full force and effect. Newco is not in violation of any of the provisions of
its certificate of incorporation or bylaws.

     SECTION 4.3  Authority Relative to this Agreement.

          (a) Newco has all necessary corporate power and authority to execute
     and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to
     consummate the Transactions. The execution and delivery of this Agreement
     by Newco and the consummation by Newco of the Transactions have been duly
     and validly authorized by all necessary corporate action and no other
     corporate proceedings on the part Newco (including on the part of the
     stockholders of Newco) are necessary to authorize this Agreement or to
     consummate the Transactions (other than the filing and recordation of
     appropriate documents for the Merger as required by the DGCL). This
     Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Newco and,
     assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by the Company,
     constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Newco, enforceable
     against Newco in accordance with its terms,
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<PAGE>   117

     subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer,
     reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws relating to creditors'
     rights generally and to general principles of equity.

          (b) The Board of Directors and stockholders of Newco have approved and
     adopted this Agreement and the Transactions in accordance with the DGCL and
     Newco's certificate of incorporation and bylaws.

     SECTION 4.4  No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents.

          (a) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Newco does not,
     and the performance of this Agreement by Newco and the consummation by
     Newco of the Transactions will not, (i) conflict with or violate the
     certificate of incorporation or bylaws or equivalent organizational
     documents of Newco, (ii) assuming that all consents, approvals,
     authorizations and other actions described in subsection (b) have been
     obtained and all filings and obligations described in subsection (b) have
     been made or complied with, conflict with or violate any Law applicable to
     Newco or by which any asset of Newco is bound or affected, or (iii)
     conflict with, result in any breach of or constitute a default (or an event
     that with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or
     give to others any right of termination, amendment, acceleration or
     cancellation of, or require any payment under or result in the creation of
     a Lien on any asset of Newco pursuant to, any contract, note, bond,
     mortgage, indenture, lease, agreement, or other instrument or obligation to
     which Newco is a party or by which any asset of Newco is bound or affected,
     except, with respect to clauses (ii) and (iii), for any such conflicts,
     violations, breaches, defaults, or other occurrences which would not,
     individually or in the aggregate, have a Newco Material Adverse Effect.

          (b) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Newco does not,
     and the performance of this Agreement by Newco and the consummation by
     Newco of the Transactions will not, require any consent, approval,
     authorization or permit of, or filing with or notification to, any
     Governmental Authority, except (i) for applicable requirements, if any, of
     the Exchange Act, the New York Stock Exchange, the pre merger notification
     requirements of the HSR Act, the European Community Merger Control
     Regulation or any other applicable foreign antitrust, competition or
     foreign investment Laws, and the filing and recordation of appropriate
     merger documents as required by the DGCL and (ii) other consents,
     approvals, authorizations, permits, filings or notifications where the
     failure to obtain all such consents, approvals, authorizations or permits,
     and to make all such filings or notifications, would not prevent or delay
     consummation of the Merger, or otherwise prevent Newco from performing its
     obligations under this Agreement.

     SECTION 4.5  Ownership of Newco; No Prior Activities. Newco was formed
solely for the purpose of engaging in the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement. Newco (i) has not conducted, and will not prior to the Effective Time
conduct, any business and (ii) has no, and prior to the Effective Time will have
no, assets or liabilities, except, in either case, in connection with the
Transactions and except, in the case of (ii), as set forth on Schedule 4.5(ii)
hereto. No Company Shares are held by Newco or any subsidiary of Newco. As of
the date hereof, the capital stock of Newco, including options, warrants and
other rights to acquire capital stock, is beneficially owned as follows:
Berkshire -- 2,000 shares of Newco Common Stock, Paul W. Jones -- 700 shares of
Newco Common Stock, and John L. Workman -- 300 shares of Newco Common Stock.

     SECTION 4.6  Litigation. There is no suit, claim, action, proceeding or
investigation pending, or, to the knowledge of Newco, threatened against Newco,
at law or in equity, that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be
expected to prevent or materially delay the consummation of the Transactions (it
being understood that the mere filing of litigation, or mere existence of
litigation, by or on behalf of stockholders of the Company, that challenges or
otherwise seeks damages with respect to the Transactions shall not in and of
itself be deemed to have such effect). Newco is not subject to any outstanding
order, writ, injunction or decree that could reasonably be expected to have a
Newco Material Adverse Effect.

     SECTION 4.7  Financing. Newco has provided the Company with commitment
letters from Salomon Smith Barney Inc., Citicorp North America, Inc., Banc of
America Bridge LLC, Bank of America, N.A. and Banc of America Securities LLC and
their respective affiliates, dated as of June 1, 2000 and June 1, 2000,
                                       17
<PAGE>   118

respectively (the "Debt Commitment Letters"), and the Berkshire Commitment
Letter (collectively, the "Commitment Letters" and the financing to be provided
thereunder, the "Financing"). The obligations to fund the commitments under the
Commitment Letters are not subject to any condition other than as set forth in
the Commitment Letters. Newco is not aware of any fact or occurrence existing on
the date of this Agreement that makes any of the assumptions or statements set
forth in the Commitment Letters inaccurate or that causes the Commitment Letters
to be ineffective or that precludes the satisfaction of the conditions set forth
in the Commitment Letters. The Commitment Letters have been duly executed by all
parties thereto and are in full force and effect as of the date hereof. All
commitment and other fees required to be paid under the Commitment Letters on or
prior to the date hereof have been paid. The aggregate amount of financing
committed pursuant to the Commitment Letters is sufficient to fund all amounts
required to be paid in connection with the consummation of the Transactions,
including the Merger Consideration and the Option Consideration as provided in
Section 2.4. Newco believes that, upon the consummation of the Transactions,
including the Financing, (i) the Surviving Corporation will not be insolvent,
(ii) the Surviving Corporation will not be left with unreasonably small capital,
(iii) the Surviving Corporation will not have incurred debts beyond its ability
to pay such debts as they mature, and (iv) the capital of the Surviving
Corporation will not be impaired.

     SECTION 4.8  Management Arrangements. Newco has provided the Company with
true and correct copies of written term sheets relating to the participation of
certain members of Company's management in the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.

     SECTION 4.9  Capitalization. As of the date hereof, the authorized capital
stock of Newco consists of 5,000 shares of Newco Common Stock. As of the date
hereof, 3,000 shares of Newco Common Stock were issued and outstanding, all of
which are validly issued, fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive
rights, and no shares of common stock were held in treasury.

     SECTION 4.10  Brokers. No broker, finder or investment banker (other than
Salomon Smith Barney Inc. and Banc of America Securities LLC) is entitled to any
brokerage, finder's or other fee or commission in connection with the
Transactions based upon arrangements made by, or on behalf of, Berkshire or
Newco.

     SECTION 4.11  No Registration. No registration is required under any
federal or state securities laws in connection with the offer, sale or issuance
of shares of Newco stock pursuant to the Merger and the Transactions.

                                   ARTICLE V

                                   COVENANTS

     SECTION 5.1  Interim Operations of the Company. The Company covenants and
agrees that during the period from the date of this Agreement to the Effective
Time (unless Newco shall otherwise agree in writing and except as otherwise
expressly contemplated or permitted by this Agreement or the Company Disclosure
Schedule):

          (a) the business of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries shall be
     conducted only in the ordinary and usual course and each of the Company and
     the Company Subsidiaries shall use its reasonable best efforts to preserve
     its business organization intact and maintain its existing relations with
     customers, employees and business associates;

          (b) the Company shall not (i) sell, transfer or pledge or agree to
     sell, transfer or pledge any stock owned by it in any of the Company
     Subsidiaries (except for the pledge of such stock for collateral purposes
     in connection with its bank working capital facility); (ii) except as
     expressly contemplated by this Agreement, amend, or permit the amendment
     of, its restated certificate of incorporation or bylaws or the similar
     organizational documents of any of the Company Subsidiaries; (iii) split,
     combine or reclassify the outstanding Company Shares; or (iv) declare, set
     aside or pay any dividend or distribution

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<PAGE>   119

     payable in cash, stock or property with respect to the Company Shares or
     any other capital stock of the Company;

          (c) neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries shall (i)
     issue, deliver or sell or authorize or propose the issuance, delivery or
     sale of, any shares of, or debt or equity securities convertible or
     exchangeable for, or options, warrants, calls, commitments or rights of any
     kind to acquire, capital stock or other equity interests of any class of
     the Company or the Company Subsidiaries other than Company Shares issuable
     pursuant to the agreements or arrangements described in Section 3.3(a) of
     the Company Disclosure Schedule and Options issued under the Option Plans
     in the ordinary course of business (but in no event shall all such Options
     granted after the date hereof represent the right to purchase more than
     50,000 shares of Common Stock (subject to adjustment for events of the type
     described in Section 2.9) and in no event shall any Options granted after
     the date hereof have an exercise price per share of Common Stock less than
     the fair market value of a share of Common Stock as of the grant date) or
     (ii) repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, or permit any Company
     Subsidiary to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, any shares of
     capital stock or other equity interests of the Company or any Company
     Subsidiary (including securities exchangeable for, or options, warrants,
     calls, commitments or rights of any kind to acquire, capital stock or other
     equity interests of the Company or any Company Subsidiary);

