BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORP
S-3/A, 1996-06-27
PULP MILLS
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<PAGE>
 
     
  AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JUNE 27, 1996     
 
                                                     REGISTRATION NO. 333-05139
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                               ----------------
                                
                             AMENDMENT NO. 2     
                                      TO
                                   FORM S-3
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                               ----------------
 
                         BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION
            (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
        DELAWARE                  62-1518973                    2611
     (STATE OR OTHER           (I.R.S. EMPLOYER           (PRIMARY STANDARD
     JURISDICTION OF          IDENTIFICATION NO.)            INDUSTRIAL
    INCORPORATION OR                                     CLASSIFICATION CODE
      ORGANIZATION)                                            NUMBER)
 
                              1001 TILLMAN STREET
                           MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE 38108
                            TELEPHONE: 901-320-8100
  (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
                   REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
 
                               ----------------
 
                               DAVID B. FERRARO
                              1001 TILLMAN STREET
                           MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE 38108
                            TELEPHONE: 901-320-8100
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
                             OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
 
                                  COPIES TO:
 
        WILLIAM S. KIRSCH, P.C.                GEORGE W. BILICIC, JR.
           ALAN G. BERKSHIRE                   CRAVATH, SWAINE & MOORE
           KIRKLAND & ELLIS                        WORLDWIDE PLAZA
        200 EAST RANDOLPH DRIVE                   825 EIGHTH AVENUE
        CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60601               NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019
 
                               ----------------
 
  APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
 
  If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box. [_]
 
  If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [_]
 
  If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [_]
 
  If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [_]
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  PROPOSED
                                                     PROPOSED      MAXIMUM
                                       AMOUNT        MAXIMUM      AGGREGATE   AMOUNT OF
     TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF            TO BE      OFFERING PRICE  OFFERING   REGISTRATION
   SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED     REGISTERED(1)   PER SHARE(2)   PRICE(2)       FEE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>            <C>            <C>         <C>
Common Stock, par value              3,045,157                                 $26,448
 $0.01 per share(3)..............      Shares        $25.1875    $76,699,892
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Includes 200,000 shares that the Underwriters have the option to purchase
    from the Selling Stockholder to cover over-allotments, if any.
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee based
    upon the average of the high and low prices reported for the shares on the
    New York Stock Exchange on May 30, 1996.
(3) Includes associated preferred share purchase rights.
                               ----------------
 
  THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING
PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A
registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes
effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these
securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be
unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of
any such State.
 
                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
                                  
                               JUNE 27, 1996     
 
PROSPECTUS
 
2,845,157 SHARES
 
BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION
 
COMMON STOCK
 
($.01 PAR VALUE)                                                            LOGO
 
All of the 2,845,157 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value per share (the
"Common Stock"), of Buckeye Cellulose Corporation (the "Company") being offered
hereby (this "Offering") are being sold by the Selling Stockholder. The Company
will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of shares by the Selling
Stockholder.
 
At the request of the Company, the Underwriters (as defined) have reserved
approximately 980,000 shares of Common Stock for sale at the public offering
price to directors, executives and other officers, employees and business
associates of the Company.
 
The Common Stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol "BKI." On June 7, 1996, the last reported sale price of the Common Stock
was $27.125 per share. See "Price Range of Common Stock and Dividend Policy."
 
Concurrent with this Offering, the Company is offering (the "Notes Offering")
$100 million aggregate principal amount of its    % Senior Subordinated Notes
due 2008 (the "New Notes").
 
The Offering is contingent upon the consummation of the other Stock
Transactions (as defined) and the availability to the Company of debt financing
in an amount sufficient to consummate the Company Stock Repurchase (as
defined), which financing is currently expected to be provided by the Notes
Offering.
 
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 9 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS THAT
SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE COMMON STOCK.
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                PRICE TO     UNDERWRITING PROCEEDS TO
                                PUBLIC       DISCOUNT     SELLING STOCKHOLDER(1)
<S>                             <C>          <C>          <C>
Per Share...................... $            $            $
Total (2)...................... $            $            $
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company estimated at $600,000.
 
(2) The Selling Stockholder has granted the Underwriters a 30-day option to
    purchase up to an additional 200,000 shares of Common Stock, exercisable
    solely to cover over-allotments, if any. If the Underwriters exercise such
    option in full, the total Price to Public, Underwriting Discount and
    Proceeds to Selling Stockholder will be $           , $            and
    $           , respectively. See "Underwriting."
 
The Common Stock is offered subject to receipt and acceptance by the
Underwriters, to prior sales and to the Underwriters' right to reject any order
in whole or in part and to withdraw, cancel or modify the offer without notice.
It is expected that delivery of the certificates representing the Common Stock
will be made at the office of Salomon Brothers Inc, Seven World Trade Center,
New York, New York, or through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company,
on or about             , 1996.
 
SALOMON BROTHERS INC
         MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
                            PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED
                                                   MORGAN KEEGAN & COMPANY, INC.
 
The date of this Prospectus is            , 1996.
<PAGE>
 
        END-USE APPLICATIONS OF BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION PRODUCTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK
AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN MARKET. SUCH
TRANSACTIONS MAY BE EFFECTED ON THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE OR OTHERWISE. SUCH
STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
<PAGE>
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
  The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the more
detailed information and financial statements, including the notes thereto,
appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus or incorporated by reference herein. The
Company reports on a June 30 fiscal year. Unless otherwise indicated, (i) all
information in this Prospectus assumes the Underwriters' over-allotment option
is not exercised, (ii) certain information in this Prospectus has been adjusted
to give effect to the recapitalization and stock split of the Common Stock
effected in connection with the initial public offering of the Common Stock in
November 1995 and (iii) all references in this Prospectus to the "Company" or
"Buckeye" refer to Buckeye Cellulose Corporation, its direct and indirect
subsidiaries and the Predecessor (as defined).
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
  The Company is a leading manufacturer and worldwide marketer of high-quality,
value-added specialty cellulose pulps. The Company focuses on a wide array of
technically demanding niche markets in which its proprietary products and
commitment to customer technical service give it a competitive advantage.
Buckeye is the world's only manufacturer of both wood-based and cotton linter-
based specialty cellulose pulps and, as such, produces the broadest range of
specialty pulps in the industry. The Company believes that it has a leading
position in most of the high-end niche markets in which it competes. Buckeye's
focus on niche specialty pulp markets has enabled it to maintain consistently
strong operating margins, even during downturns in the commodity pulp markets.
 
  From fiscal 1994 to fiscal 1995, net sales increased 10% to $408.6 million,
while operating income increased 42% to $79.2 million and net income increased
67% to $21.7 million. For the nine months ended March 31, 1996, net sales
increased 12% to $338.8 million, while operating income increased 52% to $83.2
million and income before extraordinary loss increased 129% to $33.2 million
over the comparable period of the prior year. In fiscal 1995, on a pro forma
basis, the Company's operating income and net income were approximately $88.0
million and $32.9 million, respectively. For the nine months ended March 31,
1996, on a pro forma basis, operating income and income before extraordinary
loss were approximately $86.3 million and $38.9 million, respectively.
 
  The cellulose pulp market generally can be divided into two categories:
commodity pulps and specialty cellulose pulps. The Company participates
exclusively in the estimated $7 billion annual specialty cellulose pulp market,
which accounts for approximately 3% of the total cellulose pulp market.
Specialty cellulose pulps are used to impart unique chemical or physical
characteristics to a broad and diverse range of specialty end products.
Specialty cellulose pulps generally command higher prices and tend to be less
cyclical than commodity pulps. The more demanding performance requirements for
specialty cellulose pulps limit customers' ability to substitute other
products.
 
  The Company has manufactured specialty cellulose pulps for nearly 75 years.
The Company's specialty pulps can be broadly grouped into three categories:
chemical cellulose pulps, absorbent pulps and customized paper pulps. Chemical
cellulose pulps (41% of fiscal 1995 sales) are used to impart purity, strength,
transparency, and viscosity in the manufacture of diversified products such as
food casings, rayon filament, photographic film, transparent tape, acetate
plastics, and thickeners for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Absorbent
pulps (39% of fiscal 1995 sales) are used to increase absorbency and fluid
transport in products such as disposable diapers, feminine hygiene products,
and adult incontinence products. Customized paper pulps (20% of fiscal 1995
sales) are used to provide porosity, color permanence, and tear resistance in
automotive air and oil filters, premium letterhead, currency paper, stock
certificates, and personal stationery.
 
  The Company's commitment to research and development focuses on introducing
new specialty cellulose pulps, improving the performance of its existing
cellulose pulps, and creating new applications for its products. Buckeye
developed one of the earliest commercial processes to purify cotton linters for
conversion into cellulose acetate for use in photographic film. Buckeye was
also the first to develop a new application that enabled fluff pulp to be used
as the absorbent core of disposable diapers. Today, the Company's research and
development
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
scientists are working on the next generation of specialty cellulose pulps for
both new and current applications such as thin diapers, high-performance
automotive filters and cellulose ethers.
 
  The Company manufactures approximately 600,000 metric tons of specialty pulp
annually at its three plants in the United States and Germany. Since 1983,
Buckeye has invested over $400.0 million in its two U.S. plants and believes
that both are state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. The Company's plant
located near Perry, Florida (the "Foley Plant") has an annual capacity of
approximately 450,000 metric tons. The Company's plant located in Memphis,
Tennessee (the "Memphis Plant") has an annual capacity of approximately 100,000
metric tons. In addition, in May 1996 the Company acquired the specialty
cellulose pulp business (the "Temming Business") of Peter Temming AG, a German
company (the "Temming Acquisition"), which has an annual capacity of
approximately 50,000 metric tons at its plant in Gluckstadt, Germany (the
"Gluckstadt Plant").
 
  The Company's customer base is broadly diversified both geographically and by
end-use markets. The Company's fiscal 1995 sales reflect this geographic
diversity, with 30% of sales in the United States, 30% in Europe, 26% in Asia
and 14% in other regions. Buckeye works closely with customers through all
stages of product development and manufacture in order to tailor products to
meet each customer's specific requirements. The Company's commitment to product
quality, dedication to customer technical service, and responsiveness to
changing customer needs have enabled the Company to develop and strengthen
long-term alliances with its customers. Over 70% of fiscal 1995 sales were to
firms who have been customers of Buckeye for over 30 years. The Procter &
Gamble Company and its affiliates ("Procter & Gamble"), the world's largest
diaper manufacturer, purchase virtually all of the Company's current annual
production of absorbent pulps pursuant to a long-term, take-or-pay contract
(the "Pulp Supply Agreement"). Procter & Gamble is the Company's largest
customer, accounting for approximately 39% of the Company's fiscal 1995 net
sales. The Company's other large customers include Akzo Nobel N.V. (rayon
filament and cellulose ethers), A. Ahlstrom Corporation (automotive filter
paper), Hercules Incorporated (cellulose ethers) and Eastman Chemical Company
(cellulose acetate).
 
  The Company's strategy is to continue to strengthen its position as a leading
worldwide supplier of specialty cellulose pulps. The Company believes it can
continue to expand its market share, increase its profitability, and decrease
its exposure to cyclical downturns by pursuing the following key strategic
objectives: (i) focus on technically demanding niche markets; (ii) develop
proprietary product innovations; (iii) strengthen long-term alliances with
customers; and (iv) expand capacity internally and through acquisitions to
support growing demand for its products.
 
  As part of its growth strategy, the Company recently completed the Temming
Acquisition and has entered into a definitive stock purchase agreement, dated
April 26, 1996 (the "Alpha Agreement"), to acquire Alpha Cellulose Holdings,
Inc. (together with its wholly owned subsidiary, Alpha Cellulose Corporation,
"Alpha"). Such acquisition is herein referred to as the "Alpha Acquisition."
 
  The Alpha Acquisition, if consummated, will increase the Company's annual
capacity by approximately 50,000 metric tons, expand the Company's range of
products in the customized paper pulp market and provide synergies in operating
costs, product development and customer service. Subject to the satisfaction of
certain conditions and the expiration or other termination of the applicable
waiting period (including any extensions thereof) under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (the "HSR Act"), the consummation of the
Alpha Acquisition is expected to occur in early fiscal 1997. The Alpha
Agreement provides each of the parties thereto with an option to terminate the
agreement if the closing of the Alpha Acquisition has not occurred on or before
July 25, 1996. The Company is also considering other acquisition and joint
venture opportunities to expand its production capacity, although it has not
yet entered into any agreements to do so.
 
                                COMPANY HISTORY
 
  In March 1993, an investor group consisting of Madison Dearborn Capital
Partners, L.P. (the "Selling Stockholder" or "MDCP") and members of the
Company's current management organized the Company to acquire from the
Cellulose & Specialties Division (the "C&S Division") of The Procter & Gamble
Cellulose Company ("Procter & Gamble Cellulose"), a wholly owned subsidiary of
Procter & Gamble, substantially all
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
of the assets of the Memphis Plant, as well as certain other assets of the C&S
Division, including the headquarters building, research and development
laboratories, pilot plants and real property adjacent to the Memphis Plant. At
the same time, MDCP and members of current management also organized Buckeye
Florida Corporation to serve as the sole general partner of Buckeye Florida,
Limited Partnership ("Buckeye Florida Partners"), which simultaneously acquired
from Procter & Gamble Cellulose substantially all of the assets of the Foley
Plant. Procter & Gamble Cellulose retained a 50% interest in this facility as
the sole limited partner of Buckeye Florida Partners and granted Buckeye
Florida Corporation an option to purchase all of Procter & Gamble Cellulose's
limited partnership interest in Buckeye Florida Partners (the "P&G Call
Option"). The business operations of Procter & Gamble Cellulose so acquired are
hereinafter referred to collectively as the "Predecessor," and the acquisitions
of such assets are hereinafter referred to collectively as the "P&G
Acquisitions."
 
  In November 1995, the ownership of the Memphis Plant, the Foley Plant and
related assets was combined into a single corporate ownership structure,
Buckeye Florida Corporation became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company,
and the Company acquired Procter & Gamble Cellulose's remaining equity interest
in Buckeye Florida Partners for approximately $62.1 million pursuant to the P&G
Call Option. Concurrently, the Company and MDCP made an initial public offering
of the Common Stock, and the Company refinanced substantially all of its
outstanding indebtedness (including all indebtedness to Procter & Gamble
Cellulose) through a public offering of $150.0 million aggregate principal
amount of 8 1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2005 (the "Existing Senior
Subordinated Notes") and through the establishment of a new senior bank credit
facility providing for aggregate lending commitments of up to $135.0 million
(as amended, the "Bank Credit Facility"). The Company also completed an offer
to repurchase, and a related amendment to the terms of, a majority of its
outstanding 10 1/4% Senior Notes due 2001 (the "Existing Senior Notes" and,
together with the Existing Senior Subordinated Notes, the "Existing Notes").
Such transactions are collectively referred to herein as the "1995 Business
Combination Transactions."
 
           THE COMPANY STOCK REPURCHASE AND THE RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
  In early 1996, the Company's management and MDCP began discussions regarding
the possible disposition by MDCP of its remaining equity ownership interest in
the Company. On June 3, 1996, BKI Investment Corp., a newly formed, wholly
owned subsidiary of the Company ("BKI Investment"), agreed to purchase
2,259,887 shares of Common Stock from MDCP for $22.125 per share (the "Company
Stock Repurchase"), subject, among other things, to the approval by each of the
Company's and BKI Investment's board of directors, the completion on or before
August 15, 1996 of the Company Stock Repurchase and related transactions, and
the availability to the Company of debt financing in an amount sufficient to
consummate the Company Stock Repurchase, on terms satisfactory to the Company,
which debt financing is currently anticipated to be provided by the Notes
Offering (together with the Offering, the "Offerings"). The aggregate amount of
the purchase price to be paid in the Company Stock Repurchase is approximately
equal to the maximum amount currently permitted to be used for stock
repurchases under the terms of the Existing Notes Indentures (as defined).
Additionally, on June 3, 1996, MDCP agreed to sell, and certain individuals
employed by the Company and their related trusts agreed to purchase in an
exempt transaction under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), an aggregate of 1,385,269 shares of Common Stock for $22.125
per share (the "Individuals' Stock Purchase") concurrently with the Company
Stock Repurchase. The purchase price for the Company Stock Repurchase and the
Individuals' Stock Purchase reflects the prevailing market price when the
parties decided to pursue definitive agreements and seek board approval. On
June 3, 1996, the board of directors of each of the Company and BKI Investment
approved the Company Stock Repurchase.
 
  Each of this Offering, the Company Stock Repurchase and the Individuals'
Stock Purchase (collectively, the "Stock Transactions") is subject, among other
things, to the concurrent completion on or before August 15, 1996 of each of
the other Stock Transactions and the availability to the Company of debt
financing in an amount sufficient to consummate the Company Stock Repurchase,
which debt financing is currently anticipated to be provided by the Notes
Offering. Upon completion of the Stock Transactions, the Company will have
19,147,336 shares of Common Stock outstanding, and MDCP's equity ownership
interest in the Company will be reduced to less than 5% of the outstanding
Common Stock.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
 
                                 THE OFFERINGS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                          <C>
Common Stock offered by the Selling
 Stockholder................................ 2,845,157 shares
Common Stock to be outstanding after the
 Offering and the Company Stock Repurchase.. 19,147,336 shares (a)
Use of Proceeds ............................ All of the shares of Common Stock
                                              being offered in the Offering are
                                              being sold by the Selling
                                              Stockholder. The Company will not
                                              receive any of the proceeds from
                                              the sale of shares in the
                                              Offering. See "Use of Proceeds."
New York Stock Exchange Symbol.............. BKI
Notes Offering.............................. Concurrently with this Offering,
                                              the Company is offering $100.0
                                              million aggregate principal
                                              amount of New Notes to the public
                                              by means of a separate
                                              prospectus. The Notes Offering is
                                              contingent upon the consummation
                                              of the Stock Transactions.
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) Does not include an aggregate of up to 2,450,000 shares of Common Stock
    reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding stock options or
    available for grant under the Company's stock option plans.
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
  Prospective purchasers of the Common Stock offered hereby should consider the
factors set forth in "Risk Factors," as well as the other information set forth
in this Prospectus, before making an investment in the Common Stock.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
 
          SUMMARY HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
  The following table sets forth summary financial data with respect to (a) the
Predecessor for the fiscal years ended June 30, 1991 and 1992 and for the
period July 1, 1992 through March 15, 1993 and (b) the Company for the period
March 16, 1993 through June 30, 1993, for the fiscal years ended June 30, 1994
and 1995 and for the nine months ended March 31, 1995 and 1996. The summary
financial data for the fiscal years ended June 30, 1991 and 1992 are derived
from the unaudited Combined Statement of Net Assets and Combined Statement of
Operating Income of the Predecessor. The summary financial data of the
Predecessor for the period July 1, 1992 through March 15, 1993 are derived from
the unaudited Combined Statement of Net Assets and the audited Combined
Statement of Operating Income of the Predecessor appearing elsewhere in this
Prospectus. The summary financial data for the period March 16, 1993 through
June 30, 1993 and for the fiscal years ended June 30, 1994 and 1995 (except pro
forma amounts) are derived from the audited financial statements of the Company
appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. The summary financial data for the nine
months ended March 31, 1995 and 1996 are derived from the unaudited financial
statements of the Company appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. In the
opinion of management such nine month data include all adjustments (consisting
of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the
information included therein. The results of operations for the nine months
ended March 31, 1996 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the
entire fiscal year or any other interim period. The data set forth in the
following table should be read in conjunction with the Combined Statement of
Operating Income of the Predecessor and notes thereto, and the combined
consolidated financial statements of the Company and notes thereto, appearing
elsewhere in this Prospectus and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 PREDECESSOR (A)                           COMPANY (B)
                          ----------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
                                               JULY 1,  MARCH 16,
                                                1992      1993                            NINE MONTHS ENDED
                          YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,  THROUGH   THROUGH   YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,        MARCH 31,
                          ------------------- MARCH 15, JUNE 30,   --------------------  --------------------
                            1991      1992      1993      1993       1994       1995       1995       1996
                          --------- --------- --------- ---------  --------  ----------  --------  ----------
<S>                       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME
 DATA:
Net sales...............  $ 390,690 $ 357,493 $233,460  $113,074   $371,526  $  408,587  $301,318  $  338,825
Cost of goods sold (a)..    300,331   293,344  189,808    86,047    291,833     305,150   230,247     237,149
                          --------- --------- --------  --------   --------  ----------  --------  ----------
Gross margin............     90,359    64,149   43,652    27,027     79,693     103,437    71,071     101,676
Selling, research and
 administrative
 expenses:
 Company................        --        --       --      5,996     24,004      24,265    16,446      18,497
 C&S Division
  allocations (a).......     25,034    21,357   17,522       --         --          --        --          --
 Procter & Gamble
  corporate allocations
  (a)...................      1,614     6,096    4,764       --         --          --        --          --
                          --------- --------- --------  --------   --------  ----------  --------  ----------
Operating income........     63,711    36,696   21,366    21,031     55,689      79,172    54,625      83,179
Net interest and
 amortization of debt
 costs (c)..............        --        --       --    (10,209)   (26,545)    (21,152)  (16,510)    (12,784)
Other expense...........        --        --       --       (184)      (632)       (615)     (462)       (372)
Minority interest (d)...        --        --       --     (3,083)    (8,291)    (23,223)  (14,881)    (16,628)
Secondary offering
 costs..................        --        --       --        --         --          --        --       (1,335)
                          --------- --------- --------  --------   --------  ----------  --------  ----------
Income before income
 taxes and extraordinary
 loss...................     63,711    36,696   21,366     7,555     20,221      34,182    22,772      52,060
Income taxes (e)........        --        --       --      2,851      7,253      12,470     8,308      18,908
                          --------- --------- --------  --------   --------  ----------  --------  ----------
Income before
 extraordinary loss.....     63,711    36,696   21,366     4,704     12,968      21,712    14,464      33,152
Extraordinary loss, net
 of tax benefit.........        --        --       --        --         --          --        --        3,949
                          --------- --------- --------  --------   --------  ----------  --------  ----------
Net income..............  $  63,711 $  36,696 $ 21,366  $  4,704   $ 12,968  $   21,712  $ 14,464  $   29,203
                          ========= ========= ========  ========   ========  ==========  ========  ==========
Income per share before
 extraordinary loss (f).                                                                           $     1.58
Extraordinary loss, net
 of tax benefit (g).....                                                                                 (.19)
                                                                                                   ----------
Net income per share                                                                               $     1.39
 (f)....................                                                                           ==========
Weighted average shares
 outstanding............                                                                           21,014,032
PRO FORMA DATA (H):
Income before
 extraordinary loss.....                                                     $   32,856            $   38,939
Income per share before
 extraordinary loss.....                                                           1.72                  2.03
Weighted average shares
 outstanding............                                                     19,147,336            19,147,336
EBITDA (i)..............                                                     $  118,745            $  109,340
OTHER DATA:
Depreciation and
 amortization...........  $  24,993 $  25,795 $ 19,262  $  7,436   $ 27,415  $   26,080  $ 19,566  $   19,117
Capital expenditures....     45,960    29,832   17,761     4,898     15,725      24,922    20,713      22,334
EBITDA (i)..............     88,704    62,491   40,628    28,185     81,879     104,088    73,313     102,073
Shipments (thousand
 metric tons)...........        493       515      342       161        565         555       423         383
</TABLE>
 
                                                   (continued on following page)
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                               MARCH 31, 1996
                                                              -----------------
                                                                         PRO
                                                               ACTUAL  FORMA(H)
                                                              -------- --------
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital.............................................. $101,027 $132,848
Total assets.................................................  408,365  522,619
Long-term debt less current portion..........................  197,364  351,848
Equity.......................................................  127,608   76,928
</TABLE>    
- --------
(a) The Predecessor was historically operated as two of the four pulp mills
    that comprised the C&S Division of Procter & Gamble. The Predecessor was
    allocated certain expenses for services provided by the C&S Division and
    Procter & Gamble, including sales services, product supply services,
    general management services, information system services, research
    services, treasury services, financial audit and reporting services, tax
    administration services and employee benefits and insurance administration
    services. Costs and expenses of the C&S Division were allocated using
    formulas, primarily based on estimates of efforts expended and sales.
    Procter & Gamble corporate expenses were allocated primarily based on
    sales.
(b) On March 16, 1993, the Company acquired from Procter & Gamble Cellulose the
    assets of the Predecessor.
(c) The debt obligations of Procter & Gamble were not specifically identifiable
    with individual operating units; accordingly, interest charges are not
    reflected in the financial data of the Predecessor.
(d) The minority interest represents Procter & Gamble Cellulose's 50% limited
    partnership interest in Buckeye Florida Partners, which ceased on November
    28, 1995.
(e) The Predecessor's results of operations were historically included in the
    consolidated income tax returns of Procter & Gamble. Procter & Gamble had
    no tax sharing agreement for allocating income taxes to operating units.
    Accordingly, income tax expense or benefit is not reflected in the
    financial data of the Predecessor.
(f) Historical net income per share has not been presented as it is not
    considered relevant for periods prior to June 30, 1995, due to the P&G
    Acquisitions and the 1995 Business Combination Transactions.
(g) An extraordinary loss of $3,949, net of tax benefit, was recognized on the
    early retirement of a majority of the Existing Senior Notes in the second
    and third quarters of fiscal 1996.
(h) See "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data."
(i) EBITDA represents earnings before secondary offering costs, interest,
    taxes, minority interest, extraordinary loss, depreciation, depletion,
    amortization and other non-cash charges and is intended to facilitate a
    more complete analysis of the Company's ability to meet its debt service
    requirements. This data should not be considered in isolation and is not
    intended to be a substitute for income statement data as a measure of the
    Company's profitability.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
                                 RISK FACTORS
 
  In addition to the other information contained in this Prospectus,
prospective investors in the Common Stock offered hereby should carefully
consider the following risk factors before making an investment in the Common
Stock.
 
INDUSTRY CYCLICALITY
 
  The markets for cellulose pulps are cyclical, being characterized by periods
of supply imbalance and sensitivity to changes in industry capacity. The
general economic conditions of global markets are the primary determinants of
the demand for cellulose pulp, as consumption correlates with economic
activity. The factors affecting such conditions are beyond the Company's
control. The production of cellulose pulp is a capital-intensive process with
relatively long lead times to bring new capacity to the market and significant
exit costs associated with capacity reductions. Prices of cellulose pulps can
fluctuate significantly when supply and demand become imbalanced. The
Company's financial performance is influenced by these pricing fluctuations
and the cyclicality of the cellulose pulp market. There can be no assurance
that current price levels will be maintained, that any additional price
increases will be achieved or that the industry will not add new capacity.
Prices for the Company's products may fluctuate substantially in the future.
Any downturn in such prices could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.
 
DEPENDENCE ON SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMER
 
  Virtually all of the Company's absorbent pulp sales (approximately 39% of
fiscal 1995 net sales) are made to Procter & Gamble pursuant to the Pulp
Supply Agreement between the Company and Procter & Gamble. The Pulp Supply
Agreement provides that Procter & Gamble will purchase, under a take-or-pay
arrangement, a specified tonnage (currently virtually all of the Company's
output) of absorbent pulp annually at a formula price through calendar year
1998, at the higher of the formula price or market price in 1999 and 2000, and
at market price in 2001 and 2002. During fiscal 1994, the formula price paid
for absorbent pulp pursuant to the Pulp Supply Agreement was significantly in
excess of the market prices for absorbent pulp, while in fiscal 1995 the price
paid was slightly in excess of market price. As a result of such formula
pricing, the Company will be partially protected in periods of lower market
prices; however, it may not realize all of the benefits of increasing market
prices. Currently, the formula price paid by Procter & Gamble pursuant to the
Pulp Supply Agreement exceeds the market price for absorbent pulp. In the
event that Procter & Gamble fails to perform under the Pulp Supply Agreement
for any reason or fails to renew it upon terms favorable to the Company, the
Company's business, results of operations and financial condition could be
materially and adversely affected under certain market conditions. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and "Business--Sales and Customers."
 
COST OF RAW MATERIALS
 
  Amounts paid by the Company for timber and cotton linters represent the
largest component of the Company's variable costs of pulp production. The cost
of these materials is subject to market fluctuations caused by factors beyond
the Company's control. Significant increases in the cost of timber or cotton
linters, to the extent not reflected in prices for the Company's products,
could materially and adversely affect the Company's business, results of
operations and financial condition. See "Business--Raw Materials."
 
COMPETITION
 
  The markets for the Company's products are competitive, and the Company
faces competition from a number of sources in most of its product lines. Some
of the Company's competitors have financial and other resources greater than
those of the Company and are also well established as suppliers to the markets
that the
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
Company serves. Quality, performance, service and price are generally the
prime competitive factors. There can be no assurance that the Company's
markets will not attract additional competitors. See "Business--Competition."
 
ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS AND LIABILITIES
 
  The Company's facilities and operations are subject to extensive general and
industry-specific federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and
regulations. The Company devotes significant resources to maintaining
compliance with such requirements and believes that its facilities and
operations are in substantial compliance with all such requirements. The
Company expects that, due to the nature of its operations, it will be subject
to increasingly stringent environmental requirements (including anticipated
standards applicable to waste water discharges and air emissions) and will
continue to incur substantial costs to comply with such requirements. Based
upon its understanding of current and anticipated requirements, the Company
believes that continued compliance with environmental requirements will not
have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations or
financial condition and will not adversely affect the Company's competitive
position. However, given the uncertainties associated with predicting the
scope of future requirements, there can be no assurance that the Company will
not in the future incur material environmental compliance costs or
liabilities.
   
  The Foley Plant discharges treated waste water into the Fenholloway River.
The Fenholloway River is currently classified under Florida statutes as a
Class 5 (industrial) stream. Under the federal Clean Water Act, the State of
Florida is required to perform an analysis every three years of the
feasibility of reclassifying the river to Class 3 ("fishable/swimmable")
status. Such an analysis recommending reclassification was completed in early
1994 and approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
("DEP") at an administrative hearing in December 1994. At this administrative
hearing, the Company and the State of Florida reached agreement on a plan to
attain Class 3 objectives, which relies primarily on the laying of extensive
pipeline by the Company to relocate the Foley Plant's waste water discharge
point. The plan also includes process changes in the Foley Plant designed to
reduce the coloration of its waste water discharge, provide oxygen enrichment
of the effluent prior to discharge and restore certain wetlands areas. The
reclassification will not become effective until December 1997 (with a final
compliance deadline of December 1999) to allow the Company to obtain all the
necessary permits for implementation of the approved plan and complete
construction of the pipeline and the treatment upgrades. The Company estimates
that implementation of the approved plan will result in approximately $43.0
million of capital expenditures, the majority of which will likely be expended
during fiscal 1998 and fiscal 1999.     
 
  In 1993, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") issued a set of
proposed regulations for the pulp and paper industry addressing the emissions
of "hazardous air pollutants" under the Clean Air Act and waste water
discharges under the Clean Water Act, commonly known as the "cluster rules."
The Company is examining and evaluating the potential impact of the cluster
rules, as proposed, on its operations and capital expenditures over the next
several years. The Company believes that the proposed cluster rules will
likely be amended significantly prior to their promulgation, which is
anticipated to occur in 1997, with compliance to be phased in between 1999 and
2002. Although the Company anticipates that significant capital expenditures
for environmental control equipment and related costs will be required to
comply with the cluster rules when promulgated (which the Company currently
projects will be approximately $14.0 million through fiscal 2000), such
expenditures are not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, results of operations or financial condition.
 
  The Foley Plant is on the EPA CERCLIS (as defined) list of potential
hazardous substance release sites prepared pursuant to CERCLA (as defined).
The EPA conducted a site investigation in early 1995. Although the Company
considers it unlikely that the Foley Plant will be listed on the CERCLA
National Priorities List and hence require remedial action, the possibility of
such listing cannot be ruled out. If the site were to be placed on the
National Priorities List, the costs associated with conducting a CERCLA
remedial action could be material.
 
  As of March 31, 1996, the Company had established reserves of $4.2 million
to address certain environmental matters. Because an environmental reserve is
not established until a liability is determined to be
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
probable and reasonably estimable, not all potential future environmental
liabilities are covered by the Company's reserves. Accordingly, there can be
no assurance that the Company's environmental reserves will be sufficient to
meet the Company's obligations, and additional charges to earnings are
possible. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations--Environmental Matters" and "Business--Environmental
Matters."
 
SIGNIFICANT LEVERAGE
 
  The Company has significant debt service obligations. As of March 31, 1996,
on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the Company Stock Repurchase, the
Notes Offering and the Temming Acquisition and Alpha Acquisition
(collectively, the "1996 Acquisitions"), the Company would have had total
outstanding long-term indebtedness of $351.8 million and equity of $76.9
million. Furthermore, the Company may incur additional indebtedness in the
future, subject to certain limitations contained in the instruments governing
its indebtedness. The degree to which the Company is leveraged could have
important consequences to holders of Common Stock, including: (i) the
Company's ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital
expenditures, acquisitions, general corporate purposes or other purposes may
be impaired in the future; (ii) a substantial portion of the Company's cash
flow from operations must be dedicated to the payment of principal of and
interest on the borrowings under the Bank Credit Facility and interest on the
Existing Notes and the New Notes, thereby reducing the funds available to the
Company for its operations and other purposes; (iii) certain of the Company's
borrowings are and will continue to be at variable rates of interest, which
exposes the Company to the risk of increased interest rates; (iv) the Company
may be substantially more leveraged than certain of its competitors, which may
place the Company at a relative competitive disadvantage; (v) the Bank Credit
Facility, the Existing Notes Indentures and the New Notes Indenture (as
defined) will contain financial and restrictive covenants, the failure to
comply with which may result in an event of default, which, if not cured or
waived, could have a material adverse effect on the Company; and (vi) the
Company may be unable to adjust to rapidly changing market conditions and
could be vulnerable in the event of a downturn in general economic conditions
or its business. See "The Company Stock Repurchase and Related Transactions,"
"Capitalization," "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data,"
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and "Description of Certain Indebtedness."
 
CONCENTRATION OF STOCK OWNERSHIP
   
  After giving effect to the Company Stock Repurchase and the Individuals'
Stock Purchase, Robert E. Cannon (and trusts related to Mr. Cannon), Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer, and David B. Ferraro (and a trust related to Mr.
Ferraro), President and Chief Operating Officer, will own 26.1% and 6.5%,
respectively, of the outstanding Common Stock. In addition, such persons may
purchase additional shares in the Offering. Through their respective voting
power, each of Mr. Cannon and Mr. Ferraro will have the ability to influence
significantly the business and affairs of the Company. See "Principal and
Selling Stockholders." Messrs. Cannon and Ferraro may purchase, from time to
time, additional Common Stock, thus increasing their respective stock
ownership.     
 