          (d) neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries shall (i)
     except in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past
     practice, grant or agree to any increase in the compensation of any
     director, officer or employee earning in excess of $200,000 in cash,
     noncontingent compensation per year, except for increases contemplated by
     or required under employment agreements listed in Section 3.7 of the
     Company Disclosure Schedule and bonuses payable in the ordinary course
     under the Company's existing annual bonus plan, (ii) enter into any new or
     materially amend any existing employment, severance or termination
     agreement with any such director, officer or employee or (iii) except as
     may be required to comply with applicable Law, become obligated under any
     Benefit Plan that was not in existence on the date hereof or amend or
     modify any Benefit Plan in existence on the date hereof to materially
     enhance the benefits thereunder;

          (e) the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of the Company
     Subsidiaries to, acquire or agree to acquire, including by merging or
     consolidating with, or purchasing all, substantially all, or any material
     portion of, the assets or capital stock or other equity interest of, any
     material business;

          (f) the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of the Company
     Subsidiaries to, sell, lease, license, encumber or otherwise dispose of, or
     agree to sell, lease, license, encumber or otherwise dispose of, any of its
     assets outside the ordinary course of business, other than (i) assets with
     an aggregate book value not in excess of $500,000 or (ii) pursuant to
     existing contracts or commitments described in Section 5.1(f) of the
     Company Disclosure Schedule;

          (g) except as contemplated by the Debt Commitment Letters, the Company
     shall not, and shall not permit any of the Company Subsidiaries to, incur
     or enter into any agreement to incur any indebtedness for borrowed money or
     guarantee any such indebtedness or issue or sell any debt securities or
     warrants or rights to acquire any debt securities of the Company or any
     Company Subsidiary, except (i) in the ordinary course of business
     consistent with past practice, provided that such borrowings are made under
     the Company's existing credit agreements in an aggregate amount not to
     exceed the amounts currently authorized under those agreements (other than
     borrowings to finance any obligations of the Company hereunder) at any time
     outstanding, (ii) any indebtedness for borrowed money or guarantees of
     indebtedness for borrowed money acquired in any acquisition permitted
     hereunder or (iii) subject to the limitations set forth in clause (i)
     above, any continuation, extension, refinancing, renewal or replacement of
     any existing indebtedness or guarantee or any indebtedness or guarantee
     permitted by this Section 5.1(g);

          (h) the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of the Company
     Subsidiaries to, make any loans or advances to, guarantees for the benefit
     of, or investments in, any person (other than the

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<PAGE>   120

     Company or an existing Company Subsidiary or an entity which becomes, after
     the date hereof, a subsidiary of the Company) except in the ordinary course
     of business consistent with past practice;

          (i) neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries shall
     merge or consolidate with any person except for the Merger and except for
     any merger between or among (x) two or more Company Subsidiaries or (y) any
     Company Subsidiary or Subsidiaries and the Company, provided that the
     Company is the surviving corporation in any such merger;

          (j) neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary shall liquidate,
     dissolve or effect a recapitalization or reorganization in any form of
     transaction;

          (k) the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of the Company
     Subsidiaries to, enter into, amend, modify or supplement any Material
     Contract or agreement (i) outside of the ordinary course of business and
     consistent with past practice (except as may be necessary for the Company
     to comply with its obligations hereunder) or (ii) restricting in any
     material respect the conduct of the businesses of the Company and the
     Company Subsidiaries taken as a whole;

          (l) the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of the Company
     Subsidiaries to, make any capital expenditures (other than pursuant to
     commitments prior to the date hereof and set forth on Section 5.1(l) of the
     Company Disclosure Schedule) in excess of $2,500,000 (other than an
     acquisition permitted in accordance herewith and other than expenditures in
     accordance with the Company's Year 2000 Capital Plan dated February 10,
     2000, a copy of which has been previously provided to Newco);

          (m) the Company and the Company Subsidiaries shall comply in all
     material respects with their respective obligations under the Material
     Contracts as such obligations become due and with their respective
     obligations under applicable Law;

          (n) the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of the Company
     Subsidiaries to, enter into, amend, modify or supplement any material
     agreement, transaction, commitment or arrangement with any officer,
     director or other affiliate (or any affiliate of any of the foregoing)
     other than agreements, transactions, commitments and arrangements which are
     (i) solely between the Company and any one or more Company Subsidiaries,
     (ii) solely between Company Subsidiaries, (iii) permitted by Section 5.1(d)
     or (iv) contemplated by this Agreement or the Transactions;

          (o) the Company and the Company Subsidiaries shall use their
     reasonable best efforts to continue in force with good and responsible
     insurance companies adequate insurance covering risks of such types and in
     such amounts as are consistent with past practice;

          (p) except as may be required as a result of a change in Law or in
     generally accepted accounting principles, neither the Company nor any
     Company Subsidiary shall make any material change in any of the accounting
     principles or practices used by it;

          (q) the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of the Company
     Subsidiaries to, settle any litigation for amounts in excess of $250,000
     individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate;

          (r) neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary shall make any
     material tax election other than those tax elections as are consistent with
     past practice; and

          (s) neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries will enter
     into any agreement to do any of the foregoing.

     SECTION 5.2  Meeting of the Stockholders.

          (a) So long as the Special Committee or the Board shall not have
     withdrawn, modified or changed its recommendation in accordance with the
     provisions of the next succeeding sentence, the Company will take all
     action reasonably necessary in accordance with applicable Law and its
     restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws to convene a special
     meeting of its stockholders to consider and vote upon the approval of this
     Agreement, the Merger and such other matters as may be necessary to
     effectuate the
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<PAGE>   121

     Transactions (the "Stockholders Meeting") as promptly as practicable
     following the execution and delivery of this Agreement. The Special
     Committee and the Board shall recommend such approval and shall use their
     reasonable best efforts to solicit such approval; provided, however, that
     the Special Committee or the Board may at any time prior to stockholder
     approval of the Merger decline to make, withdraw, modify or change any such
     recommendations to the extent that the Special Committee or the Board
     determines in good faith, after consultation with its independent legal
     counsel, that making such recommendation or the failure to so withdraw,
     modify or change its recommendation would be inconsistent with the Special
     Committee's or the Board's fiduciary duties to the Company's stockholders
     (other than the Rollover Stockholders) under applicable Law (which
     declinations, withdrawal, modification or change shall not constitute a
     breach by the Company of this Agreement).

          (b) As soon as reasonably practicable after the date of this Agreement
     and in connection with the Stockholders Meeting, the Company shall file
     with the SEC a proxy statement (the "Proxy Statement") and form of proxy
     relating to the Merger and the other Transactions, which shall comply as to
     form with all applicable Laws. The Company shall obtain and furnish the
     information required to be included in the Proxy Statement and shall
     respond promptly to any comments made by the SEC with respect to the Proxy
     Statement and cause the Proxy Statement and form of proxy to be mailed to
     the Company's stockholders at the earliest practicable date. Newco shall
     cooperate in the preparation of the Proxy Statement and shall as soon as
     practicable following the date hereof furnish the Company with all
     information for inclusion in the Proxy Statement as shall be reasonably
     requested by the Company. The Company agrees, as to information with
     respect to the Company, its officers, directors, stockholders and
     subsidiaries contained in the Proxy Statement or a Statement on Schedule
     13E-3 ("Schedule 13E-3"), and Newco agrees, as to information with respect
     to Newco, its officers, directors, stockholders, subsidiaries and financing
     contained in the Proxy Statement or a Schedule 13E-3, that such
     information, at the date the Proxy Statement is mailed and (as then amended
     or supplemented) at the time of the Stockholders Meeting, will not be false
     or misleading with respect to any material fact, or omit to state any
     material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
     statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made,
     not misleading. Newco and its counsel shall be given an opportunity to
     review the Proxy Statement and all amendments or supplements thereof, prior
     to their being filed with the SEC and the Company shall not make any such
     filing without the approval of Newco (which shall not be unreasonably
     withheld or delayed). The Company will advise Newco, promptly after it
     receives notice thereof, of the time when the Proxy Statement and Schedule
     13E-3 have been cleared by the SEC or any request by the SEC for amendment
     of the Proxy Statement or the Schedule 13E-3 or comments from the SEC
     thereon and proposed responses thereto or requests by the SEC for
     additional information. The Company, on the one hand, and Newco, on the
     other hand, agree to promptly correct any information provided by either of
     them for use in the Proxy Statement or Schedule 13E-3, if any, if and to
     the extent that it shall have become false or misleading, and the Company
     further agrees to take all steps reasonably necessary to cause the Proxy
     Statement and the Schedule 13E-3 as so corrected to be filed with the SEC
     and to use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Proxy Statement to be
     disseminated to the Company's stockholders, in each case, as and to the
     extent required by applicable Laws. The Company shall cooperate in the
     preparation, signing (to the extent required) and filing of a Schedule
     13E-3 and shall as soon as practicable following the date hereof furnish
     Newco with all information for inclusion in the Schedule 13E-3 as shall be
     reasonably requested by Newco. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company
     shall not be required to take any of the actions provided for under this
     Section 5.2(b) if the Special Committee or the Board determines in good
     faith, after consultation with its independent legal counsel, that making
     its recommendation (as contemplated by Section 5.2(a)) or the failure to so
     withdraw, modify or change such recommendation would be inconsistent with
     the Special Committee's or the Board's fiduciary duties to the Company's
     stockholders (other than the Rollover Stockholders) under applicable Law.