CERTAIN CHARTER, BY-LAWS AND STATUTORY PROVISIONS; RIGHTS AGREEMENT
 
  The Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws
provide for a classified Board of Directors, restrict the ability of
stockholders to call special meetings or take stockholder action by written
consent, and contain advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals and
nominations and special voting requirements for the amendment of the Company's
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws. These
provisions could delay or hinder the removal of incumbent directors and could
discourage or make more difficult a proposed merger, tender offer or proxy
contest involving the Company or may otherwise have an adverse effect on the
market price of the Common Stock. The Company also is subject to provisions of
Delaware corporate law that restricts the Company from engaging in certain
business combinations with a person who, together with affiliates and
associates, owns 15% or more of the Company's Common Stock (an "Interested
Stockholder") for three years after the person becomes an Interested
Stockholder, unless certain conditions are met or the business combination is
approved by the Company's Board of Directors, and/or its stockholders in a
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
prescribed manner. These provisions also could render more difficult or
discourage a merger, tender offer or other similar transaction. The Company's
Board of Directors has approved any acquisition of shares by Mr. Cannon and
certain related affiliates that would otherwise result in Mr. Cannon's
becoming an Interested Stockholder. See "Description of Capital Stock--Certain
Provisions of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and By-
laws and Statutory Provisions."
 
  The Company's Board of Directors has declared a dividend of one preferred
share purchase right (a "Right") for each share of Common Stock outstanding. A
Right will also be attached to each share of Common Stock subsequently issued.
The Rights will have certain anti-takeover effects. If triggered, the Rights
would cause substantial dilution to a person or group of persons (other than
certain exempt persons) that acquires more than 15% of the Common Stock on
terms not approved by the Company's Board of Directors. The Rights could
discourage or make more difficult a merger, tender offer or other similar
transaction. See "Description of Capital Stock--Rights Agreement."
 
  Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, shares of
preferred stock may be issued in the future without stockholder approval and
upon such terms and conditions, and having such rights, privileges and
preferences, as the Board of Directors may determine in the exercise of its
business judgment. The rights of the holders of Common Stock are subject to,
and may be adversely affected by, any preferred stock that may be issued in
the future. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing desirable
flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions, financings and other
corporate transactions, could have the effect of discouraging, or making more
difficult, a third party's acquisition of a majority of the Company's
outstanding voting stock. The Company has no present plans to issue any shares
of preferred stock. See "Description of Capital Stock--Preferred Stock."
 
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION MAY PROVE INACCURATE
 
  This Prospectus contains various forward-looking statements and information
which is based on management's beliefs as well as assumptions made by and
information currently available to management. Statements in this Prospectus
which are not historical statements are forward-looking statements. Such
forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties,
including those identified above. Should one or more of these risks
materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results
may differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected.
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
                                COMPANY HISTORY
 
  The Company has participated in the specialty cellulose pulp market for
nearly 75 years and has developed uses for both wood-based and cotton linter-
based pulps for many specialty pulp applications. In March 1993, an investor
group consisting of MDCP and members of the Company's current management
organized the Company to acquire from the C&S Division of Procter & Gamble
Cellulose substantially all of the assets of the Memphis Plant, as well as
certain other assets of the C&S Division. At the same time, MDCP and members
of current management also organized Buckeye Florida Corporation to serve as
the sole general partner of Buckeye Florida Partners, which simultaneously
acquired from Procter & Gamble Cellulose substantially all of the assets of
the Foley Plant. Procter & Gamble Cellulose retained a 50% interest in this
facility as the sole limited partner of Buckeye Florida Partners and granted
Buckeye Florida Corporation an option to purchase all of Procter & Gamble
Cellulose's limited partnership interest in Buckeye Florida Partners.
 
  In November 1995, the ownership of the Memphis Plant, the Foley Plant and
related assets was combined into a single corporate ownership structure,
Buckeye Florida Corporation became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company,
and the Company acquired Procter & Gamble Cellulose's remaining equity
interest in Buckeye Florida Partners for approximately $62.1 million pursuant
to the P&G Call Option. Concurrently, the Company and MDCP made an initial
public offering of the Common Stock, and the Company refinanced substantially
all of its outstanding indebtedness (including all indebtedness to Procter &
Gamble Cellulose) through a public offering of $150.0 million aggregate
principal amount of Existing Senior Subordinated Notes and the establishment
of the Bank Credit Facility. The Company also completed an offer to
repurchase, and a related amendment to the terms of, a majority of its
outstanding Existing Senior Notes. As a result of these transactions, Procter
& Gamble Cellulose ceased to have any interest as an equity owner or lender to
Buckeye Florida Partners, a single capital structure for the Company's
businesses was established, MDCP's equity ownership of the Company was reduced
to approximately 34% and the Common Stock was listed for trading on the New
York Stock Exchange.
 
  The Company is incorporated in Delaware and its executive offices are
located at 1001 Tillman Street, Memphis, Tennessee. Its telephone number is
(901) 320-8100.
 
                             THE 1996 ACQUISITIONS
 
TEMMING ACQUISITION
 
  On May 1, 1996, pursuant to the terms of the Umbrella Agreement dated
January 18, 1996 by and among the Company, Peter Temming AG, Steinbeis Temming
Papier GmbH and Steinbeis Temming Papier GmbH & Co., the Company completed the
acquisition of the Temming Business. The Temming Acquisition increased the
Company's annual specialty pulp capacity by approximately 50,000 metric tons,
expanded the Company's product lines and strengthened its ability to serve
specialty cellulose pulp customers in Europe. See "Unaudited Pro Forma
Consolidated Financial Data."
 
ALPHA ACQUISITION
 
  On April 26, 1996, the Company entered into the Alpha Agreement. Alpha is a
leading worldwide specialty pulp producer serving the market for high-quality
custom paper applications. Subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions
and the expiration or other termination of the applicable waiting period
(including any extensions thereof) under the HSR Act, the transaction is
scheduled to be consummated in early fiscal 1997. The Alpha Agreement provides
each of the parties thereto with an option to terminate the agreement if the
closing of the Alpha Acquistion has not occurred on or before July 25, 1996.
The purchase price to be paid by the Company will be based on the amounts of
certain of Alpha's assets and liabilities as of the closing of the acquisition
and is currently estimated to be approximately $65.0 million, assuming a
closing during July 1996. The Company intends to finance a substantial portion
of the Alpha Acquisition with a portion of the proceeds of the Notes
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
Offering or, if such proceeds are applied to reduce borrowings under the Bank
Credit Facility pending completion of the Alpha Acquisition, with borrowings
under the Bank Credit Facility. The Alpha Acquisition, if consummated, will
increase the Company's annual specialty pulp capacity by approximately 50,000
metric tons through the addition of Alpha's Lumberton, North Carolina
facility. Alpha manufactures and markets customized paper pulps, which provide
attributes such as color permanence and tear resistance in premium letterhead,
currency paper, stock certificates and many other highly specialized paper
applications in the U.S. and abroad. There is no assurance that the Alpha
Acquisition will be consummated or will be consummated on the currently
contemplated terms.
 
           THE COMPANY STOCK REPURCHASE AND THE RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
THE COMPANY STOCK REPURCHASE AND THE INDIVIDUALS' STOCK PURCHASE
 
  In early 1996, the Company's management and MDCP began discussions regarding
the possible disposition by MDCP of its remaining equity ownership interest in
the Company. On June 3, 1996, BKI Investment, a newly formed, wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company, agreed to purchase 2,259,887 shares of Common Stock
from MDCP for $22.125 per share, subject, among other things, to the approval
by each of the Company's and BKI Investment's board of directors of the
repurchase and the completion on or before August 15, 1996 of the Company
Stock Repurchase and related transactions, and the availability to the Company
of debt financing in an amount sufficient to consummate the Company Stock
Repurchase, on terms satisfactory to the Company, which debt financing is
currently anticipated to be provided by the Notes Offering. The aggregate
amount of the purchase price to be paid in the Company Stock Repurchase is
approximately equal to the maximum amount permitted under the terms of the
Existing Notes Indentures. Additionally, on June 3, 1996, MDCP agreed to sell,
and certain individuals employed by the Company and their related trusts
agreed to purchase in an exempt transaction under the Securities Act, an
aggregate of 1,385,269 shares of Common Stock for $22.125 per share
concurrently with the Company Stock Repurchase pursuant to separate stock
purchase agreements with such persons. The purchase price for the Company
Stock Repurchase and the Individuals' Stock Purchase reflects the prevailing
market price when the parties decided to pursue definitive agreements and seek
board approval. On June 3, 1996, the board of directors of each of the Company
and BKI Investment approved the Company Stock Repurchase.
 
  Each of the Stock Transactions is subject, among other things, to the
concurrent completion on or before August 15, 1996 of the other Stock
Transactions and the availability to the Company of debt financing in an
amount sufficient to consummate the Company Stock Repurchase, which debt
financing is currently anticipated to be provided by the Notes Offering. Upon
completion of the Stock Transactions, the Company will have 19,147,336 shares
of Common Stock outstanding, and MDCP's equity ownership interest in the
Company will be reduced to less than 5% of the outstanding Common Stock. The
Company believes that the Company Stock Repurchase is an attractive investment
opportunity for the Company and that the consummation of the Stock
Transactions will increase the depth of the trading market for the Common
Stock and will increase earnings per share. In connection with its
consideration of the Company Stock Repurchase, the Company's board of
directors received an opinion from Salomon Brothers Inc regarding the fairness
from a financial point of view of the price to be paid in the Company Stock
Repurchase.
 
THE NOTES OFFERING
 
  Concurrently with the closing of the sale of the shares of Common Stock in
the Offering, the Company will issue and sell $100.0 million principal amount
of New Notes in the Notes Offering. The Notes Offering is conditioned upon the
concurrent consummation of the Stock Transactions. See "Description of Certain
Indebtedness."
 
EFFECTS OF THE STOCK TRANSACTIONS
 
  Upon completion of the Stock Transactions, MDCP's equity ownership interest
in the Company will be reduced to less than 5% of the outstanding Common
Stock, and the officers of the Company will have increased
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
their respective equity ownership in the Company. See "Principal and Selling
Stockholders." Concurrently with the Stock Transactions and the Notes
Offering, the Bank Credit Facility will be amended to permit the transactions
contemplated by the Company Stock Repurchase and the Notes Offering. As a
result of the Company Stock Repurchase and the Notes Offering, the percentage
of the Company's total capitalization represented by indebtedness will
increase. See "Risk Factors--Significant Leverage," "Capitalization," and
"Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data."
 
SOURCES AND USES OF FUNDS
   
  The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of Common Stock by
the Selling Stockholder in this Offering. The net proceeds to the Company from
the Notes Offering are estimated to be $96.75 million, after payment of
estimated fees and expenses (including underwriting discount). An aggregate of
$50.0 million of the net proceeds from the Notes Offering will be contributed
by the Company to BKI Investment to fund the Company Stock Repurchase.The
Company intends to use the remaining net proceeds to finance a substantial
portion of the Alpha Acquisition or, pending completion of the Alpha
Acquisition or in the event that the Alpha Acquisition is not consummated for
any reason, to reduce outstanding borrowings under the Bank Credit Facility,
which, in the case of LIBOR-based borrowings, may occur on expiration of the
related borrowings. See "The 1996 Acquisitions--Alpha Acquisition."     
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
  All of the shares of Common Stock being sold in the Offering are being sold
by the Selling Stockholder. The Company will not receive any proceeds from the
sale of shares of Common Stock by the Selling Stockholder in the Offering.
 
                PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND POLICY
 
  The following table sets forth the high and low sales information for the
Common Stock for the calendar quarters since the initial public offering of
the Common Stock on November 21, 1995. Prior to the initial public offering,
there was no established trading market for the Common Stock.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      CALENDAR 1995                                                HIGH   LOW
      -------------                                               ------ ------
      <S>                                                         <C>    <C>
      Fourth Quarter (from November 21, 1995).................... $23.00 $19.00
      CALENDAR 1996
      -------------
      First Quarter..............................................  24.00  21.25
      Second Quarter (through June 7, 1996)......................  27.13  21.88
</TABLE>
 
  The Company has not declared or paid any cash or other dividends on the
Common Stock and intends for the foreseeable future to retain its earnings to
finance the development of its business and for repayment of debt. The
declaration and payment of dividends by the Company are subject to the
discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company. Any future determination
to pay dividends will depend on the Company's results of operations, financial
condition, capital requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors
deemed relevant by the Board of Directors. In addition, each of the Bank
Credit Facility, the New Notes Indenture and the Existing Notes Indentures
contains restrictions on the Company's ability to declare and pay dividends.
See "Description of Certain Indebtedness."
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
                                CAPITALIZATION
 
  The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company at March
31, 1996 on a pro forma basis to reflect the Temming Acquisition and as
adjusted to reflect the Alpha Acquisition, the Notes Offering and the Company
Stock Repurchase. This table should be read in conjunction with the unaudited
pro forma financial data and the combined consolidated financial statements of
the Company and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        MARCH 31, 1996
                                                -------------------------------
                                                   PRO FORMA FOR     PRO FORMA
                                                TEMMING ACQUISITION AS ADJUSTED
                                                ------------------- -----------
                                                        (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                             <C>                 <C>
LONG-TERM DEBT:
  Existing Senior Notes........................      $  6,913        $  6,913
  Existing Senior Subordinated Notes...........       149,451         149,451
  Bank Credit Facility(a)......................        69,512          95,484
  New Notes....................................           --          100,000
                                                     --------        --------
    Total long-term debt.......................       225,876         351,848
                                                     --------        --------
EQUITY:
  Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share,
   5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares
   issued and outstanding......................           --              --
  Common stock, par value $.01 per share;
   60,000,000 shares authorized, 21,407,223
   shares issued and outstanding, actual;
   19,147,336 shares issued and outstanding as
   adjusted(b).................................           214             214
  Additional paid-in capital...................        58,807          58,807
  Retained earnings(c).........................        68,587          67,907
  Treasury stock...............................           --          (50,000)
                                                     --------        --------
    Total equity...............................       127,608          76,928
                                                     --------        --------
      Total capitalization.....................      $353,484        $428,776
                                                     ========        ========
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) As adjusted data include (1) a reduction in the outstanding borrowings
    under the Bank Credit Facility of $45,750,000 as a result of the
    application of a portion of the proceeds of the Notes Offering pending
    completion of the Alpha Acquisition and (2) an increase in borrowings
    outstanding under the Bank Credit Facility of $71,722,000 assuming the
    Alpha Acquisition occurred as of March 31, 1996 (based on the amount of
    assets and liabilities on such date). The purchase price to be paid by the
    Company will be based on the amounts of certain of Alpha's assets and
    liabilities as of the closing of the Alpha Acquisition and is currently
    estimated to be approximately $65,000,000, assuming a closing during July
    1996.
(b) Does not include an aggregate of up to 2,450,000 shares of Common Stock
    reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding stock options or
    available for grant under the Company's stock option plans.
(c) The reduction in retained earnings reflects an estimated $680,000 in
    secondary offering costs to be incurred by the Company in connection with
    the offering of Common Stock by the Selling Stockholder.
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
                UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
  The following unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements give
effect to the Company Stock Repurchase, the Notes Offering, the 1995 Business
Combination Transactions, the Temming Acquisition and the Alpha Acquisition.
There is no assurance that the Alpha Acquisition will be consummated or will
be consummated on the currently contemplated terms.
 
  The pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 1996 has been
prepared to give effect to the Company Stock Repurchase, the Notes Offering,
the Temming Acquisition and the Alpha Acquisition as if they had occurred on
that date. The effect of the 1995 Business Combination Transactions is
included in the consolidated balance sheet of the Company at March 31, 1996.
The pro forma consolidated statements of income for the year ended June 30,
1995 and the nine months ended March 31, 1996 have been prepared to give
effect to the 1995 Business Combination Transactions, the Company Stock
Repurchase, the Notes Offering, the Temming Acquisition and the Alpha
Acquisition as if they had occurred on July 1, 1994, except that the
amortization of goodwill has been based on the adjustment to goodwill in the
pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 1996. The extraordinary
loss, net of related tax benefit, of $3.9 million recognized on the retirement
of $57.8 million in principal amount of the Existing Senior Notes in the
second and third quarters of fiscal 1996 as well as the $680,000 in estimated
secondary offering costs to be incurred by the Company in connection with the
Offering have not been included in the pro forma consolidated statements of
income.
 
  The financial statements of the Temming Business included in these unaudited
pro forma consolidated financial statements of the Company have been derived
from financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the Federal Republic of Germany and stated in Deutsche
marks. These financial statements have been conformed to comply with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and have been
translated to United States dollars. Such translations should not be construed
as a representation that the Deutsche mark amounts represent, or have been, or
could be converted into, United States dollars at that or any other rate.
 
  THE PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION IS NOT NECESSARILY
INDICATIVE OF THE RESULTS THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN OBTAINED HAD THE COMPANY STOCK
REPURCHASE, THE 1995 BUSINESS COMBINATION TRANSACTIONS, THE NOTES OFFERING,
THE TEMMING ACQUISITION AND THE ALPHA ACQUISITION BEEN COMPLETED AS OF THE
DATES PRESENTED OR FOR ANY FUTURE PERIOD. PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS ARE BASED UPON
PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES, AVAILABLE INFORMATION AND CERTAIN ASSUMPTIONS THAT
MANAGEMENT DEEMS APPROPRIATE. THE UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
DATA SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE COMPANY'S COMBINED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO INCLUDED ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
                 UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
 
                                 MARCH 31, 1996
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                      HISTORICAL                           PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
                         ------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
                            BUCKEYE                    ALPHA                   COMPANY STOCK
                           CELLULOSE                 CELLULOSE                  REPURCHASE
                          CORPORATION     TEMMING    HOLDINGS,     TEMMING       AND NOTES        ALPHA       PRO FORMA
                         AND AFFILIATES BUSINESS (A)   INC.    ACQUISITION (B) OFFERING (C)  ACQUISITION (D) CONSOLIDATED
                         -------------- ------------ --------- --------------- ------------- --------------- ------------
<S>                      <C>            <C>          <C>       <C>             <C>           <C>             <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
 Cash and short-term
  investments...........    $  2,900      $   640     $   111     $   (317)       $   --         $   --        $  3,334
 Accounts receivable--
  net...................      48,900        7,891       6,737       (7,891)           --             --          55,637
 Inventories............      90,581       12,889      16,609         (374)           --             --         119,705
 Deferred income taxes..       8,466          --          780          --             --             --           9,246
 Prepaid expenses and
  other.................         --            66         443          (66)           --             --             443
                            --------      -------     -------     --------        -------        -------       --------
   Total current assets.     150,847       21,486      24,680       (8,648)           --             --         188,365
Property, plant &
 equipment, net.........     242,589       20,399      27,395       (5,174)           --             --         285,209
Goodwill................       7,675          --        3,205          --             --          21,495         32,375
Deferred debt costs and
 other..................       7,254          --        1,009        1,443          3,570          3,394         16,670
                            --------      -------     -------     --------        -------        -------       --------
Total assets............    $408,365      $41,885     $56,289     $(12,379)       $ 3,570        $24,889       $522,619
                            ========      =======     =======     ========        =======        =======       ========
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
 Accounts payable.......    $ 18,305      $ 2,038     $ 1,160     $ (2,038)       $   --         $   --        $ 19,465
 Accrued expenses and
  other liabilities.....      31,515       12,665       4,077      (12,205)           --             --          36,052
 Current portion of
  long-term debt and
  notes payable.........         --         4,513       8,962       (4,513)           --          (8,962)           --
                            --------      -------     -------     --------        -------        -------       --------
   Total current
    liabilities.........      49,820       19,216      14,199      (18,756)           --          (8,962)        55,517
Long-term debt:
 Existing Notes.........     156,364          --          --           --             --             --         156,364
 Bank Credit Facility...      41,000          --          --        28,512        (45,750)        71,722         95,484
 New Notes..............         --           --          --           --         100,000            --         100,000
 Other notes............         --         1,535      27,879       (1,535)           --         (27,879)           --
                            --------      -------     -------     --------        -------        -------       --------
Total long-term debt....     197,364        1,535      27,879       26,977         54,250         43,843        351,848
Postretirement benefit
 obligation.............      12,802          534         --           --             --             --          13,336
Deferred income taxes...      16,450          --        3,993          --             --             --          20,443
Other liabilities.......       4,321           41         226          (41)           --             --           4,547
Shareholders' equity....     127,608       20,559       9,992      (20,559)       (50,680)        (9,992)        76,928
                            --------      -------     -------     --------        -------        -------       --------
Total liabilities and
 shareholders' equity...    $408,365      $41,885     $56,289     $(12,379)       $ 3,570        $24,889       $522,619
                            ========      =======     =======     ========        =======        =======       ========
</TABLE>    
 
      See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
 
              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
                            YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1995
                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       HISTORICAL                      PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
                          ------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
                                                                    1995
                                                                  BUSINESS      COMPANY
                             BUCKEYE                    ALPHA   COMBINATION      STOCK
                            CELLULOSE                 CELLULOSE TRANSACTIONS   REPURCHASE
                           CORPORATION     TEMMING    HOLDINGS, AND TEMMING    AND NOTES        ALPHA       PRO FORMA
                          AND AFFILIATES BUSINESS (E) INC. (F)  ACQUISITION     OFFERING     ACQUISITION   CONSOLIDATED
                          -------------- ------------ --------- ------------   ----------    -----------   ------------
<S>                       <C>            <C>          <C>       <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>
Net sales...............     $408,587      $55,637     $48,679    $   --        $   --         $   --      $   512,903
Cost of goods sold......      305,150       44,414      32,478       (738)(g)       --             --          381,304
                             --------      -------     -------    -------       -------        -------     -----------
Gross margin............      103,437       11,223      16,201        738           --             --          131,599
Selling, research and
 administrative
 expenses...............       24,265       11,812       4,784        716 (h)       --           2,000 (h)      43,577
                             --------      -------     -------    -------       -------        -------     -----------
Operating income (loss).       79,172         (589)     11,417         22           --          (2,000)         88,022
Other income (expense):
 Interest income........        1,138            4          10       (836)(i)       --             --              316
 Interest expense and
  amortization of debt
  costs.................      (22,290)        (106)     (3,369)      (919)(i)    (6,939)(j)     (1,206)(k)     (34,829)
 Other..................         (615)         --          126        299 (l)       --            (717)(l)        (907)
 Minority interest......      (23,223)         --          --      23,223 (l)       --             --              --
                             --------      -------     -------    -------       -------        -------     -----------
                              (44,990)        (102)     (3,233)    21,767        (6,939)        (1,923)        (35,420)
                             --------      -------     -------    -------       -------        -------     -----------
 Income (loss) before
  income taxes..........       34,182         (691)      8,184     21,789        (6,939)        (3,923)         52,602
 Income taxes
  (benefit).............       12,470          --        3,128      8,003 (m)    (2,637)(m)     (1,218)(m)      19,746
                             --------      -------     -------    -------       -------        -------     -----------
   Net income (loss)....     $ 21,712      $  (691)    $ 5,056    $13,786       $(4,302)       $(2,705)    $    32,856
                             ========      =======     =======    =======       =======        =======     ===========
Weighted average shares
 outstanding (n)........                                                                                    19,147,336
Net income per
 share (n)..............                                                                                   $      1.72
                                                                                                           ===========
Ratio of earnings to
 fixed
 charges (o)............                                                                                          2.49x
</TABLE>
 
 
      See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
 
              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
                        NINE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996
                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           HISTORICAL                          PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
                         ---------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
                                                                            1995
                                                                          BUSINESS     COMPANY
                            BUCKEYE                                     COMBINATION     STOCK
                           CELLULOSE                       ALPHA        TRANSACTIONS  REPURCHASE
                          CORPORATION     TEMMING        CELLULOSE      AND TEMMING   AND NOTES       ALPHA       PRO FORMA
                         AND AFFILIATES BUSINESS (E) HOLDINGS, INC. (F) ACQUISITION    OFFERING    ACQUISITION   CONSOLIDATED
                         -------------- ------------ ------------------ ------------  ----------   -----------   ------------
<S>                      <C>            <C>          <C>                <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>
Net sales..............    $  338,825     $45,929         $37,480          $  --        $  --        $  --        $  422,234
Cost of goods sold.....       237,149      40,474          28,765            (945)(g)      --           --           305,443
                           ----------     -------         -------          ------       ------       ------       ----------
Gross margin...........       101,676       5,455           8,715             945          --           --           116,791
Selling, research and
 administrative
 expenses..............        18,497       7,030           2,962             539 (h)      --         1,500 (h)       30,528
                           ----------     -------         -------          ------       ------       ------       ----------
Operating income
 (loss)................        83,179      (1,575)          5,753             406          --        (1,500)          86,263
Other income (expense):
 Interest income.......           925         --                5            (418)(i)      --           --               512
 Interest expense and
  amortization of debt
  costs................       (13,709)       (167)         (2,385)         (1,642)(i)   (5,246)(j)     (870)(k)      (24,019)
 Secondary offering
  costs................        (1,335)        --              --            1,335 (l)      --           --               --
 Other.................          (372)        --             (476)            125 (l)      --          (551)(l)       (1,274)
 Minority interest.....       (16,628)        --              --           16,628 (l)      --           --               --
                           ----------     -------         -------          ------       ------       ------       ----------
                              (31,119)       (167)         (2,856)         16,028       (5,246)      (1,421)         (24,781)
                           ----------     -------         -------          ------       ------       ------       ----------
 Income (loss) before
  income taxes and
  extraordinary loss...        52,060      (1,742)          2,897          16,434       (5,246)      (2,921)          61,482
 Income taxes
  (benefit)............        18,908         --              994           5,535 (m)   (1,993)(m)     (901)(m)       22,543
                           ----------     -------         -------          ------       ------       ------       ----------
 Income (loss) before
  extraordinary loss...        33,152      (1,742)          1,903          10,899       (3,253)      (2,020)          38,939
                           ==========     =======         =======          ======       ======       ======       ==========
Weighted average shares
 outstanding (n).......    21,014,032                                                                             19,147,336
Income per share before
 extraordinary loss
 (n)...................    $     1.58                                                                             $     2.03
                           ==========                                                                             ==========
Ratio of earnings to
 fixed
 charges (o)...........          5.92x                                                                                  3.53x
</TABLE>
 
 
      See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
 
        NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
(a) Reflects the unaudited balances of the Temming Business at December 31,
    1995, derived from the financial statements included elsewhere herein and
    translated into United States dollars at the December 31, 1995 exchange
    rate (DM 1.4312 to $1). The conversion of the balance sheet from German
    generally accepted accounting principles to those generally accepted in
    the United States resulted in an increase in property, plant and equipment
    of $15,456 due to differences in depreciation methods.
 
(b) Adjustments to reflect the assets and liabilities acquired and assumed in
    the Temming Acquisition, borrowings of $28,512 under the Bank Credit
    Facility to finance the acquisition, and the estimated allocation of the
    purchase price, assuming such acquisition took place at December 31, 1995.
    The allocation of the purchase price is based on preliminary estimates of
    the respective fair value of assets and liabilities which may differ from
    actual fair values.
 
(c) Adjustments to reflect the issuance of the New Notes. Underwriting fees
    and other expenses related to the New Notes are deferred and amortized
    over the term of the New Notes. The proceeds of the New Notes will be used
    to finance a portion of the Alpha Acquisition and the Company Stock
    Repurchase. If the Alpha Acquisition is not consummated, the net proceeds
    of the New Notes will be used to reduce outstanding borrowings under the
    Bank Credit Facility. Certain expenses incurred in connection with the
    offering of Common Stock by the Selling Stockholder will be paid by the
    Company and are reflected as a reduction of equity.
 
(d) Adjustments to reflect the acquisition of the common stock of Alpha,
    refinancing of substantially all of Alpha's existing long-term debt,
    borrowings of $71,722 under the Bank Credit Facility, and the estimated
    allocation of the purchase price. The allocation of the excess of the
    purchase price over the recorded value of net assets is based on
    preliminary estimates of the respective fair values of assets and
    liabilities which may differ from actual fair values. Goodwill is to be
    amortized over 30 years.
 
(e) Reflects the unaudited statement of operations of the Temming Business for
    the twelve months ended June 30, 1995 and the nine months ended December
    31, 1995, derived from the historical financial statements and translated
    into United States dollars using the average exchange rates for the
    periods then ended (DM 1.4802 to $1 for the twelve months ended June 30,
    1995 and DM 1.4068 to $1 for the nine months ended December 31, 1995.) The
    conversion of the statements of operations from German generally accepted
    accounting principles to those generally accepted in the United States
    resulted in an increase in depreciation expense of $915 and $830 for the
    twelve months ended June 30, 1995 and the nine months ended December 31,
    1995, respectively. The operating results of the Temming Business for the
    three months ended June 30, 1995 have been included in both the pro forma
    statements of income for the twelve months ended June 30, 1995 and the
    nine months ended December 31, 1995. Net sales and net loss for the
    Temming Business for the three months ended June 30, 1995 were $16,410 and
    $573, respectively.
 
(f) Reflects the historical unaudited statement of operations of Alpha for the
    twelve months ended September 30, 1995 and the nine months ended March 31,
    1996. The operating results of Alpha for the three months ended September
    30, 1995 have been included in both the pro forma statements of income for
    the twelve months ended June 30, 1995 and the nine months ended March 31,
    1996. Alpha's net sales and net income for the three months ended
    September 30, 1995 were $11,903 and $984, respectively.
 
(g) The purchase price allocation of the 1995 Business Combination
    Transactions resulted in an increase in depreciation expense based on the
    increase in property, plant and equipment of $10,563 as of the acquisition
    date. The estimated purchase price allocation of the Temming Acquisition
    results in the reduction of depreciation expense for the decrease in
    property, plant and equipment of $5,174 as of the acquisition date.
 
(h) The estimated purchase price allocation of the Temming Acquisition
    includes the additional amortization of a $1,432 non-compete agreement
    over a two year period. The estimated purchase price allocation of the
    Alpha Acquisition includes the additional amortization of a $4,000 non-
    compete agreement over a two year period.
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
(i) Reflects the 1995 Business Combination Transactions and Temming
    Acquisition as if they had occurred on July 1, 1994. A reduction of
    interest income reflects the use of approximately $14,000 of cash and
    short-term investments to consummate these transactions. Adjustments
    reflect the net effects of (1) the decrease in interest expense resulting
    from the refinancing of existing indebtedness in the 1995 Business
    Combination Transactions, (2) the increase in interest expense related to
    borrowings under the Bank Credit Facility to finance the Temming
    Acquisition and (3) the net increase in amortization of debt issuance
    discount and debt issuance costs relating to the Existing Notes and the
    Bank Credit Facility. Borrowings under the Bank Credit Facility are at a
    LIBOR based rate, determined as of the date of the respective business
    combination. An increase of 1/8% in the LIBOR rate when applied to
    outstanding borrowings used for the 1995 Business Combination Transactions
    and Temming Acquisition for the year ended June 30, 1995 would decrease
    pro forma net income by $94.
 
(j) Adjustments to reflect the amortization of related debt issuance costs
    over the term of the New Notes, and the increase in interest expense on
    borrowings under the New Notes, net of the reduction in interest expense
    related to the repayment of borrowings under the Bank Credit Facility.
 
(k) Adjustments to reflect the increase in interest expense for borrowings to
    finance the Alpha Acquisition and to refinance substantially all of
    Alpha's existing long-term debt. Borrowings under the Bank Credit Facility
    are assumed to bear interest at LIBOR plus 1/2%. An increase of 1/8% in
    the LIBOR rate when applied to outstanding borrowings used for the Alpha
    Acquisition, including the refinancing of existing long-term indebtedness,
    for the year ended June 30, 1995 would decrease pro forma net income by
    $56.
 
(l) Adjustments to reflect the reduction in goodwill amortization, secondary
    offering costs and minority interest as a result of the 1995 Business
    Combination Transactions, and the increase in amortization of goodwill
    resulting from the Alpha Acquisition. The purchase price allocation in the
    1995 Business Combination Transactions reduced goodwill by $8,971.
    Goodwill is assumed to generate no tax benefit, and is amortized over 30
    years. Secondary offering costs represent non-recurring expenses paid by
    the Company on behalf of the selling stockholder in the 1995 Business
    Combination Transactions.
 
(m) Adjustment to record the income tax effects at the statutory rate of 38%,
    except as to the amortization of goodwill which is assumed to generate no
    tax benefit.
 
(n) For purposes of calculating pro forma net income per share and pro forma
    income per share before extraordinary loss, weighted average shares
    outstanding are calculated assuming the Company Stock Repurchase and 1995
    Business Combination Transactions were consummated on July 1, 1994.
 