     SECTION 5.3  Filings; Other Action. Subject to the terms and conditions of
this Agreement, the Company and Newco shall: (a) if required by applicable Law,
promptly make their respective filings and thereafter make any other required
submissions under the HSR Act and the European Community Merger

                                       21
<PAGE>   122

Regulation (or any other applicable foreign antitrust, competition or foreign
investment Laws) with respect to the Merger and the other Transactions; and (b)
use their reasonable best efforts promptly to take, or cause to be taken, all
other action and do, or cause to be done, all other things necessary, proper or
appropriate to consummate and make effective the Transactions, as soon as
practicable.

     SECTION 5.4  Access. Subject to restrictions contained in confidentiality
agreements to which the Company is subject and upon reasonable notice, the
Company shall (and shall cause each of the Company Subsidiaries to) afford the
officers, counsel, accountants, investors, financing sources and other
authorized representatives ("Representatives") of Newco reasonable access,
during normal business hours during the period prior to the Effective Time, to
its properties, books, contracts and records and appropriate individuals as it
may reasonably request (including employees, attorneys, accountants and other
professionals), and during such period, the Company shall (and shall cause each
of the Company Subsidiaries to) furnish promptly to Newco such information
concerning its business, properties and personnel as Newco may reasonably
request. Newco will not, and will cause its Representatives not to, use any
information obtained pursuant to this Section 5.4 for any purpose unrelated to
the consummation of the Transactions. Except as otherwise agreed to by the
Company, and notwithstanding termination of this Agreement, the terms and
provisions of the Confidentiality Agreement, dated June 1, 2000, between the
Company and Newco (the "Confidentiality Agreement") shall apply to all
information furnished thereunder or hereunder.

     SECTION 5.5  Notification of Certain Matters. The Company shall give prompt
written notice to Newco, and Newco shall give prompt written notice to the
Company, of (i) the occurrence, or failure to occur, of any event that would be
likely to cause any representation or warranty made by such party contained in
this Agreement to be untrue or inaccurate in any material respect and (ii) any
material failure of the Company or Newco, as the case may be, or of any officer,
director, employee or agent thereof, to comply with or satisfy any covenant,
condition or agreement to be complied with or satisfied by it hereunder.
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no such notification
shall affect the representations, warranties or covenants of the parties or the
conditions to the obligations of the parties hereunder.

     SECTION 5.6  Publicity. Except as otherwise required by Law, the Company
and Newco shall consult with each other in issuing any press releases or
otherwise making public statements with respect to the Transactions and in
making any filings with any federal or state governmental or regulatory agency
or with NYSE or any national securities exchange with respect thereto.

     SECTION 5.7  Indemnification.

          (a) From and after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation will
     indemnify and hold harmless the present and former officers and directors
     of the Company and its subsidiaries (the "Indemnified Parties"), against
     all losses, expenses, claims, damages, liabilities and amounts that are
     paid in settlement of, or otherwise in connection with, any claim, action,
     suit, proceeding or investigation (a "Claim"), to which any such person is
     or may become a party by virtue of his or her service as a present or
     former director or officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries and
     arising out of actual or alleged events, actions or omissions occurring or
     alleged to have occurred at or prior to the Effective Time (including the
     Transactions), in each case to the fullest extent permitted under the DGCL
     (and shall pay expenses in advance of the final disposition of any such
     action or proceeding to each Indemnified Party to the fullest extent
     permitted under the DGCL, upon receipt from the Indemnified Party to whom
     expenses are advanced of the undertaking to repay such advances if it is
     ultimately determined that such person is not entitled to indemnification).

          (b) The Surviving Corporation shall cause to be maintained in effect
     for not less than six years after the Effective Time directors' and
     officers' liability insurance and fiduciary liability insurance ("D&O
     Insurance") covering the Indemnified Parties with respect to matters
     occurring at or prior to the Effective Time that is no less favorable to
     the Indemnified Parties than the Company's current insurance, with an
     amount of coverage of not less than 100% of the amount of coverage
     maintained by the Company as of the date of this Agreement, provided that
     (i) if the existing D&O Insurance expires, is terminated or canceled during
     such six year period, the Surviving Corporation will obtain D&O Insurance
     in an amount and scope that is no less favorable to the Indemnified Parties
     than the existing D&O Insurance;
                                       22
<PAGE>   123

     provided, however, that the Surviving Corporation will not be obligated to
     incur an annual premium in excess of 200% of the last annual premium paid
     prior to the date of this Agreement (the "Current Premium") in order to
     obtain D&O Insurance in such amount and scope and (ii) if D&O Insurance in
     an amount and scope that is no less favorable to the Indemnified Parties
     than the existing D&O Insurance is not available for an annual premium that
     is not in excess of 200% of the Current Premium or if the annual premium
     for D&O Insurance is increased to an amount in excess of 200% of the
     Current Premium, in each case during such six year period, the Surviving
     Corporation will obtain D&O Insurance in an amount and scope as great as
     can be obtained for the remainder of such period for an annual premium not
     in excess (on an annualized basis) of 200% of the Current Premium. The
     provisions of this Section 5.7(b) shall be deemed to have been satisfied if
     prepaid policies shall have been obtained by the Company prior to Closing,
     which policies provide such directors and officers with coverage for an
     aggregate period of six years with respect to claims arising from facts or
     events that occurred on, or prior to, the Effective Time, including the
     Transactions. If such prepaid policies shall have been obtained by the
     Company prior to the Closing, then the Surviving Corporation shall continue
     to honor the Company's obligations thereunder and use its reasonable best
     efforts to maintain such policies in full force and effect.

          (c) Subject to applicable Law, the existing certificate of
     incorporation and bylaws of the Company shall not be amended, including by
     operation of Sections 1.5 and 1.6, in a manner which adversely affects the
     rights of the Indemnified Parties under any provisions regarding
     indemnification or exculpation from liability therein or under this Section
     5.7. All rights to indemnification and/or advancement of expenses contained
     in any agreement with any Indemnified Parties as in effect on the date
     hereof with respect to matters occurring at or prior to the Effective Time
     (including the Transactions) shall survive the Merger and continue in full
     force and effect.

          (d) This Section 5.7 shall survive the consummation of the Merger and
     is intended to be for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, the
     Indemnified Parties referred to herein, their heirs and personal
     representatives and shall be binding on the Surviving Corporation and its
     successors and assigns.

          (e) If the Surviving Corporation or any of its successors or assigns
     (i) consolidates with or merges into any other person and shall not be the
     continuing or surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation or
     merger, or (ii) transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its
     properties and assets to any person, then, and in each case, to the extent
     necessary, proper provision shall be made so that the successors and
     assigns of the Surviving Corporation shall assume the obligations set forth
     in this Section 5.7.

     SECTION 5.8  Employee Benefit Plans. Subject to Section 2.2 and except as
provided in Section 4.8, at least until the first anniversary of the Effective
Time, the Surviving Corporation (and any successor thereto) shall honor, without
modification, all employment, consulting, severance, termination or
indemnification agreements, arrangements or understandings between the Company
or any Company Subsidiaries and any current or former employee, officer or
director of the Company or any Company Subsidiaries as set forth in the Current
SEC Reports or in the Company Disclosure Schedule in effect on the Effective
Time except as may be otherwise mutually agreed by the Surviving Corporation and
a current or former employee, officer or director covered by such an agreement.
The Surviving Corporation and its successors shall pay or provide all benefits
vested as of the Effective Time under any Benefit Plan in accordance with the
terms of such plan. Nothing in this Section 5.8 shall be deemed to limit or
otherwise affect the right of the Surviving Corporation to terminate employment
or change the place of work, responsibilities, status or designation of any
employee or group of employees as the Surviving Corporation may determine in the
exercise of its business judgment and in compliance with (a) applicable laws and
(b) the agreements, arrangements and understandings described in the first
sentence of this Section 5.8.

     SECTION 5.9  No Solicitation of Transactions.

          (a) The Company will immediately cease any existing discussions and
     negotiations with any third parties conducted prior to the date hereof with
     respect to any Acquisition Proposal (as defined below). The Company shall
     not, directly or indirectly, through any officer, director, employee,
     attorney, financial advisor, accountant or other representative, agent,
     affiliate or any of its subsidiaries or otherwise,
                                       23
<PAGE>   124

     (i) solicit, initiate, continue or encourage any inquiry, proposal or offer
     that constitutes, or could reasonably be expected to lead to, a proposal or
     offer for a merger, consolidation, business combination, sale of
     substantial assets (other than in the ordinary course of business), sale of
     a significant portion of the shares of capital stock (including by way of a
     tender offer), reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification,
     extraordinary joint venture or similar transaction involving the Company or
     any of its subsidiaries, other than the transactions contemplated by this
     Agreement (any of the foregoing inquiries, proposals or offers being
     referred to in this Agreement as an "Acquisition Proposal"), (ii) continue
     or engage in negotiations or discussions concerning, or provide any
     non-public information or data to any person relating to, any Acquisition
     Proposal, or (iii) agree to, approve or recommend any Acquisition Proposal;
     provided, that nothing contained in this Section 5.9 shall prevent the
     Company from (A) furnishing non-public information or data to, or entering
     into discussions or negotiations with, any person in connection with an
     unsolicited bona fide Acquisition Proposal by such person if (1) the
     Special Committee determines in good faith, after consultation with its
     independent financial advisors, that such Acquisition Proposal is
     reasonably likely to, if consummated, result in a transaction more
     favorable to the Company's stockholders (other than the Rollover
     Stockholders) from a financial point of view than the transactions
     contemplated by this Agreement, and (2) prior to furnishing such non-public
     information to, or entering into discussions or negotiations with, such
     person, the Company receives from such person an executed confidentiality
     agreement with terms no less favorable in the aggregate to the Company than
     those contained in the Confidentiality Agreement; or (B) complying with
     Rule 14e-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act with regard to an Acquisition
     Proposal. If the Special Committee determines in good faith that any
     Acquisition Proposal constitutes a Superior Proposal (as defined below),
     the Company shall promptly give written notice to Newco, specifying the
     parties to and the structure and material terms of such Superior Proposal
     (a "Notice of Superior Proposal"). The Special Committee may (subject to
     the following sentences of this subsection and compliance with Section
     7.4(b) and Section 8.1(b), recommend any such Superior Proposal, recommend
     the Company's entering into an agreement with respect to such Superior
     Proposal, approve the solicitation of additional takeover or other
     investment proposals or cause the Company to exercise its rights under
     Section 7.4(b), in each case at any time after the second business day
     following delivery to Newco of the Notice of Superior Proposal. The Special
     Committee may take any of the foregoing actions pursuant to the preceding
     sentence only if an Acquisition Proposal that was a Superior Proposal at
     the time of delivery of a Notice of Superior Proposal continues to be a
     Superior Proposal in light of any improved transaction proposed by Newco
     prior to the expiration of the two business day period specified in the
     preceding sentence. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Superior Proposal"
     means any bona fide Acquisition Proposal that the Special Committee
     determines, in its good faith reasonable judgment, after consultation with
     its independent financial advisors, to be made by a person with the
     financial ability to consummate such proposal and would, if consummated,
     result in transaction more favorable to the Company's stockholders (other
     than the Rollover Stockholders) from a financial point of view than the
     Transactions or any transactions otherwise proposed by Newco as
     contemplated above.

          (b) The Company shall notify Newco immediately (and in no event later
     than 24 hours) after receipt by the Company of any Acquisition Proposal.
     Such notice shall be made orally and in writing and shall indicate in
     reasonable detail the identity of the offeror and the material terms
     (including price) and conditions of such Acquisition Proposal.

          (c) The Company and the Board shall not (i) redeem the Rights or (ii)
     waive or amend any provision of the Rights Agreement, in any case to permit
     or facilitate the consummation of any Acquisition Proposal, unless this
     Agreement has been terminated in accordance with the terms and conditions
     set forth herein.

     SECTION 5.10  Third Party Standstill Agreements. During the period from the
date of this Agreement through the Effective Time, the Company shall not
terminate, amend, modify or waive any material provision of any confidentiality
or standstill agreement to which the Company is a party (other than any
involving Berkshire (or its affiliates) or Newco). During such period, the
Company agrees to enforce, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law,
the provisions of any such agreements, including seeking injunctions to
                                       24
<PAGE>   125

prevent any breaches of such agreements and to enforce specifically the terms
and provisions thereof in a court in the United States or any state thereof
having jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if specifically requested by
an entity or group, the Special Committee may waive the provisions of any
standstill agreement to the extent necessary to permit such entity or group to
submit an Acquisition Proposal that the Special Committee believes, in its good
faith judgment, is reasonably likely to result in a Superior Proposal provided
that no such waiver shall occur unless the Special Committee has determined,
after consultation with its independent legal counsel, that the failure to waive
such provisions would be inconsistent with the Special Committee's fiduciary
duties to the Company's stockholders (other than the Rollover Stockholders)
under applicable Law.

     SECTION 5.11  Consents. The Company and Newco shall use their reasonable
best efforts to obtain promptly all consents, waivers, approvals, authorizations
and permits of, and to make promptly all registrations and filings with and
notifications to, any Governmental Authority or other third party necessary for
the consummation of the Transactions.

     SECTION 5.12  Delisting. Each of the parties agrees to cooperate with each
other in taking, or causing to be taken, all actions reasonably necessary to
delist the Common Stock from the NYSE and to terminate registration of the
Common Stock under the Exchange Act, provided that such delisting and
termination shall not be effective until after the Effective Time of the Merger.

     SECTION 5.13  Actions Respecting Commitment Letters; Financing,
Notification.

          (a) Newco and its affiliates shall perform all obligations required to
     be performed by them in accordance with and pursuant to the Commitment
     Letters and shall not amend, terminate or waive any provisions under such
     Commitment Letters if the effect thereof would be reasonably likely to
     prevent or materially delay the consummation of the Transactions.

          (b) Newco shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the
     financing on the terms set forth in the Debt Commitment Letters; provided,
     however, that Newco shall be entitled to obtain, in its sole discretion,
     substitute debt financing with other nationally recognized financial
     institutions ("Substitute Debt Financing"), provided that such Substitute
     Debt Financing does not materially delay the consummation of the
     Transactions.

          (c) Newco shall provide prompt written notice to the Company of (i)
     Berkshire's refusal or intended refusal to provide the financing described
     in the Berkshire Commitment Letter and (ii) following its receipt of
     notification by a potential lender under a Debt Commitment Letter or in
     connection with any Substitute Debt Financing, its refusal or intended
     refusal to provide the financing described in the applicable Debt
     Commitment Letter and, in each case, the stated reasons therefor. In any
     such event, Newco shall use its reasonable best efforts to find substitute
     financing for such financing as promptly as practicable, it being
     understood that in no event shall Berkshire have any obligation to increase
     the amount of its equity investment as provided for in the Berkshire
     Commitment Letter.

     SECTION 5.14  Financial Statements. During the period prior to the
Effective Time, the Company shall provide to Newco consolidated monthly
financial statements within 45 calendar days following the end of each fiscal
month. Further, the Company shall provide, and shall cause the Company
Subsidiaries and Company Representatives to provide, at Newco's cost, all
reasonable cooperation in connection with the arrangement of the Financing
including (a) promptly providing to Newco's financing sources all material
financial information in their possession with respect to the Company and the
Transactions reasonably requested by Newco, including information and
projections prepared by the Company relating to the Company and the
Transactions, (b) causing the Company's senior officers and other Company
Representatives to be reasonably available to Newco's financing sources in
connection with such Financing, to reasonably participate in due diligence
sessions and to reasonably participate in presentations related to the
Financing, including presentations to rating agencies, potential lenders and
other investors, and (c) reasonably assisting in the preparation of one or more
appropriate offering documents and assisting Newco's financing sources in
preparing other appropriate marketing materials, in each case to be used in
connection with the Financing. Nothing herein

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<PAGE>   126

shall imply that the completion of any such syndication, securities offerings or
other financing is a condition to the obligation of Newco to consummate the
Merger.

     SECTION 5.15  State Takeover Laws. The Company shall, upon the request of
Newco, take all reasonable steps to assist in any challenges by Newco to the
validity or applicability to the Transactions, including the Merger, of any
state takeover law.

     SECTION 5.16  Senior Subordinated Notes. At or prior to the Effective Time,
the Company and Newco will take all such actions as may be necessary to (i)
repurchase some or all of the Company's outstanding 10 1/8% Senior Subordinated
Notes (the "Notes"), (ii) obtain the consent of at least a majority of the
principal amount of the Notes outstanding to a supplemental indenture to the
Indenture, dated as of October 17, 1996 (the "Indenture"), between the Company,
as issuer, United States Can Company, as guarantor and Harris Trust and Savings
Bank, as trustee relating to the Notes that would permit the Transactions,
including the Financing, to be effected without resulting in any breach or
default under the Indenture or the Notes and (iii) execute such supplemental
indenture, in each such case, on terms and conditions reasonably acceptable to
Newco. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the Company be required
to take any action that could obligate the Company to repurchase any Notes or
incur any additional obligation to the holders of the Notes prior to the
Closing.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                                   CONDITIONS

     SECTION 6.1  Conditions to the Obligations of Each Party. The obligations
of the Company and Newco to consummate the Merger are subject to the
satisfaction of the following conditions:

          (a) Company Stockholder Approval. This Agreement and the Merger shall
     have been approved and adopted by the stockholders of the Company in
     accordance with the DGCL, the Company's restated certificate of
     incorporation and its bylaws.

          (b) Competition Laws. Any waiting period (and any extension thereof)
     applicable to the consummation of the Merger under the HSR Act shall have
     expired or been terminated. Any approvals or authorizations required under
     the European Community Merger Regulation shall have been obtained.

          (c) No Order. No Governmental Authority shall have enacted, issued,
     promulgated, enforced or entered any law, rule, regulation, executive order
     or decree, judgment, injunction, ruling or other order, whether temporary,
     preliminary or permanent (collectively, "Order"), that is then in effect
     and has the effect of prohibiting the consummation of the Merger or
     otherwise imposing material limitations on the ability of the Surviving
     Corporation or the Company Subsidiaries effectively to hold and continue
     the business of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries in all material
     respects after the Effective Time; provided, that the party invoking this
     condition shall use its reasonable best efforts to have such Order repealed
     or removed.