(o) For purposes of determining the pro forma ratio of earnings to fixed
    charges, earnings are defined as income before extraordinary items,
    minority interest, accounting changes, and provisions for income taxes and
    before fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of pro forma interest expense
    on all indebtedness (including amortization of deferred debt issuance
    costs) and the interest component of rent expense.
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
                     SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
  The following table sets forth selected financial data with respect to (a)
the Predecessor for the fiscal years ended June 30, 1991 and 1992 and for the
period July 1, 1992 through March 15, 1993 and (b) the Company as of June 30,
1993 and for the period March 16, 1993 through June 30, 1993, for the fiscal
years ended June 30, 1994 and 1995 and for the nine months ended March 31,
1995 and 1996. The selected financial data as of and for the fiscal years
ended June 30, 1991 and 1992 are derived from the unaudited Combined Statement
of Net Assets and Combined Statement of Operating Income of the Predecessor.
The selected financial data of the Predecessor for the period July 1, 1992
through March 15, 1993 are derived from the unaudited Combined Statement of
Net Assets and the audited Combined Statement of Operating Income of the
Predecessor appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. The selected financial
data for the period March 16, 1993 through June 30, 1993 and for the fiscal
years ended June 30, 1994 and 1995, which appear elsewhere in this Prospectus,
are derived from the audited financial statements of the Company. The selected
financial data for the nine months ended March 31, 1995 and 1996 are derived
from the unaudited financial statements of the Company appearing elsewhere in
this Prospectus. In the opinion of management such nine month data include all
adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair
presentation of the information included therein. The results of operations
for the nine months ended March 31, 1996 are not necessarily indicative of the
results for the entire fiscal year or any other interim period. The data set
forth in the following table should be read in conjunction with the Combined
Statement of Operating Income of the Predecessor and notes thereto, and the
combined consolidated financial statements of the Company and notes thereto,
appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus and "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                PREDECESSOR (A)                         COMPANY (B)
                          --------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
                                             JULY 1,  MARCH 16,
                             YEAR ENDED       1992      1993        YEAR ENDED        NINE MONTHS ENDED
                              JUNE 30,       THROUGH   THROUGH       JUNE 30,             MARCH 31,
                          ----------------- MARCH 15, JUNE 30,   ------------------  --------------------
                            1991     1992     1993      1993       1994      1995      1995       1996
                          -------- -------- --------- ---------  --------  --------  --------  ----------
<S>                       <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME
 DATA:
Net sales...............  $390,690 $357,493 $233,460  $113,074   $371,526  $408,587  $301,318  $  338,825
Cost of goods sold (a)..   300,331  293,344  189,808    86,047    291,833   305,150   230,247     237,149
                          -------- -------- --------  --------   --------  --------  --------  ----------
Gross margin............    90,359   64,149   43,652    27,027     79,693   103,437    71,071     101,676
Selling, research and
 administrative
 expenses:
 Company................       --       --       --      5,996     24,004    24,265    16,446      18,497
 C&S Division
  allocations (a).......    25,034   21,357   17,522       --         --        --        --          --
 Procter & Gamble
  corporate allocations
  (a)...................     1,614    6,096    4,764       --         --        --        --          --
                          -------- -------- --------  --------   --------  --------  --------  ----------
Operating income........    63,711   36,696   21,366    21,031     55,689    79,172    54,625      83,179
Net interest and
 amortization of debt
 costs (c)..............       --       --       --    (10,209)   (26,545)  (21,152)  (16,510)    (12,784)
Other expense...........       --       --       --       (184)      (632)     (615)     (462)       (372)
Minority interest (d)...       --       --       --     (3,083)    (8,291)  (23,223)  (14,881)    (16,628)
Secondary offering
 costs..................                                                                           (1,335)
                          -------- -------- --------  --------   --------  --------  --------  ----------
Income before income
 taxes and extraordinary
 loss...................    63,711   36,696   21,366     7,555     20,221    34,182    22,772      52,060
Income taxes (e)........       --       --       --      2,851      7,253    12,470     8,308      18,908
                          -------- -------- --------  --------   --------  --------  --------  ----------
Income before
 extraordinary loss.....    63,711   36,696   21,366     4,704     12,968    21,712    14,464      33,152
Extraordinary loss, net
 of tax benefit.........       --       --       --        --         --        --        --        3,949
                          -------- -------- --------  --------   --------  --------  --------  ----------
Net income..............  $ 63,711 $ 36,696 $ 21,366  $  4,704   $ 12,968  $ 21,712  $ 14,464  $   29,203
                          ======== ======== ========  ========   ========  ========  ========  ==========
Income per share before
 extraordinary loss (f).                                                                       $     1.58
Extraordinary loss, net
 of tax benefit (g).....                                                                             (.19)
                                                                                               ----------
Net income per share
 (f)....................                                                                       $     1.39
                                                                                               ==========
Weighted average shares
 outstanding............                                                                       21,014,032
OTHER DATA:
Depreciation and
 amortization...........  $ 24,993 $ 25,795 $ 19,262  $  7,436   $ 27,415  $ 26,080  $ 19,566  $   19,117
Capital expenditures....    45,960   29,832   17,761     4,898     15,725    24,922    20,713      22,334
EBITDA (h)..............    88,704   62,491   40,628    28,185     81,879   104,088    73,313     102,073
Ratio of earnings to
 fixed charges (i)......       --       --       --      1.99x      2.05x     3.54x      3.15x       5.92x
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital (j).....  $132,494 $126,043 $144,419  $ 98,182   $ 69,330  $ 77,107  $ 83,410  $  101,027
Total assets............   445,633  445,454  446,732   403,542    374,204   379,056   381,139     408,365
Long-term debt less
 current portion........       --       --       --    278,713    203,482   166,202   189,937     197,364
Minority interest (d)...       --       --       --     28,083     33,479    52,104    45,523         --
Equity..................       --       --       --     43,260     62,828    84,621    77,372     127,608
</TABLE>
                                                  (footnotes on following page)
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
- --------
(a) The Predecessor was historically operated as two of the four pulp mills
    that comprised the C&S Division of Procter & Gamble. The Predecessor was
    allocated certain expenses for services provided by the C&S Division and
    Procter & Gamble, including sales services, product supply services,
    general management services, information system services, research
    services, treasury services, financial audit and reporting services, tax
    administration services and employee benefits and insurance administration
    services. Costs and expenses of the C&S Division were allocated using
    formulas, primarily based on estimates of efforts expended and sales.
    Procter & Gamble corporate expenses were allocated primarily based on
    sales.
(b) On March 16, 1993, the Company acquired from Procter & Gamble Cellulose
    all of the assets of the Predecessor.
(c) The debt obligations of Procter & Gamble were not specifically
    identifiable with individual operating units; accordingly, interest
    charges are not reflected in the financial data of the Predecessor.
(d) The minority interest represents Procter & Gamble Cellulose's 50% limited
    partnership interest in Buckeye Florida Partners, which ceased on November
    28, 1995.
(e) The Predecessor's results of operations were historically included in the
    consolidated income tax returns of Procter & Gamble. Procter & Gamble had
    no tax sharing agreement for allocating income taxes to operating units.
    Accordingly, income tax expense or benefit is not reflected in the
    financial data of the Predecessor.
(f) Historical net income per share has not been presented as it is not
    considered relevant for periods prior to June 30, 1995, due to the P&G
    Acquisitions and the 1995 Business Combination Transactions.
(g) An extraordinary loss of $3,949, net of tax benefit, was recognized on the
    early retirement of a portion of the Existing Senior Notes in the second
    and third quarters of fiscal 1996.
(h) EBITDA represents earnings before secondary offering costs, interest,
    taxes, minority interest, extraordinary loss, depreciation, depletion,
    amortization and other non-cash charges and is intended to facilitate a
    more complete analysis of the Company's ability to meet its debt service
    requirements. This data should not be considered in isolation and is not
    intended to be a substitute for income statement data as a measure of the
    Company's profitability.
(i) For purposes of determining the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
    earnings are defined as income before income taxes and extraordinary loss,
    minority interest and fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest
    expense on all indebtedness (including amortization of deferred debt
    issuance costs) and the interest component of rent expense. Historically,
    interest expense was not allocated to the Predecessor by Procter & Gamble.
    Accordingly, the historical ratios of earnings to fixed charges for the
    Predecessor are not meaningful and therefore have not been presented.
(j) During fiscal 1994, inventories were reduced by $17,700 primarily due to
    excess finished goods from the Predecessor being sold to improve
    operations and generate cash.
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  The following is a discussion of the consolidated financial condition and
results of operations of the Company for each of the fiscal years ended June
30, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and for the nine months ended March 31, 1996. The
Company completed its second full fiscal year of operations under current
ownership on June 30, 1995. Since the Company was acquired from Procter &
Gamble Cellulose on March 16, 1993, the initial fiscal year after such
acquisition encompassed approximately three and one-half months from March 16,
1993 through June 30, 1993. All comparisons to periods prior to March 16, 1993
will include the results of the Predecessor. In general, fiscal years 1995 and
1994 are not necessarily comparable to fiscal year 1993 because of differences
in results due to operations as a stand-alone company versus operations as
part of the C&S Division prior to March 16, 1993. This section should be read
in conjunction with the combined consolidated financial statements of the
Company and the footnotes thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
  The merger of Buckeye Florida Corporation and a subsidiary of the Company in
connection with the 1995 Business Combination Transactions was treated for
accounting purposes as a combination of related companies. The Company
accounted for the merger using the historical costs of its and Buckeye Florida
Corporation's assets in a manner similar to a "pooling of interests." All
historical information of the Company set forth in this Prospectus is
presented on such basis. The purchase of Procter & Gamble Cellulose's 50%
interest in Buckeye Florida Partners was accounted for as a purchase and the
allocation of the purchase price was based on an independent appraisal.
 
OVERVIEW
 
  The Company manufactures and distributes a broad range of specialty pulps to
a variety of customers who require cellulose fibers with chemical or physical
properties that are specifically tailored to their product applications. The
Company's financial results are generally less variable than the results of a
typical producer of commodity cellulose pulp. There are two primary reasons
for this characteristic: (i) the demanding applications for specialty pulps
make substitution of alternative products difficult and expensive, and (ii)
the Pulp Supply Agreement with Procter & Gamble provides a stable volume
demand and an escalating formula-based price for a substantial portion of the
Company's sales (approximately one-third of the Company's sales in fiscal
1995). Nevertheless, specialty pulp pricing is affected by factors influencing
the broader cellulose pulp industry, including price trends for commodity
pulps. Historically, specialty pulp pricing has been more stable and price
changes have tended to lag (on both the upturn and the downturn) price changes
for commodity pulps.
 
  Pricing for cellulose pulp (particularly for commodity pulps) varies with
general economic conditions in worldwide markets as consumption correlates
with economic activity. This variability can be compounded if substantial
additional production capacity is installed at a time when demand is not
growing rapidly enough to absorb the new production. The early 1990s were such
a period of excess capacity, and pulp industry prices reached a cyclical low
in the fourth calendar quarter of 1993. In early 1994, the market began to
recover from this downturn as global economic expansion increased the demand
for cellulose pulps. This recovery continued until late 1995 before the
combination of increased supply and softening demand once again led to lower
pricing.
 
  The Predecessor's financial results for fiscal years 1991 and 1992 and the
first eight and one-half months of fiscal 1993 reflect the declining market
pulp prices characteristic of the pulp industry during this period. As a
result, operating income declined in each period. Operating income in the
final three months of fiscal 1993 and throughout fiscal 1994 began to increase
as the Company's current owners executed a strategy to reduce costs, liquidate
excess inventory, generate cash and pay down debt. The Company began to supply
its major customer, Procter & Gamble, under the pricing formula in the Pulp
Supply Agreement. Unit sales volume was increased substantially by selling to
new customers and competitively pricing products. Management and employees
focused on improving the operating efficiency and productivity of the
Company's manufacturing facilities. Operating and net income in fiscal 1995
improved significantly as a result of higher unit sales prices beginning
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
in January 1995. The Company's average net prices for fiscal 1995 were 12%
higher than the prior year's average. For the nine months ending March 31,
1996, average net prices were 24% higher than average net prices for the same
period of fiscal 1995.
 
  The Pulp Supply Agreement is a long-term, take-or-pay contract that phases
out in calendar years 2001 and 2002 if it is not extended by mutual consent.
Pricing pursuant to the Pulp Supply Agreement through 1998 is based on an
escalating formula. Pricing for 1999 and 2000 will be at the higher of the
contract formula price or market, and pricing for 2001 and 2002 will be at
market. The formula price has three components: (i) a periodic margin
adjustment, (ii) a general escalation component based on changes in the
Consumer Price Index, and (iii) a provision to adjust for all actual changes
in the price of timber, the major raw material component of the pulp purchased
under the contract. The pricing formula therefore provides considerable
protection against escalating costs. For the fiscal years 1993, 1994 and 1995,
the contract price was, on average, above the market price. The current
contract price is above the market price.
 
  The Company's customer base is broadly diversified both geographically and
by end-use markets. Approximately 70% of fiscal 1995 sales were to customers
outside of the United States, principally in Europe and Asia. Currency
fluctuations do not significantly influence the Company's results of
operations because sales are made, and receivables are paid, in U.S. dollars.
The diversity of the Company's geographic and end-use markets helps to
insulate it from periodic economic downturns in particular areas of the world.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  The following table shows, for the periods indicated, various items as a
percentage of net sales.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            PREDECESSOR                COMPANY
                            ------------ --------------------------------------
                                                                  NINE MONTHS
                            JULY 1, 1992 MARCH 16, YEAR ENDED        ENDED
                              THROUGH     THROUGH   JUNE 30,     MARCH 31,(A)
                             MARCH 15,   JUNE 30,  ------------  --------------
                              1993(A)     1993(A)  1994   1995    1995    1996
                            ------------ --------- -----  -----  ------  ------
<S>                         <C>          <C>       <C>    <C>    <C>     <C>
Net sales.................     100.0%      100.0%  100.0% 100.0%  100.0%  100.0%
Cost of goods sold........      81.3        76.1    78.5   74.7    76.4    70.0
                               -----       -----   -----  -----  ------  ------
Gross margin..............      18.7        23.9    21.5   25.3    23.6    30.0
Selling, research and
 administrative expenses..       (b)         5.3     6.5    5.9     5.5     5.4
                                           -----   -----  -----  ------  ------
Operating income..........       (b)        18.6    15.0   19.4    18.1    24.6
Net interest and
 amortization.............       (b)         9.0     7.1    5.2     5.5     3.8
Other expense.............       (b)         0.2     0.2    0.1     0.1     0.1
Minority interest.........       (b)         2.7     2.2    5.7     4.9     4.9
Secondary offering costs..       (b)         --      --     --      --      0.4
Income taxes..............       (b)         2.5     2.0    3.1     2.8     5.6
                                           -----   -----  -----  ------  ------
Income before
 extraordinary loss.......       (b)         4.2     3.5    5.3     4.8     9.8
Extraordinary loss, net of
 tax benefit..............       (b)         --      --     --      --      1.2
                                           -----   -----  -----  ------  ------
Net income................       (b)         4.2%    3.5%   5.3%    4.8%    8.6%
                                           =====   =====  =====  ======  ======
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) Results for partial year periods are not necessarily indicative of, and
    should not be compared to, full year results.
(b) These items are not directly comparable because the Predecessor operated
    as two of the four pulp mills that comprised the C&S Division of Procter &
    Gamble Cellulose. See "Selected Consolidated Financial Data" and the
    footnotes thereto for a more detailed explanation.
 
COMPARISON OF NINE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 AND MARCH 31, 1995
 
  Net Sales. Net sales for the nine month period ending March 31, 1996 were
$338.8 million compared to $301.3 million for the same period in 1995, an
increase of $37.5 million or 12%, due primarily to higher unit sales prices,
averaging 24% above the prior period, partially offset by a 9% decrease in
unit sales volume. The lower unit sales volume versus the prior year was
partially due to softer market demand. Although unit sales volume was below
the prior year, it has been stable throughout the current fiscal year.
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
  Gross Margin. Gross margin for the nine month period ended March 31, 1996
was $101.7 million compared to $71.1 million for the same period in 1995, an
increase of $30.6 million or 43%. The increase was entirely due to higher unit
sales prices in all product lines, partially offset by lower sales volume and
higher raw material costs for wood, cotton linters, and process chemicals.
 
  Selling, Research and Administrative Expenses. Selling, research and
administrative expenses for the nine month period ending March 31, 1996 were
$18.5 million compared to $16.4 million for the same period in 1995, an
increase of $2.1 million or 12%, primarily due to increased employment,
computer costs, transition expenses related to the Temming Acquisition and a
non-cash compensation charge of $0.6 million as the result of vesting employee
stock options.
 
  Net Interest and Amortization. Net interest and amortization expenses for
the nine month period ending March 31, 1996 were $12.8 million compared to
$16.5 million for the same period of the prior year, down $3.7 million or 23%,
as a result of (i) prior to the public offering of the Existing Senior
Subordinated Notes and execution of the Bank Credit Facility in November 1995,
lower average debt balances, and (ii) following the public offering of the
Existing Senior Subordinated Notes and the execution of the Bank Credit
Facility, lower interest rates.
 
  Minority Interest. Minority interest was eliminated as the result of the
purchase of P&G Cellulose's 50% limited partnership interest in Buckeye
Florida Partners on November 28, 1995. Minority interest for the nine month
period ending March 31, 1996 was $16.6 million compared to $14.9 million for
the same period of the prior year, an increase of $1.7 million or 12%,
reflecting the higher income of the limited partnership in fiscal 1996 prior
to the purchase of the 50% interest cited above.
 
  Secondary Offering Costs. Secondary offering costs for the nine months
ending March 31, 1996 were $1.3 million and relate to expenses paid on behalf
of the Selling Stockholder in the November 1995 initial public offering of
Common Stock.
 
  Income Taxes. Income taxes for the nine months ended March 31, 1996 were
$18.9 million compared to $8.3 million for the nine months ended March 31,
1995, an increase of $10.6 million, due to higher earnings. The effective tax
rate for the current period is 36.3%, compared to 36.5% for the prior period.
 
  Extraordinary Loss. The extraordinary loss for the nine months ending March
31, 1996 totaled $3.9 million, net of taxes. These losses resulted from the
retirement of $57.8 million (principal amount) of the Existing Senior Notes
during the nine month period, leaving $6.9 million in principal amount
outstanding as of March 31, 1996.
 
  Net Income. Net income for the nine months ended March 31, 1996 was $29.2
million compared to $14.5 million for the nine months ended March 31, 1995, an
increase of $14.7 million or 101%, primarily as a result of the factors
described above.
 
COMPARISON OF FISCAL YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND JUNE 30, 1994
 
  Net Sales. Net sales for fiscal 1995 were $408.6 million compared to $371.5
million for fiscal 1994, an increase of $37.1 million or 10%. The increase was
due primarily to a 12% average increase in unit selling prices and, to a
lesser extent, by a move to a higher value-added product mix. The sales price
increase reflects strong domestic and international market demand for pulp,
which resulted in sales price increases on the Company's specialty pulps
beginning in January 1995. This increase in unit sales prices was partially
offset by a 2% reduction in unit sales volume. Although the Company operated
at full capacity in both fiscal 1995 and fiscal 1994, inventory reductions in
fiscal 1994 as the Company's new owners reduced surplus inventories built up
by the Predecessor led to a lower sales volume in fiscal 1995.
 
  Gross Margin. Gross margin for fiscal 1995 was $103.4 million compared to
$79.7 million in fiscal 1994, an increase of $23.7 million or 30%. The
increase was entirely attributable to higher unit selling prices in all
product lines, partially offset by higher raw material costs for cotton
linters, timber and process chemicals.
 
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
  Selling, Research and Administrative Expenses. Selling, research and
administrative expenses for fiscal 1995 were $24.3 million compared to $24.0
million in fiscal 1994, an increase of $0.3 million or 1%.
 
  Net Interest and Amortization. Net interest and amortization of deferred
debt cost for fiscal 1995 was $21.2 million compared to $26.5 million in
fiscal 1994, a decrease of $5.3 million or 20%. The decrease was due to
substantially lower debt levels as cash from operations was used to retire
$51.4 million in long-term debt during fiscal 1995.
 
  Minority Interest. Minority interest for fiscal 1995 was $23.2 million
compared to $8.3 million for fiscal 1994, an increase of $14.9 million. The
increase reflects higher net income of Buckeye Florida Partners, in which
Procter & Gamble Cellulose held a 50% limited partnership interest during the
period.
 
  Income Taxes. Income taxes for fiscal 1995 were $12.5 million compared to
$7.3 million for fiscal 1994, an increase of $5.2 million, due to higher
earnings. The effective tax rate was 36.5% for fiscal 1995 compared to 35.9%
for fiscal 1994.
 
  Net Income. Net income for fiscal 1995 was $21.7 million compared to $13.0
million for fiscal 1994, an increase of $8.7 million or 67%, primarily as a
result of the factors described above.
 
COMPARISON OF FISCAL YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1994 AND JUNE 30, 1993
 
  Net Sales. Net sales for fiscal 1994 were $371.5 million compared to $346.5
million in fiscal 1993, an increase of $25.0 million or 7%. This increase was
entirely due to a 12% increase in unit sales volume. The volume increase was
the result of prompt action taken by the Company's new owners shortly after
the Acquisitions to reduce excess inventories which had been accumulated by
the Predecessor. This increase in unit sales volume was partially offset by a
4% average decrease in unit sales prices. The unit sales price decreases
reflect a pulp market with an excess of supply over demand, which resulted in
strong price competition.
 
  Gross Margin. Gross margin for fiscal 1994 was $79.7 million compared to
$70.7 million in fiscal 1993, an increase of $9.0 million or 13%. The increase
was primarily the result of higher unit sales volume. Lower raw material
prices and manufacturing costs were largely offset by the decrease in sales
prices.
 
  Selling, Research and Administrative Expenses. Selling, research, and
administrative expenses for fiscal 1994 totalled $24.0 million and are not
directly comparable to the combined expenses of the Company and the
Predecessor for the prior year, as described in the footnotes to "Selected
Consolidated Financial Data."
 
  Net Interest and Amortization. Net interest and amortization of deferred
debt costs for fiscal 1994 were $26.5 million compared to $10.2 million in the
period March 16, 1993 through June 30, 1993. The Predecessor did not assign
interest costs to operating units.
 
  Minority Interest. Minority interest for fiscal 1994 totalled $8.3 million
compared to $3.1 million in the period March 16, 1993 through June 30, 1993.
 
  Income Taxes. Income taxes for fiscal 1994 were $7.3 million compared to
$2.9 million in the period March 16, 1993 through June 30, 1993. The
Predecessor's results of operations do not reflect any income tax expense.
 
  Net Income. Net income for fiscal 1994 was $13.0 million compared to $4.7
million for the period March 16, 1993 through June 30, 1993.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
  Since the P&G Acquisitions, cash required for operating expenses, capital
expenditures and debt service obligations has been provided principally by
cash flows from operating activities, the net proceeds from sales of debt and
equity securities, the proceeds of the loans provided by Procter & Gamble
Cellulose in connection with
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
the P&G Acquisitions, and borrowings under bank credit facilities. Total
indebtedness has been reduced significantly, from $361.9 million at March 16,
1993 to $197.4 million at March 31, 1996, a reduction of $164.5 million.
 
  Cash provided by operating activities was $42.2 million for the nine months
ended March 31, 1996. During this period, inventories increased by $28.6
million as the result of higher lint prices and decreased shipments. Cash
provided by operating activities was $77.8 million for fiscal 1995, $86.4
million for fiscal 1994 and $73.3 million for the period March 16, 1993 to
June 30, 1993, for a cumulative total of $279.7 million since the P&G
Acquisitions. These funds from operations, plus proceeds of $13.1 million from
the sale of Common Stock were used for three primary purposes: (i) to reduce
total indebtedness by $164.5 million, (ii) for capital expenditures totalling
$67.8 million and (iii) to purchase the minority interest of Procter & Gamble
Cellulose in Buckeye Florida Partners for $62.1 million.
 
  Capital expenditures for maintenance, product improvements and cost saving
projects were $22.3 million for the nine months ended March 31, 1996, $24.9
million and $15.7 million for fiscal 1995 and fiscal 1994, respectively, and
$4.9 million for the period March 16, 1993 to June 30, 1993. The Company used
all of the expenditures to purchase, modernize and upgrade production
equipment and to maintain its facilities. Capital expenditures for fiscal 1996
are expected to be approximately $36.0 million. Additionally, the Company
expects to spend over $175.0 million during fiscal 1997 through fiscal 2000 to
maintain facilities, upgrade products and meet environmental capital spending
needs.
 
  At March 31, 1996, the Company's long-term indebtedness was $197.4 million,
including $149.5 million under the Existing Senior Subordinated Notes, $6.9
million under the Existing Senior Notes and $41.0 million under the Bank
Credit Facility, and shareholders' equity was $127.6 million. At such date,
the Company had $2.9 million in short-term investments and $91.1 million of
unused borrowing capacity.
 
  The net proceeds from the Notes Offering will be used for the Company Stock
Repurchase and to finance a substantial portion of the Alpha Acquisition or,
pending completion of the Alpha Acquisition, to reduce outstanding borrowings
under the Bank Credit Facility. The Company's total debt will be approximately
$351.8 million following the Notes Offering and the Alpha Acquisition.
 
  The Company believes that its cash flow from operations, together with
borrowings available under the Bank Credit Facility and the net proceeds from
the Notes Offering, will be sufficient to fund operating expenses, capital
expenditures and debt service requirements for the foreseeable future and to
fund the Company Stock Repurchase and the Alpha Acquisition.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
   
  The Company has reached an agreement (the "Fenholloway Agreement") with the
Florida Department of Environmental Protection based upon the results of the
recently completed Fenholloway River reclassification analysis. In order to
comply with the Fenholloway Agreement, the Company expects to invest
approximately $43.0 million through fiscal 1999. In addition to capital
spending pursuant to the Fenholloway Agreement, the Company projects that it
will spend approximately $14.0 million in environmental capital expenditure
costs through fiscal 2000, consisting of the estimated costs to comply with
the cluster rule regulations, when promulgated. See "Business--Environmental
Matters."     
 
INFLATION
 
  The Company believes that inflation has not had a material effect on its
results of operations or financial condition during recent periods.
 
SEASONALITY
 
  The Company's business has generally not been seasonal to any significant
extent.
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
                                   BUSINESS
 
GENERAL
 
  The Company is a leading manufacturer and worldwide marketer of high-
quality, value-added specialty cellulose pulps. The Company focuses on a wide
array of technically demanding niche markets in which its proprietary products
and commitment to customer technical service give it a competitive advantage.
Buckeye is the world's only manufacturer of both wood-based and cotton linter-
based specialty cellulose pulps and, as such, produces the broadest range of
specialty pulps in the industry. The Company believes that it has a leading
position in most of the high-end niche markets in which it competes. Buckeye's
focus on niche specialty pulp markets has enabled it to maintain consistently
strong margins, even during downturns in the commodity pulp markets.
 
  The cellulose pulp market generally can be divided into two categories:
commodity pulps and specialty cellulose pulps. The Company participates
exclusively in the estimated $7 billion annual specialty cellulose pulp
market, which accounts for approximately 3% of the total cellulose pulp
market. Specialty cellulose pulps are used to impart unique chemical or
physical characteristics to a broad and diverse range of specialty end
products. Specialty cellulose pulps generally command higher prices and tend
to be less cyclical than commodity pulps. The more demanding performance
requirements for specialty cellulose pulps limit customers' ability to
substitute other products.
 
  The Company has manufactured specialty cellulose pulps for nearly 75 years.
The Company's specialty pulps can be broadly grouped into three categories:
chemical cellulose pulps, absorbent pulps and customized paper pulps. Chemical
cellulose pulps (41% of fiscal 1995 sales) are used to impart purity,
strength, transparency, and viscosity in the manufacture of diversified
products such as food casings, rayon filament, photographic film, transparent
tape, acetate plastics, and thickeners for food, cosmetics, and
pharmaceuticals. Absorbent pulps (39% of fiscal 1995 sales) are used to
increase absorbency and fluid transport in products such as disposable
diapers, feminine hygiene products, and adult incontinence products.
Customized paper pulps (20% of fiscal 1995 sales) are used to provide
porosity, color permanence, and tear resistance in automotive air and oil
filters, premium letterhead, currency paper, stock certificates, and personal
stationery.
 
  The Company's commitment to research and development focuses on introducing
new specialty cellulose pulps, improving the performance of its existing
cellulose pulps, and creating new applications for its products. Buckeye
developed one of the earliest commercial processes to purify cotton linters
for conversion into cellulose acetate for use in photographic film. Buckeye
was also the first to develop a new application that enabled fluff pulp to be
used as the absorbent core of disposable diapers. Today, the Company's
research and development scientists are working on the next generation of
specialty cellulose pulps for both new and current applications such as thin
diapers, high-performance automotive filters and cellulose ethers.
 
  The Company manufactures approximately 600,000 metric tons of specialty pulp
annually at its three plants in the United States and Germany. Since 1983,
Buckeye has invested over $400.0 million in its two U.S. plants and believes
that both are state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. The Foley Plant has
an annual capacity of approximately 450,000 metric tons. The Memphis Plant has
an annual capacity of approximately 100,000 metric tons. In addition, in May
1996 the Company acquired the Temming Business, which has an annual capacity
of approximately 50,000 metric tons at the Gluckstadt Plant.
 
  The Company's customer base is broadly diversified both geographically and
by end-use markets. The Company's fiscal 1995 sales reflect this geographic
diversity, with 30% of sales in the United States, 30% in Europe, 26% in Asia
and 14% in other regions. Buckeye works closely with customers through all
stages of product development and manufacture in order to tailor products to
meet each customer's specific requirements. The Company's commitment to
product quality, dedication to customer technical service, and responsiveness
to
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
changing customer needs have enabled the Company to develop and strengthen
long-term alliances with its customers. Over 70% of fiscal 1995 sales were to
firms who have been customers of Buckeye for over 30 years. Procter & Gamble,
the world's largest diaper manufacturer, purchases virtually all of the
Company's current annual production of absorbent pulps pursuant the Pulp
Supply Agreement. Procter & Gamble is the Company's largest customer,
accounting for approximately 39% of the Company's fiscal 1995 net sales. The
Company's other large customers include Akzo Nobel N.V. (rayon filament and
cellulose ethers), A. Ahlstrom Corporation (automotive filter paper), Hercules
Incorporated (cellulose ethers) and Eastman Chemical Company (cellulose
acetate).
 
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
 
  Cellulose pulp is a raw material derived from trees and other plants that is
used in the manufacture of paper, tissue products, packaging materials, and a
vast number of other end-use products. The Company estimates that worldwide
cellulose pulp production totalled over 200 million metric tons in 1994.
Cellulose pulp can generally be divided into two categories, commodity pulps
and specialty pulps.
 
  Commodity pulps account for approximately 97% of cellulose pulp products and
are used in ordinary printing and writing paper, tissue products, and
packaging material. End users of commodity pulps typically maintain
manufacturing flexibility to utilize a large range of alternative cellulose
pulps, with substitution made primarily on the basis of price.
 
  The Company estimates that the worldwide specialty pulp market generates
annual sales of approximately $7 billion. Specialty cellulose pulps are
distinguished from commodity pulps by the unique chemical or physical
characteristics that they impart to a broad and diverse range of end-use
products. These important raw materials are used in the production of food
casings, rayon filament, acetate fibers, photographic film, acetate plastics,
thickening agents, disposable diapers, feminine hygiene products, adult
incontinence products, automotive filters, premium letterhead, currency paper,
stock certificates and personal stationery. Specialty pulps are generally
priced higher than commodity pulps, and the specialty pulps manufactured from
cotton linters are generally priced at the top of the specialty pulp price
range because they are the purest form of cellulose.
 
  Due to the fact that specialty cellulose pulps are used in technically
demanding niches, a higher level of cellulose quality, uniformity, and
customer technical support is required. It is therefore significantly more
difficult for a customer to shift from one specialty pulp to another. Only a
relatively small number of producers can meet the demands of the specialty
cellulose pulp market, and consequently they are insulated from the degree of
price competition and cyclicality experienced in the commodity pulp markets.
To the Company's knowledge, no expansion of specialty cellulose pulp capacity
has been announced or is under construction in the high-end applications in
which the Company primarily competes. The Company believes that expansion in
the specialty pulp market through the construction of new facilities would
take at least two to three years to be completed.
 
COMPANY STRATEGY
 
  The Company's strategy is to continue to strengthen its position as a
leading supplier of specialty cellulose pulps. The Company believes that it
can continue to expand its market share, increase its profitability, and
decrease its exposure to cyclical downturns by pursuing the following key
strategic objectives:
 
 Focus on Technically Demanding Niche Markets
 
  The Company concentrates on high-end, technically demanding specialty pulp
niches in which only a limited number of cellulose pulp producers have the
ability to compete effectively. Buckeye's specialty cellulose pulps generally
command higher prices and tend to be less cyclical than commodity pulps.
Competition in these niches is based on product performance, technical
service, and, to a lesser extent, price. The Company continues to increase the
portion of its business in the most technically demanding (and therefore least
cyclical)
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
applications, such as filters, ethers and acetate fibers. Consequently,
Buckeye is reducing its participation in the least technically demanding
specialty pulp applications.
 
 Develop Proprietary Product Innovations
 
  The Company focuses on the development of innovative and proprietary
products that are tailored to the specific chemical and physical requirements
of its customers. Buckeye's research and development activities concentrate on
developing new specialty cellulose pulps, enhancing existing pulps, and
creating new applications for its pulps. Company scientists are working on the
next generation of specialty cellulose pulps for both new and current
applications such as thin diapers, high-performance automotive filters, and
cellulose ethers.
 
  The Company has an extensive record of new product development. The Company
developed one of the earliest commercial processes to purify cotton linters
for conversion into cellulose acetate used in making photographic film.
Buckeye was also among the first to employ cold caustic extraction technology
to produce high-purity wood pulps for use in rayon tire cord and food casings.
In addition, the Company was the first to commercialize mercerized southern
softwood pulp as the porosity-building fiber in automotive air and oil filter
applications. It was also the first to develop a new application to enable
fluff pulp to be used as the absorbent core of disposable diapers. Buckeye's
most recent product developments include a higher-purity pulp for food casings
and a high-viscosity ether pulp yielding superior thickening performance.
 
 Strengthen Long-Term Alliances With Customers
 
  The Company builds long-term alliances with customers who are market leaders
in their industries and in the geographic markets that they serve. Buckeye
works closely with customers through all stages of product development and
manufacture in order to tailor products to meet each customer's unique needs,
making substitution of competing products more difficult. The Company's
commitment to product quality, dedication to customer technical service, and
responsiveness to changing customer needs have enabled the Company to develop
and strengthen long-term alliances with its customers. Over 70% of Buckeye's
fiscal 1995 sales were to purchasers who have been customers of Buckeye for
over 30 years.
 
 Expand Capacity To Support Growing Demand
 
  Buckeye plans to expand its capacity and global presence in specialty
cellulose pulp markets through joint ventures with customers who are leaders
in their respective markets and through selective acquisitions. The Company
will also seek to increase capacity at its existing facilities. To further
this goal, the Company acquired the Temming Business in May 1996.
 
  In April 1996, the Company entered into the Alpha Agreement. The addition of
Alpha's Lumberton, North Carolina facility would increase the Company's annual
capacity by approximately 50,000 metric tons. The Alpha Acquisition, if
consummated, will expand the Company's range of products in the customized
paper pulp market, and will provide synergies in operating costs, product
development and customer service. Subject to the satisfaction of certain
conditions and the expiration or other termination of the applicable waiting
period (including any extensions thereof) under the HSR Act, the consummation
of the Alpha Acquisition is expected to occur in early fiscal 1997. The Alpha
Agreement provides each of the parties thereto with an option to terminate the
agreement if the closing of the Alpha Acquisition has not occurred on or
before July 25, 1996. The Company is also considering other acquisition and
joint venture opportunities to expand capacity, although it has not yet
entered into any agreements to do so.
 
PRODUCTS
 
  The Company believes that it is the only specialty cellulose pulp producer
offering both wood-based and cotton linter-based products and, accordingly,
produces a broader range of specialty pulps than any of its competitors.
Buckeye believes that it has a leading position in most of the high-end niche
markets in which it competes. The Company's specialty pulps can be broadly
grouped into chemical cellulose pulps, absorbent pulps
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
and customized paper pulps. The following table summarizes the unique product
attributes and end-use applications of Buckeye's specialty cellulose pulps:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            PERCENTAGE
            OF FISCAL
  PRODUCT   1995 GROSS
  GROUPS      SALES      UNIQUE PRODUCT ATTRIBUTES         END-USE APPLICATIONS
  -------   ----------   -------------------------         --------------------
<S>         <C>        <C>                            <C>
CHEMICAL
 CELLULOSE
 PULPS         41%
  Food                 Purity and strength            Hot dog and sausage casings
   Casings
  Rayon                Strength and heat stability    Coat linings, fashion wear,
   Filament                                           and tire, belt, and hose
                                                      reinforcement
  Ethers               High viscosity, purity, and    Thickeners for food, cosmetics,
                       solution clarity               pharmaceuticals, and
                                                      construction materials
  Acetate              Permanent transparency         High quality plastics,
   Fibers,             and uniformity                 transparent tape, photographic
   Films,                                             film and fiber
   and
   Plastics
ABSORBENT      39%     Absorbency and fluid transport Disposable diapers, feminine
 PULPS                                                hygiene products, and adult
                                                      incontinence products
CUSTOMIZED
 PAPER
 PULPS         20%
  Filters              High porosity and product life Automotive, laboratory, and
                                                      industrial filters
  Premium              Aesthetics, color permanence,  Letterhead, currency, stock
   Papers              and tear resistance            certificates, and personal
                                                      stationery
</TABLE>
 
 Chemical Cellulose Pulps
 
  Chemical cellulose pulps, frequently referred to as dissolving pulps, are
dissolved in chemical solutions which modify the molecular properties of the
cellulose before it is regenerated to form an end-use product. Chemical
cellulose pulp, a highly purified material, is the basic ingredient in the
production of food casings, rayon filament, photographic film, transparent
tape, acetate plastics, and thickeners for food, cosmetics, and
pharmaceuticals. Chemical cellulose pulps are selected for these applications
for their chemical and molecular, rather than physical, properties.
 