          (d) Financing. The Company shall have received or shall be
     concurrently receiving the debt financing proceeds described in the Debt
     Commitment Letters or, if applicable, an equal amount of proceeds from any
     Substitute Debt Financing, unless the cause of such non-receipt is a breach
     by Newco of any covenant under this Agreement.

     SECTION 6.2  Conditions to the Obligations of Newco. The obligations of
Newco to consummate the Merger are subject to the satisfaction of the following
additional conditions, unless waived by Newco in writing:

          (a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties
     of the Company set forth herein shall be true and correct as of the date of
     this Agreement and as of the Effective Time except for (i) changes
     specifically contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) those representations
     and warranties that address matters only as of a particular date (which
     shall remain true and correct as of such date) and in each case except
     where the failure of such representation and warranty to be so true and
     correct would
                                       26
<PAGE>   127

     not have a Company Material Adverse Effect (other than representations and
     warranties that are already so qualified or that are qualified as to the
     prevention or delay of the consummation of any of the Transactions and the
     representations and warranties set forth in Section 3.3, Section 3.20 and
     Section 3.21, which in each such case shall be true and correct in all
     material respects) and except, with respect to any representation or
     warranty made by the Company in this Agreement, to the extent (but only to
     such extent) that Newco, Berkshire, Paul W. Jones, John L. Workman, Roger
     B. Farley or David R. Ford had actual knowledge as of the date of this
     Agreement of any such breach by the Company of, or any such inaccuracy in,
     such representation or warranty of the Company.

          (b) Covenants and Agreements. The Company shall have performed all
     obligations and complied with all agreements and covenants of the Company
     to be performed or complied with by it under this Agreement prior to the
     Effective Time in each case in all material respects.

          (c) Consents. The Company shall have obtained all (i) consents and
     approvals from Governmental Authorities necessary or required for the
     consummation of the Transactions the absence of which would have a Company
     Material Adverse Effect or would prohibit the consummation of the
     Transactions, and (ii) the consents and approvals from the third parties
     identified on Schedule 6.2(c) attached hereto, all on terms and conditions
     reasonably satisfactory to Newco.

          (d) Officers' Certificate. At the Closing, the Company shall have
     delivered a certificate, duly executed by the Company's Chief Executive
     Officer and Chief Financial Officer, stating that the conditions to Closing
     set forth in Sections 6.2(a) and (b) above have been satisfied.

          (e) Certified Copies. At the Closing, the Company shall deliver
     certified copies of (i) the resolutions duly adopted by the Company's board
     of directors authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this
     Agreement and the other agreements contemplated hereby applicable to it and
     the Transactions, (ii) the restated certificate of incorporation and the
     bylaws of the Company and (iii) the tabulation of the stockholder vote
     taken at the Stockholders Meeting.

          (f) Director Resignations. At the Closing, the Company shall deliver
     signed letters of resignation from each director of the Company pursuant to
     which each such director resigns from his position as a director of the
     Company and makes such resignation effective at or prior to the Effective
     Time.

     SECTION 6.3  Conditions to the Obligations of the Company. The obligations
of the Company to consummate the Merger are subject to the satisfaction of the
following additional conditions, unless waived by the Company, acting under the
direction of the Special Committee, in writing:

          (a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties
     of Newco set forth herein shall be true and correct as of the date of this
     Agreement and as of the Effective Time except for (i) changes specifically
     contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) those representations and
     warranties that address matters only as of a particular date (which shall
     remain true and correct as of such date) and in each case except where
     failure of such representation and warranty to be so true and correct would
     not reasonably be expected to have a Newco Material Adverse Effect (other
     than representations and warranties that are already so qualified or that
     are qualified as to the prevention or delay of the consummation of any of
     the Transactions, which in each such case shall be true and correct in all
     material respects).

          (b) Covenants and Agreements. Newco shall have performed all
     obligations and complied with all agreements and covenants of Newco to be
     performed or complied with by it under this Agreement prior to the
     Effective Time in each case in all material respects.

          (c) Officers' Certificate. At the Closing, Newco shall have delivered
     a certificate, duly executed by Newco's President and Treasurer, stating
     that the conditions to Closing set forth in Sections 6.3(a) and (b) above
     have been satisfied.

          (d) Certified Copies. At the Closing, Newco shall deliver certified
     copies of (i) the resolutions duly adopted by Newco's board of directors
     authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this

                                       27
<PAGE>   128

     Agreement and the other agreements contemplated hereby applicable to it and
     the Transactions, (ii) the resolutions duly adopted by Newco's stockholders
     approving this Agreement and the Transactions, and (iii) the certificate of
     incorporation and the bylaws of Newco.

          (e) Solvency Opinion. The Board shall have received written advice,
     reasonably satisfactory to the Board, from an independent advisor
     confirming the belief of Newco set forth in the last sentence of Section
     4.7.

          (f) Change in Control Waivers. Each of Paul W. Jones and John L.
     Workman, and at least three of Roger B. Farley, David R. Ford, Thomas A.
     Scrimo, J. Michael Kirk and Gillian V.N. Derbyshire shall have entered into
     agreements with the Company that acknowledge that the consummation of the
     Transactions will not give rise to a right by him or her to receive any
     change in control severance payments from the Company, the Surviving
     Corporation or any Company Subsidiary under agreements existing as of the
     date of this Agreement between him or her, on the one hand, and the Company
     or any Company Subsidiary, on the other hand.

                                  ARTICLE VII

                                  TERMINATION

     SECTION 7.1  Termination by Mutual Consent. This Agreement may be
terminated and the Merger and the other Transactions may be abandoned at any
time prior to the Effective Time, before or after the approval by holders of
Common Stock referred to in Section 6.1(a), by the mutual consent of the
Company, acting under the direction of the Special Committee, and Newco.

     SECTION 7.2  Termination by Either Newco or the Company. This Agreement may
be terminated and the Merger and the other Transactions may be abandoned at any
time prior to the Effective Time by the Company, acting under the direction of
the Special Committee, or by Newco if (a) before or after the approval by
holders of Common Stock referred to in Section 6.1(a), the Merger shall not have
been consummated on or before November 30, 2000, (b) before or after the
approval by holders of Common Stock referred to in Section 6.1(a), there shall
be any Law that makes consummation of the Merger illegal or otherwise prohibited
or any Order that is final and nonappealable preventing the consummation of the
Merger, or (c) if the Stockholders Meeting shall have been held and completed
and the approval by the holders of Common Stock referred to in Section 6.1(a)
shall not have been obtained by reason of the failure to obtain the required
vote at the Stockholders Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof;
provided, that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section
7.2 shall not be available to any party that has breached in any material
respect its obligations under this Agreement in any manner that shall have
proximately contributed to the failure of the Merger to be consummated.

     SECTION 7.3  Termination by Newco. This Agreement may be terminated and the
Merger and the other Transactions may be abandoned at any time prior to the
Effective Time, before or after approval by the holders of Common Stock referred
to in Section 6.1(a), by Newco if:

          (a) prior to the Effective Time there has been a breach of any
     representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of the Company
     set forth in this Agreement such that any of the conditions set forth in
     Section 6.1 or 6.2 would not be satisfied and such breach is not cured
     within thirty days after Newco's written notification to the Company of the
     occurrence of such breach and is incapable of being cured prior to November
     30, 2000; or

          (b) (i) the Special Committee or the Board withdraws, modifies or
     changes its approval or recommendation of this Agreement or the
     Transactions in a manner adverse to Newco or (ii) the Special Committee
     shall have recommended to the Board or the Company's stockholders an
     Acquisition Proposal other than the Merger or (iii) the Special Committee
     or the Board fails to reconfirm its recommendation of this Agreement to the
     Company's stockholders within ten days after a reasonable written request
     by Newco to do so or (iv) the Special Committee or the Board resolves to do
     any of the foregoing.

                                       28
<PAGE>   129

     SECTION 7.4  Termination by the Company. This Agreement may be terminated
and the Merger and the other Transactions may be abandoned at any time prior to
the Effective Time, before or after the approval by holders of Common Stock
referred to in Section 6.1(a), by the Company, acting under the direction of the
Special Committee, if:

          (a) prior to the Effective Time there has been a breach of any
     representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of Newco set
     forth in this Agreement such that any of the conditions set forth in
     Section 6.1 or 6.3 would not be satisfied and such breach is not cured
     within thirty days after the Company's written notification to Newco of the
     occurrence of such breach and is incapable of being cured prior to November
     30, 2000; or

          (b) prior to stockholder approval of the Merger referred to in Section
     6.1(a), and no earlier than two (2) business days after the receipt by
     Newco of a Notice of Superior Proposal, if the Company has complied with
     Section 5.9(a) and the Superior Proposal described in such Notice of
     Superior Proposal continues to be a Superior Proposal in light of any
     transaction proposed by Newco prior to the end of the second business day
     after the receipt by Newco of such Notice of Superior Proposal.