  The Company is one of the world's largest manufacturers of chemical
cellulose pulp. Buckeye believes that it is well positioned to participate in
the continued steady growth of the chemical cellulose markets in which it
competes.
 
 Absorbent Pulps
 
  Absorbent pulp, frequently referred to as fluff pulp, is used in
applications such as disposable diapers, feminine hygiene products, and adult
incontinence products. Absorbent pulps are selected for these applications for
their special physical properties. The Company believes that the long, thick-
walled slash pine fiber used in the production of the Company's fluff pulp
contributes to its excellent quality in terms of absorbency, fluid transport,
and structural integrity. The performance of Buckeye's fluff pulp allows
reduced quantities to be used in the manufacture of diapers relative to
competitive pulps.
 
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
  The Company is one of the world's major producers of absorbent pulps. While
the volume of fluff pulp used in disposable diapers is negatively impacted by
a move to thinner diapers, this has been more than offset by the increased use
of disposable diapers in less developed countries, such as China and India, as
well as growth in the use of training pants and adult incontinence products.
The Company's understanding of the technology of absorbent products positions
it to participate in this growth.
 
 Customized Paper Pulps
 
  Customized paper pulps are selected for their special physical properties in
filter and premium paper applications. Automotive air filters require high
porosity so that large volumes of air can flow freely through the filter while
extraneous particles are removed. Cotton linter pulps are used in currency
paper, stock certificates, and wedding invitations, because the papers need to
be long-lived, retain their original color, and resist tearing in use.
Additionally, the Company's customized paper pulps are used in other high-
performance applications, including laboratory and industrial filters, battery
separators, printed circuits, decorative laminates, maps and personal
stationery.
 
  Buckeye is the world's only manufacturer of both wood-based and cotton
linter-based customized paper pulps. The special nature of the Company's
customized paper pulps allows the Company to participate effectively in the
relatively stable markets for these highly technical applications. Customized
paper pulps for automotive air and oil filters demonstrate steady growth
because a large majority of such filters are sold in the after-market and are
therefore less influenced by variations in the market for new cars.
 
SALES AND CUSTOMERS
 
  The Company continually seeks to enhance its long-term relationships with
customers who are market or technological leaders in their respective
industries in order to further solidify the customer base for the Company's
products. Buckeye's products are marketed and sold through a highly trained
and technically skilled in-house sales force. The Company maintains sales
offices in Memphis, Tennessee and Geneva, Switzerland. The Company's worldwide
sales are diversified by geographic region as well as end-product application.
Buckeye's sales of specialty pulps are distributed to customers worldwide. The
Company's fiscal 1995 sales reflect this geographic diversity, with 30% of
sales in the United States, 30% in Europe, 26% in Asia and 14% in other
regions.
 
  The high-end, technically demanding specialty pulp niches that Buckeye
serves require a higher level of sales and technical service support than do
commodity pulp sales. The Company's technically trained sales and service
engineers have worked for the Company for an average of over 20 years and
typically began their careers in the Company's manufacturing or product
development operations. These professionals work with customers in their
plants to design pulps tailored precisely to their product needs and
manufacturing processes.
 
  Procter & Gamble, the world's largest diaper manufacturer, is the Company's
largest customer, accounting for 39% of the Company's fiscal 1995 net sales.
The Company and Procter & Gamble have entered into a long-term Pulp Supply
Agreement, which requires Procter & Gamble to purchase a specified tonnage
(currently substantially all of the Company's output) of the Company's fluff
pulp through the year 2002, subject to gradual reduction at either party's
option in the final two years of the agreement if it has not been renewed.
Shipments of fluff pulp under the Pulp Supply Agreement are made to Procter &
Gamble affiliates worldwide, as directed by Procter & Gamble. The price of the
fluff pulp sold pursuant to the Pulp Supply Agreement is based in the first
six years of the Pulp Supply Agreement's term on a formula specified in the
Pulp Supply Agreement. Pricing in the years 1999 and 2000 will be at the
higher of the contract formula price or market and pricing in the years 2001
and 2002 will be at market. The formula price has three components: (i) a
periodic margin adjustment, (ii) a general escalation component based on
Consumer Price Index changes, and (iii) a provision to adjust for all actual
changes in the price of timber, the major raw material component of the pulp
purchased under the contract. Buckeye's other large customers include Akzo
Nobel N.V. (rayon filament and cellulose ethers), A. Ahlstrom
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
Corporation (automotive filter paper), Hercules Incorporated (cellulose
ethers), and Eastman Chemical Company (cellulose acetate).
 
  Substantially all of the Company's worldwide sales are denominated in U.S.
dollars, and such sales are not subject to exchange rate fluctuations. Because
the cost of shipping is borne by the customer, Buckeye's margin on a sale to
any given customer is similar regardless of a customer's location. The
Company's products are shipped by rail, truck and ocean carrier.
 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
 
  The Company's research and development activities focus on developing new
specialty cellulose pulps, improving existing products, and enhancing process
technologies to further reduce costs and respond to environmental needs.
Buckeye has pilot plant facilities in which to produce experimental pulps for
qualification in customers' plants. The Company has a history of innovation in
specialty cellulose pulps. The Company's latest product developments include:
 
  . a higher porosity automotive air filter pulp providing a 50% increase in
    air permeability;
 
  . a higher purity pulp for food casings;
 
  . a highly uniform acetate wood pulp;
 
  . a higher viscosity ether pulp yielding superior thickening performance;
    and
 
  . a process technology coupled with customized refining providing improved
    cotton linter paper pulps.
 
RAW MATERIALS
   
  Slash pine timber and cotton linters are the principal raw materials used in
the manufacture of the Company's specialty pulps. The region surrounding the
Foley Plant has a high concentration of slash pine timber, which enables
Buckeye to purchase adequate supplies of a species well suited to its products
at an attractive cost. In order to be better assured of a secure source of
wood at reasonable prices, the Company entered into the Timberlands Agreement
and the Timber Purchase Agreement (collectively, the "Timber Supply
Agreements") with Procter & Gamble. Under the terms of the Timberlands
Agreement, the Company agreed to purchase an annual percentage of the slash
pine timber harvest from specified timberlands near the Foley Plant, which
percentage is initially set at 85% and is gradually reduced to 60% by the
final year of the Timberlands Agreement. The purchase price for such timber is
established according to a market-based formula set forth in the Timberlands
Agreement and is annually adjusted to take into account pricing conditions in
the Florida counties in which the covered timberlands are located. In
addition, the Company has a right of first offer on a substantial portion of
slash pine timber located on the timberlands and not initially purchased
pursuant to the Timberlands Agreement. Under the terms of the Timber Purchase
Agreement, Buckeye agreed to purchase from Procter & Gamble Cellulose its
rights to harvest certain third party timber reserves at a purchase price
determined according to a formula provided in the Timber Purchase Agreement.
In fiscal 1995, timber acquired pursuant to the Timber Supply Agreements
accounted for approximately 33% of the Company's total wood purchases. These
Timber Supply Agreements grant easements to both the Company and the
timberland owners with respect to the areas covered by the Timber Supply
Agreements, including the Foley Plant, to access and use the areas as
necessary to conduct the harvesting operations contemplated by the Timber
Supply Agreements. The Timberlands Agreement has an initial term of ten years
and is subject to two renewals at Buckeye's option for five and three years,
respectively, which, if exercised, would result in the Timberlands Agreement's
extension through 2010. The term of the Timber Purchase Agreement expires in
2003. As of July 8, 1994, all of Procter & Gamble's interests in the
timberlands subject to the Timber Supply Agreements, together with its rights
and obligations with respect to such Timber Supply Agreements (other than
certain expressly excluded obligations retained by Procter & Gamble), were
assigned to Foley Timber and Land Company, L.P., a third party unrelated to
either Procter & Gamble or the Company.     
 
 
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
  The Company purchases cotton linters either directly from cotton seed oil
mills who remove these short, fuzzy linters before processing the seed into
vegetable oil and animal feed or indirectly through agents or brokers.
Generally, the Company purchases substantially all of its requirements of
cotton linters for the Memphis Plant domestically. The Gluckstadt Plant
purchases cotton linters principally from suppliers in the Middle East.
 
COMPETITION
 
  The competitive environment in which the Company operates is concentrated
among a relatively few specialty pulp producers when compared with the much
larger commodity pulp market. Buckeye's competitors include Alfa Celulosa de
Mexico S.A. (Mexico), Borregaard Industries Ltd. (Norway), Georgia-Pacific
Corporation (U.S.), International Paper Company (U.S.), Louisiana-Pacific
Corporation (U.S.), Rayonier Inc. (U.S.), Sappi Limited (South Africa),
Southern Cellulose Products Inc. (U.S.), Tembec Inc. (Canada), Western Pulp
Limited Partnership (Canada), and Weyerhaeuser Company (U.S.). Competition in
specialty cellulose pulp markets is based on product performance, technical
service, and, to a lesser extent, price. Southern Cellulose Products Inc. was
recently acquired by Archer Daniels Midland, a subsidiary of which supplies
cotton linters to the Company.
 
  The Company produces a broader range of specialty pulps than any of its
competitors and is the only specialty cellulose pulp producer offering both
wood-based and cotton linter-based products. Buckeye is the world's largest
cotton linter pulp producer. The Company believes that the number of specialty
pulp producers is unlikely to increase significantly in the foreseeable future
given the substantial investment and technological expertise required to enter
this market.
 
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
 
  The Company currently holds four U.S. patents, three foreign patents and has
one application in preparation. In addition, it has access to royalty-free
licenses for five U.S. patents and two foreign patents. Buckeye intends to
maintain its patents, file the application in preparation, and file
applications for any future inventions which are deemed to be important to its
business operations. The Company has four trademarks, including the name
Buckeye(R).
 
PROPERTIES
 
  Corporate Headquarters and Sales Offices. The Company's corporate
headquarters, research and development laboratories, and pilot plants are
located in Memphis, Tennessee. The Company owns the corporate headquarters,
the Memphis Plant, the Foley Plant and the Gluckstadt Plant and leases sales
offices in Geneva, Switzerland and distribution facilities in Savannah,
Georgia.
 
  Memphis Plant. The Memphis Plant is located on a 60-acre site adjacent to
the headquarters complex. The Company believes that the Memphis Plant utilizes
a state-of-the-art continuous pulping process. During fiscal 1996, its
capacity was expanded to approximately 100,000 annual metric tons. The Memphis
Plant is ISO 9002 certified.
 
  Foley Plant. The Foley Plant is located at Perry, Florida, on a 2,900 acre
site. The Company also owns 13,000 acres of real property near the plant site.
The Foley Plant is a state-of-the-art facility with two separate production
lines and has been continuously modernized and expanded to a current capacity
of approximately 450,000 annual metric tons. The Foley Plant has operated at
full capacity for over 30 years. In 1994, the Foley Plant was selected by
Plant Engineering Magazine and the American Institute of Plant Engineers as
the sole winner of the annual North American Maintenance Excellence Award. The
Foley Plant is ISO 9002 certified.
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
  Gluckstadt Plant. The Gluckstadt Plant is located in close proximity to the
Elbe River near Hamburg. The site is adjacent to the paper plant of Steinbeis
Temming Papier GmbH. Some utilities, including steam, power, water and waste
treatment, are shared between the plants pursuant to various utility
agreements. The Gluckstadt Plant is the largest specialty pulp plant based on
cotton linters in Europe. The plant is ISO 9002 certified.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
  The Company's U.S. work force includes multi-skilled work teams at both its
Memphis and Foley plants. These multi-skilled teams are technically proficient
and are characterized by low turnover and a high commitment to the success of
the Company. Each employee has the opportunity to earn an annual bonus
predicated on Buckeye's success in achieving its business goals. The Company's
U.S. employees have an average tenure of 17 years.
 
  On May 1, 1996, the Company employed approximately 1,400 individuals at its
facilities in Memphis, Tennessee; Perry, Florida; Savannah, Georgia;
Gluckstadt, Germany; and Geneva, Switzerland. Collective bargaining agreements
are in place at the Foley Plant with the United Paper Workers International
Union, AFL-CIO, Local #1192; and at the Memphis Plant with the Pulp and
Processing Workers of the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union, AFL-
CIO, Local #910. The agreement for the Foley Plant covers the period April 1,
1995 to April 1, 1998. The agreement for the Memphis Plant covers the period
March 18, 1994 to March 18, 1997. Approximately 54% of the Company's employees
are members of these two unions. A Works Council provides employee
representation for all non-management workers at the Gluckstadt Plant.
   
  The Foley Plant has not experienced any work stoppages due to labor disputes
in over 25 years, and the Memphis Plant has not experienced any work stoppages
due to labor disputes in over 45 years. The Company believes its relationship
with its employees is very good.     
 
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
  Like its competitors in the pulp and paper industry, the Company's
facilities and operations are subject to extensive general and industry-
specific federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations.
Buckeye devotes significant resources to maintaining compliance with such
requirements and believes that its facilities and operations are in
substantial compliance with all such requirements. The Company expects that,
due to the nature of its operations, it will be subject to increasingly
stringent environmental requirements (including anticipated standards
applicable to waste water discharges and air emissions) and will continue to
incur substantial costs to comply with such requirements. Based upon its
understanding of current and anticipated requirements, the Company believes
that continued compliance with environmental requirements will not have a
material adverse effect on its business, results of operations or financial
condition and will not adversely affect the Company's competitive position,
because the Company's U.S. competitors are subject to similar requirements. In
addition, the nature of Buckeye's cotton linter pulp process historically has
not given rise to significant environmental compliance or liability issues.
However, given the uncertainties associated with predicting the scope of
future requirements and the retroactive nature of certain environmental
liabilities, there can be no assurance that the Company will not in the future
incur material environmental compliance costs or liabilities.
 
  The Foley Plant discharges treated waste water into the Fenholloway River.
The Fenholloway River is currently classified under Florida statutes as a
Class 5 (industrial) stream. Under the federal Clean Water Act, the State of
Florida is required to perform an analysis every three years of the
feasibility of reclassifying the river to Class 3 ("fishable/swimmable")
status. Such an analysis recommending reclassification was completed in early
1994 and approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at an
administrative hearing in December, 1994. At this administrative hearing, the
Company and the State of Florida reached agreement on a plan to attain Class 3
objectives, which relies primarily on the laying of extensive pipeline by the
Company to relocate the Foley Plant's waste water discharge point. The plan
also includes process changes in the Foley Plant
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
   
designed to reduce the coloration of its waste water discharge, provide oxygen
enrichment of the effluent prior to discharge and restore certain wetlands
areas. The reclassification will not become effective until December 1997
(with a final compliance deadline of December 1999) to allow Buckeye to obtain
all the necessary permits for implementation of the approved plan and to
complete construction of the pipeline and the treatment upgrades. The Company
estimates that implementation of the approved plan will result in capital
expenditures of approximately $43.0 million, the majority of which will likely
be expended during fiscal 1998 and fiscal 1999.     
 
  Prior to 1992, the Foley Plant discharged waste water to the Fenholloway
River under a federal permit issued in 1987. In June 1992, the EPA issued a
renewal permit imposing more stringent requirements, including the testing for
chronic toxicity and dioxin. Each of the Company and certain environmental
advocacy groups requested an evidentiary hearing before the EPA to contest
portions of the renewal permit. Certain aspects of all such requests were
granted in June 1994, although no date for the hearings has yet been set. The
provisions contested by the Company have been temporarily stayed pending the
hearings, and the Company continues to operate under the 1987 permit and the
uncontested provisions of the 1992 permit. The Company currently expects to
obtain a new permit through DEP's newly delegated NPDES permit program by the
end of 1996 and that issuance of this state permit will render moot the above-
described EPA permit renewal proceeding. The Company does not currently
anticipate any material capital expenditures associated with wastewater
discharge compliance other than those described above with respect to the
Fenholloway River reclassification.
 
  In 1993, the EPA issued a set of proposed regulations for the pulp and paper
industry addressing the emissions of "hazardous air pollutants" under the
Clean Air Act and waste water discharges under the Clean Water Act, commonly
known as the "cluster rules." The Company is examining and evaluating the
potential impact of the cluster rules, as proposed, on its operations and
capital expenditures over the next several years. The Company believes that
the proposed cluster rules will likely be amended significantly prior to their
promulgation, which is currently anticipated to occur in 1997, with compliance
to be phased in between 1999 and 2002. Although the Company anticipates that
significant capital expenditures for environmental control equipment and
related costs will be required to comply with the cluster rules when
promulgated (which the Company currently projects will be approximately $14.0
million through fiscal 2000), such expenditures are not likely to have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations or
financial condition.
   
  The Company projects that it will spend approximately $57.0 million in
environmental capital expenditure costs through fiscal 2000, which
expenditures include the costs to implement its river reclassification plan
(the $43.0 million expenditure mentioned above) and estimated costs to comply
with the cluster rule regulations, when promulgated.     
 
  The Foley Plant is on the EPA Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Information System ("CERCLIS") list of potential
hazardous substance release sites prepared pursuant to the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA"). The EPA
conducted a site investigation in early 1995. Although the Company considers
it unlikely that the Foley Plant will be listed on the CERCLA National
Priorities List and hence require remedial action, the possibility of such
listing cannot be ruled out. If the site were to be placed on the National
Priorities List, the costs associated with conducting a CERCLA remedial action
could be material.
 
  The Foley Plant has also been the subject of certain additional
environmental and public health assessments, including a study being conducted
by the federal Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry ("ATSDR").
ATSDR advised the Company in early 1993 of its interest in conducting a public
health assessment at the Foley Plant. In the spring of 1994, ATSDR orally
informed the Company that its investigation had not identified any significant
concerns related to the Foley Plant or groundwater conditions. To date ATSDR
has not issued any reports.
 
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
  The Company is aware that Procter & Gamble Cellulose has been named a
potentially responsible party ("PRP") pursuant to CERCLA with respect to
certain disposal sites associated with its operations of the Foley
Plant and the Memphis Plant prior to the P&G Acquisitions. With respect to all
such sites, Procter & Gamble Cellulose has retained all liability and has
agreed to indemnify the Company. Buckeye has received no notices of potential
liability with respect to any site since the P&G Acquisitions.
 
  Four lawsuits are currently pending in U.S. District Court in Tallahassee,
Florida alleging that hazardous substance releases associated with the Foley
Plant have adversely affected groundwater and property values. Previously, the
court had denied a motion seeking class certification and had dismissed a
number of similar lawsuits against the Company for failure to meet a $50,000
damage threshold for federal jurisdiction. The Company believes that the
remaining four lawsuits are without merit and is defending against them
vigorously. There can be no assurance, however, that adverse judgments will
not be rendered in these matters or that the damages associated with such
judgments would not be material.
 
  In connection with the acquisition of the Foley Plant from the C&S Division,
Procter & Gamble Cellulose agreed to provide certain limited environmental
indemnification rights to the Company, which rights apply, among other things,
to all pre-acquisition offsite disposal of waste from the Foley Plant. In
connection with the Company's acquisition of the Memphis Plant, Procter &
Gamble Cellulose agreed to provide a comprehensive environmental
indemnification to Buckeye with respect to environmental liabilities
(including any "Superfund" liabilities for offsite disposal of waste) arising
from the operation of the Memphis Plant prior to such acquisition.
 
  As of March 31, 1996, the Company had established reserves of $4.2 million
to address certain environmental matters. Because an environmental reserve is
not established until a liability is determined to be probable and reasonably
estimable, not all potential future environmental liabilities are covered by
the Company's reserves. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the
Company's environmental reserves will be sufficient to meet the Company's
obligations, and additional earnings charges are possible.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
  The Company is a party to various claims, complaints and other legal actions
that have arisen in the normal course of business from time to time. Other
than the lawsuits relating to the Foley Plant discussed in "Environmental
Matters," the Company is not currently involved in any legal proceedings,
which, in the aggregate, could be expected to have a material adverse effect
on its business, results of operations or financial position.
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
                                  MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
  The following table sets forth certain information concerning each of the
Company's directors and executive officers as of May 31, 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      NAME                AGE POSITION
      ----                --- --------
      <S>                 <C> <C>
      Robert E. Cannon    66  Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer
                               and Director
      David B. Ferraro    58  President, Chief Operating Officer and Director
      Herman P. van Eck   65  Vice President, Sales
      George B. Ellis     55  Vice President, Manufacturing
      Samuel M. Mencoff   39  Director
      Justin S. Huscher   42  Director
      Red Cavaney         53  Director
      Henry F. Frigon     61  Director
      Harry J. Phillips,  66  Director
       Sr.
</TABLE>
 
  The Board currently consists of seven directors, who are divided into three
classes as nearly equal in number as possible. At each annual meeting of
stockholders, successors to the class of directors whose term expires at such
meeting will be elected to serve for three-year terms or until their
successors are duly elected and qualified. The Board has the power to appoint
the officers of the Company. Each officer will hold office for such term as
may be prescribed by the Board and until such person's successor is chosen and
qualified or until such person's death, resignation or removal. There are two
committees of the Board: the Compensation Committee and the Audit Committee.
 
  Robert E. Cannon has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company since the P&G Acquisitions in March 1993. Prior to the P&G
Acquisitions, Mr. Cannon served as Dean of the College of Management, Policy
and International Affairs at Georgia Tech from 1991 through 1992. Mr. Cannon
retired from Procter & Gamble in 1991 as a Senior Vice President of Procter &
Gamble, a position he had occupied since 1989. From 1981 through 1989, Mr.
Cannon served as Group Vice President of Procter & Gamble Industrial Products,
a division which included the operations of the Predecessor. Mr. Cannon also
served as President of the C&S Division from 1971 through 1981 and joined
Procter & Gamble in 1954.
 
  David B. Ferraro has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the
Company since the P&G Acquisitions in March 1993. Prior to the P&G
Acquisitions, Mr. Ferraro served as Manager of Strategic Planning of Procter &
Gamble from 1991 through 1992. Mr. Ferraro served as the C&S Division's
President from 1989 through 1991, as its Executive Vice President and Manager
of Commercial Operations from 1987 through 1989 and as its Comptroller
beginning in 1973. Mr. Ferraro joined Procter & Gamble in 1964 and held
various management positions.
 
  Herman P. van Eck has served as Vice President, Sales of the Company since
the P&G Acquisitions in March 1993. Mr. van Eck served as Manager of European
Sales of the C&S Division from 1988 until the P&G Acquisitions. Mr. van Eck
joined Procter & Gamble in 1957 and held various sales management positions.
 
  George B. Ellis has served as Vice President, Manufacturing of the Company
since the P&G Acquisitions in March 1993. Prior thereto, Mr. Ellis had served
as Vice President, Product Supply of the C&S Division since 1988. Mr. Ellis
joined Procter & Gamble in 1962 and held various engineering, operations and
manufacturing management positions in the C&S Division.
 
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
  Samuel M. Mencoff has served as a Director of the Company since the P&G
Acquisitions in March 1993. Mr. Mencoff has been principally employed as a
Vice President of Madison Dearborn Partners, Inc. ("MDP Inc."), the general
partner of Madison Dearborn Partners, L.P. ("MDP"), the general partner of
MDCP, since January 1993. From November 1987 until January 1993, Mr. Mencoff
served as Vice President of First Chicago Venture Capital. Mr. Mencoff is a
member of the operating committees of the general partners of Huntway
Partners, L.P. and Golden Oak Mining Company, L.P., respectively, and a member
of the board of directors of Bay State Paper Holding Company and Riverwood
International Corporation.
 
  Justin S. Huscher has served as a Director of the Company since the P&G
Acquisitions in March 1993. Mr. Huscher has been principally employed as a
Vice President of MDP Inc. since January 1993. From April 1990 until January
1993, Mr. Huscher served as Senior Investment Manager of First Chicago Venture
Capital. Mr. Huscher is a member of the operating committees of the general
partners of Huntway Partners, L.P. and Golden Oak Mining Company, L.P.,
respectively, and a member of the board of directors of Bay State Paper
Holding Company and HomeSide, Inc.
 
  Red Cavaney has served as a Director of the Company since May 1996. Mr.
Cavaney currently acts as President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of
the American Plastics Council, positions he has held since October 1994. Prior
to that time, he served as President of the American Forest & Paper
Association ("AF&PA") since its formation in January 1993 and in a variety of
positions, including as President, of the AF&PA's predecessor, the American
Paper Institute, since March 1983. Mr. Cavaney is also a member of the board
of directors of The National Plastics Center & Museum, the American Society of
Association Executives and the Institute for Research on the Economics of
Taxation.
 
  Henry F. Frigon has served as a Director of the Company since May 1996. Mr.
Frigon served as Executive Vice President--Corporate Development and Strategy
and Chief Financial Officer of Hallmark Cards, Inc., positions he held from
1991 to 1995. Prior to that time, he served as President and Chief Executive
Officer of BATUS Inc. beginning in 1983. Mr Frigon is also a member of the
board of directors of H&R Block Inc., CompuServe, Inc., Dimon International
Inc., Group Technologies Corp. and The Circle K Corp.
 
  Harry J. Phillips, Sr. has served as a Director of the Company since May
1996. Mr. Phillips currently acts as Chairman of the Executive Committee of
the board of directors of Browning-Ferris Industries, Inc. ("Browning-
Ferris"), a position he has held since 1988. Prior to that time, he served as
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Browning-Ferris. Mr. Phillips is also
a member of the board of directors of National Commerce Bancorporation,
National Bank of Commerce and RFS Hotel Investors, Inc.
 
  There are no familial relationships between any of the foregoing persons.
 
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
 
  Directors who are employees of the Company or its subsidiaries are not
entitled to receive any fees for serving as directors. Non-employee directors
of the Company are currently not entitled to receive any fees for serving as
directors. All directors are reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses related to
their service as directors. Non-employee directors will be entitled to
participate in a formula stock option plan for non-employee directors covering
an aggregate of 200,000 shares of Common Stock (the "Formula Plan").
 
  Under the Formula Plan, an option to purchase 25,000 shares will be
automatically granted to each non-employee director when he or she is elected
or appointed to the Board. The director's right to exercise 5,000 shares will
vest immediately upon grant. Thereafter, the right to exercise an additional
5,000 shares will vest at each of the four succeeding anniversaries of the
grant to such director. The option price per share of Common Stock under the
Formula Plan will be 100% of the fair market value of the Common Stock at the
date of grant. Each option granted under the Formula Plan will be exercisable
for ten years after the date of grant.
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
                      PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
 
  The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership of the Common Stock immediately prior to and immediately following
the Stock Transactions by (i) each person or entity who is known to the
Company to be the beneficial owner of five percent or more of the Common
Stock, (ii) each director of the Company, (iii) the chief executive officer of
the Company and the three other executive officers of the Company, (iv) all
directors and executive officers of the Company as a group and (v) the Selling
Stockholder. To the knowledge of the Company, each of such stockholders has
sole voting and investment power as to the shares shown unless otherwise
noted. Unless otherwise noted, the address of each holder of five percent or
more of the Company's stock is the Company's corporate address.
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                          SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED
                               PRIOR TO STOCK                       SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED
                               TRANSACTIONS(A)                      AFTER STOCK TRANSACTIONS(B)
                          -----------------------------SHARES BEING -----------------------------
                           NUMBER OF       PERCENT OF    OFFERED     NUMBER OF       PERCENT OF
    BENEFICIAL OWNER         SHARES          TOTAL        HEREBY       SHARES           TOTAL
    ----------------       ---------      ------------------------- --------------- -------------
<S>                       <C>             <C>          <C>          <C>             <C>
Madison Dearborn Capital
 Partners, L.P.(c)......        7,290,313         34.1  2,845,157           800,000           4.2
Samuel M. Mencoff(d)....        7,290,313         34.1  2,845,157           800,000           4.2
Justin S. Huscher(d)....        7,290,313         34.1  2,845,157           800,000           4.2
Robert E. Cannon(e).....        3,974,766         18.6        --          4,990,995          26.1
David B. Ferraro(f).....        1,100,887          5.1        --          1,236,481           6.5
Herman P. van Eck(g)....          256,864          1.2        --            258,864           1.4
George B. Ellis(h)......          321,513          1.5        --            371,513           1.9
Red Cavaney(i)..........            5,600            *        --              5,600             *
Henry F. Frigon(i)......            7,000            *        --              7,000             *
Harry J. Phillips,
 Sr.(i).................           19,500            *        --             19,500             *
All directors and
 executive officers as a
 group
 (9 persons)(j)(k)......       12,976,443         60.6  2,845,157         7,689,953          40.1
</TABLE>    
- -------
*Less than one percent.
(a) Based on 21,407,223 shares of Common Stock outstanding prior to the Stock
    Transactions. Options to purchase 15,000 shares of Common Stock will be
    exercisable within 60 days of the consummation of the Stock Transactions.
(b) Based on 19,147,336 shares of Common Stock outstanding after the Stock
    Transactions.
(c) All of such shares are held of record by MDCP. MDCP is a limited
    partnership. MDP is the general partner of MDCP. Investment and voting
    control over securities owned by MDCP is shared by a committee of the
    limited partners of MDP (the "L.P. Committee"). MDP Inc. is the general
    partner of MDP and exercises voting control over securities owned directly
    or indirectly by MDP. The address of MDCP is Three First National Plaza,
    Suite 1330, Chicago, Illinois 60602.
(d) All of such shares are held of record by MDCP. Messrs. Mencoff and Huscher
    are members of the L.P. Committee. Messrs. Mencoff and Huscher may
    therefore be deemed to share investment and voting control with respect to
    the shares of Common Stock owned by MDCP and may therefore be deemed to
    have beneficial ownership of shares of Common Stock owned by MDCP. Each of
    Messrs. Mencoff and Huscher expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of
    such shares of Common Stock. The business address of such person is c/o
    MDP Inc., Three First National Plaza, Suite 1330, Chicago, Illinois 60602.
(e) Includes 1,873,292 shares held by the Robert E. Cannon Grantor Retained
    Annuity Trust, Robert Howard Cannon, Trustee, 1,873,447 shares held by the
    Kathryn Gracey Cannon Grantor Retained Annuity Trust, Robert Howard
    Cannon, Trustee and 3,995 shares held in the Company's 401(k) and
    retirement plans. Kathryn Gracey Cannon is the wife of, and Robert Howard
    Cannon is the son of, Robert E. Cannon. The address of each such trust is
    432 East Racquet Club Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38117. Mr. Cannon and such
    trusts will purchase an aggregate of 1,016,229 shares of Common Stock in
    the Individuals' Stock Purchase and may purchase additional shares in the
    Offering.
(f) Includes 442,085 shares held by the David B. Ferraro Grantor Retained
    Annuity Trust, Barbara A. Ferraro, Trustee and 3,572 shares held in the
    Company's 401(k) and retirement plans. Barbara A. Ferraro is the wife of
    David B. Ferraro. Mr. Ferraro and such trust will purchase an aggregate of
    135,594 shares of Common Stock in the Individuals' Stock Purchase and may
    purchase additional shares in the Offering.
(g) Mr. van Eck will purchase 2,000 shares of Common Stock in the Individuals'
    Stock Purchase and may purchase additional shares in the Offering.
(h) Includes 1,055 shares held in the Company's 401(k) and retirement plans.
    Mr. Ellis will purchase 50,000 shares of Common Stock in the Individuals'
    Stock Purchase and may purchase additional shares in the Offering.
(i) Includes 5,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options granted under the
    Formula Plan.
(j) Includes 15,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options granted under the
    Formula Plan.
(k) Does not include shares beneficially controlled by other officers of the
    Company which represent an aggregate of approximately 7.6% of the Common
    Stock after giving effect to the Individuals' Stock Purchase.
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
                CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
  In connection with the P&G Acquisitions, the Company and MDP entered into a
professional services agreement pursuant to which the Company paid to MDP a
$1.0 million fee as compensation for MDP's commitment to provide financing to
repay certain indebtedness of the Company in the event alternative financing
was not available by a certain date.
 
  The Company was party to a Corporate Services Agreement with Buckeye Florida
Partners from the time of the P&G Acquisitions until the 1995 Business
Combination Transactions pursuant to which the Company provided Buckeye
Florida Partners with certain sales and administrative services. Under this
agreement, the Company performed all of the sales functions for Buckeye
Florida Partners' products and received a sales commission on certain of such
products. During fiscal 1995, commission income recorded by the Company on
Buckeye Florida Partners' sales was approximately $7.5 million. The Company
also provided to Buckeye Florida Partners corporate management, research,
administrative and other services substantially similar to those historically
provided to the Foley Plant by the C&S Division. Buckeye Florida Partners paid
to the Company an allocated cost of such services based upon the tonnage of
pulp shipped by the Foley Plant. During fiscal 1995, costs allocated to
Buckeye Florida Partners for such services were approximately $12.5 million.
All intercompany transactions have been eliminated from the Company's
financial statements.
 
  Messrs. Cannon and Ferraro have each been issued Master Promissory Notes by
Union Planters National Bank (the "Bank"), both dated March 21, 1994, in the
amounts of approximately $2.3 million and $600,000, respectively, or such
lesser amounts as may be periodically requested by each of the respective
noteholders. Each of the notes is secured, pursuant to two security agreements
between the Bank and Buckeye Florida Partners dated the same date as the
notes, by Bank certificates of deposit in the name of Buckeye Florida Partners
in the amounts of approximately $2.3 million and $600,000, respectively. Both
of the notes, which mature on July 1, 1998, bear interest at a per annum rate
equal to 200 basis points in excess of the respective amounts paid by the Bank
on the certificates of deposit used as collateral for the notes. Such rates
are automatically adjusted every six months to correspond with the adjustments
made at such time to the rates payable on the certificates of deposit. As
security for Buckeye Florida Partners' having provided these certificates of
deposit as collateral for the notes issued to Messrs. Cannon and Ferraro,
Buckeye Florida Partners has entered into Pledge and Security Agreements with
each of Messrs. Cannon and Ferraro, both dated March 22, 1994, pursuant to
which such individuals have pledged specified numbers of shares of Common
Stock, together with subsequently acquired shares, dividend and other rights
with respect thereto, to Buckeye Florida Partners. Subsequent to the 1995
Business Combination Transactions, Messrs. Cannon and Ferraro have been
required to maintain only such shares of Common Stock as are necessary to
provide a collateral amount of at least 115% of the amount of the certificates
of deposit securing their respective note obligations. The pledge and security
agreements will terminate upon payment in full of all amounts payable in
connection with the notes.
 
  In connection with the formation of Buckeye Florida Corporation, MDCP
purchased a $4.0 million promissory note dated March 16, 1993. On March 22,
1994, Buckeye Florida Corporation repaid to MDCP approximately $4.0 million of
principal and accrued interest on such note and issued to MDCP a replacement
promissory note of approximately $482,000. This note, together with accrued
interest thereon, was repaid in connection with the 1995 Business Combination
Transactions.
 