     SECTION 7.5  Effect of Termination. Except as set forth in Section 8.1, in
the event of termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Article VII, no
party hereto (or any of its directors or officers) shall have any liability or
further obligation to any other party to this Agreement, except that nothing
herein will relieve the Company or Newco from liability for any willful breach
of this Agreement.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                             MISCELLANEOUS; GENERAL

     SECTION 8.1  Payment of Expenses.

          (a) Except as otherwise set forth in this Section 8.1, whether or not
     the Merger shall be consummated, each party hereto shall pay its own
     Expenses; provided that, effective as of the Effective Time, the Surviving
     Corporation shall pay all of the Expenses paid by or on behalf of either
     the Company or Newco. "Expenses" as used in this Agreement shall include
     all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including all fees and expenses of
     outside counsel, investment bankers, financing sources, legal counsel,
     experts and consultants to a party hereto) incurred by a party or on its
     behalf in connection with or related to the authorization, preparation,
     negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement and all other
     matters relating to the closing of the Transactions.

          (b) The Company agrees that if (i) Newco shall terminate this
     Agreement pursuant to Section 7.3(b) or (ii) the Company shall terminate
     this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.4(b) or (iii) an Acquisition Proposal
     shall have been publicly disclosed prior to the Stockholders Meeting and
     shall remain pending at the time of the Stockholders Meeting and either
     Newco or the Company shall terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section
     7.2(c), the Company shall pay Newco a non-refundable fee of six million
     dollars ($6,000,000), which amount shall be payable by wire transfer of
     same day funds (x) concurrently with and as a condition to any such
     termination by the Company and (y) within three (3) business days after the
     date this Agreement is so terminated by Newco. The Company acknowledges
     that the agreements contained in this Section 8.1(b) are an integral part
     of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and that, without these
     agreements, Newco would not enter into this Agreement; accordingly, if the
     Company fails to pay promptly the amounts due pursuant to this Section
     8.1(b), and, in order to obtain any such payment, Newco commences a legal
     proceeding which results in a judgment against the Company for the amounts
     set forth in this Section 8.1(b), the Company shall pay to Newco its costs
     and expenses (including attorneys' fees) in connection with such
     proceeding, together with interest on the amounts set forth in this Section
     8.1(b) at the prime rate of Citibank N.A. in effect on the date any such
     payment was required to be made.

                                       29
<PAGE>   130

     SECTION 8.2  Survival. The representations and warranties in this Agreement
and in any certificate delivered pursuant hereto shall terminate at the
Effective Time. The covenants and agreements in this Agreement shall survive the
Effective Time in accordance with their terms.

     SECTION 8.3  Modification or Amendment. Subject to the provisions of
applicable Law, at any time prior to the Effective Time, the parties to this
Agreement may modify or amend this Agreement, by written agreement executed and
delivered by duly authorized officers of the parties hereto, provided that any
such agreement by the Company shall be effective only if authorized or approved
by the Special Committee.

     SECTION 8.4  Waiver of Conditions.

          (a) Any provision of this Agreement may be waived prior to the
     Effective Time if, and only if, such waiver is in writing and signed by an
     authorized representative of the party against whom the waiver is to be
     effective, provided that any such waiver by the Company shall be effective
     only if authorized or approved by the Special Committee.

          (b) No failure or delay by any party in exercising any right, power or
     privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall
     any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further
     exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.
     Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the rights and remedies
     herein provided shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or
     remedies provided by Law.

     SECTION 8.5  Counterparts. For the convenience of the parties hereto, this
Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each such counterpart
being deemed to be an original instrument, and all such counterparts shall
together constitute the same agreement.

     SECTION 8.6  Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without giving
effect to the principles of conflict of laws thereof.

     SECTION 8.7  Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given: (i) when
sent if sent by facsimile, provided that receipt of the fax is promptly
confirmed by telephone; (ii) when delivered, if delivered personally to the
intended recipient; (iii) three business days following sending by registered or
certified mail, postage prepaid; and (iv) one business day following sending, if
sent by overnight delivery via a national courier service providing proof of
delivery, and in each case, addressed to a party at the following address for
such party (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified in a
notice given in accordance with this Section 8.7):

        If to Newco:       Pac Packaging Acquisition Corporation
                           900 Commerce Drive
                           Oak Brook, Illinois 60523
                           Attention: Paul Jones
                           Facsimile No.: (630) 571-0402

        with a copy to:    Mayer, Brown & Platt
                           190 South LaSalle Street
                           Chicago, IL 60603
                           Attention: Frederick B. Thomas
                                   James T. Lidbury
                           Facsimile No.: (312) 701-7711

                           Ropes and Gray
                           One International Place
                           Boston, MA 02110-2624
                           Attention: David C. Chapin
                           Facsimile No.: (617) 951-7050

                                       30
<PAGE>   131

        If to the Company: Special Committee of the Board of Directors
                           c/o Benjamin J. Bailar
                           410 East Walnut
                           Lake Forest, IL 60045
                           Facsimile No.: (847) 295-3936

        with a copy to:    Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (Illinois)
                           333 West Wacker Drive
                           Suite 2100
                           Chicago, IL 60606
                           Attention: Charles W. Mulaney, Jr.
                                   Brian W. Duwe
                           Facsimile No. (312) 407-0411

        and a copy to      U.S. Can Corporation
                           900 Commerce Drive
                           Oak Brook, IL 60523
                           Attention: General Counsel
                           Facsimile No.: (630) 573-0715

     SECTION 8.8  Entire Agreement, etc. This Agreement and the agreements
referenced herein or contemplated hereby (a) constitute the entire agreement,
and supersede all other prior agreements and understandings, both written and
oral, among the parties, with respect to the subject matter hereof, and (b)
shall not be assignable by operation of law or otherwise except that Newco may
assign, in its sole discretion, any or all of its rights, interests and
obligations hereunder to any direct or indirect wholly-owned newly formed
Delaware subsidiary of Newco or to any newly-formed Delaware corporation having
substantially the same shareholders and capital structure as Newco; provided,
that in either case (i) such assignee shall be deemed to have made the
representations and warranties of Newco set forth herein as if it were Newco,
(ii) such assignee shall be deemed substituted for Newco for all purposes
hereof, (iii) such assignment shall not result in the failure to be satisfied of
any condition to either party's obligation to consummate the Merger set forth in
Article VI and (iv) the Company, acting through the Special Committee, shall
have given its prior written consent to such assignment, which consent shall not
be unreasonably withheld or delayed. No such assignment shall relieve Newco of
its liabilities and obligations hereunder. Subject to the preceding sentence,
this Agreement will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable
by the parties and their respective successors and assigns.

     SECTION 8.9  Interpretation. The Article, Section and paragraph captions
herein are for convenience of reference only, do not constitute part of this
Agreement and shall not be deemed to limit or otherwise affect any of the
provisions hereof. References in this Agreement to Articles and Sections are
references to Articles and Sections of this Agreement, unless expressly
otherwise stated. Whenever the words "include," "includes," or "including" are
used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words
"without limitation." The definitions in this Agreement are applicable to the
singular as well as the plural forms of such terms.

     SECTION 8.10  Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the
term:

          "affiliate" and "affiliates" shall have the meaning set forth in Rule
     12b-2 under the Exchange Act.

          "associate" and "associates" shall have the meaning set forth in Rule
     12b-2 under the Exchange Act.

          "knowledge of the Company" means the actual knowledge of Roger B.
     Farley, David R. Ford, Paul W. Jones or John L. Workman.

          "person" means any individual or any corporation, partnership, limited
     liability company or other legal entity.

                                       31
<PAGE>   132

          "subsidiary" of any person means any corporation, partnership, limited
     liability company or other legal entity of which such person (either alone
     or through or together with any subsidiary) owns, directly or indirectly,
     more than 50% of the stock or other equity or beneficial interests, the
     holders of which are generally entitled to vote for the election of the
     board of directors or other governing body of such corporation or other
     legal entity.

     SECTION 8.11  No Third Party Beneficiaries. Except as provided in Section
5.7, this Agreement is not intended to be for the benefit of, and shall not be
enforceable by, any person not a party hereto.

     SECTION 8.12  Company Disclosure Schedule. Any disclosure made in a section
of the Company Disclosure Schedule shall be deemed disclosed for all purposes of
this Agreement to which such disclosure could reasonably be expected to be
pertinent, notwithstanding the omission of a cross reference thereto.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by
the duly authorized officers of the parties hereto on the date first hereinabove
written.

                                            U.S. CAN CORPORATION

                                            By:      /s/ PAUL W. JONES
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name: Paul W. Jones
                                              Title: Chairman and Chief
                                                Executive Officer

                                            PAC PACKAGING ACQUISITION
                                            CORPORATION

                                            By:    /s/ RICHARD K. LUBIN
                                              ----------------------------------
                                              Name: Richard K. Lubin
                                              Title: Senior Vice President

                                       32
<PAGE>   133

                                                                      SCHEDULE I

Rollover Shares (column 2) held by each Rollover Stockholder (column 1),
respectively, to be converted, in the aggregate, into the following number of
shares of Surviving Corporation Common Stock (column 3) and Surviving
Corporation Preferred Stock (column 4):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            SURVIVING CORPORATION
                                                     ------------------------------------
   1. ROLLOVER STOCKHOLDER      2. ROLLOVER SHARES   3. COMMON STOCK   4. PREFERRED STOCK
   -----------------------      ------------------   ---------------   ------------------
<S>                             <C>                  <C>               <C>
Gillian V. N. Derbyshire                5,000              5,000                    0
Roger B. Farley                         6,000              6,000                    0
David R. Ford                          15,000             15,000                    0
Paul W. Jones                          32,000             32,000                    0
J. Michael Kirk                         5,000              5,000                    0
John L. Workman                         9,500              9,500                    0
Salomon Smith Barney Inc.             443,961            138,833            6,102,557
Salcorp Ltd.                          147,867             46,240            2,032,536
Barcel Corporation                    200,000             62,543            2,749,141
Scarsdale Company N.V., Inc.            4,266              1,334               58,639
Windsor International                  67,867             21,223              932,880
  Corporation
Atlas World Carriers S.A.              40,000             12,509              549,828
The World Financial                    40,000             12,509              549,828
  Corporation S.A.
Lennoxville Investments, Inc.          90,000             28,144            1,237,113
Empire Investments S.A.               110,000             34,399            1,512,027
Carl Ferenbach                         50,000             15,636              687,285
                                    ---------            -------           ----------
Total                               1,266,461            445,870           16,411,834
                                    =========            =======           ==========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   134

                                                                         ANNEX B

                                          June 1, 2000

The Special Committee of the Board of Directors
U.S. Can Corporation
900 Commerce Drive
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523

Dear Members of the Special Committee:

     We understand that Pac Packaging Acquisition Corporation ("Purchaser"), an
entity formed by Berkshire Partners LLC, its affiliates and certain other
investors, and U.S. Can Corporation ("U.S. Can" or the "Company"), have proposed
to enter into an Agreement and Plan of Merger to be dated as of June 1, 2000
(the "Agreement"), pursuant to which the Purchaser or its permitted assignee
will merge with and into the Company (the "Merger") with the Company being the
surviving corporation in such Merger. As a result of the Merger contemplated by
the Agreement, each share of common stock, par value $.01 per share ("Common
Stock"), of the Company outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of
the Merger (other than shares held in the Company's treasury, Rollover Shares
and Dissenting Shares, as such terms are defined in the Agreement) will be
converted into the right to receive $20.00 in cash (the "Cash Consideration") on
the terms and conditions set forth in the Agreement.

     You have requested our opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point
of view, to the holders, other than stockholders of Purchaser and holders of
Rollover Shares, of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (the "Public
Stockholders") of the Cash Consideration to be received by such holders pursuant
to the Agreement. In connection with this opinion, we have:

     - Reviewed the financial terms and conditions of the Agreement;

     - Analyzed certain historical business and financial information relating
       to the Company;

     - Reviewed various financial forecasts and other data provided to us by the
       Company relating to its business and financial performance;

     - Held discussions with members of the senior management of the Company
       with respect to the businesses and prospects of the Company and its
       strategic objectives;

     - Reviewed public information with respect to certain other companies in
       lines of businesses we believe to be generally comparable to the
       businesses of the Company;

     - Reviewed the financial terms of certain business combinations involving
       companies in lines of businesses we believe to be generally comparable to
       those of the Company and in other industries generally;

     - Reviewed the historical stock prices and trading volumes of the Company's
       Common Stock; and

     - Reviewed such other information and conducted such other financial
       studies, analyses and investigations as we deemed appropriate.

     We have relied upon the accuracy and completeness of the foregoing
information, and have not assumed any responsibility for any independent
verification of such information or any independent valuation or appraisal of
any of the assets or liabilities of the Company. We are not opining or providing
any advice with respect to the impact of the Merger on the solvency, viability
or financial condition of the Company or its ability to satisfy its obligations
as they become due. With respect to financial forecasts, we have assumed that
they have been reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently
available estimates and judgments of management of the Company as to the future
financial performance of the Company. We assume no responsibility for and
express no view as to such forecasts or the assumptions on which they are based.
In addition, our opinion does not address the Company's underlying business
decision to enter into the

                                       B-1
<PAGE>   135

Agreement. Further, our opinion is necessarily based on economic, monetary,
market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available
to us as of, the date hereof. In rendering our opinion, we have assumed that the
Merger will be consummated on the terms described in the Agreement, without any
waiver of any material terms or conditions by the Company and that obtaining the
necessary regulatory approvals for the Merger will not have a material adverse
effect on the Company.

     Lazard Freres & Co. LLC is acting as investment banker to the Special
Committee of the Board of Directors of U.S. Can ("Special Committee") in
connection with the Merger and will receive a fee for our services, which is
contingent upon the closing of the Merger.

     Our engagement and the opinion expressed herein are for the benefit of the
Special Committee and our opinion is rendered to the Special Committee in
connection with its consideration of the Merger. This opinion is not intended to
and does not constitute a recommendation to any stockholder of the Company as to
how such stockholder should vote with respect to the Agreement or the Merger. It
is understood that this letter may not be disclosed or otherwise referred to
without our prior consent, except as may otherwise be required by law or by a
court of competent jurisdiction.

     Based on and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion, as of the
date hereof, that the Cash Consideration to be received by the Public
Stockholders in the Merger is fair to such holders from a financial point of
view.

                                          Very truly yours,

                                          LAZARD FRERES & CO. LLC

                                          By:
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                      Albert H. Garner
                                                     Managing Director

                                       B-2
<PAGE>   136

                                                                         ANNEX C

              SECTION 262 OF THE DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW

     SEC. 262 APPRAISAL RIGHTS. -- (a) Any stockholder of a corporation of this
State who holds shares of stock on the date of the making of a demand pursuant
to subsection (d) of this section with respect to such shares, who continuously
holds such shares through the effective date of the merger or consolidation, who
has otherwise complied with subsection (d) of this section and who has neither
voted in favor of the merger or consolidation nor consented thereto in writing
pursuant to sec.228 of this title shall be entitled to an appraisal by the Court
of Chancery of the fair value of the stockholder's shares of stock under the
circumstances described in subsections (b) and (c) of this section. As used in
this section, the word "stockholder" means a holder of record of stock in a
stock corporation and also a member of record of a nonstock corporation; the
words "stock" and "share" mean and include what is ordinarily meant by those
words and also membership or membership interest of a member of a nonstock
corporation; and the words "depository receipt" mean a receipt or other
instrument issued by a depository representing an interest in one or more
shares, or fractions thereof, solely of stock of a corporation, which stock is
deposited with the depository.

     (b) Appraisal rights shall be available for the shares of any class or
series of stock of a constituent corporation in a merger or consolidation to be
effected pursuant to sec.251 (other than a merger effected pursuant to
sec.251(g) of this title), sec.252, sec.254, sec.257, sec.258, sec.263 or
sec.264 of this title:

          (1) Provided, however, that no appraisal rights under this section
     shall be available for the shares of any class or series of stock, which
     stock, or depository receipts in respect thereof, at the record date fixed
     to determine the stockholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at
     the meeting of stockholders to act upon the agreement of merger or
     consolidation, were either (i) listed on a national securities exchange or
     designated as a national market system security on an interdealer quotation
     system by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or (ii) held
     of record by more than 2,000 holders; and further provided that no
     appraisal rights shall be available for any shares of stock of the
     constituent corporation surviving a merger if the merger did not require
     for its approval the vote of the stockholders of the surviving corporation
     as provided in subsection (f) of sec.251 of this title.

          (2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this subsection, appraisal rights
     under this section shall be available for the shares of any class or series
     of stock of a constituent corporation if the holders thereof are required
     by the terms of an agreement of merger or consolidation pursuant to
     sec.sec.251, 252, 254, 257, 258, 263 and 264 of this title to accept for
     such stock anything except:

             a. Shares of stock of the corporation surviving or resulting from
        such merger or consolidation, or depository receipts in respect thereof;

             b. Shares of stock of any other corporation, or depository receipts
        in respect thereof, which shares of stock (or depository receipts in
        respect thereof) or depository receipts at the effective date of the
        merger or consolidation will be either listed on a national securities
        exchange or designated as a national market system security on an
        interdealer quotation system by the National Association of Securities
        Dealers, Inc. or held of record by more than 2,000 holders;

             c. Cash in lieu of fractional shares or fractional depository
        receipts described in the foregoing subparagraphs a. and b. of this
        paragraph; or

             d. Any combination of the shares of stock, depository receipts and
        cash in lieu of fractional shares or fractional depository receipts
        described in the foregoing subparagraphs a., b. and c. of this
        paragraph.

          (3) In the event all of the stock of a subsidiary Delaware corporation
     party to a merger effected under sec.253 of this title is not owned by the
     parent corporation immediately prior to the merger, appraisal rights shall
     be available for the shares of the subsidiary Delaware corporation.

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     (c) Any corporation may provide in its certificate of incorporation that
appraisal rights under this section shall be available for the shares of any
class or series of its stock as a result of an amendment to its certificate of
incorporation, any merger or consolidation in which the corporation is a
constituent corporation or the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of
the corporation. If the certificate of incorporation contains such a provision,
the procedures of this section, including those set forth in subsections (d) and
(e) of this section, shall apply as nearly as is practicable.