  In connection with the Stock Transactions, the Company and MDCP have entered
into an agreement under which BKI Investment will repurchase 2,259,887 shares
of Common Stock held by MDCP pursuant to the Company Stock Repurchase. See
"The Company Stock Repurchase and the Related Transactions."
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
                      DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INDEBTEDNESS
 
BANK CREDIT FACILITY
   
  General. The Company has entered into the Bank Credit Facility with a group
of lenders (the "Lenders"). The following is a summary of the terms governing
the Bank Credit Facility. The Bank Credit Facility provides for revolving
credit loans to the Company in an aggregate amount not to exceed $135.0
million minus the principal amount of Existing Senior Notes outstanding in
excess of $5.0 million. Upon completion of the Alpha Acquisition, such amount
will be increased to $155.0 million. Up to $45.0 million of the Bank Credit
Facility is available for the issuance of letters of credit on behalf of the
Company. In addition, up to $10.0 million of the Bank Credit Facility is
available for swing line loans. The amount available to the Company under the
Bank Credit Facility will be reduced, and any outstanding loans will be
required to be prepaid, to the extent that the Company receives net asset sale
proceeds in excess of both $3.0 million in any year and $15.0 million in the
aggregate (over and above the permitted $3.0 million per year) and occurring
after November 28, 1995, unless such net proceeds are used to acquire other
assets within 270 days after the date of the transaction giving rise to such
net asset sale proceeds. The Company may repay the Bank Credit Facility in
whole or in part at any time without premium or penalty.     
 
  Security. The Bank Credit Facility is unsecured; however, it is guaranteed
by each of the Company's domestic subsidiaries and, under certain
circumstances, the Company is required to pledge up to 65% of the stock of
certain foreign subsidiaries acquired by the Company.
   
  Maturity; Reduction of Commitments. The Bank Credit Facility will mature on
November 27, 2000. Beginning on January 1, 1998, the Bank Credit Facility
commitment will be reduced by $3.75 million per quarter through maturity (or,
if the Alpha Acquisition is consummated, by $5.0 million per quarter until
January 2000, and by $6.25 million per quarter thereafter until maturity).
    
  Interest. The interest rate applicable to borrowings (other than swing line
loans) under the Bank Credit Facility is the agent's prime rate minus 1/2% or
LIBOR plus, in the case of LIBOR loans, a margin determined on the basis of
the ratio of the Company's total funded indebtedness to its EBITDA. The margin
applicable to LIBOR loans ranges from 1/2% to 1.0%. The interest rate
applicable to swing line loans is the greater of the agent's (a) prime rate
minus 1/2% or (b) the federal funds rate (as defined in the agreement relating
to the Bank Credit Facility) plus 1/2%. During the continuance of an event of
default, the applicable interest rate will be 2.0% above the interest rate
otherwise in effect. Interest is computed based on actual days elapsed in a
360-day year, payable quarterly in arrears in the case of prime rate loans and
on the last day of each interest period in the case of LIBOR loans.
   
  Covenants. The Bank Credit Facility contains covenants customary for
financings of this type, including, without limitation, minimum consolidated
net worth of at least $70 million plus 50% of consolidated net income for each
quarter after September 30, 1996, maximum ratio of consolidated total debt to
consolidated EBITDA of 300%, minimum consolidated EBITDA equal to or greater
than 325% of consolidated interest expense, and limitations on capital
expenditures, incurrence of indebtedness, liens, contingent obligations,
assets sales, dividends and distributions to the Company's stockholders,
payments to affiliates, issuance of stock and distributions by subsidiaries,
investments, guarantees, voluntary prepayment of other indebtedness, loans and
advances, leases, acquisitions, mergers and consolidations and leasing
transactions.     
 
  Events of Default. The Bank Credit Facility contains events of default
customary for financings of this type, including, without limitation, with
respect to failure to pay principal or interest, materially false
representations or warranties, failure to observe covenants and other terms of
the Bank Credit Facility, cross-default to other indebtedness, bankruptcy,
insolvency, ERISA violation, the incurrence of material judgments, change in
control and environmental issues.
 
 
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
NEW NOTES
 
  The Company is concurrently offering, by means of a separate prospectus (the
"Notes Prospectus"), the New Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $100.0
million. The New Notes, which are senior subordinated notes, will be issued
under an indenture (the "New Notes Indenture") among the Company and Union
Planters National Bank, as trustee (the "Trustee"), a copy of the form of
which is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which the Notes
Prospectus is a part. The New Notes Indenture is subject to, and is governed
by, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. The following summary of the
material provisions of the New Notes Indenture does not purport to be
complete, and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to,
all of the provisions of the New Notes Indenture, including the definition of
certain terms therein and those terms made a part of the New Notes Indenture
by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.
 
  General. The New Notes will mature on September 15, 2008, will be limited to
$100.0 million aggregate principal amount and will be unsecured obligations of
the Company.
 
  Sinking Fund. The New Notes Indenture will not provide for a sinking fund.
 
  Optional Redemption. The New Notes will be subject to redemption at any time
on or after September 15, 2001, at the option of the Company, in whole or in
part, on not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' prior notice in amounts of
$1,000 or an integral multiple thereof at declining redemption prices set
forth in the New Notes Indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest to
the redemption date.
 
  In addition, up to $30.0 million aggregate principal amount of the New Notes
will be redeemable on or prior to September 15, 1999, at the option of the
Company, from the net proceeds of issuances in one or more Public Equity
Offerings (as defined in the New Notes Indenture) of Common Stock by the
Company after the date the New Notes are issued, within 60 days thereof at a
redemption price to be set forth in the New Notes Indenture, together with
accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date; provided that,
after giving effect to any such redemption, at least $70.0 million aggregate
principal amount of the New Notes remains outstanding.
 
  Change in Control Put. If a Change in Control (as defined in the New Notes
Indenture) shall occur at any time, then each holder of the New Notes shall
have the right to require that the Company purchase such holder's New Notes in
whole or in part in integral multiples of $1,000, at a purchase price in cash
in an amount equal to 101% of the principal amount of such New Notes, plus
accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase.
 
  Subordination. The indebtedness represented by the New Notes will be
subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior
Indebtedness (as defined in the New Notes Indenture) of the Company, including
the indebtedness under the Bank Credit Facility and the Existing Senior Notes.
The New Notes will be senior subordinated indebtedness of the Company ranking
pari passu with all other existing and future senior subordinated indebtedness
of the Company, including the Existing Senior Subordinated Notes, and senior
to all existing and future Subordinated Indebtedness (as defined in the New
Notes Indenture) of the Company. The New Notes will also be effectively
subordinated to all indebtedness of the Company's subsidiaries.
 
  Certain Covenants. The New Notes Indenture will contain a number of
covenants restricting the operations of the Company and its subsidiaries,
including covenants with respect to the following matters: (i) limitation on
Indebtedness (as defined in the New Notes Indenture); (ii) limitation on
restricted payments (in the form of the declaration or payment of certain
dividends or distributions, the purchase, redemption or other acquisition of
any capital stock of the Company (or any affiliate thereof), the voluntary
prepayment of subordinated Indebtedness, the incurrence of any guarantee of
Indebtedness of any affiliate of the Company or an investment in any other
person); (iii) limitation on transactions with affiliates; (iv) limitation on
liens; (v) limitation on sale of assets; (vi) limitation on senior
subordinated indebtedness; (vii) limitation on issuances of certain guarantees
of subordinated and pari passu indebtedness; (viii) requirement to repurchase
the New Notes, at the option of the
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
holders of the New Notes, upon a Change in Control; (ix) limitation on capital
stock issuances, sales and transfers by subsidiaries; (x) limitation on
dividends and other payment restrictions affecting subsidiaries; (xi)
limitation on investments by the Company and its subsidiaries in Unrestricted
Subsidiaries (as defined in the New Notes Indenture); and (xii) limitations on
consolidations, mergers and sale of substantially all assets.
 
  Event of Default. The events of default ("Events of Default") under the New
Notes Indenture will include provisions that are typical of senior
subordinated debt financings. Upon occurrence of an Event of Default, the
Trustee and holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of
outstanding New Notes may, and the Trustee at the request of such holders
shall, declare all unpaid principal of, premium, if any, and accrued interest
on all New Notes to be due and payable as provided in the New Notes Indenture.
 
EXISTING SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES
 
  In November 1995, the Company issued and sold $150.0 million principal
amount of the Existing Senior Subordinated Notes pursuant to an indenture
dated as of November 28, 1995 (the "Existing Senior Subordinated Notes
Indenture") between the Company and Union Planters National Bank, as trustee
(the "Existing Senior Subordinated Notes Trustee"), a copy of which is filed
as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. The following summary of the
material provisions of the Existing Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture as
currently in effect does not purport to be complete, and is subject to, and
qualified in its entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the
Existing Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture.
 
  General. The Existing Senior Subordinated Notes mature on December 15, 2005,
are limited to $150.0 million aggregate principal amount and are unsecured
obligations of the Company. At March 31, 1996, $150.0 million principal amount
of the Existing Senior Subordinated Notes were outstanding.
 
  Sinking Fund. The Existing Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture does not
provide for a sinking fund.
 
  Optional Redemption. The Existing Senior Subordinated Notes are subject to
redemption at any time on or after December 15, 2000, at the option of the
Company, in whole or in part, on not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' prior
notice in amounts of $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof at declining
redemption prices set forth in the Existing Senior Subordinated Notes
Indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.
 
  In addition, up to $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Existing
Senior Subordinated Notes are redeemable on or prior to December 15, 1998, at
the option of the Company, from the net proceeds of issuances in one or more
Public Equity Offerings (as defined in the Existing Senior Subordinated Notes
Indenture) of Common Stock by the Company after the date the Existing Senior
Subordinated Notes were issued, within 60 days thereof at a redemption price
to be set forth in the Existing Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture, together
with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date; provided
that, after giving effect to any such redemption, at least $90.0 million
aggregate principal amount of the Existing Senior Subordinated Notes remain
outstanding.
 
  Change in Control Put. If a Change in Control (as defined in the Existing
Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture) shall occur at any time, then each holder
of the Existing Senior Subordinated Notes shall have the right to require that
the Company purchase such holder's Existing Senior Subordinated Notes in whole
or in part in integral multiples of $1,000, at a purchase price in cash in an
amount equal to 101% of the principal amount of such Existing Senior
Subordinated Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of
the purchase.
 
  Subordination. The indebtedness represented by the Existing Senior
Subordinated Notes is subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in
full of all Senior Indebtedness (as defined in the Existing Senior
Subordinated Notes Indenture) of the Company, including the indebtedness under
the Bank Credit Facility and the outstanding Existing Senior Notes. The
Existing Senior Subordinated Notes are senior subordinated indebtedness of the
Company ranking pari passu with all other existing and future senior
subordinated
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
indebtedness of the Company, including the New Notes, and senior to all
existing and future Subordinated Indebtedness (as defined in the Existing
Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture) of the Company. The Existing Senior
Subordinated Notes are also effectively subordinated to all indebtedness of
the Company's subsidiaries.
 
  Certain Covenants. The Existing Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture contains
a number of covenants restricting the operations of the Company and its
subsidiaries, including covenants with respect to the following matters: (i)
limitation on Indebtedness (as defined in the Existing Senior Subordinated
Notes Indenture); (ii) limitation on restricted payments (in the form of the
declaration or payment of certain dividends or distribution, the purchase,
redemption or other acquisition of any capital stock of the Company (or any
affiliate thereof), the voluntary prepayment of subordinated Indebtedness, the
incurrence of any guarantee of Indebtedness of any affiliate of the Company or
an investment in any other person); (iii) limitation on transactions with
affiliates; (iv) limitation on liens; (v) limitation on sale of assets; (vi)
limitation on senior subordinated indebtedness; (vii) limitation on issuances
of certain guarantees of subordinated and pari passu indebtedness; (viii)
requirement to repurchase the Existing Senior Subordinated Notes, at the
option of the holders of the Existing Senior Subordinated Notes, upon a Change
in Control; (ix) limitation on capital stock issuances, sales and transfers by
subsidiaries; (x) limitation on dividends and other payment restrictions
affecting subsidiaries; (xi) limitation on investments by the Company and its
subsidiaries in Unrestricted Subsidiaries (as defined in the Existing Senior
Subordinated Notes Indenture); and (xii) limitations on consolidations,
mergers and sale of substantially all assets.
 
  Events of Default. The events of default ("Existing Senior Subordinated
Notes Events of Default") under the Existing Senior Subordinated Notes
Indenture include provisions that are typical of senior subordinated debt.
Upon occurrence of an Existing Senior Subordinated Notes Event of Default, the
Existing Senior Subordinated Notes Trustee and holders of not less than 25% in
aggregate principal amount of outstanding Existing Senior Subordinated Notes
may, and the Existing Senior Subordinated Notes Trustee at the request of such
holders shall, declare all unpaid principal of, premium, if any, and accrued
interest on all Existing Senior Subordinated Notes to be due and payable as
provided in the Existing Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture.
 
EXISTING SENIOR NOTES
 
  In May 1993, the Company issued and sold $70.0 million principal amount of
the Existing Senior Notes. Prior to November 1995, the Company repurchased
$5.3 million principal amount of Existing Senior Notes in open market
transactions. In November 1995, the Company repurchased $45.6 million
aggregate principal amount of Existing Senior Notes pursuant to a tender offer
and amended certain covenants of the Existing Senior Notes Indenture to
conform generally with similar covenants contained in the Existing Senior
Subordinated Notes Indenture. In January 1996, the Company repurchased $12.2
million aggregate principal amount of Existing Senior Notes with the net
proceeds from the Company's sale of Common Stock in its November 1995 initial
public stock offering. At March 31, 1996, $6.9 million principal amount of the
Existing Senior Notes was outstanding. A copy of the indenture pursuant to
which the Existing Senior Notes were issued, as amended to date (the "Existing
Senior Notes Indenture" and, together with the Existing Senior Subordinated
Notes Indenture, the "Existing Notes Indentures") is filed as an exhibit to
the Registration Statement.
 
  The Existing Senior Notes mature on May 15, 2001 and are unsecured
obligations of the Company. The Existing Senior Notes are not subordinated in
right of payment to any other indebtedness of the Company. The Existing Senior
Notes Indenture contains a number of covenants restricting the operations of
the Company and its subsidiaries which are generally similar to the covenants
contained in the Existing Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture. The Existing
Senior Notes Indenture also provides for a sinking fund, a change of control
put, the optional redemption of the Existing Senior Notes by the Company at
any time on or after May 15, 1998, and events of default provisions that are
typical of senior debt financings.
 
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
GENERAL MATTERS
 
  The total amount of authorized capital stock of the Company consists of
60,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 5,000,000
shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Preferred Stock").
Upon consummation of this Offering and the Company Stock Repurchase,
19,147,336 shares of Common Stock will be issued and outstanding and no shares
of Preferred Stock will be outstanding. The following summary of certain
provisions of the Company's capital stock describes certain material
provisions of, but does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and
qualified in its entirety by, the Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation and the By-laws of the Company that are included as exhibits to
the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part and by the
provisions of applicable law.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
  Upon consummation of this Offering and the Company Stock Repurchase, there
will be 19,147,336 shares of Common Stock outstanding held by approximately
175 holders of record. The issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock are
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Subject to the prior rights of
the holders of any Preferred Stock, the holders of outstanding shares of
Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends out of assets legally available
therefor at such times and in such amounts as the Board may from time to time
determine. See "Price Range of Common Stock and Dividend Policy." The shares
of Common Stock are not redeemable or convertible, and the holders thereof
have no preemptive or subscription rights to purchase any securities of the
Company. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the
holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive pro rata the assets of the
Company which are legally available for distribution, after payment of all
debts and other liabilities and subject to the prior rights of any holders of
Preferred Stock then outstanding. Each outstanding share of Common Stock is
entitled to vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders.
 
  The Common Stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange under
the symbol "BKI."
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
  The Board may, without further action by the Company's stockholders, from
time to time, authorize the issuance of shares of Preferred Stock in series
and may, at the time of issuance, determine the rights, preferences and
limitations of each series. Satisfaction of any dividend preferences of
outstanding shares of Preferred Stock would reduce the amount of funds
available for the payment of dividends on shares of Common Stock. Holders of
shares of Preferred Stock may be entitled to receive a preference payment in
the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company before
any payment is made to the holders of shares of Common Stock. Under certain
circumstances, the issuance of shares of Preferred Stock may render more
difficult or tend to discourage a merger, tender offer or proxy contest, the
assumption of control by a holder of a large block of the Company's securities
or the removal of incumbent management. The Board, without stockholder
approval, may issue shares of Preferred Stock with voting and conversion
rights which could adversely affect the holders of shares of Common Stock.
Currently, there are no shares of Preferred Stock outstanding, and the Company
has no present intention to issue any shares of Preferred Stock.
 
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
AND BY-LAWS AND STATUTORY PROVISIONS
 
  The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that the
Board will be divided into three classes, with each class, after a
transitional period, serving for three years, and one class being elected each
year. A majority of the remaining directors then in office, though less than a
quorum, or the sole remaining director, will be empowered to fill any vacancy
on the Board which arises during the term of a director. The provision for a
classified board may be amended, altered or repealed only upon the affirmative
vote of the holders of at least 80% of the outstanding shares of the voting
stock of the Company. The classification of the Board may discourage a third
party from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to gain control of
the Company and may have the effect of maintaining the incumbency of the
Board. See "Management."
 
                                      48
<PAGE>
 
  The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation requires that any
action required or permitted to be taken by the Company's stockholders must be
effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders and may
not be effected by consent in writing. Additionally, the Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation requires that special meetings of the
stockholders of the Company be called only by a majority of the entire Board
or by certain officers. The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
provides for cumulative voting.
 
  The By-laws provide that stockholders seeking to bring business before or to
nominate directors at any annual meeting of stockholders must provide timely
notice thereof in writing. To be timely, a stockholder's notice must be
delivered to, or mailed and received at, the principal executive offices of
the Company not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to such meeting
or, if less than 70 days' notice was given for the meeting, within 10 days
following the date on which such notice was given. The By-laws also specify
certain requirements for a stockholder's notice to be in proper written form.
These provisions restrict the ability of stockholders to bring matters before
the stockholders or to make nominations for directors at meetings of
stockholders.
 
  The Company is subject to the "business combination" provisions of the
Delaware General Corporation Law. In general, such provisions prohibit a
publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in various "business
combination" transactions with any "interested stockholder" for a period of
three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an
"interested stockholder," unless (i) the transaction is approved by the Board
of Directors prior to the date the interested stockholder obtained such
status, (ii) upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the
stockholder becoming an "interested stockholder," the "interested stockholder"
owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the
time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the
number of shares outstanding those shares owned by (a) persons who are
directors and also officers and (b) employee stock plans in which employee
participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares
held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer, or
(iii) on or subsequent to such date the "business combination" is approved by
the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of
stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding
voting stock which is not owned by the "interested stockholder." A "business
combination" is defined to include mergers, asset sales and other transactions
resulting in financial benefit to a stockholder. In general, an "interested
stockholder" is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns
(or within three years, did own) 15% or more of a corporation's voting stock.
The statute could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change in
control attempts with respect to the Company and, accordingly, may discourage
attempts to acquire the Company. The Company's Board of Directors has approved
any acquisition of shares by Robert E. Cannon, Chairman of the Board of the
Company, that would otherwise result in Mr. Cannon, his spouse or issue, any
trust of which Mr. Cannon and/or his spouse is the grantor or of which Mr.
Cannon, his spouse, his issue or any charity is a beneficiary, including,
without limitation, the Robert E. Cannon Grantor Retained Annuity Trust or the
Kathryn Gracey Cannon Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (the "Cannon Entities"),
becoming an Interested Stockholder. See "Risk Factors--Certain Charter, By-
Laws and Statutory Provisions."
 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
  The Company's Board of Directors consists of seven persons comprised of two
individuals nominated by MDCP, two individuals nominated by a majority of the
management members and three independent directors.
 
RIGHTS AGREEMENT
 
  The Company's Board of Directors has declared a dividend of one Right for
each share of Common Stock outstanding. The holders of any additional Common
Stock subsequently issued before the earliest of the Distribution Date (as
hereinafter defined), the redemption of the Rights, the exchange of the Rights
or the expiration of the Rights also will be entitled to one Right for each
such additional share. Each Right entitles the registered holder under certain
circumstances to purchase from the Company one one-thousandth of a share of
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
Junior Participating Preferred Stock, Series A (the "Preferred Stock") at a
price of $60 per one one-thousandth share of Preferred Stock (the "Purchase
Price"), subject to adjustment. The description and terms of the Rights are
set forth in the Rights Agreement.
 
  The Rights will be evidenced by the Common Stock certificates and not by
separate certificates until the earlier of (i) the day following the first
date of public disclosure that a person or group other than an "Exempt Person"
(an "Acquiring Person"), together with persons affiliated or associated with
such Acquiring Person (other than Exempt Persons), has acquired, or obtained
the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding
Common Stock (the "Stock Acquisition Date") and (ii) the tenth business day
after the date of commencement or public disclosure of an intention to
commence a tender offer or exchange offer by a person other than an Exempt
Person, the Company and certain related entities if, upon consummation of the
offer, such person or group, together with persons affiliated or associated
with it (other than those that are exempt persons), would acquire beneficial
ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding Common Stock (the earlier of such
dates being called the "Distribution Date"). Until the Distribution Date (or
earlier redemption, exchange or expiration of the Rights), (i) the Rights will
be transferable only with the Common Stock (except with redemption of the
Rights); (ii) Common Stock certificates will contain a notation incorporating
the Rights Agreement by reference; and (iii) the surrender for transfer of any
certificates for Common Stock will also constitute the transfer of the Rights
associated with the Common Stock represented by such certificate. For purposes
of the Rights Agreement, an "Exempt Person" is defined to include, among other
things, MDCP, so long as MDCP does not become the beneficial owner of 45% or
more of the Common Stock, and the Cannon Entities, without regard to the
beneficial ownership of Common Stock by the Cannon Entities.
 
  As soon as practicable following the Distribution Date, separate
certificates evidencing the Rights ("Rights Certificates") will be mailed to
holders of record of the Common Stock as of the close of business on the
Distribution Date. From and after the Distribution Date, such separate Rights
Certificates alone will evidence the Rights.
 
  The Rights will first become exercisable on or after the Distribution Date
(unless sooner redeemed or exchanged). The Rights will expire at the close of
business on the tenth anniversary of the date of initial issuance (the
"Expiration Date"), unless earlier redeemed or exchanged by the Company as
described below.
 
  The Purchase Price payable and the number of shares of Preferred Stock or
other securities, cash or other property issuable upon exercise of the Rights
are subject to adjustment from time to time to prevent dilution (i) in the
event of a stock dividend or distribution on, or a subdivision or combination
of, or reclassification of the Preferred Stock, (ii) upon the grant to holders
of the Preferred Stock of certain rights, options, or warrants to subscribe
for Preferred Stock or securities convertible into Preferred Stock at less
than the current market price of the Preferred Stock, or (iii) upon the
distribution to holders of the Preferred Stock of other securities, cash
(excluding regular periodic cash dividends), property, evidences of
indebtedness, or assets.
 
  If a person becomes an Acquiring Person, the Rights will "flip-in" and
entitle each holder of a Right, except as provided below, to purchase, upon
exercise at the then-current Purchase Price, that number of shares of Common
Stock having a market value of two times such Purchase Price. In addition,
following a "flip-in," the Board has the option of exchanging all or part of
the Rights, except as provided below, for Common Stock.
 
  In the event that, following a "flip-in," the Company is acquired in a
merger or other business combination in which the Common Stock does not remain
outstanding or is exchanged or 50% or more of its consolidated assets or
earning power is sold, leased, exchanged, mortgaged, pledged or otherwise
transferred or disposed of (in one transaction or a series of related
transactions), the Rights will "flip-over" and entitle each holder (other than
the Acquiring Person and certain related persons or transferees) of a Right to
purchase, upon the exercise of the Right at the then-current Purchase Price,
that number of shares of common stock of the acquiring company (or, in certain
circumstances, one of its affiliates) which at the time of such transaction
would have a market value of two times such Purchase Price.
 
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
  Any Rights beneficially owned at any time on or after the earlier of the
Distribution Date and the Stock Acquisition Date by an Acquiring Person or an
affiliate or associate (other than an exempt person) of an Acquiring Person
(whether or not such ownership is subsequently transferred) will become null
and void upon the occurrence of a "Triggering Event," and any such holder of
such Rights will have no right to exercise such Rights or have such Rights
exchanged as provided above. A "Triggering Event " will be deemed to occur in
the event that any person becomes an Acquiring Person.
 
  The number of outstanding Rights and the number of one one-thousandths of a
share of Preferred Stock issuable upon exercise of each right and the Purchase
Price are subject to adjustment in the event of a stock dividend on the Common
Stock payable in Common Stock or subdivision or combination of the Common
Stock occurring, in any such case, prior to the Distribution Date.
 
  At any time prior to the earlier of the Stock Acquisition Date and the
Expiration Date, the Company may redeem the Rights.
 
  Until a Right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no rights
as a stockholder of the Company, including, without limitation, the right to
vote or to receive the dividends or distributions.
 
  At any time prior to the Stock Acquisition Date, a majority of the
Continuing Directors (as defined in the Rights Agreement) may, without the
approval of any holder of the Rights (except, in certain circumstances, an
Exempt Person), supplement or amend any provision of the Rights Agreement
(including the date on which the Distribution Date will occur after
announcement of commencement of a tender offer). Thereafter, the Rights
Agreement may be amended by a majority of the Continuing Directors without the
approval of any holder of the Rights only to cure ambiguities, to correct
defective or inconsistent provisions, or in ways that do not adversely affect
the Rights holders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Rights Agreement may
not be amended to change the Purchase Price, the number of shares of Preferred
Stock, other securities, cash or other property obtainable upon exercise of a
Right, the redemption price or the Expiration Date.
 
  The Rights have certain anti-takeover effects. The Rights may cause
substantial dilution to a person or group other than an exempt person that
attempts to acquire the Company on terms not approved by the Board, except
pursuant to an offer conditioned on a substantial number of Rights being
acquired. The Rights should not interfere with any merger or other business
combination approved by the Board of Directors prior to the time a person or
group other than an exempt person has acquired beneficial ownership of 15% or
more of the Common Stock, because until such time the Rights may be redeemed
by the Company at $.01 per Right.
 
  The foregoing description of the Rights does not purport to be complete and
is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Rights Agreement (a copy of
the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement),
including the definitions therein of certain terms.
 
LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
 
  The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation limits the liability
of directors to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General
Corporation Law. In addition, the Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation provides that the Company shall indemnify directors and officers
of the Company to the fullest extent permitted by such law.
 
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
 
  The Transfer Agent and Registrar for the Common Stock is Union Planters
National Bank.
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
                 CERTAIN U.S. TAX CONSIDERATIONS APPLICABLE TO
                     NON-U.S. HOLDERS OF THE COMMON STOCK
 
  The following is a general discussion of certain U.S. federal income and
estate tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of Common Stock by a
person that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is a non-resident alien
individual, a foreign corporation, a foreign partnership or a foreign estate
or trust (a "non-U.S. holder"). This discussion does not consider specific
facts and circumstances that may be relevant to a particular non-U.S. holder's
tax position, including whether such non-U.S. holder is a U.S. expatriate, and
does not deal with U.S. state and local or non-U.S. tax consequences. This
discussion is based on provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the "Code"), existing and proposed regulations promulgated
thereunder, and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof as of the
date hereof, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive
effect. Each prospective non-U.S. holder is urged to consult a tax advisor
with respect to the U.S. federal tax consequences of holding and disposing of
Common Stock, as well as any tax consequences that may arise under the laws of
any U.S. state, municipality or other taxing jurisdiction.
 
  Subject to certain exceptions, an individual will, among other ways, be
deemed to be a resident alien (as opposed to a non-resident alien) with
respect to any calendar year by virtue of being present in the United States
(a) on at least 31 days during such calendar year and (b) on an aggregate of
at least 183 days during the current calendar year and the two preceding
calendar years (counting for such purposes all of the days present in the
current year, one-third of the days present in the immediately preceding year,
and one-sixth of the days present in the second preceding year). Resident
aliens are subject to U.S. federal tax as if they were U.S. citizens.
 
  Dividends. Dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder of Common Stock will
generally be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate
or such lower rate as may be specified in an applicable income tax treaty,
unless the dividends are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or
business by the non-U.S. holder within the United States. Dividends that are
effectively connected with such holder's conduct of a trade or business in the
United States are subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at
applicable graduated individual or corporate rates, and are not generally
subject to withholding if the holder complies with certain certification and
disclosure requirements. Any such effectively connected dividends received by
a foreign corporation may also, under certain circumstances, be subject to an
additional "branch profits tax" at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be
specified in an applicable income tax treaty.
 
  Under current law, dividends paid to an address outside the United States
are presumed to be paid to a resident of the country of address (unless the
payer has knowledge to the contrary) for purposes of the withholding discussed
above and for purposes of determining the applicability of a lower tax treaty
withholding rate. Under U.S. Treasury regulations that are proposed to be
effective for distributions after 1997 (the "Proposed Regulations"), however,
a non-U.S. holder of Common Stock who wishes to claim the benefit of an
applicable treaty rate would be required to satisfy applicable certification
requirements. In addition, under the Proposed Regulations, in the case of
Common Stock held by a foreign partnership, (x) the certification requirement
would generally be applied to the partners of the partnership and (y) the
partnership would be required to provide certain information, including a
United States taxpayer identification number. The Proposed Regulations also
provide look-through rules for tiered partnerships. It is not certain whether,
or in what form, the Proposed Regulations will be adopted as final
regulations.
 
  A non-U.S. holder of Common Stock that is eligible for a reduced rate of
U.S. withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty may obtain a refund of
any excess amounts withheld by filing an appropriate claim for refund with the
U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
 
  Gain on Disposition of Common Stock. A non-U.S. holder generally will not be
subject to U.S. federal income tax in respect of gain recognized on a
disposition of Common Stock unless (i) the gain is effectively connected with
a trade or business of the non-U.S. holder in the United States or, if a tax
treaty applies, is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the
non-U.S. holder in the United States, (ii) in the case of a non-U.S. holder
who is an individual and holds the Common Stock as a capital asset, such
holder is present
 
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
in the United States for 183 or more days in the taxable year of the sale, or
(iii) the Company is or has been a "U.S. real property holding corporation"
for federal income tax purposes at any time during the five-year period ending
on the date of the disposition. The Company believes that it has not been and
is not a "U.S. real property holding corporation" for U.S. federal income tax
purposes and the Company does not anticipate becoming such a "U.S. real
property holding corporation." If an individual non-U.S. holder falls under
clause (i) above, he or she will be taxed on his or her net gain derived from
the sale at regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates. If an individual
non-U.S. holder falls under clause (ii) above, he or she will be subject to a
flat 30% tax on the net gain derived from the sale which gain may be offset by
U.S. capital losses. If a non-U.S. holder that is a foreign corporation falls
under clause (i) above, it will be taxed on its gain at regular graduated U.S.
federal income tax rates and may also, under certain circumstances, be subject
to an additional "branch profits tax" at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may
be specified in an applicable income tax treaty. If the Company is a "U.S.
real property holding corporation" at any time during the five-year period
ending on the date of the disposition, a non-U.S. holder who has held more
than 5% of the Common Stock at any time during the five-year period ending on
the date of the disposition (taking into account certain attribution rules)
will be taxed on its gain at regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates.
 
  The U.S. federal income taxation of gains realized by non-U.S. holders is
subject to change and such change, if adopted, could apply to gains on
investments made prior to the change. Proposals to change the basis for taxing
gains of non-U.S. investors have been made from time to time. For example, the
U.S. Senate passed a bill in October, 1995 which would generally have made
non-U.S. investors subject to U.S. capital gains taxes (subject to certain
exceptions) at graduated rates on gains from an investment in the stock of a
U.S. corporation if the non-U.S. investor owned, or was deemed to own, 10
percent or more of the stock of the U.S. corporation during the five-year
period prior to the disposition of the stock. This provision was not included
in the House tax bill and it was not adopted as part of the tax bill
subsequently reported by the House-Senate Conference Committee.
 
  Federal Estate Taxes. Common Stock owned or treated as owned by a non-U.S.
holder at the time of death will be included in such holder's gross estate for
U.S. federal estate tax purposes, unless an applicable estate tax treaty
provides otherwise.
 
  U.S. Information Reporting Requirements and Backup Withholding Tax. The
Company must report annually to the Internal Revenue Service and to each non-
U.S. holder the amount of dividends paid to such holder and the tax withheld
with respect to such dividends, regardless of whether withholding was
required. Copies of the information returns reporting such dividends and
withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country
in which the non-U.S. holders resides under the provisions of an applicable
income tax treaty.
 
  Under current law, backup withholding (which generally is a withholding tax
imposed at the rate of 31% on certain payments to, among others, persons that
fail to furnish certain information under the U.S. information reporting
requirements) will generally not apply to dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder
at an address outside the United States unless such non-U.S. holder is engaged
in a trade or business in the United States or unless the payer has knowledge
that the payee is a U.S. person. Under the Proposed Regulations, however,
dividend payments generally will be subject to backup withholding unless
applicable certification requirements are satisfied. See the discussion above
with respect to the rules applicable to foreign partnerships under the
Proposed Regulations.
 
  In general, backup withholding and information reporting will not apply to a
payment of the proceeds of a sale of Common Stock to or through a foreign
office of a broker. If, however, such broker is, for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, a U.S. person, a controlled foreign corporation, or a foreign person
that derives 50% or more of its gross income for certain periods from the
conduct of a trade or business in the United States, such payments will not be
subject to backup withholding but will be subject to information reporting,
unless (1) such broker has documentary evidence in its records that the
beneficial owner is a non-U.S. holder and certain other conditions are met, or
(2) the beneficial owner otherwise establishes an exemption.
 
                                      53
<PAGE>
 
  Payment to or through a U.S. office of a broker of the proceeds of a sale of
Common Stock is generally subject to both backup withholding and information
reporting unless the broker has received from the beneficial owner a
certification made under penalties of perjury that the beneficial owner is a
non-U.S. holder, or the beneficial owner otherwise establishes an exemption.
 
  Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a
refund or a credit against such holder's U.S. federal income tax liability
provided the required information is furnished to the U.S. Internal Revenue
Service.
 
  The backup withholding and information reporting rules are currently under
review by the U.S. Treasury Department and their application to the Common
Stock could be changed by future regulations.
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
                                 UNDERWRITING
 
  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Underwriting Agreement
among the Company, the Selling Stockholder and Salomon Brothers Inc, Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, PaineWebber Incorporated and
Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc., as representatives of the several underwriters
(the "Representatives"), the Selling Stockholder has agreed to sell to the
entities named below (the "Underwriters"), and each of the Underwriters has
severally agreed to purchase from the Selling Stockholder, the aggregate
number of shares of Common Stock set forth opposite its name below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       NUMBER OF
        UNDERWRITERS                                                    SHARES
        ------------                                                   ---------
      <S>                                                              <C>
      Salomon Brothers Inc...........................................
      Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
               Incorporated..........................................
      PaineWebber Incorporated.......................................
      Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc. .................................
                                                                       ---------
           Total.....................................................  2,845,157
                                                                       =========
</TABLE>
 
  The Underwriting Agreement provides that the several Underwriters will be
obligated to purchase all the shares of Common Stock being offered (other than
the shares covered by the over-allotment option described below), if any are
purchased.
 
  The Representatives have advised the Company that they propose initially to
offer the Common Stock directly to the public at the public offering price set
forth on the cover page of this Prospectus and to certain dealers at such
price less a concession not in excess of $.      per share. The Underwriters
may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a concession not in excess of
$.       per share on sales to certain other dealers. After the Offering, the
price to public, and concessions to dealers may be changed.
 