     (d) Appraisal rights shall be perfected as follows:

          (1) If a proposed merger or consolidation for which appraisal rights
     are provided under this section is to be submitted for approval at a
     meeting of stockholders, the corporation, not less than 20 days prior to
     the meeting, shall notify each of its stockholders who was such on the
     record date for such meeting with respect to shares for which appraisal
     rights are available pursuant to subsection (b) or (c) hereof that
     appraisal rights are available for any or all of the shares of the
     constituent corporations, and shall include in such notice a copy of this
     section. Each stockholder electing to demand the appraisal of such
     stockholder's shares shall deliver to the corporation, before the taking of
     the vote on the merger or consolidation, a written demand for appraisal of
     such stockholder's shares. Such demand will be sufficient if it reasonably
     informs the corporation of the identity of the stockholder and that the
     stockholder intends thereby to demand the appraisal of such stockholder's
     shares. A proxy or vote against the merger or consolidation shall not
     constitute such a demand. A stockholder electing to take such action must
     do so by a separate written demand as herein provided. Within 10 days after
     the effective date of such merger or consolidation, the surviving or
     resulting corporation shall notify each stockholder of each constituent
     corporation who has complied with this subsection and has not voted in
     favor of or consented to the merger or consolidation of the date that the
     merger or consolidation has become effective; or

          (2) If the merger or consolidation was approved pursuant to sec.228 or
     sec.253 of this title, each constituent corporation, either before the
     effective date of the merger or consolidation or within ten days
     thereafter, shall notify each of the holders of any class or series of
     stock of such constituent corporation who are entitled to appraisal rights
     of the approval of the merger or consolidation and that appraisal rights
     are available for any or all shares of such class or series of stock of
     such constituent corporation, and shall include in such notice a copy of
     this section; provided that, if the notice is given on or after the
     effective date of the merger or consolidation, such notice shall be given
     by the surviving or resulting corporation to all such holders of any class
     or series of stock of a constituent corporation that are entitled to
     appraisal rights. Such notice may, and, if given on or after the effective
     date of the merger or consolidation, shall, also notify such stockholders
     of the effective date of the merger or consolidation. Any stockholder
     entitled to appraisal rights may, within 20 days after the date of mailing
     of such notice, demand in writing from the surviving or resulting
     corporation the appraisal of such holder's shares. Such demand will be
     sufficient if it reasonably informs the corporation of the identity of the
     stockholder and that the stockholder intends thereby to demand the
     appraisal of such holder's shares. If such notice did not notify
     stockholders of the effective date of the merger or consolidation, either
     (i) each such constituent corporation shall send a second notice before the
     effective date of the merger or consolidation notifying each of the holders
     of any class or series of stock of such constituent corporation that are
     entitled to appraisal rights of the effective date of the merger or
     consolidation or (ii) the surviving or resulting corporation shall send
     such a second notice to all such holders on or within 10 days after such
     effective date; provided, however, that if such second notice is sent more
     than 20 days following the sending of the first notice, such second notice
     need only be sent to each stockholder who is entitled to appraisal rights
     and who has demanded appraisal of such holder's shares in accordance with
     this subsection. An affidavit of the secretary or assistant secretary or of
     the transfer agent of the corporation that is required to give either
     notice that such notice has been given shall, in the absence of fraud, be
     prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein. For purposes of
     determining the stockholders entitled to receive either notice, each
     constituent corporation may fix, in advance, a record date that shall be
     not more than 10 days prior to the date the notice is given, provided, that
     if the notice is given on or after the effective date of the merger or
     consolidation, the record date shall be such effective date. If no record
     date is fixed and the notice is given prior to the effective date, the
     record date shall be the close of business on the day next preceding the
     day on which the notice is given.

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     (e) Within 120 days after the effective date of the merger or
consolidation, the surviving or resulting corporation or any stockholder who has
complied with subsections (a) and (d) hereof and who is otherwise entitled to
appraisal rights, may file a petition in the Court of Chancery demanding a
determination of the value of the stock of all such stockholders.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time within 60 days after the effective
date of the merger or consolidation, any stockholder shall have the right to
withdraw such stockholder's demand for appraisal and to accept the terms offered
upon the merger or consolidation. Within 120 days after the effective date of
the merger or consolidation, any stockholder who has complied with the
requirements of subsections (a) and (d) hereof, upon written request, shall be
entitled to receive from the corporation surviving the merger or resulting from
the consolidation a statement setting forth the aggregate number of shares not
voted in favor of the merger or consolidation and with respect to which demands
for appraisal have been received and the aggregate number of holders of such
shares. Such written statement shall be mailed to the stockholder within 10 days
after such stockholder's written request for such a statement is received by the
surviving or resulting corporation or within 10 days after expiration of the
period for delivery of demands for appraisal under subsection (d) hereof,
whichever is later.

     (f) Upon the filing of any such petition by a stockholder, service of a
copy thereof shall be made upon the surviving or resulting corporation, which
shall within 20 days after such service file in the office of the Register in
Chancery in which the petition was filed a duly verified list containing the
names and addresses of all stockholders who have demanded payment for their
shares and with whom agreements as to the value of their shares have not been
reached by the surviving or resulting corporation. If the petition shall be
filed by the surviving or resulting corporation, the petition shall be
accompanied by such a duly verified list. The Register in Chancery, if so
ordered by the Court, shall give notice of the time and place fixed for the
hearing of such petition by registered or certified mail to the surviving or
resulting corporation and to the stockholders shown on the list at the addresses
therein stated. Such notice shall also be given by 1 or more publications at
least 1 week before the day of the hearing, in a newspaper of general
circulation published in the City of Wilmington, Delaware or such publication as
the Court deems advisable. The forms of the notices by mail and by publication
shall be approved by the Court, and the costs thereof shall be borne by the
surviving or resulting corporation.

     (g) At the hearing on such petition, the Court shall determine the
stockholders who have complied with this section and who have become entitled to
appraisal rights. The Court may require the stockholders who have demanded an
appraisal for their shares and who hold stock represented by certificates to
submit their certificates of stock to the Register in Chancery for notation
thereon of the pendency of the appraisal proceedings; and if any stockholder
fails to comply with such direction, the Court may dismiss the proceedings as to
such stockholder.

     (h) After determining the stockholders entitled to an appraisal, the Court
shall appraise the shares, determining their fair value exclusive of any element
of value arising from the accomplishment or expectation of the merger or
consolidation, together with a fair rate of interest, if any, to be paid upon
the amount determined to be the fair value. In determining such fair value, the
Court shall take into account all relevant factors. In determining the fair rate
of interest, the Court may consider all relevant factors, including the rate of
interest which the surviving or resulting corporation would have had to pay to
borrow money during the pendency of the proceeding. Upon application by the
surviving or resulting corporation or by any stockholder entitled to participate
in the appraisal proceeding, the Court may, in its discretion, permit discovery
or other pretrial proceedings and may proceed to trial upon the appraisal prior
to the final determination of the stockholder entitled to an appraisal. Any
stockholder whose name appears on the list filed by the surviving or resulting
corporation pursuant to subsection (f) of this section and who has submitted
such stockholder's certificates of stock to the Register in Chancery, if such is
required, may participate fully in all proceedings until it is finally
determined that such stockholder is not entitled to appraisal rights under this
section.

     (i) The Court shall direct the payment of the fair value of the shares,
together with interest, if any, by the surviving or resulting corporation to the
stockholders entitled thereto. Interest may be simple or compound, as the Court
may direct. Payment shall be so made to each such stockholder, in the case of
holders of uncertificated stock forthwith, and the case of holders of shares
represented by certificates upon the surrender to the corporation of the
certificates representing such stock. The Court's decree may be enforced as
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<PAGE>   139

other decrees in the Court of Chancery may be enforced, whether such surviving
or resulting corporation be a corporation of this State or of any state.

     (j) The costs of the proceeding may be determined by the Court and taxed
upon the parties as the Court deems equitable in the circumstances. Upon
application of a stockholder, the Court may order all or a portion of the
expenses incurred by any stockholder in connection with the appraisal
proceeding, including, without limitation, reasonable attorney's fees and the
fees and expenses of experts, to be charged pro rata against the value of all
the shares entitled to an appraisal.

     (k) From and after the effective date of the merger or consolidation, no
stockholder who has demanded appraisal rights as provided in subsection (d) of
this section shall be entitled to vote such stock for any purpose or to receive
payment of dividends or other distributions on the stock (except dividends or
other distributions payable to stockholders of record at a date which is prior
to the effective date of the merger or consolidation); provided, however, that
if no petition for an appraisal shall be filed within the time provided in
subsection (e) of this section, or if such stockholder shall deliver to the
surviving or resulting corporation a written withdrawal of such stockholder's
demand for an appraisal and an acceptance of the merger or consolidation, either
within 60 days after the effective date of the merger or consolidation as
provided in subsection (e) of this section or thereafter with the written
approval of the corporation, then the right of such stockholder to an appraisal
shall cease. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no appraisal proceeding in the Court
of Chancery shall be dismissed as to any stockholder without the approval of the
Court, and such approval may be conditioned upon such terms as the Court deems
just.

     (l) The shares of the surviving or resulting corporation to which the
shares of such objecting stockholders would have been converted had they
assented to the merger or consolidation shall have the status of authorized and
unissued shares of the surviving or resulting corporation.

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