  The Selling Stockholder has granted to the Underwriters an option,
exercisable for 30 days from the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to
200,000 additional shares of Common Stock at the price to public less the
underwriting discount set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus. The
Underwriters may exercise this option solely for the purpose of covering over-
allotments, if any, incurred in the sale of shares of Common Stock being
offered hereby. To the extent the Underwriters exercise such option, each of
the Underwriters will be obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase
the same proportion of such additional shares as the number of shares set
forth opposite such Underwriter's name in the preceding table bears to the
total number of shares of Common Stock offered by the Underwriters hereby.
 
  At the request of the Company, the Underwriters have initially reserved
approximately 980,000 shares of Common Stock for sale at the public offering
price to directors, officers, employees and business associates of the
Company. The number of shares of Common Stock available for sale to the
general public will be reduced to the extent such persons purchase such
reserved shares. Any reserved shares which are not so purchased will be
offered by the Underwriters to the general public on the same basis as the
other shares offered hereby.
 
  The Company, the Selling Stockholder and certain officers and directors of
the Company, have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, including transfers
among existing members of the Company's management and partners of the Selling
Stockholder, not to sell, offer to sell, grant any option for the sale of,
assign, pledge, grant any security interest in, or otherwise dispose of, or
register for sale by others, any shares of Common Stock or securities
convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Common Stock without the
prior written consent of Salomon Brothers Inc, on behalf of the Underwriters,
for a period of 90 days after the date of this Prospectus.
 
  The Underwriters (i) have not offered or sold and will not offer or sell any
shares of Common Stock in the United Kingdom by means of any document other
than to persons whose ordinary business it is to buy and sell shares or
debentures (whether as principal or agent) or in circumstances which do not
constitute an offer to the
 
                                      55
<PAGE>
 
public within the meaning of the Companies Act 1985; (ii) have complied and
will comply with all applicable provisions of the Financial Services Act 1986
with respect to anything done by them in relation to the shares of Common
Stock in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom; and (iii) have only
issued or passed on and will only issue or pass on in the United Kingdom any
document received by them in connection with the issue of the shares of Common
Stock to any person who is of a kind described in Article 9(3) of the
Financial Services Act 1986 (Investment Advertisements) (Exemptions) Order
1988 or is a person to whom the document may otherwise lawfully be issued or
passed on.
 
  No action has been taken or will be taken in any jurisdiction by the Company
or the Underwriters that would permit a public offering of the shares offered
hereby in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other
than the United States. Persons who come into possession of this Prospectus
are required by the Company and the Underwriters to inform themselves about
and to observe any restrictions as to the offering of the shares offered
hereby and the distribution of this Prospectus.
 
  Certain of the Underwriters have rendered financial advisory and investment
banking services to the Company and its affiliates from time to time, for
which they have received customary fees. Salomon Brothers Inc is providing
financial advisory services to the Company in connection with the Company
Stock Repurchase and has provided the Company's board of directors with an
opinion regarding the fairness from a financial point of view of the price to
be paid in connection therewith. In addition, certain of the Underwriters are
acting as underwriters in connection with the offering of the New Notes.
 
  The Company and the Selling Stockholder have agreed to indemnify the
Underwriters against certain civil liabilities, including certain liabilities
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or
contribute to payments the Underwriters may be required to make in respect
thereof. The Company has agreed to indemnify the Selling Stockholder, under
certain circumstances, in respect of payments made by the Selling Stockholder
pursuant to these agreements.
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
  The validity of the Common Stock being offered hereby and certain other
legal matters relating to the Offering will be passed upon for the Company and
the Selling Stockholder by Kirkland & Ellis, Chicago, Illinois. Certain legal
matters will be passed upon for the Underwriters by Cravath, Swaine & Moore,
New York, New York.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The combined consolidated financial statements of Buckeye Cellulose
Corporation and Affiliates as of and for the years ended June 30, 1994 and
1995 and for the period March 16, 1993 through June 30, 1993 and the combined
statement of operating income of the Predecessor for the period July 1, 1992
through March 15, 1993 included in this Prospectus and in the Registration
Statement have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set
forth in their reports thereon appearing elsewhere herein and in the
Registration Statement, and are included in reliance upon such reports given
upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
  The consolidated financial statements of Buckeye Cellulose Corporation as of
and for the years ended June 30, 1994 and 1995 and for the period March 16,
1993 through June 30, 1993 and the combined statement of operating income of
the Memphis Mill Operations of the Procter & Gamble Cellulose Company for the
period July 1, 1992 through March 15, 1993 incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus and in this Registration Statement from the Annual Report on Form
10-K have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set
forth in their reports thereon appearing therein, and are included in reliance
upon such reports given upon the authority of such firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
 
  The financial statements of the Temming Business as of and for the year
ended December 31, 1995 included in this Prospectus have been audited by
Dipl.-Ing. Wolf Gadecke, Wirtschaftsprufer, independent auditor, as set forth
in his report thereon appearing herein and in the Registration Statement, and
are included in reliance upon such report given upon his authority as an
expert in accounting and auditing.
 
  The consolidated financial statements of Alpha Cellulose Holdings, Inc. and
Subsidiaries at December 31, 1995 and for the year then ended included in this
Prospectus and the Registration Statement have been audited by Deloitte &
Touche LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon
appearing herein and elsewhere in the Registration Statement, and have been so
included in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
  The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy
statements and other information filed by the Company with the Commission can
be inspected, and copies may be obtained, at the Public Reference Section of
the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed
rates, as well as at the following Regional Offices of the Commission: Seven
World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048; and Citicorp Center, 500 West
Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511. Reports, proxy
statements and other information concerning the Company can also be inspected
at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., 20 Broad Street, New
York, New York 10005, where the Common Stock of the Company is listed.
 
  The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form
S-3 (as amended, including exhibits, the "Registration Statement") under the
Securities Act, covering the shares of Common Stock offered hereby. This
Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the
Registration Statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with
the rules and regulations of the Commission. For further information,
reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement.
 
                                      57
<PAGE>
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
  The following documents, which have been filed by the Company with the
Commission, are incorporated herein by reference.
 
    1. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1995.
 
    2. Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended September
  30, 1995, December 31, 1995 and March 31, 1996.
 
    3. Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 2, 1996, as amended by the Form
  8-K/A dated May 10, 1996.
 
    4. The description of Common Stock contained in the Company's
  registration statements on Form 8-A dated October 27, 1995 (relating to the
  Common Stock) and November 20, 1995 (relating to the Preferred Share
  Purchase Rights) and any amendment or report filed for the purpose of
  updating such description.
 
  All documents filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Sections
13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this
Prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering made hereunder shall
be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and to be a part
hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference
herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this
Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other
subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or
superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
 
  The Company will provide without charge to each person, including any
beneficial owner, to whom this Prospectus is delivered, upon the written or
oral request of such person, a copy of any or all of the documents which have
been or may be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, other than
exhibits to such documents not specifically described above. Requests for such
documents should be directed to the Company.
 
                                      58
<PAGE>
 
                  BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION AND AFFILIATES
 
                         INDEX OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           NO.
                                                                           ----
<S>                                                                        <C>
BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION AND AFFILIATES
Report of Independent Auditors...........................................   F-2
Combined Consolidated Balance Sheets--June 30, 1994 and 1995 and March
 31, 1996 (unaudited)....................................................   F-3
Combined Consolidated Statements of Income--For the period March 16, 1993
 through June 30, 1993, for years ended June 30, 1994 and June 30, 1995
 and for the nine months ended March 31, 1995 (unaudited) and 1996
 (unaudited).............................................................   F-4
Combined Consolidated Statements of Equity--For the period March 16, 1993
 through June 30, 1993, for the years ended June 30, 1994 and June 30,
 1995....................................................................   F-5
Combined Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows--For the period March 16,
 1993 through June 30, 1993, for the years ended June 30, 1994 and June
 30, 1995 and for the nine months ended March 31, 1995 (unaudited) and
 1996 (unaudited)........................................................   F-6
Notes to Combined Consolidated Financial Statements......................   F-7
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE CELLULOSE COMPANY--MEMPHIS PLANT AND FOLEY PLANT
 OPERATIONS
Report of Independent Auditors...........................................  F-19
Combined Statement of Operating Income--For the period July 1, 1992
 through March 15, 1993..................................................  F-20
Notes to Combined Statement of Operating Income--For the period July 1,
 1992 through March 15, 1993.............................................  F-21
PETER TEMMING AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT--SPECIALTY PULP BUSINESS
Report of Independent Auditors...........................................  F-24
Balance Sheet--December 31, 1995.........................................  F-25
Income Statement--For the year ended December 31, 1995...................  F-27
Notes to Financial Statements............................................  F-28
ALPHA CELLULOSE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Report of Independent Auditors...........................................  F-32
Consolidated Balance Sheets--December 31, 1995 and March 31, 1996
 (unaudited).............................................................  F-33
Consolidated Statement of Income--for the year ended December 31, 1995
 and for the three months ended March 31, 1995 (unaudited) and 1996
 (unaudited).............................................................  F-34
Consolidated Statements of Stockholder' Equity--for the year ended
 December 31, 1995.......................................................  F-35
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows--for the year ended December 31,
 1995 and for the three months ended March 31, 1995 (unaudited) and 1996
 (unaudited).............................................................  F-36
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...............................  F-37
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
Board of Directors
Buckeye Cellulose Corporation and Affiliated Companies
 
  We have audited the accompanying combined consolidated balance sheets as of
June 30, 1994 and 1995, of Buckeye Cellulose Corporation and affiliates, and
the related combined consolidated statements of income, equity, and cash flows
for the period March 16, 1993 through June 30, 1993 and for the years ended
June 30, 1994 and 1995. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the combined consolidated financial statements referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the combined consolidated
financial position at June 30, 1994 and 1995, of Buckeye Cellulose Corporation
and affiliates, and the combined consolidated results of their operations and
their cash flows for the period March 16, 1993 through June 30, 1993 and for
the years ended June 30, 1994 and 1995 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
 
                                          Ernst & Young LLP
 
Memphis, Tennessee
July 28, 1995
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
                  BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION AND AFFILIATES
 
                      COMBINED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      JUNE 30,
                                                  -----------------  MARCH 31,
                                                    1994     1995      1996
                                                  -------- -------- -----------
                                                                    (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                               <C>      <C>      <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents...................... $  7,101 $ 11,789  $    --
  Short-term investments.........................   10,775    9,706     2,900
  Accounts receivable--trade, net of allowance
   for doubtful accounts of $2,494, $1,152 and
   $1,028 at June 30, 1994 and 1995 and March 31,
   1996, respectively............................   38,631   43,519    48,427
  Accounts receivable--other.....................      727      548       473
  Inventories....................................   65,046   61,947    90,581
  Deferred income taxes..........................    1,206      541     2,666
  Prepaid expenses and other.....................    1,222    2,530     5,800
                                                  -------- --------  --------
    Total current assets.........................  124,708  130,580   150,847
Property, plant and equipment:
  Land and land improvements.....................    3,972    3,980     3,990
  Buildings......................................   35,881   36,842    37,687
  Machinery and equipment........................  212,627  232,653   234,068
  Construction in progress.......................    6,264    8,696    17,226
                                                  -------- --------  --------
                                                   258,744  282,171   292,971
  Less allowances for depreciation...............   30,853   54,072    50,382
                                                  -------- --------  --------
                                                   227,891  228,099   242,589
Goodwill.........................................   17,613   16,998     7,675
Other............................................    3,992    3,379     7,254
                                                  -------- --------  --------
    Total assets................................. $374,204 $379,056  $408,365
                                                  ======== ========  ========
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Trade accounts payable......................... $  9,565 $ 14,908  $ 18,305
  Accounts payable--Procter & Gamble.............    3,148      688       --
  Accrued expenses...............................   28,411   27,937    30,222
  Income taxes payable...........................      --     1,230     1,222
  Notes payable..................................      --     8,500       --
  Current portion of long-term debt..............   14,108      --        --
  Other liabilities..............................      146      210        71
                                                  -------- --------  --------
    Total current liabilities....................   55,378   53,473    49,820
Long-term debt...................................  203,482  166,202   197,364
Accrued postretirement benefit obligation........   12,024   12,400    12,802
Deferred income taxes............................    2,334    5,848    16,450
Other liabilities................................    4,679    4,408     4,321
Minority interest................................   33,479   52,104       --
Equity:
  Common stock: Buckeye Cellulose Corporation....        2        2       214
  Common stock: Buckeye Florida Corporation......        2        2       --
  Additional paid-in capital.....................   45,152   45,233    58,807
  Retained earnings..............................   17,672   39,384    68,587
                                                  -------- --------  --------
    Total equity.................................   62,828   84,621   127,608
                                                  -------- --------  --------
    Total liabilities and equity................. $374,204 $379,056  $408,365
                                                  ======== ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
                  BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION AND AFFILIATES
 
                   COMBINED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                NINE MONTHS ENDED
                          MARCH 16, 1993 YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,        MARCH 31,
                             THROUGH     --------------------  --------------------
                          JUNE 30, 1993    1994       1995       1995       1996
                          -------------- ---------  ---------  --------  ----------
                                                                   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                       <C>            <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>
Net sales...............     $113,074    $ 371,526  $ 408,587  $301,318  $  338,825
Cost of goods sold......       86,047      291,833    305,150   230,247     237,149
                             --------    ---------  ---------  --------  ----------
Gross margin............       27,027       79,693    103,437    71,071     101,676
Selling, research and
 administrative
 expenses...............        5,996       24,004     24,265    16,446      18,497
                             --------    ---------  ---------  --------  ----------
Operating income........       21,031       55,689     79,172    54,625      83,179
Other income (expense):
Interest income.........          351          314      1,138       704         925
Interest expense and
 amortization of debt
 costs..................      (10,560)     (26,859)   (22,290)  (17,214)    (13,709)
Other...................         (184)        (632)      (615)     (462)       (372)
Minority interest.......       (3,083)      (8,291)   (23,223)  (14,881)    (16,628)
Secondary offering
 costs..................          --           --         --        --       (1,335)
                             --------    ---------  ---------  --------  ----------
                              (13,476)     (35,468)   (44,990)  (31,853)    (31,119)
                             --------    ---------  ---------  --------  ----------
Income before income
 taxes and extraordinary
 loss...................        7,555       20,221     34,182    22,772      52,060
Income taxes............        2,851        7,253     12,470     8,308      18,908
                             --------    ---------  ---------  --------  ----------
Income before
 extraordinary loss.....        4,704       12,968     21,712    14,464      33,152
Extraordinary loss, net
 of tax benefit.........                                                     (3,949)
                             --------    ---------  ---------  --------  ----------
Net income..............     $  4,704    $  12,968  $  21,712  $ 14,464  $   29,203
                             ========    =========  =========  ========  ==========
Earnings per share:
  Income before extraor-
   dinary loss..........                                                 $     1.58
  Extraordinary loss,
   net of tax benefit...                                                      (0.19)
                                                                         ----------
Net income per share....                                                 $     1.39
                                                                         ==========
Weighted average shares
 outstanding............                                                 21,014,032
                                                                         ==========
</TABLE>
 
 
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 
                  BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION AND AFFILIATES
 
                   COMBINED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          COMMON
                                           STOCK
                                        ----------- ADDITIONAL
                                        CLASS CLASS  PAID-IN   RETAINED
                                          A     B    CAPITAL   EARNINGS  TOTAL
                                        ----- ----- ---------- -------- -------
<S>                                     <C>   <C>   <C>        <C>      <C>
Balance at March 16, 1993..............  $     $     $         $        $
  Issuance of 100,000 Class A and
   100,000 Class B shares of BCC common
   stock...............................    1     1    17,554       --    17,556
  Issuance of 100,000 Class A and
   100,000 Class B shares of BFC common
   stock...............................    1     1    20,998       --    21,000
  Net income...........................  --    --        --      4,704    4,704
                                         ---   ---   -------   -------  -------
Balance at June 30, 1993...............    2     2    38,552     4,704   43,260
  Issuance of 12,500 Class A and 43,125
   Class B shares of BCC common stock..  --    --      2,552       --     2,552
  Issuance of 12,500 Class A and 43,125
   Class B shares of BFC common stock..  --    --      3,048       --     3,048
  Partners' capital contribution.......  --    --      1,000       --     1,000
  Net income...........................  --    --        --     12,968   12,968
                                         ---   ---   -------   -------  -------
Balance at June 30, 1994...............    2     2    45,152    17,672   62,828
  Issuance of 3,377 Class B shares of
   BCC common stock....................  --    --         38       --        38
  Issuance of 4,287 Class B shares of
   BFC common stock....................  --    --         43       --        43
  Net income...........................  --    --        --     21,712   21,712
                                         ---   ---   -------   -------  -------
Balance at June 30, 1995...............  $ 2   $ 2   $45,233   $39,384  $84,621
                                         ===   ===   =======   =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
 
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 
                  BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION AND AFFILIATES
 
                 COMBINED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           YEAR ENDED JUNE     NINE MONTHS
                            MARCH 16, 1993       30,         ENDED MARCH 31,
                               THROUGH     ----------------  -----------------
                            JUNE 30, 1993   1994     1995     1995      1996
                            -------------- -------  -------  -------  --------
                                                               (UNAUDITED)
<S>                         <C>            <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income................    $   4,704    $12,968  $21,712  $14,464  $ 29,203
Adjustments to reconcile
 net income to net cash
 provided by operating
 activities:
  Extraordinary loss, net
   of tax benefit.........          --         --       --       --      3,949
  Minority interest.......        3,083      8,291   23,223   14,881    16,628
  Depreciation............        6,541     24,613   23,784   17,874    18,127
  Amortization of debt
   costs and other........          629      2,009    2,113    1,876     1,625
  Interest on Class B
   senior secured notes...          210        770      592      592       --
  Provision for
   postretirement
   benefits...............          434      1,611      376      282       402
  Deferred income taxes...          287      2,743    4,179    2,828     3,329
  Loss on disposal of
   equipment..............           86        202      947      830       241
  Changes in operating
   assets and liabilities:
    Accounts receivable...       27,452      4,702   (4,709)  (5,551)   (4,833)
    Inventories...........        5,974     17,683    3,099    9,542   (28,634)
    Prepaid expenses and
     other assets.........       (1,357)     1,463   (1,124)  (1,706)   (3,479)
    Accounts payable and
     other current
     liabilities..........       25,213      9,333    3,595    5,576     5,634
                              ---------    -------  -------  -------  --------
Net cash provided by
 operating activities.....       73,256     86,388   77,787   61,488    42,192
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of Memphis and
 Foley Plants, net of cash
 acquired.................      (20,676)       --       --       --        --
Purchase of minority
 interest in Buckeye
 Florida Partners.........          --         --       --       --    (62,078)
Purchases of property,
 plant and equipment......       (4,898)   (15,725) (24,922) (20,713)  (22,334)
Purchases of short-term
 investments..............          --     (14,743) (13,616) (10,186)   (2,920)
Proceeds from sales of
 short-term investments...          --       3,968   14,685   10,803     9,726
Other.....................         (722)       704   (1,074)  (1,120)     (686)
                              ---------    -------  -------  -------  --------
Net cash used in investing
 activities...............      (26,296)   (25,796) (24,927) (21,216)  (78,292)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sale of
 equity interests.........       38,556      6,600       81       81    13,149
Proceeds from revolving
 line of credit and long-
 term debt................       90,444      6,000    8,500      --    207,439
Payments for debt issuance
 costs....................       (3,773)       --       --       --     (5,506)
Partners' capital
 distributions............          --      (2,895)  (4,598)  (2,838)   (1,590)
Principal payments on
 revolving line of credit,
 long-term debt and other.     (161,000)   (74,383) (52,155) (28,245) (189,181)
                              ---------    -------  -------  -------  --------
Net cash (used in)
 provided by financing
 activities...............      (35,773)   (64,678) (48,172) (31,002)   24,311
                              ---------    -------  -------  -------  --------
Increase (decrease) in
 cash and cash
 equivalents..............       11,187     (4,086)   4,688    9,270   (11,789)
Cash and cash equivalents
 at beginning of period...          --      11,187    7,101    7,101    11,789
                              ---------    -------  -------  -------  --------
Cash and cash equivalents
 at end of period.........    $  11,187    $ 7,101  $11,789  $16,371  $    --
                              =========    =======  =======  =======  ========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
 
                 BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION AND AFFILIATES
 
              NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
 Business Description and Basis of Presentation
 
  The combined consolidated financial statements of Buckeye Cellulose
Corporation and affiliates (the "Company") include Buckeye Cellulose
Corporation ("BCC") and subsidiary, Buckeye Florida Corporation ("BFC") and
subsidiary and Buckeye Partners. These entities are under the common ownership
of Madison Dearborn Capital Partners ("MDCP") and management.
 
  Under an agreement dated March 16, 1993, the assets comprising the cotton
linter pulp business and certain assets of the headquarters of the Cellulose
and Specialties Division of The Procter & Gamble Cellulose Company ("Procter &
Gamble Cellulose") were acquired for cash of $19,322,256, the issuance of an
$89,000,000 bridge note (the "Bridge Note"), and other acquisition costs of
approximately $1,583,000 by BCC, a newly incorporated company formed by MDCP.
 
  Under an agreement dated March 16, 1993, BFC, then a wholly-owned subsidiary
of MDCP, and Procter & Gamble Cellulose formed Buckeye Florida, Limited
Partnership ("Buckeye Florida Partners"). BFC contributed cash of $25,000,000
for a 50% general partnership interest in Buckeye Florida Partners, and
Procter & Gamble Cellulose contributed accounts receivable of $25,000,000 for
a 50% limited partnership interest in Buckeye Florida Partners.
Simultaneously, Buckeye Florida Partners acquired all of the assets of the
wood pulp business located in Foley, Florida from Procter & Gamble Cellulose
for cash of $25,000,000, the issuance of notes payable of $266,503,419 and
other acquisition costs of approximately $4,426,000.
 
  The wood pulp assets and cotton linter pulp assets so acquired are
hereinafter referred to collectively as the "Predecessor" and the acquisitions
of such assets are hereinafter referred to collectively as the "Acquisitions."
The Acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.
 
  The Company manufactures and distributes a broad variety of wood and cotton
linter based specialty pulp used in numerous applications including disposable
diapers, engine air and oil filters, food casings, rayon textile filament,
tapes, thickeners, and papers.
 
 Change in Inventory Valuation Method
 
  Buckeye Florida Partners changed its method of allocating manufacturing
overhead costs to inventory to base the allocation upon the proportionate
percentage of total tonnage produced by each respective plant line. The new
method results in a more appropriate cost allocation to products produced on
each plant line. The change was retroactively applied to all periods
presented.
 
 Principles of Consolidation
 
  The consolidated financial statements of BCC include the accounts of its
wholly-owned subsidiary, Buckeye Cellulose S.A. The consolidated financial
statements of BFC include the accounts of Buckeye Florida Partners, in which
BFC has a 50% general partnership interest. BFC has a controlling financial
interest in Buckeye Florida Partners because it has sole voting control. The
limited partner's interest in Buckeye Florida Partners is included in the
combined consolidated financial statements as a minority interest. All
significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in
combination and consolidation.
 
 Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
  The Company considers cash equivalents to be temporary cash investments with
a maturity of three months or less when purchased.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
 
                 BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION AND AFFILIATES
 
       NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 Short-term Investments
 
  Short-term investments consist primarily of government backed securities and
commercial paper of an investment grade.
 
 Inventories
 
  Pulpwood, raw cotton lint inventories, the lint component of finished linter
pulp, chemicals and storeroom supplies are stated at lower of cost (determined
on the average cost method) or market. The remaining components of finished
pulp, including other raw materials, labor, and overhead are stated at lower
of cost (determined on a first-in, first-out basis) or market.
 
 Property, Plant and Equipment
 
  Property, plant and equipment purchased in the Acquisitions was restated to
its fair market value at the date of the Acquisitions. All property, plant and
equipment purchased since the Acquisitions, is stated at cost. Depreciation is
computed by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the
assets. The cost of maintenance, repairs, and minor renewals and betterments
are expensed as incurred. The cost of major renewals and betterments are
capitalized.
 
 Intangible Assets
 
  Goodwill is amortized by the straight-line method over thirty years.
Deferred debt costs are amortized by the interest method over the life of the
related debt. Goodwill is net of accumulated amortization of $815,438 and
$1,429,561 and deferred debt costs are net of accumulated amortization of
$683,095 and $1,190,706 at June 30, 1994 and 1995, respectively. During the
year ended June 30, 1994, the Company recorded a non-current deferred tax
asset of $511,687 and reduced goodwill by the same amount due to a state tax
credit generated by the purchase of certain assets in connection with the
Acquisitions.
 
 Income Taxes
 
  The Company has provided for income taxes under the provisions of Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes.
Accordingly, deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary
differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for
financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.
 
 Credit Risk
 
  The Company generally obtains credit insurance or requires the customer to
provide a letter of credit for export sales. Credit limits have been
established for each domestic customer and those foreign customers where
credit insurance is not available. Credit limits are monitored routinely. It
is not the Company's policy to require collateral or other security for
domestic or foreign sales.
 
 Environmental Costs
 
  Liabilities are recorded when environmental assessments are probable, and
the cost can be reasonably estimated. Generally, the timing of these accruals
coincides with the earlier of completion of a feasibility study or the
Company's commitment to a plan of action based on the then known facts.
 
 Revenue Recognition
 
  Revenues from domestic and export sales are recognized at the time products
are shipped. Net sales is comprised of sales reduced by sales allowances and
distribution costs.
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
 
                 BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION AND AFFILIATES
 
       NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 Historical Earnings Per Share
 
  Earnings per share has not been presented for periods prior to June 30,
1995, as it is not considered relevant to the historical combined consolidated
financial statements.
 
 Unaudited Interim Financial Statements
 
  The unaudited combined consolidated financial statements have been prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim
financial information. In the opinion of management, all adjustments
(consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair
presentation have been included. Operating results for the nine months ended
March 31, 1996 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be
expected for the year ended June 30, 1996.
 
2. INVENTORIES
 
  The components of inventories are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        JUNE 30,
                                                     ---------------  MARCH 31,
                                                      1994    1995      1996
                                                     ------- ------- -----------
                                                                     (UNAUDITED)
   <S>                                               <C>     <C>     <C>
   Raw materials.................................... $ 7,513 $ 9,317   $13,867
   Finished goods...................................  41,824  36,887    62,244
   Storeroom and other supplies.....................  15,709  15,743    14,470
                                                     ------- -------   -------
                                                     $65,046 $61,947   $90,581
                                                     ======= =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
3. ACCRUED EXPENSES
 
  The components of accrued expenses are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    JUNE 30,
                                                                 ---------------
                                                                  1994    1995
                                                                 ------- -------
      <S>                                                        <C>     <C>
      Retirement plans.......................................... $ 9,824 $12,731
      Vacation pay..............................................   3,326   3,003
      Shutdown accrual..........................................   6,720   3,527
      Rebate accrual............................................   1,749   3,154
      Other.....................................................   6,792   5,522
                                                                 ------- -------
                                                                 $28,411 $27,937
                                                                 ======= =======
</TABLE>
 
4. DEBT
 
  Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  JUNE 30,
                                                              -----------------
                                                                1994     1995
                                                              -------- --------
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>
10 1/4% Senior Notes due May 15, 2001........................ $ 70,000 $ 64,720
10% Class A Senior Secured Notes due March 16, 2000..........   58,000   26,000
Non-interest Bearing Class B Senior Secured Notes due March
 16, 1995 effective interest rate of 9%......................    8,108      --
12% Subordinated Secured Notes due March 16, 2003............   75,000   75,000
10% Class D Senior Secured Note (Revolving Line of Credit)...    6,000      --
5.29% Promissory Note due March 22, 1999.....................      482      482
                                                              -------- --------
                                                              $217,590 $166,202
Less current portion.........................................   14,108      --
                                                              -------- --------
                                                              $203,482 $166,202
                                                              ======== ========
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
 
                 BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION AND AFFILIATES
 
       NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
  The unsecured notes consist of senior notes issued by BCC on May 27, 1993 in
a public offering of debt securities totaling $70,000,000 bearing interest at
10 1/4% with a maturity date of May 15, 2001 (the "Existing Notes"). These
Existing Notes are unsecured senior obligations and are equal (pari passu) in
the right of payment with all existing and future indebtedness of BCC which is
not subordinated indebtedness. During the year ended June 30, 1995, BCC
purchased and retired $5,280,000 of its debt securities.
 
  The Existing Notes are redeemable at the option of BCC, in whole or in part,
at any time on or after May 15, 1998, at the redemption prices (expressed as
percentages of principal amount) set forth below, if redeemed during the 12
month period beginning May 15 of the years indicated below in each case
together with accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             YEAR                     REDEMPTION PRICE
             ----                     ----------------
             <S>                      <C>
             1998....................     103.875%
             1999....................     101.937
             2000 and thereafter.....     100.000
</TABLE>
 
  In addition, up to $14,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Existing
Notes will be redeemable prior to May 20, 1996, at the option of BCC within
180 days of the consummation of any public offering at 106% of the principal
amount together with accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.
 
  As a mandatory sinking fund for the redemption of the Existing Notes, BCC
will deposit with a trustee on each of May 15, 1999 and May 15, 2000, 33% of
the original aggregate principal plus accrued interest to the redemption date.
If less than all of the Existing Notes are to be redeemed, the trustee shall
select the Existing Notes or portions thereof to be redeemed by lot or by any
other method the trustee shall deem fair and reasonable. BCC may, at its
option, receive a credit against sinking fund obligations equal to 100% of the
aggregate principal amount of Existing Notes acquired by BCC and surrendered
to the trustee for cancellation and of Existing Notes redeemed or called for
redemption otherwise than through operation of the sinking fund that have not
previously been so credited for such purpose by the trustee.
 
  The secured notes issued by Buckeye Florida Partners are secured by land,
buildings, machinery and equipment of the Company and are held by Procter &
Gamble Cellulose under a financing agreement (the "Financing Agreement"). The
Financing Agreement requires Buckeye Florida Partners to maintain certain
financial ratios and limits the amount of annual capital expenditures. In
addition, these notes are subject to mandatory prepayment based on available
cash flow at the end of each fiscal year as defined by the Financing
Agreement. All prepayments made will be applied to the Class A Senior Secured
Notes until the principal amount has been reduced to zero and then to the
Subordinated Secured Notes.
 
  Buckeye Florida Partners has an available line of credit under the Class D
Senior Secured Note agreement which allows for borrowings up to $30,000,000,
provided by Procter & Gamble Cellulose expiring on March 16, 2003. Amounts
outstanding under the revolving credit facility bear interest at a rate of
10%. At June 30, 1995, there were no outstanding borrowings under the line of
credit.
 
  The Financing Agreement restricts partner distributions to those necessary
for the partners to make income tax payments on the partnership's taxable
income.
 
  BCC has a $15,000,000 credit facility which provides for a revolving line of
credit, with interest, at BCC's option, at either the bank's prime rate plus
1.25%, or at the 30-day LIBOR rate plus 2.50%, and letters of credit. BCC is
required, among other things, to pay a commitment fee of 1/2% per annum on the
average unused portion of the revolving credit facility and a letter of credit
fee of 1% per annum of the average daily face amount of outstanding letters of
credit. At June 30, 1994 and 1995, there was no outstanding balance on the
credit facility.
 
                                     F-10
<PAGE>
 
                 BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION AND AFFILIATES
 
       NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
At June 30, 1995, there are three letters of credit totaling $1,007,000 for
workers' compensation claims outstanding, which expire in 1996. The unused
portion of the credit facility is $13,993,000 at June 30, 1995. Obligations
under the credit facility, which expires May 27, 1998, are secured by a lien
upon all of BCC's securities and a negative pledge with respect to BCC's other
assets. Pursuant to the terms of the credit facility, BCC is required to
maintain certain financial ratios, is limited in the amount of capital
expenditures, and is prohibited from paying dividends.
 
  Buckeye Florida Partners has a line of credit available for borrowings up to
$10,000,000 with a financial institution expiring on June 30, 1996. Amounts
outstanding under the line of credit bear interest at the bank's floating
prime rate less 1.5% (7.5% at June 30, 1995). Buckeye Florida Partners has the
right to fix any portion of the commitment for periods of 30, 60 or 90 days at
a rate of LIBOR plus 1% (7.125% at June 30, 1995). The line of credit is
secured by a standby letter of credit issued by The Procter & Gamble Company
("Procter & Gamble"). At June 30, 1995, $1,500,000 was available for
additional borrowings under the line of credit.
 
  Total interest paid by the Company for the period March 16, 1993 through
June 30, 1993 and for the years ended June 30, 1994 and 1995 was $8,937,000,
$25,866,000, and $21,755,000, respectively.
 
5. EQUITY
 
 BCC
 
  BCC has authorized and outstanding Class A and Class B Common Stock, both
with a $.01 par value. Authorized shares of Class A Common Stock are 200,000,
and issued and outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock are 112,500 shares
at June 30, 1994 and 1995. Authorized shares of Class B Common Stock are
300,000, and issued and outstanding are 143,125 shares and 146,502 shares at
June 30, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
  During the year ended June 30, 1994, BCC finalized the "1994 Incentive Stock
Option Plan for Management Employees of BCC". Under the provisions of the
plan, options to purchase 25,000 shares of Class B Common Stock at a purchase
price of $11.20 per share were granted. The options are exercisable over three
to five year periods based on achieving certain performance targets. During
the years ended June 30, 1994 and 1995, 5,625 and 3,377 options were
exercised, respectively. At June 30, 1995, 15,998 options were outstanding of
which 5,197 were exercisable.
 
  Holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to a priority distribution.
Distributions by BCC to holders of Class A and Class B Common Stock shall be
made in the following priority: (1) the aggregate unpaid yield on Class A
Common Stock at 12% per annum calculated quarterly on the sum of the
unreturned yield base of $155.56 and the amount of unpaid yield for all prior
quarters ($5,157,000 at June 30, 1995); (2) the unreturned yield base on Class
A Common Stock; (3) distributions in excess of priority distributions on Class
A Common Stock will be made to holders of Class A and Class B Common Stock
ratably based upon the number of common shares held by each such holder as of
the time of such distribution.
 
 BFC
 
  BFC has authorized and outstanding Class A and Class B Common Stock, both
with a $.01 par value. Authorized shares of Class A Common Stock are 200,000,
and issued and outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock are 112,500 shares
at June 30, 1994 and 1995. Authorized shares of Class B Common Stock are
300,000, and issued and outstanding are 143,125 shares and 147,412 shares at
June 30, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
 
                                     F-11
<PAGE>
 
                 BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION AND AFFILIATES
 
       NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
  During the year ended June 30, 1994, BFC finalized the "1994 Incentive Stock
Option Plan for Management Employees of BFC". Under the provisions of the
plan, options to purchase 25,000 shares of Class B Common Stock at a purchase
price of $10.00 per share were granted. The options are exercisable over three
to five year periods based on achieving certain performance targets. During
the years ended June 30, 1994 and 1995, 5,625 and 4,287 options were
exercised, respectively. At June 30, 1995, 15,088 options were outstanding, of
which 4,287 were exercisable.
 
  Holders of BFC Class A Common Stock are entitled to a priority distribution.
Distributions by BFC to holders of Class A and Class B Common Stock shall be
made in the following priority: (1) the aggregate unpaid yield on Class A
Common Stock at 13% per annum calculated quarterly on the sum of the
unreturned yield base of $200.00 and the amount of unpaid yield for all prior
quarters ($7,257,000 at June 30, 1995); (2) the unreturned yield base on Class
A Common Stock; (3) distributions in excess of priority distributions on Class
A Common Stock will be made to holders of Class A and Class B Common Stock
ratably based upon the number of common shares held by each such holder as of
the time of such distribution.
 
  At March 16, 1993, BFC and Procter & Gamble Cellulose entered into a Call
Option Agreement (the P&G Call Option) whereby BFC has the irrevocable and
unconditional option to purchase Procter & Gamble Cellulose's limited
partnership interest in Buckeye Florida Partners at any time prior to March
16, 2000. The P&G Call Option may only be exercised if Procter & Gamble
Cellulose and all Procter & Gamble affiliates cease to hold Class A Senior
Secured Notes, Subordinated Secured Notes and Class D Senior Secured Notes
issued by Buckeye Florida Partners on March 16, 1993. If BFC exercises the P&G
Call Option on or before March 16, 1998, the call price will be the sum of
$35,000,000 plus interest thereon at the rate of 23.4% per annum, compounded
annually, calculated from March 16, 1993 until the date the P&G Call Option is
exercised. If BFC exercises the P&G Call Option subsequent to March 16, 1998
and on or before March 16, 2000, the call price shall be the sum of
$100,148,360 plus interest of $41,096 per day for each day from the first day
of the period commencing March 16, 1998 to the date that the P&G Call Option
is exercised.
 
  At March 16, 1993, BFC and Procter & Gamble Cellulose entered into a Put
Agreement (the "Put") whereby BFC has the irrevocable and unconditional option
to require Procter & Gamble Cellulose to purchase BFC's general partnership
interest in Buckeye Florida Partners during the period beginning March 16,
1998 and ending June 16, 1998. The Put may also be exercised in certain
circumstances in which the P&G Loans are accelerated. If the Put is exercised
on or after March 16, 1998, the exercise price will be $25,000,000. If the Put
is exercised prior to March 16, 1998, the exercise price will be $25,000,000,
discounted at a rate of 6% per annum.
 
 Buckeye Partners
 
  Buckeye Partners has outstanding the following partnership units at June 30,
1994 and 1995:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               UNITS    AMOUNT
                                                              ------- ----------
      <S>                                                     <C>     <C>
      Class A Common Units................................... 112,500 $  985,000
      Class B Common Units................................... 137,500     13,750
      Class C Common Units...................................  12,500        625
      Class D Common Units...................................  12,500        625
                                                              ------- ----------
      Partners' Capital...................................... 275,000 $1,000,000
                                                              ======= ==========
</TABLE>
 
  Class A Common Units have a priority distribution equivalent to the amount
outstanding at June 30, 1995. Partners' contributions have been included in
additional paid-in capital.
 
                                     F-12
<PAGE>
 
                 BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION AND AFFILIATES
 
       NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
6. INCOME TAXES
 
  The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    YEAR ENDED
                                                   MARCH 16, 1993    JUNE 30,
                                                      THROUGH     --------------
                                                   JUNE 30, 1993   1994   1995
                                                   -------------- ------ -------
      <S>                                          <C>            <C>    <C>
      Current:
        Federal...................................     $2,202     $4,366 $ 7,256
        State and other...........................        362        144   1,035
                                                       ------     ------ -------
                                                       $2,564     $4,510 $ 8,291
      Deferred:
        Federal...................................        283      2,499   3,652
        State.....................................          4        244     527
                                                       ------     ------ -------
                                                          287      2,743   4,179
                                                       ------     ------ -------
          Total...................................     $2,851     $7,253 $12,470
                                                       ======     ====== =======
</TABLE>
 
  Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets (liabilities)
are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        JUNE 30,
                                          --------------------------------------
                                                 1994                1995
                                          ------------------- ------------------
                                          CURRENT  NONCURRENT CURRENT NONCURRENT
                                          -------  ---------- ------- ----------
<S>                                       <C>      <C>        <C>     <C>
Deferred tax liabilities:
  Tax over book depreciation............. $  --     $(3,490)   $--     $(5,934)
  Book income in excess of tax income
   from partnership (Buckeye Florida
   Partners).............................    --      (3,364)    --      (7,454)
  Other..................................   (176)       (11)   (205)      (251)
Deferred tax assets:
  Postretirement benefit plan obligation.    --       1,353     --       1,399
  Inventory costs capitalized for tax in
   excess of book costs..................    683        --      359        --
  State tax credit carryforward..........    --         401     --         452
  Alternative minimum tax credit
   carryforward..........................    --       2,777     --       4,984
  Nondeductible reserves.................    466        --      332        --
  Other..................................    233        --       55        956
                                          ------    -------    ----    -------
    Net deferred tax assets
     (liabilities)....................... $1,206    $(2,334)   $541    $(5,848)
                                          ======    =======    ====    =======
</TABLE>
 
  The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying
the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% due to the following (in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          MARCH 16, 1993 YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                             THROUGH     ---------------------
                                          JUNE 30, 1993    1994        1995
                                          -------------- ---------  ----------
      <S>                                 <C>            <C>        <C>
      Federal tax expense at statutory
       rate..............................    $ 2,644     $   7,077  $   11,932
      State taxes, net of federal tax
       benefit...........................        238           426         693
      Other, net.........................        (31)         (250)       (155)
                                             -------     ---------  ----------
                                             $ 2,851     $   7,253  $   12,470
                                             =======     =========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
  The Company paid income taxes of $7,040,000 and $6,884,000 during the fiscal
years ended June 30, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
  The Company has a state tax credit carryforward of approximately $452,000
which expires in 2010 and alternative minimum tax carryforwards of
approximately $4,984,000 which have no expiration date.
 
                                     F-13
<PAGE>
 
                 BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION AND AFFILIATES
 
       NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
  Effective July 1, 1993 the Company has a defined contribution retirement
plan covering substantially all employees. The Company contributes 1% of the
employee's base compensation plus 1/2% for each year of service up to a
maximum of 11% of the employee's base compensation. The plan also provides for
additional contributions by the Company contingent upon the Company's results
of operations. Expense for the years ended June 30, 1994 and 1995 was
$6,336,000 and $7,125,000, respectively.
 
  Effective July 1, 1993, the Company also adopted a profit sharing plan
covering substantially all employees. Under the plan, the Company provides
contributions contingent upon the Company's results of operations and
employees may contribute up to 10% of gross salary. During the period March
16, 1993 through June 30, 1993, contributions were made in accordance with the
Procter & Gamble profit sharing plan. Profit sharing expense under these plans
was $2,017,000, $3,668,000, and $5,625,000, for the period March 16, 1993
through June 30, 1993 and for the years ended June 30, 1994 and 1995,
respectively.
 
  Also, the Company provides medical, dental, and life insurance
postretirement plans covering employees who meet specified age and service
requirements. Certain employees who met specified age and retirement
eligibility requirements on March 15, 1993 are covered by the Procter & Gamble
plans and are not covered by these plans. Service considered for participants
in the Company's plan includes former service with the Predecessor company.
The Company has accounted for its obligation related to these plans in
accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 106,
Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions.
 
  The Company's current policy is to fund the cost of these benefits as
payments to participants are required. The accrued post retirement benefit
obligation consists of the following (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  JUNE 30,
                                                               ----------------
                                                                1994     1995
                                                               -------  -------
      <S>                                                      <C>      <C>
      Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:
        Fully eligible active plan participants............... $    11  $   115
        Retirees..............................................      17       56
        Other active plan participants........................  12,731    6,476
                                                               -------  -------
                                                                12,759    6,647
      Unrecognized prior service cost.........................     --     6,556
      Unrecognized net loss...................................    (735)    (803)
                                                               -------  -------
      Accrued postretirement benefit obligation............... $12,024  $12,400
                                                               =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
  Net periodic postretirement benefit cost includes the following components
(in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR ENDED
                                                    MARCH 16, 1993  JUNE 30,
                                                       THROUGH     -----------
                                                    JUNE 30, 1993   1994  1995
                                                    -------------- ------ ----
      <S>                                           <C>            <C>    <C>
      Service cost.................................      $200      $  720 $539
      Interest cost................................       234         891  487
      Amortization of unrecognized prior service
       cost........................................       --          --  (650)
                                                         ----      ------ ----
      Net periodic postretirement benefit cost.....      $434      $1,611 $376
                                                         ====      ====== ====
</TABLE>
 
  The Company amended its postretirement plans effective July 1, 1994. The
amendments changed the plans' eligibility requirements and benefit schedules,
created required retiree contributions, and implemented limits on the
Company's postretirement benefit costs. The effect of the amendments was to
reduce the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by approximately
$7,206,000 to $5,553,000 at July 1, 1994. The reduction in the accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation is being recognized as a reduction to net
periodic
 
                                     F-14
<PAGE>
 
                 BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION AND AFFILIATES
 
       NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
postretirement benefit cost over approximately eleven years, the average
remaining service of active participants not yet eligible for benefits.
 
  The weighted average annual assumed rate of increase in the per capita cost
of covered benefits (i.e., health care cost trend rate) for the medical plans
is 11% for 1996 and is assumed to decrease gradually to 6% in 2004 and remain
at that level thereafter. Due to the benefit costs limitations in the plan,
the health care cost trend rate assumption does not have a significant effect
on the amounts reported. For example, increasing the assumed health care cost
trend rate by one percentage point would increase the accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation for the medical plans as of June 30, 1995 by
$34,405 and the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net
periodic postretirement benefit cost for the year ended June 30, 1995 by
$6,412.
 
  The weighted average discount rate used in determining the accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation was 8% at June 30, 1994 and 1995.
 
8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
  In connection with the Acquisitions, the Company and Procter & Gamble
entered into a transition agreement pursuant to which Procter & Gamble
provides to the Company, for a period of up to 18 months following the closing
of the Acquisitions, certain of the administration and support services which
were historically provided to the Predecessor by Procter & Gamble and which
are necessary for the operation of the Company's business, including services
relating to communications, payments and collections, human resources, caustic
purchases, technical support and advice and accounting support. The Company
paid for such services at prices equal to those historically charged by
Procter & Gamble to the Predecessor or, with respect to certain services,
either the prices Procter & Gamble charges to its affiliates or the cost to
Procter & Gamble of providing such services. The amount charged to expense for
such services was approximately $417,000 for the period March 16, 1993 through
June 30, 1993 and approximately $374,000 for the year ended June 30, 1994. No
costs were incurred for the year ended June 30, 1995.
 
  The Company and Madison Dearborn Partners, L.P. ("MDP"), the general partner
of MDCP, have entered into a professional services agreement pursuant to which
the Company paid to MDP a $1.0 million fee as compensation for MDP's
commitment to provide financing to repay the Bridge Note in the event
alternative financing was not available prior to June 30, 1993.
 
  Buckeye Florida Partners has entered into an agreement with Procter & Gamble
whereby Procter & Gamble will purchase a specified tonnage (currently
substantially all of the Company's output) of fluff pulp from Buckeye Florida
Partners per year. The agreement expires on December 31, 2002. Shipments of
fluff pulp under the agreement are made to Procter & Gamble affiliates
worldwide, as directed by Procter & Gamble. In accordance with the terms of
the agreement, Procter & Gamble will reimburse Buckeye Florida Partners for
distribution costs related to shipments to Procter & Gamble affiliates. At
June 30, 1994 and 1995, Buckeye Florida Partners has recorded $740,547 and
$1,763,394, respectively, of prepaid expenses representing delivery costs
which will be reimbursed by Procter & Gamble. During the period March 16, 1993
through June 30, 1993 and the years ended June 30, 1994 and 1995, Procter &
Gamble reimbursed Buckeye Florida Partners $7,172,435, $23,567,512 and
$21,669,075, respectively, for distribution costs on shipments to Procter &
Gamble affiliates. Net sales to Procter & Gamble for the period March 16, 1993
through June 30, 1993 and for the years ended June 30, 1994 and 1995 were
$50,801,397, $148,195,746 and $157,901,186, respectively.
 
  On March 16, 1993, Buckeye Florida Partners entered into two agreements with
Procter & Gamble Cellulose relating to the purchase of timber. Under these
agreements, Buckeye Florida Partners was required to purchase certain of the
timber from specified tracts of land available to harvest. Buckeye Florida
Partners purchased $5,123,182 and $18,644,404 of timber from Procter & Gamble
Cellulose during the period March 16, 1993 through
 
                                     F-15
<PAGE>
 
                 BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION AND AFFILIATES
 
       NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
June 30, 1993 and the year ended June 30, 1994, respectively. In July 1994,
Procter & Gamble Cellulose sold the tracts of land and timber rights specified
in these agreements to a non-affiliated company, and Buckeye Florida Partners'
commitment under these agreements was assigned to the acquiror (See note 11).
 
  Included in short-term investments is a $2.9 million certificate of deposit
which Buckeye Florida Partners has pledged as collateral to secure loans
obtained by certain officers of the Company.
 
9. EXPORT SALES
 
  Gross export sales by geographic areas as a percent of total gross sales are
as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 YEAR ENDED
                                                  MARCH 16, 1993  JUNE 30,
                                                     THROUGH     -------------
                                                  JUNE 30, 1993  1994    1995
                                                  -------------- -----   -----
      <S>                                         <C>            <C>     <C>
      Europe.....................................       38%         35%     30%
      Asia.......................................       12          22      26
      South America..............................        2           2       4
      Other......................................       13          11      10
                                                       ---       -----   -----
                                                        65%         70%     70%
                                                       ===       =====   =====
</TABLE>
 
10. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES
 
  Research and development expenses of $916,000, $2,960,000 and $3,044,000,
were charged to expense as incurred in the period March 16, 1993 through June
30, 1993 and for the years ended June 30, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
11. PURCHASE COMMITMENTS
 
  BCC has entered into purchase contracts with several vendors for the
purchase of cotton lint. At June 30, 1995, these commitments, which total
approximately $12,460,000, are expected to be fulfilled by October 1995.
 
  At June 30, 1995, under three separate agreements expiring at various dates
through December 31, 2002, Buckeye Florida Partners is required to purchase
certain of the timber from specified tracts of land that is available for
harvest. At the option of Buckeye Florida Partners, certain of these timber
purchase commitments may be extended through December 31, 2010. The contract
price under terms of these agreements is either at the then current market
price or at fixed prices as stated in the contract. The fixed and determinable
purchase obligations related to these contracts, based on contract prices as
of June 30, 1995, are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       TIMBER PURCHASE
                                         COMMITMENTS
                                       ---------------
             <S>                       <C>
             1996.....................     $15,674
             1997.....................      16,549
             1998.....................      13,997
             1999.....................      12,740
             2000.....................      11,720
             Thereafter...............      24,552
                                           -------
               Total..................     $95,232
                                           =======
</TABLE>
 
  Purchases under these agreements for the year ended June 30, 1995 were
$21,818,603.
 
  On July 24, 1995, Buckeye Florida Partners entered into an agreement to
purchase certain timber from specified tracts of land that is available for
harvest through fiscal year 2002 at a fixed contract price. Future purchase
commitments under this agreement are $19,200,000 and are estimated to be
spread equally over the contract term.
 
                                     F-16
<PAGE>
 
                 BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION AND AFFILIATES
 
       NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
12. CONTINGENCIES
 
  Procter & Gamble has been named as a defendant in 21 lawsuits involving
approximately 188 individual plaintiffs claiming unspecified compensatory and
punitive damages, costs and legal fees for alleged diminished property value
and fear of illness asserting that the Foley Plant discharged toxic pollutants
into the nearby Fenholloway River and into treatment ponds from which the
pollutants entered and allegedly contaminated the underground water. Buckeye
Florida Partners assumed the obligation for any costs related to this matter
on the date of the acquisition of the Foley Plant on March 16, 1993. Buckeye
Florida Partners intends to vigorously defend these suits and contends that
the discharge from the Foley Plant is in compliance with federal and state
permits.
 
  Additionally, the Company is subject to various state and federal
environmental laws and regulations. Buckeye Florida Partners has reached an
agreement (the "Fenholloway Agreement") with the Florida Department of
Environmental Regulation based upon the results of an environmental study of
Buckeye Florida Partners' operations. Compliance with the Fenholloway
Agreement will require Buckeye Florida Partners to invest up to $39,000,000
through 1999 to modify its facilities. In addition to the cost of compliance
with the Fenholloway Agreement, the cost of future compliance with other
environmental regulations will depend on environmental regulations which are
subject to change and the subsequent definition of the necessary technology to
meet the changing regulations. Therefore, it is difficult to determine the
total amount of expenditures that may be required in the future. However,
Buckeye Florida Partners estimates that capital spending for environmental
compliance based on certain regulations expected to be promulgated in addition
to compliance with the Fenholloway Agreement could be up to $14,000,000
through the year 2000.
 
  As of June 30, 1995, the Company has established reserves of $4,300,000 to
address certain environmental matters. Based on current information and
requirements, the Company believes that such reserves are adequate. Because an
environmental reserve is not established until a liability is determined to be
probable and reasonably estimable, not all potential future environmental
liabilities are covered by the Company's reserves. Accordingly, there can be
no assurance that the Company's environmental reserves will be sufficient to
meet the Company's obligations, and additional earnings charges are possible.
 
  The Foley Plant is on the EPA CERCLIS list of potential hazardous substance
release sites prepared pursuant to CERCLA. The EPA conducted a site
investigation in early 1995. Although the Company considers it unlikely that
the Foley Plant will be listed on the CERCLA National Priorities List and
hence require remedial action, the possibility of such listing cannot be ruled
out. If the site were to be placed on the National Priorities List, the costs
associated with conducting a CERCLA remedial action could be material.
 
  The Company is involved in certain legal actions and claims arising in the
ordinary course of business. It is the opinion of management that such
litigation and claims will be resolved without material adverse effect on the
Company's financial position or results of operations.
 
13. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
  For certain of the Company's financial instruments, including cash and cash
equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable,
other accrued liabilities and notes payable, the carrying amounts approximate
fair value due to their short maturities. The fair value of BCC's long-term
debt is based on an average of the $101 bid and $102 offer price on June 30,
1995. The fair value of Buckeye Florida Partners' long-term debt is estimated
using discounted cash flow analyses, based on Buckeye Florida Partners'
current incremental borrowing rate. The carrying value and fair value of long-
term debt at June 30, 1995, is $169,102,000 and $178,976,000, respectively.
 
14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
  Effective May 1, 1996, Buckeye Cellulose GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of
the Company, purchased the property, plant, equipment and inventories of the
specialty pulp business of Peter Temming AG for approximately $29 million. The
acquisition will be accounted for as a purchase.
 
                                     F-17
<PAGE>
 
                 BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION AND AFFILIATES
 
       NOTES TO COMBINED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  On April 30, 1996, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to
purchase all of the common stock of Alpha Cellulose Holdings, Inc. ("Alpha")
of Lumberton, North Carolina. Subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions
and regulatory approval, the acquisition is expected to be completed in early
fiscal 1997.
 
  In November 1995, shareholders of Buckeye Florida Corporation exchanged all
of their outstanding common stock for common stock of Buckeye Cellulose
Corporation and Buckeye Florida Corporation became a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Buckeye Cellulose Corporation. All prior interim periods presented have
been restated to reflect this combination of equity interests. Concurrently,
the Company exercised an option to acquire Procter & Gamble Cellulose's 50%
limited partnership interest in Buckeye Florida Partners, of which Buckeye
Florida Corporation is the general partner, for $62.1 million in cash, plus
assumed liabilities. This acquisition has been recorded using the purchase
method of accounting. The allocation of the purchase price is based on the
respective fair value of assets and liabilities at the date of acquisition
based on an independent appraisal and resulted in an increase to property,
plant and equipment of $10.6 million and a reduction in goodwill of $9.0
million. The purchase included at fair value current assets of $45.6 million,
property, plant and equipment of $93.8 million, and the assumption of current
liabilities of $17.3 million, non-current liabilities of $6.5 million and
long-term debt of $46.9 million. The operations of Buckeye Florida Partners
are consolidated in the accompanying financial statements and the 50% limited
partnership interest is recorded as minority interest prior to the date of
acquisition. The charge to minority interest was discontinued at the date of
acquisition of the Procter & Gamble Cellulose 50% limited partnership
interest.
 
  The following pro forma results of operations assume the acquisition of the
Procter & Gamble Cellulose limited partnership interest in Buckeye Florida
Partners and the combination of equity interests of Buckeye Florida
Corporation with the Company occurred as of the beginning of the periods
presented and excludes the impact on interest expense and certain other costs,
which in the aggregate is not material:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                  MARCH 31,
                                                              -----------------
                                                                1995     1996
                                                              -------- --------
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS,
                                                                   EXCEPT
                                                               PER SHARE DATA)
      <S>                                                     <C>      <C>
      Net sales.............................................. $301,318 $338,825
      Operating income.......................................   54,625   83,179
      Income before extraordinary loss.......................   23,917   43,741
      Net income.............................................   23,917   39,792
      Earnings per common share:
        Income before extraordinary loss.....................      --      2.08
        Net income...........................................      --      1.89
</TABLE>
 
  The pro forma information is presented for information purposes only and is
not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have occurred
had the acquisition and combination been consummated as of the above dates,
nor is it necessarily indicative of future operating results.
 
  During November 1995, the Company completed a public offering of $150
million principal amount of 8 1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due December 15,
2005, which were sold for 99.626% of their principal amount, and 747,500
shares of common stock were sold through an underwriten public offering. The
Company also entered into a new credit facility providing for borrowings of up
to $135 million of which $56 million was borrowed at closing of the
transactions described above. The new credit facility matures November 28,
2000, and beginning in 1998 availability reduces by $3.75 million per quarter.
Borrowings under the new credit facility bear interest at the lender's prime,
LIBOR plus a spread, or a money market based rate, at the option of the
Company. Under the terms of both the notes and new credit facility, the
Company is required to comply with certain covenants including minimum net
worth, interest coverage ratio and limitations on levels of indebtedness.
 
  The proceeds from the notes and bank credit facility were used to repay $90
million of outstanding loans from Procter & Gamble, purchase Procter & Gamble
Cellulose's interest in Buckeye Florida Partners, finance a tender offer for
the Company's outstanding 10 1/4% Senior Notes due 2001, repay $482,000 of
Madison Dearborn Capital Partners debt and pay fees and expenses incurred in
connection with these transactions. In the quarter ended March 31, 1996, an
additional $12.2 million of 10 1/4% Senior Notes were retired using the
proceeds to the Company from its initial public stock offering.
 
                                     F-18
<PAGE>
 
                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
Boards of Directors
Buckeye Cellulose Corporation and Affiliated Companies
 
  We have audited the accompanying combined statement of operating income of
the Memphis operations and the Foley operations (the "Plants") of The Procter
& Gamble Cellulose Company ("Procter & Gamble Cellulose"), a subsidiary of The
Procter & Gamble Company ("Procter & Gamble") for the period July 1, 1992
through March 15, 1993. This combined statement of operating income is the
responsibility of the management of the Memphis Plant and Foley Plant. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on this combined statement of
operating income based on our audit.
 
  We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the combined statement of operating
income is free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the combined
statement of operating income. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall combined statement of operating income presentation. We
believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
  As described in Note 1, the accompanying combined statement of operating
income includes the revenues and expenses which are specifically identifiable
with the Plants, as well as certain allocated expenses. This combined
statement of operating income may not necessarily reflect the results of
operations of the Plants had they been operated as stand-alone entities. Under
agreements dated March 16, 1993, the Memphis Plant was purchased from Procter
& Gamble Cellulose by Buckeye Cellulose Corporation ("BCC") and the Foley
Plant was purchased from Procter & Gamble Cellulose by Buckeye Florida,
Limited Partnership ("Buckeye Florida Partners").
 
  In our opinion, the combined statement of operating income referred to above
presents fairly, in all material respects, the combined results of operations
of the Plants for the period July 1, 1992 through March 15, 1993, as described
in Note 1, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          Ernst & Young LLP
 
Memphis, Tennessee
July 28, 1995
 
                                     F-19
<PAGE>
 
                    MEMPHIS PLANT AND FOLEY PLANT OPERATIONS
 
                     COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATING INCOME
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
                      JULY 1, 1992 THROUGH MARCH 15, 1993
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                    <C>
Net sales............................................................. $233,460
Cost of goods sold....................................................  189,808
                                                                       --------
Gross margin..........................................................   43,652
Selling, research, and administrative expenses:
  Procter & Gamble Cellulose division allocations.....................   17,522
  Procter & Gamble corporate allocations..............................    4,764
                                                                       --------
                                                                         22,286
                                                                       --------
Operating income...................................................... $ 21,366
                                                                       ========
</TABLE>
 
 
 
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>
 
                   MEMPHIS PLANT AND FOLEY PLANT OPERATIONS
 
                    NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                (IN THOUSANDS)
 
              FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1, 1992 THROUGH MARCH 15, 1993
 
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
 Business Description and Basis of Presentation
 
  The Memphis Plant and Foley Plant (the "Plants") of Procter & Gamble
Cellulose produce cotton linter pulp and wood pulp, respectively. The Plants
have historically operated as two of several pulp mills comprising the
Cellulose & Specialties Division (the "C&S Division") of Procter & Gamble
Cellulose. Under an agreement dated March 16, 1993, the assets and business
comprising the Memphis Plant and certain
C&S Division headquarters assets were purchased from Procter & Gamble
Cellulose by BCC, a newly-formed company.
 
  Also, under a separate agreement dated March 16, 1993, Buckeye Florida
Partners was formed by Buckeye Florida Corporation and Procter & Gamble
Cellulose. Simultaneously, Buckeye Florida Partners acquired substantially all
of the assets and liabilities of the wood pulp plant located in Foley,
Florida.
 
  BCC and Buckeye Florida Partners are commonly owned by Madison Dearborn
Capital Partners, L.P. ("MDCP") and certain management members of BCC and
Buckeye Florida Partners. The combined statement of operating income (the
"Statement") does not reflect the effects of the purchase transactions.
 
  The accompanying Statement includes the revenues and expenses which are
specifically identifiable with the Plants as well as certain allocated
expenses for services provided by the C&S Division and by Procter & Gamble.
The C&S Division costs are allocated using formulas including estimates of
effort expended and sales. Procter & Gamble corporate expenses are allocated
based primarily on sales. The Statement may not necessarily reflect the
results of operations of the Plants had they been operated as stand-alone
entities.
 
  Procter & Gamble provides a centralized cash management function. Many of
the Plants' disbursements and collections are settled through intercompany
accounts; therefore, no statement of cash flows is presented.
 
  The Plants' results of operations have historically been included in the
consolidated income tax returns of Procter & Gamble. There is no tax sharing
agreement for allocating income taxes to operating units. Accordingly, the
Statement does not reflect any income tax expense or benefit.
 
  The debt obligations of Procter & Gamble are not specifically identifiable
with individual operating units; accordingly, interest charges are not
reflected in the results of operations of the Plants.
 
 Inventories
 
  Raw cotton lint inventories, the lint component of finished pulp, and
storeroom supplies of the Memphis Plant are stated at lower of cost
(determined on the average cost method) or market. The remaining components of
finished pulp costs including other raw materials, labor and overhead are
stated at lower of cost (determined on a first-in, first-out basis) or market.
 
  Inventories of the Foley Plant, other than storeroom supplies and chemicals,
are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market.
Storeroom supplies and chemicals are stated at lower of cost (determined on
the average cost method) or market.
 
 Revenue Recognition
 
  Revenue is generally recognized at the time products are shipped. Net sales
is comprised of sales reduced by sales allowances and distribution costs.
 
                                     F-21
<PAGE>
 
                   MEMPHIS PLANT AND FOLEY PLANT OPERATIONS
 
              NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 Depreciation
 
  Depreciation is computed on the straight-line basis over the estimated
useful lives of the assets.
 
 Environmental Costs
 
  Liabilities are recorded when environmental assessments are probable, and
the cost can be reasonably estimated. Generally, the timing of these accruals
coincides with the earlier of completion of a feasibility study or the Plants'
commitment to a plan of action based on the then known facts.
 
2. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
  As discussed in Note 1, certain expenses reflected in the Statement include
allocations of expenses from the C&S Division and from Procter & Gamble. C&S
Division allocations include product supply services of $222 which is included
in the cost of goods sold. C&S Division selling, research and administrative
allocations include administrative costs of general management, information
systems management, costs of operations and maintenance of a C&S Division
airplane, and other miscellaneous services. Selling costs include allocated
costs of domestic and foreign sales offices. Research and development costs
allocated by the C&S Division were $3,923 for the period July 1, 1992 through
March 15, 1993. Allocations related to the C&S Division airplane were $614 for
the period July 1, 1992 through March 15, 1993.
 
  Procter & Gamble corporate allocations include product supply services of
$131 which are included in cost of goods sold. Procter & Gamble corporate
allocations also include costs of general management, treasury, franchise
taxes and tax administration, financial audit, financial reporting, benefits
administration, insurance, public affairs, information systems management, and
other miscellaneous services.
 
  Net sales to Procter & Gamble for the period July 1, 1992 through March 15,
1993 were $101,969, which represents 44% of total net sales for the period.
 
3. EXPORT SALES
 
  Gross export sales by geographic area as a percent of total gross sales for
the period are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
             <S>                                   <C>
             Europe............................... 41%
             Asia................................. 11
             South America........................  3
             Other................................ 10
                                                   ---
                                                   65%
                                                   ===
</TABLE>
 
4. RETIREMENT PLANS
 
 Profit Sharing Plan
 
  Substantially all Plant employees are covered by The Procter & Gamble Profit
Sharing Trust and Employee Stock Ownership Plan, an employer-funded, defined
contribution profit sharing plan which provides retirement benefits. Annual
credits to participants' accounts are based on individual base salary and
years of service.
 
  Profit sharing expense allocable to the Plants were $4,980 for the period
July 1, 1992 through March 15, 1993.
 
                                     F-22
<PAGE>
 
                   MEMPHIS PLANT AND FOLEY PLANT OPERATIONS
 
              NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 Other Retiree Benefits
 
  Certain health care and life insurance benefits are provided for retired
employees. The net cost of these benefits is charged to individual operating
units in the year the claims and premiums are paid. The net costs related to
the Plants were $941 for the period July 1, 1992 through March 15, 1993. Under
the terms of the purchase agreements discussed in Note 1, Procter & Gamble
will retain all future costs related to current retirees.
 
  Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 106, Accounting for
Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions, had not been adopted by the
Plants as of March 15, 1993. This statement requires the use of an accrual
basis of accounting to recognize the related expense over the period of active
employment.
 
5. DEPRECIATION, AMORTIZATION AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
 
  Depreciation, amortization, and capital expenditures for the period were as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
             <S>                               <C>
             Depreciation..................... $18,713
             Amortization.....................     549
             Capital expenditures.............  17,761
</TABLE>
 
6. CONTINGENCIES
 
  Procter & Gamble has been named as a defendant in 21 lawsuits involving
approximately 188 individual plaintiffs claiming unspecified compensatory and
punitive damages, costs and legal fees for alleged diminished property value
and fear of illness asserting that the Foley Plant discharged toxic pollutants
into the nearby Fenholloway River and into treatment ponds from which the
pollutants entered and allegedly contaminated the underground water. Buckeye
Florida Partners assumed the obligation for any costs at the acquisition (see
Note 1). Buckeye Florida Partners intends to vigorously defend these suits and
contends that the discharge from the Foley Plant is in compliance with federal
and state permits.
 
  The Plants are involved in certain other legal actions and claims arising in
the ordinary course of business. Additionally, the Plants are subject to
various state and federal laws and regulations concerning the protection of
the environment.
 
7. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
  In December 1994, Buckeye Florida Partners reached an agreement in principle
with the State of Florida Department of Environmental Regulation based upon an
environmental study of Buckeye Florida Partners' operations. Compliance with
the agreement (the "Fenholloway Agreement") will require Buckeye Florida
Partners to invest up to $39 million through 1999 to modify its facilities. In
addition to the cost of compliance with the Fenholloway Agreement, the cost of
future compliance with other environmental regulations will depend on
environmental regulations which are subject to change and the subsequent
definition of the necessary technology to meet the changing regulations.
Therefore, it is difficult to determine the total amount of expenditures that
may be required in the future. However, Buckeye Florida Partners estimates
that capital spending for environmental compliance in addition to compliance
with the Fenholloway Agreement could be up to $14 million through the year
2000.
 
                                     F-23
<PAGE>
 
   REPORT OF DIPL.-ING. WOLF GADECKE, WIRTSCHAFTSPRUFER, INDEPENDENT AUDITOR
 
Board of Directors
Buckeye Cellulose Corporation
 
  I have audited the accompanying balance sheet of the cotton linter pulp
division of Peter Temming AG (the "Specialty Pulp Business") as of December
31, 1995, and the related statement of income for the year then ended. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Specialty Pulp Business
management. My responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on my audits.
 
  I conducted my audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards in the Federal Republic of Germany, which in my opinion do not
differ significantly from generally accepted auditing standards in the United
States of America. Those standards require that I plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatements. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. I believe that my audit provides a
reasonable basis for my opinion.
 
  As described in the Accounting and Valuation Method's footnote to the
financial statements, the accompanying financial statements include the
revenues and expenses which are specifically identifiable with the Specialty
Pulp Business, as well as certain allocated expenses. The financial statements
may not necessarily reflect the results of operations of the Specialty Pulp
Business had it been operated as a stand-alone entity.
 
  In my opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of the Specialty Pulp Business
at December 31, 1995 and the results of its operations for the year then ended
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles of the Federal
Republic of Germany.
 
                                          Dipl.-Ing. Wolf Gadecke
                                          Wirtschaftsprufer
 
Hamburg, Germany
April 29, 1996
 
                                     F-24
<PAGE>
 
           PETER TEMMING AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT--SPECIALTY PULP BUSINESS
                     BALANCE SHEET AS PER DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         DM            DM
                                                    ------------- -------------
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>
A. FIXED ASSETS
 I.Intangible Assets
     Industrial and similar rights, software.......                       96.00
 II.Tangible Assets
   1. Land, land rights and buildings including
    buildings on third party land..................  3,743,152.00
   2. Technical equipment and machines.............  2,691,700.00
   3. Other equipment, factory and office
    equipment......................................    639,818.00
   4. Payments on account and assets under
    construction...................................          0.00  7,074,670.00
                                                    -------------
 III.Financial Assets
     Other loans...................................                        0.00
 
B. CURRENT ASSETS
 I.Inventories
   1. Raw materials and supplies................... 13,518,705.00
   2. Work in process..............................      7,960.00
   3. Finished goods...............................  4,920,800.00 18,447,465.00
                                                    -------------
 II.Receivables and other assets
   1. Trade receivables............................ 11,292,865.95
   2. Other assets.................................     94,503.00 11,387,368.95
                                                    -------------
 III.Cash-in-hand, postal giro balances, bank
  balances.........................................                  916,425.00
                                                                  -------------
                                                                  37,826,024.95
                                                                  =============
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>
 
           PETER TEMMING AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT--SPECIALTY PULP BUSINESS
                     BALANCE SHEET AS PER DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        DM             DM
                                                   -------------  -------------
<S>                                                <C>            <C>
A.EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
  I. Subscribed capital...........................  7,000,000.00
  II. Results from ordinary activities............    303,320.36   7,303,320.36
                                                   -------------
B.SPECIAL RESERVES FOR TAX PURPOSES...............                    58,701.00
C.ACCRUALS
  1. Accruals for pensions and similar
   obligations....................................    610,291.00
  2. Other accruals...............................  2,447,197.00   3,057,488.00
                                                   -------------
D.LIABILITIES
  1. Liabilities to banks.........................  8,655,788.00
  2. Trade payables...............................  2,916,838.06
  3. Payables to pension fund.....................    154,663.00
  4. Other liabilities............................ 15,679,226.53
   of which taxes: DM 348,345.60
   of which relating to social security
   and similar obligations: DM 401,117.00
   of which affiliated companies: DM 14,434,359.35                27,406,515.59
                                                   -------------  -------------
                                                                  37,826,024.95
                                                                  =============
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>
 
           PETER TEMMING AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT--SPECIALTY PULP BUSINESS
 
             INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      DM              DM
                                                 -------------  --------------
<S>                                              <C>            <C>
 1.Sales........................................                 87,015,212.18
 2.Increase in finished goods inventories and
    work in process.............................                  1,926,199.00
 3.Production for own plant equipment
    capitalized.................................                     37,298.00
 4.Other operating income.......................                    950,599.59
 5.Material cost
  Cost of raw materials, consumables and
   supplies and of purchased merchandise........                (53,445,177.00)
                                                                --------------
 6.Gross result.................................                 36,484,131.77
 7.Personnel expenses
  a)Wages and salaries.......................... 14,619,679.00
  b)Social security and other pension cost, of
      which in respect of old age pensions: DM
      95,587.00.................................  2,966,859.00  (17,586,538.00)
                                                 -------------
 8.Depreciation on intangible fixed assets and
    tangible assets.............................                 (1,924,734.00)
 9.Other operating expenses.....................                (16,388,790.41)
                                                                --------------
10.Operational result...........................                    584,069.36
11.Income from other investments and long term
    loans.......................................         80.00
12.Other interest and similar income............     13,328.00
13.Interest and similar expenses (mainly for
    liabilities to banks).......................   (294,157.00)
                                                 -------------
14.Financial result.............................                   (280,749.00)
                                                                --------------
15.Results from ordinary activities.............                    303,320.36
                                                                ==============
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>
 
           PETER TEMMING AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT--SPECIALTY PULP BUSINESS
 
               NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--1995--(CONTINUED)
 
GENERAL MATTERS
 
  The cotton linter pulp division of Peter Temming Aktiengesellschaft
(hereinafter Peter Temming AG) (the "Specialty Pulp Business") has
historically been operated as one segment of several segments comprising Peter
Temming AG. Under a letter of intention signed in January 1996, the assets and
business comprising the Specialty Pulp Business, including the production
plant in Gluckstadt, Germany, are to be purchased from Peter Temming AG by
Buckeye Cellulose Corporation, Memphis, Tennessee, USA, respectively, by
Buckeye Cellulose GmbH, Kappeln, Germany.
 
  The accompanying financial statements of the Specialty Pulp Business have
been derived from the audited year end financial statements of Peter Temming
AG, with the Specialty Pulp Business to be transferred being treated as a
dependent permanent establishment. The financial statements include the
assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses which are specifically identifiable
with the Specialty Pulp Business as well as certain allocated expenses for
shared services, including cash management activities. The expenses are
allocated using formulas including estimates of effort expended and sales. The
financial statements may not necessarily reflect the results of operations of
the Specialty Pulp Business had it been operated as a standalone entity.
 
  No allocation or calculation of income and asset taxes have been undertaken.
As a result, the income statement ends with the results from ordinary
activities.
 
ACCOUNTING AND VALUATION METHODS
 
  The annual financial statements of the Specialty Pulp Business were prepared
according to accounting and valuation regulations specified in the Commercial
Code and the Aktiengesetz ("AktG") in the Federal Republic of Germany.
 
  Peter Temming AG provides a centralized cash management function. Many of
the Specialty Pulp Business's disbursements and collections are settled
through intercompany accounts; therefore, no statement of cash flows is
presented.
 
  Intangible assets are capitalized at their acquisition cost reduced by
ordinary amortization.
 
  Tangible fixed assets are recorded at acquisition cost reduced by ordinary
depreciation. For personal computers and accessories a fixed value is
established. The difference between depreciation permissible under the
Commercial Code and under tax law regulations was recorded as special reserves
for tax purposes.
 
  Declining depreciation rates are used for buildings in agreement with German
tax regulations (par. 7 Abs. 5 EStG). The useful life of buildings generally
ranges from 10 to 30 years; 40 years are applied for older buildings.
 
  The declining balance depreciation method is generally used for additions to
technical equipment and machines as well as to other equipment, factory and
office equipment, up to the year in which the straight line method results in
higher depreciation charges.
 
  Depreciation of subsequent acquisition cost is applied using the adequate
useful life.
 
  Movable, low value assets are expensed according to tax law regulations.
 
  Raw materials and supplies are capitalized at the lower of acquisition cost
or current market prices valid at the balance sheet date. The acquisition cost
for raw lint includes also the internal discharging fee.
 
  Work in process is valued at proportional manufacturing cost.
 
 
                                     F-28
<PAGE>
 
           PETER TEMMING AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT--SPECIALTY PULP BUSINESS
 
               NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--1995--(CONTINUED)
 
  Finished goods, sorted by product, are valued at the lower of actual
manufacturing cost or net realizable value at the balance sheet date.
Manufacturing costs include direct costs as well as appropriate manufacturing
overhead and administrative expenses in relation to the manufacturing process.
 
  Receivables and other assets are recorded at their nominal value. All
foreseeable valuation risk of trade accounts receivables and other assets are
provided for via adequate specific allowances. The general credit risk is
provided for via a general allowance taking specific conditions of different
countries into account.
 
  The special reserve for tax purposes exclusively includes the difference
between depreciation permissible under the Commercial Code and under tax
regulations and will be released over the useful life of the assets concerned.
The special reserve for tax purposes represents an allowance of fixed assets.
 
  Accruals take into account all recognizable risks. Direct pension payments
are accrued for according to actuarial science principles based on an interest
rate of 6%.
 
  Liabilities are recorded at the repayment value.
 
  Receivables and liabilities in a foreign currency (i.e. other than Deutsch
mark) are valued at the exchange rate at year end. Losses resulting from
fluctuations in exchange rates as of the transaction date and as of the
balance sheet date are included in income.
 
EXPLANATION WITH RESPECT TO THE BALANCE SHEET
 
 Fixed Assets
 
  Intangible assets cover purchased software.
 
  Additions to tangible assets of (000) DM 1,557 reflect generally building
cost for the expansion of the shipment stock, an out-building and other
remodelings at the machine-house, of (000) DM 817 for a Yokogawa control-
system, reconstruction to a scroll-cutter and other technical equipment and
machines and of (000) DM 546 for other factory and office equipment.
 
 Current Assets
 
  Trade accounts receivables have been reduced by allowances of (000) DM 234.
Other assets mainly represent receivables from tax authorities and receivables
from an energy entity.
 
 Subscribed Capital
 
  The capital of the Specialty Pulp Business, derived from Peter Temming AG
balance sheet, amounts to (000) DM 7,000.
 
 Profit on Ordinary Activities
 
  The 1995 profit on ordinary activities for the Specialty Pulp Business as a
dependent permanent establishment amounts to (000) DM 303. Although the item
is allocated as equity (retained earnings), it was assumed that the profits
are to be distributed in full.
 
 Special Reserve for Tax Purposes
 
  The special reserve for tax purposes exclusively reflects depreciation in
accordance with par. 6b EStG (Income tax law) which is in excess of
depreciation under regulations of the Commercial Code.
 
  The release of the reserve will result in income taxes at a rate of 50% as
far as profits will occur.
 
                                     F-29
<PAGE>
 
           PETER TEMMING AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT--SPECIALTY PULP BUSINESS
 
               NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--1995--(CONTINUED)
 
 Accruals
 
  The accrual for pension includes amounts as high as possible under tax
regulations. A portion of pension obligations are due from a separate pension
entity. Pension obligations are totally funded by assets of the pension entity
and pension accruals.
 
  Other accruals primarily include waste water charges--(000) DM 1,090;
obligations to employees--(000) DM 890; repair and maintenance--(000) DM 141;
and open invoices of (000) DM 306.
 
 Liabilities
 
  Liabilities are made up as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            FALLING DUE
                                                   -----------------------------
                                      TOTAL AMOUNT LESS THAN 1  1-5  MORE THAN 5
                                        (000) DM      YEAR     YEARS    YEARS
                                      ------------ ----------- ----- -----------
   <S>                                <C>          <C>         <C>   <C>
   Liabilities to banks.............      8,656       6,459    2,197     --
   Trade payable....................      2,917       2,917      --      --
   Payables to pensions fund........        154         --       --      154
   Other liabilities................     15,679      15,679      --      --
                                         ------      ------    -----     ---
                                         27,406      25,055    2,197     154
                                         ======      ======    =====     ===
</TABLE>
 
  Liabilities to banks are secured by mortgages of (000) DM 2,656 on company
real estate.
 
EXPLANATIONS TO THE INCOME STATEMENT
 
  The income statement was classified applying the total cost method.
 
 Sales
 
  Sales are recorded without VAT. They include Specialty Pulp Business sales
only.
 
  Total sales according to regions are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                FOREIGN COUNTRIES FEDERAL REPUBLIC
                                      (DM)        OF GERMANY (DM)    TOTAL DM
                                ----------------- ---------------- -------------
      <S>                       <C>               <C>              <C>
      Specialty Pulp Business.    60,345,336.28    26,669,875.90   87,015,212.18
</TABLE>
 
 Other operating income
 
  Other operating income primarily contains income from the reversal of other
accruals of (000) DM 419, the release of the general allowance of (000) DM 200
and the profit on foreign exchange (000) DM 157.
 
  The position includes income amounting to (000) DM 748 relating to another
business year.
 
 Depreciation
 
  Depreciation contains ordinary depreciation on intangible and tangible
assets.
 
 Other operating expenses
 
  Other operating expenses mainly reflect expenses from sideline business
repair and maintenance expenses, waste and waste water charges, administration
and operating expenses as well as rent and lease expenses, other
administrative cost, travel expenses, provisions, freight and insurance
expenses.
 
                                     F-30
<PAGE>
 
           PETER TEMMING AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT--SPECIALTY PULP BUSINESS
 
                NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--1995--(CONTINUED)
 
 Other Remarks
 
Average number of employees working for the company during the business year:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1995 1994
                                                                       ---- ----
      <S>                                                              <C>  <C>
      Hourly employees................................................ 109  108
      Salaried employees..............................................  49   48
                                                                       ---  ---
                                                                       158  156
                                                                       ===  ===
</TABLE>
 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
 
Michael Steinbeis (chairman)
Franz Stimmel
Gerhard Wanko
 
Gluckstadt, April 18, 1996
 
                                      F-31
<PAGE>
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
To the Board of Directors
Alpha Cellulose Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Alpha
Cellulose Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31,
1995, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity
and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
 
  We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Alpha Cellulose Holdings,
Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          Deloitte & Touche LLP
 
February 29, 1996
 
                                     F-32
<PAGE>
 
                ALPHA CELLULOSE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       DECEMBER 31,  MARCH 31,
                                                           1995        1996
                                                       ------------ -----------
                                                                    (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents........................... $   186,386  $   110,891
  Receivables:
    Trade.............................................   5,675,744    6,660,999
    Related parties (Note 8)..........................      60,000       61,000
    Other.............................................       6,749       15,429
  Inventory (Note 3)..................................  14,910,692   16,608,688
  Prepaid expenses and other assets...................     163,500      442,597
  Deferred income tax (Note 6)........................     594,000      780,000
                                                       -----------  -----------
      Total current assets............................  21,597,071   24,679,604
                                                       -----------  -----------
Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 4)...........  27,391,460   27,395,557
Intangible assets, net (Note 5).......................   4,528,386    4,214,100
                                                       -----------  -----------
      Total assets.................................... $53,516,917  $56,289,261
                                                       ===========  ===========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Current portion of long-term obligations (Note 7)... $ 7,122,053  $ 9,236,579
  Accounts payable....................................   1,951,302    1,160,131
  Accrued expenses....................................   2,935,802    3,239,912
  Income tax payable..................................     146,327      562,827
                                                       -----------  -----------
      Total current liabilities.......................  12,155,484   14,199,449
                                                       -----------  -----------
Long-term obligations (Notes 7 and 8).................  28,089,544   28,104,556
Deferred income tax (Note 6)..........................   4,135,000    3,993,000
Commitments (Note 9)
Stockholders' equity:
  Common stock, $.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares
   authorized and outstanding.........................      10,000       10,000
  Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 50,000 shares
   authorized and outstanding.........................         500          500
  Paid-in capital.....................................   3,989,500    3,993,475
  Retained earnings...................................   5,136,889    5,988,281
                                                       -----------  -----------
      Total stockholders' equity......................   9,136,889    9,992,256
                                                       -----------  -----------
      Total liabilities and stockholders' equity...... $53,516,917  $56,289,261
                                                       ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-33
<PAGE>
 
                ALPHA CELLULOSE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                          YEAR ENDED          MARCH 31,
                                           DECEMBER    ------------------------
                                           31, 1995       1995         1996
                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                       (UNAUDITED)  (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                       <C>          <C>          <C>
Sales.................................... $54,850,902  $14,077,753  $14,726,579
  Less allowances........................  (4,516,483)  (1,176,311)  (1,534,007)
                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
    Net sales............................  50,334,419   12,901,442   13,192,572
Cost of sales............................  35,477,777    7,988,781   10,348,757
                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
    Gross profit.........................  14,856,642    4,912,661    2,843,815
Selling and administrative expenses......   4,084,565    1,420,703      847,868
                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
    Operating income.....................  10,772,077    3,491,958    1,995,947
                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
Other income (expense):
  Interest income (Note 8)...............       7,077        2,435        1,293
  Interest expense (Note 8)..............  (3,265,474)    (807,535)    (780,564)
  Trucking income, net...................      31,465       16,469      (15,697)
  Miscellaneous, net.....................    (445,651)         438      (25,605)
                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
    Total other expense..................  (3,672,583)    (788,193)    (820,573)
                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
Income before income taxes...............   7,099,494    2,703,765    1,175,324
Provision for income taxes (Note 6)......   2,682,000    1,022,000      323,982
                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
Net income............................... $ 4,417,494  $ 1,681,765  $   851,392
                                          ===========  ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-34
<PAGE>
 
                ALPHA CELLULOSE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           COMMON  PREFERRED  PAID-IN    RETAINED
                            STOCK    STOCK    CAPITAL    EARNINGS     TOTAL
                           ------- --------- ---------- ----------  ----------
<S>                        <C>     <C>       <C>        <C>         <C>
Balance, January 1, 1995.. $ 9,700   $500    $3,929,800 $  961,437  $4,901,437
  Common stock, 30,000
   shares issued..........     300               59,700                 60,000
  Dividends...............                                (242,042)   (242,042)
  Net income..............                               4,417,494   4,417,494
                           -------   ----    ---------- ----------  ----------
Balance, December 31,
 1995..................... $10,000   $500    $3,989,500 $5,136,889  $9,136,889
  Net income (unaudited)..                                 851,392     851,392
  Other capital
   transactions
   (unaudited)............                        3,975                  3,975
                           -------   ----    ---------- ----------  ----------
Balance, March 31, 1996
 (unaudited).............. $10,000   $500    $3,993,475 $5,988,281  $9,992,256
                           =======   ====    ========== ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
 
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-35
<PAGE>
 
                ALPHA CELLULOSE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                          YEAR ENDED          MARCH 31,
                                         DECEMBER 31,  ------------------------
                                             1995         1995         1996
                                         ------------  -----------  -----------
                                                       (UNAUDITED)  (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                      <C>           <C>          <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income.............................  $ 4,417,494   $1,531,266     $851,392
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
 net cash provided by (used in)
 operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization........    2,961,534      722,180      889,611
  Deferred income tax..................      146,000       36,830     (328,000)
  Net loss on disposal of assets.......      445,850          --           --
  Provision for bad debts..............       75,000          --           --
  Changes in operating assets and
   liabilities:
    Receivables........................     (970,274)  (1,404,853)    (994,935)
    Inventory..........................   (6,514,711)    (930,644)  (1,697,996)
    Prepaid expenses and other assets..      174,304        1,556     (279,097)
    Accounts payable...................     (582,958)  (1,389,606)    (791,171)
    Accrued expenses and income tax
     payable...........................      163,238    1,116,010      720,610
                                         -----------   ----------   ----------
Net cash provided by (used in)
 operating activities..................      315,477     (317,261)  (1,629,586)
                                         -----------   ----------   ----------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sale of equipment........      119,747          --           --
Receipts/Payments related to
 acquisition of Alpha Cellulose, Inc...      636,084      (16,800)         --
Purchases of equipment.................   (2,082,335)    (208,354)    (579,422)
                                         -----------   ----------   ----------
Net cash used in investing activities..   (1,326,504)    (225,154)    (579,422)
                                         -----------   ----------   ----------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings on line of credit, net......    2,097,487          --     2,490,321
Proceeds from issuance of stock........       60,000          --           --
Principal payments on long-term
 obligations...........................   (1,449,198)    (101,661)    (360,783)
Dividends paid to shareholders.........     (242,042)         --           --
Other capital transactions.............          --           --         3,975
                                         -----------   ----------   ----------
Net cash provided by financing
 activities............................      466,247     (101,661)   2,133,513
                                         -----------   ----------   ----------
Net decrease in cash and cash
 equivalents...........................     (544,780)    (644,076)     (75,495)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of
 period................................      731,166      731,166      186,386
                                         -----------   ----------   ----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of
 period................................  $   186,386   $   87,090   $  110,891
                                         ===========   ==========   ==========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW
 INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the year for:
  Interest (net of amount capitalized).  $ 3,736,792
                                         -----------
  Income taxes.........................  $ 2,401,917
                                         ===========
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-36
<PAGE>
 
                ALPHA CELLULOSE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
  Alpha Cellulose Holdings, Inc. ("Holdings") was incorporated in the State of
Delaware on July 11, 1994 through the issuance of 50,000 shares of preferred
stock and 970,000 shares of common stock for $2,970,000 in cash, note
receivable of $60,000 and property with a fair value of $910,000.
 
  On August 7, 1994, Holdings acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of
Alpha Cellulose, Inc. ("Alpha") in a business combination for an aggregate
purchase price of $42,352,105 (the "Acquisition"). The Acquisition was funded
as follows:
 
<TABLE>
      <S>                                                           <C>
      Exchange of stock............................................ $ 3,940,000
      Borrowings on revolving line of credit.......................   5,366,940
      Borrowings on term loan......................................  23,000,000
      Borrowings on subordinated notes.............................   9,000,000
      Noncompete agreement.........................................   1,045,165
                                                                    -----------
                                                                    $42,352,105
                                                                    ===========
</TABLE>
 
  The Acquisition has been accounted for in accordance with the purchase
method of accounting and the accompanying consolidated financial statements of
the Company reflect the purchase price allocated to assets acquired and
liabilities assumed based on their fair values as of the acquisition date. The
fair values of assets and liabilities were based on independent appraisals and
estimates by management. The following is a summary of the purchase price
allocation as of the date of acquisition:
 
<TABLE>
      <S>                                                           <C>
      Current assets............................................... $17,093,737
      Property, plant and equipment................................  28,336,547
      Intangible assets............................................   6,001,005
      Liabilities assumed..........................................  (9,079,184)
                                                                    -----------
          Total purchase price..................................... $42,352,105
                                                                    ===========
</TABLE>
 
  All goodwill resulting from the purchase is being amortized over 40 years.
The noncompete asset is being amortized over the three year life of the
agreement.
 
  In 1995, $636,084 was received in settlement of certain contingent
obligations existing at the acquisition date. Accordingly, goodwill has been
reduced by $636,084 to reflect this settlement.
 
  Operations--Alpha is the leading worldwide manufacturer of cotton pulp used
by specialty papermills in the production of a variety of fine writing and
other specialty papers.
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
  a. Principles of Consolidation--The consolidated financial statements
include the accounts of Alpha Cellulose Holdings, Inc. and its wholly-owned
subsidiaries Alpha and Alpha Cellulose Exports, Inc. All intercompany balances
and transactions have been eliminated.
 
  b. Unaudited Financial Statements--In the opinion of management, the
Consolidated Statements of Income and the Consolidated Statements of Cash
Flows for the three months ended March 31, 1995 and 1996 and the Consolidated
Balance Sheet as of March 31, 1996 include all adjustments (which include only
normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial
position and Results of Operations and Cash Flows for the period then ended in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
  c. Statement of Cash Flows--For the purposes of reporting cash flows, cash
and cash equivalents include cash on hand and amounts due from banks and
investments in money market accounts.
 
  d. Inventory--Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is
determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Obsolete and possible
excess quantities are reduced to estimated net realizable value.
 
                                     F-37
<PAGE>
 
                ALPHA CELLULOSE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  e. Property, Plant and Equipment--Additions and improvements are capitalized
at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
Depreciation is provided on both straight-line and accelerated methods for
financial statement and income tax purposes over the following useful lives:
 
<TABLE>
      <S>                                                          <C>
      Land improvements...........................................   10-30 years
      Leasehold improvements......................................    5-10 years
      Buildings................................................... 10-31.5 years
      Machinery and equipment.....................................    3-20 years
</TABLE>
 
  f. Intangible Assets--Intangible assets consist primarily of goodwill
resulting from the purchase of Alpha Cellulose, Inc. and a noncompete
agreement with a former officer of the Company. The goodwill is being
amortized over 40 years and the noncompete agreement over the three year term
of the agreement.
 
  g. Deferred Income Taxes--Deferred income taxes are accounted for in
accordance with Statement of Financial Standards ("SFAS") No. 109, accounting
for income taxes. Deferred income taxes (benefits) are provided on temporary
differences between the financial statement carrying values and the tax bases
of assets and liabilities.
 
  h. Environmental Remediation and Compliance--Environmental remediation costs
are accrued based on estimates of known environmental remediation exposures.
Environmental compliance costs include maintenance and operating costs with
respect to pollution control facilities, costs of ongoing monitoring programs
and similar costs. Such costs are expensed as incurred.
 
  i. Employee Benefit Costs--Alpha has a cash option thrift plan [401(k)]
which covers substantially all employees. The Company matches employee
contributions to the plan up to 5% of the employee's gross compensation.
Thrift plan costs charged to operations were $229,764 for 1995.
 
  j. Use of Estimates--The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and the recorded amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
3. INVENTORY
 
  Inventory consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        DECEMBER 31,  MARCH 31,
                                                            1995        1996
                                                        ------------ -----------
                                                                     (UNAUDITED)
      <S>                                               <C>          <C>
      Supplies......................................... $   623,055  $   694,228
      Raw materials....................................  10,823,700   11,563,768
      Finished goods...................................   3,463,937    4,350,692
                                                        -----------  -----------
          Total inventory.............................. $14,910,692  $16,608,688
                                                        ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
 
                                     F-38
<PAGE>
 
                ALPHA CELLULOSE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
4. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
  Property, plant and equipment, at cost, consists of the following at December
31, 1995:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1995
                                                                    -----------
      <S>                                                           <C>
      Land and improvements........................................ $ 1,298,652
      Leasehold improvements.......................................      72,641
      Buildings....................................................   6,058,911
      Machinery and equipment......................................  22,313,951
      Construction in progress.....................................     848,282
                                                                    -----------
                                                                     30,592,437
      Less accumulated depreciation and amortization...............  (3,200,977)
                                                                    -----------
      Property, plant and equipment, net........................... $27,391,460
                                                                    ===========
</TABLE>
 
5. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
  Intangible assets consist of the following at December 31, 1995 and are
related to the purchase of Alpha by Holdings on August 7, 1994 (see Note 1).
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1995
                                                                     ----------
      <S>                                                            <C>
      Goodwill...................................................... $3,361,117
      Noncompete agreement..........................................  1,045,165
      Deferred financing fees.......................................    936,514
      Other.........................................................     22,125
                                                                     ----------
                                                                      5,364,921
      Less accumulated amortization.................................   (836,535)
                                                                     ----------
      Intangible assets, net........................................ $4,528,386
                                                                     ==========
</TABLE>
 
  Amounts are being amortized using straight-line and effective interest
methods over lives ranging from 3 to 40 years.
 
6. INCOME TAXES
 
  The components of the income tax provision for the year ended December 31,
1995 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
      <S>                                                            <C>
      Current:
        Federal..................................................... $2,022,000
        State.......................................................    514,000
                                                                     ----------
          Total current.............................................  2,536,000
                                                                     ----------
      Deferred:
        Federal.....................................................    116,000
        State.......................................................     30,000
                                                                     ----------
          Total deferred............................................    146,000
                                                                     ----------
          Total provision for income taxes.......................... $2,682,200
                                                                     ==========
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      F-39
<PAGE>
 
                ALPHA CELLULOSE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
  The approximate tax effect on each of the temporary differences that gave
rise to the Company's net deferred income tax liability at December 31, 1995
under SFAS 109 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
      <S>                                                            <C>
      Current deferred income tax (assets) liabilities:
        Deferred compensation....................................... $ (262,000)
        Inventory capitalization....................................   (119,000)
        Accrued liabilities.........................................   (213,000)
                                                                     ----------
      Current deferred income tax asset............................. $ (594,000)
                                                                     ==========
      Noncurrent deferred income tax (assets) liabilities:
        Depreciation................................................ $  694,000
        Property, plant and equipment purchase price adjustments....  3,532,000
        Amortization of noncompete agreement........................   (136,000)
        Other.......................................................     45,000
                                                                     ----------
      Noncurrent deferred income tax liability...................... $4,135,000
                                                                     ==========
</TABLE>
 
  A reconciliation between anticipated income taxes, computed at the statutory
federal income tax rate applied to pretax accounting income, and the provision
for income taxes included in the consolidated statements of income for the
year ended December 31, 1995 is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
      <S>                                                            <C>
      Anticipated income taxes at the statutory federal rate........ $2,414,000
      State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit................    375,000
      Amortization of goodwill......................................     37,000
      Meals and entertainment.......................................      8,000
      Foreign sales corporation income tax benefit..................   (168,000)
      Other, net....................................................     16,000
                                                                     ----------
      Provision for income taxes.................................... $2,682,000
                                                                     ==========
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-40
<PAGE>
 
                ALPHA CELLULOSE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS
 
  Long-term obligations consist of the following at December 31, 1995:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1995
                                                                    -----------
      <S>                                                           <C>
      Term loan; the term loan is with a commercial bank and bears
       interest at a variable rate of the greater of the prime
       rate (8.5% at December 31, 1995), base CD rate (5.68% at
       December 31, 1995) plus 1%, or the federal funds effective
       rate (5.38% at December 31, 1995) plus 1.25%. The Company
       has the option to convert any term loan exclusive of the
       revolving line of credit to a eurodollar loan for three to
       six month periods. The interest rate for the applicable
       period is the LIBOR plus 2.75%. All eurodollar loans are to
       be made net of regularly scheduled debt service payments
       that fall within the eurodollar loan period. Payments are
       due quarterly in amounts ranging from $250,000 to $375,000
       in 1996, plus accrued interest. The loan is secured by all
       assets of the Company......................................  $21,970,867
      Subordinated notes; the subordinated notes are with
       shareholders of the Company and bear interest at 9.25% with
       interest payable semi-annually on May 25 and November 25 of
       each year. Principal amounts are due in two equal
       installments of $4,500,000 on November 25, 2003 and 2004...    9,000,000
      Revolving line of credit; the revolving line of credit is
       with a commercial bank and allows borrowings of up to
       $7,000,000 but not to exceed 80% of eligible receivables
       plus 50% of eligible inventory. Borrowings bear interest at
       a variable rate based on the greater of the prime rate
       (8.5% at December 31, 1995), base CD rate (5.68% at
       December 31, 1995) plus 1%, or the federal funds effective
       rate (5.38% at December 31, 1995) plus 1.25%. Interest is
       payable on the first business day of January, April, July
       and October of each year. During 1995, the line of credit
       was modified to reflect monthly net cash receipts
       (disbursements) as reductions from (additions to) the
       outstanding balance. The line of credit expires August 8,
       1997.......................................................    3,347,484
      Noncompete agreement; the noncompete agreement is with a
       former officer of the Company. The agreement requires the
       Company to make monthly payments of $33,333 (includes
       interest) through January 1998. Interest was imputed at a
       rate of 9.2% on the outstanding balance....................      587,278
      Note payable; the note payable was established for the
       purchase of a warehouse. The note bears interest at a rate
       of 6.5% and is payable in monthly installments of $9,000
       through February 1998......................................      215,968
      Note payable--related party; the note payable--related party
       was established to revalue certain property and equipment
       to its fair value at the acquisition date. The note bears
       interest at a rate of 8% and is payable in August 2001.....       90,000
                                                                    -----------
          Total obligation........................................   35,211,597
          Less current portion....................................    7,122,053
                                                                    -----------
          Total long-term obligations.............................  $28,089,544
                                                                    ===========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-41
<PAGE>
 
                ALPHA CELLULOSE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  The term loan and the revolving line of credit are subject to terms and
conditions of a credit agreement, which provides for certain covenants. At
December 31, 1995, the Company was in compliance with, or had obtained waivers
from, all covenants. In addition, the credit agreement provides for a
mandatory prepayment of the loans (including accrued interest) to be made
within 90 days after year-end, contingent upon the results of certain
financial ratios. At December 31, 1995, $1,941,000 was included in the current
portion of long-term obligations relating to such mandatory prepayment.
 
  Principal payments on long-term obligations, excluding deferred compensation
amounts, are due as follows:
 
<TABLE>
             <S>                           <C>
             1996......................... $ 7,122,053
             1997.........................   2,579,635
             1998.........................   3,265,857
             1999.........................   4,250,000
             2000.........................   4,500,000
             Thereafter...................  13,494,052
                                           -----------
                                           $35,211,597
                                           ===========
</TABLE>
 
8. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
  At December 31, 1995, there were outstanding notes receivable from a
director and an employee of the Company for $60,000. Interest earned from
these notes receivable during the year ended December 31, 1995 totaled
approximately $5,000.
 
  At December 31, 1995, there was an outstanding note payable to an officer of
the Company for $90,000. Interest expense related to the note payable for the
year ended December 31, 1995 totaled approximately $7,500.
 
  The Company paid management fees to an owner of the Company of approximately
$203,000 for the year ended December 31, 1995.
 
9. COMMITMENTS
 
  At December 31, 1995, the Company had outstanding purchase commitments of
$8,200,000 to purchase cotton linters and other raw materials.
 
                              * * * * * * * * * *
 
                                     F-42
<PAGE>
 
NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN OR
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER MADE
BY THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS
MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ANY OF THE
UNDERWRITERS. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE
HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE
HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATES AS OF WHICH
INFORMATION IS GIVEN IN THIS PROSPECTUS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE
AN OFFER OR A SOLICITATION BY ANYONE IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER
OR SOLICITATION IS NOT AUTHORIZED OR IN WHICH THE PERSON MAKING SUCH OFFER OR
SOLICITATION IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DO SO OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL
TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION.
 
                                ---------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
Prospectus Summary........................................................    3
Risk Factors..............................................................    9
Company History...........................................................   13
The 1996 Acquisitions.....................................................   13
The Company Stock Repurchase and Related Transactions.....................   14
Use of Proceeds...........................................................   15
Price Range of Common Stock and Dividend Policy...........................   15
Capitalization............................................................   16
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data...........................   17
Selected Consolidated Financial Data......................................   23
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
 Operations...............................................................   25
Business..................................................................   30
Management................................................................   40
Principal and Selling Stockholders........................................   42
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions............................   43
Description of Certain Indebtedness.......................................   44
Description of Capital Stock..............................................   48
Certain U.S. Tax Considerations Applicable to Non-U.S. Holders of the
 Common Stock.............................................................   52
Underwriting..............................................................   55
Legal Matters.............................................................   57
Experts...................................................................   57
Available Information.....................................................   57
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference...........................   58
Index to Financial Statements.............................................  F-1
</TABLE>
 
2,845,157 SHARES
 
BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION
 
COMMON STOCK
($.01 PAR VALUE)
 
                                     LOGO
 
SALOMON BROTHERS INC
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED
MORGAN KEEGAN & COMPANY, INC.
 
PROSPECTUS
 
DATED            , 1996
<PAGE>
 
                PART II--INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
  The following is a statement of the expenses of the issuance and
distribution of the securities being registered other than underwriting
compensation, all of which are estimates with the exception of the Securities
and Exchange Commission fee and the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. fee and all of which will be paid by the Company:
 
<TABLE>
      <S>                                                              <C>
      Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee............. $ 26,448
      National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. fee............    8,170
      Blue sky fees and expenses (including attorneys' fees and
       expenses)......................................................   11,550
      Printing and engraving expenses.................................  136,000
      Transfer agent's fees and expenses..............................   10,000
      Accounting fees and expenses....................................   81,600
      Legal fees and expenses.........................................  200,250
      Miscellaneous expenses..........................................  125,982
                                                                       --------
       Total.......................................................... $600,000
                                                                       ========
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
  The Company is incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware. Section
145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware ("Section 145")
provides that a Delaware corporation may indemnify any person who is, or is
threatened to be made, a party to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative
(other than an action by or in the right of such corporation), by reason of
the fact that such person was an officer, director, employee or agent of such
corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise. The
indemnity may include expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines
and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person
in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, provided such person acted
in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed
to the corporation's best interests and, with respect to any criminal action
or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was
illegal. A Delaware corporation may indemnify any person who is, or is
threatened to be made, a party to any threatened, pending or completed action
or suit by or in the right of the corporation by reason of the fact that such
person was a director, officer, employee or agent of such corporation, or is
or was serving at the request of such corporation as a director, officer,
employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise. The indemnity may
include expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred
by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or
suit, provided such person acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably
believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation's best interests except
that no indemnification is permitted without judicial approval if the officer
or director is adjudged to be liable to the corporation. Where an officer or
director is successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action
referred to above, the corporation must indemnify him against the expenses
which such officer or director has actually and reasonably incurred.
 
  The Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides for
the indemnification of directors and officers of the Company to the fullest
extent permitted by Section 145.
 
  In that regard, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
provides that the Company shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or
is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed
action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by
reason of the fact that he is or was a director or officer of such
corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such corporation as a
director, officer or member of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys'
fees),
 
                                     II-1
<PAGE>
 
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably
incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted
in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed
to the best interests of such corporation, and, with respect to any criminal
action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was
unlawful. Indemnification in connection with an action or suit by or in the
right of such corporation to procure a judgment in its favor is limited to
payment of settlement of such an action or suit except that no such
indemnification may be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to
which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable for negligence or
misconduct in the performance of his duty to the indemnifying corporation
unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery of Delaware or the
court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine that, despite
the adjudication of liability but in consideration of all the circumstances of
the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such
expenses which the court shall deem proper.
 
  In the Underwriting Agreement, a proposed form of which is filed as Exhibit
1.1 hereto, the Underwriters will agree to indemnify, under certain
conditions, the Company, its directors, certain of its officers and persons
who control the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, against certain liabilities.
 
 
                                     II-2
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS.
 
  (a) EXHIBITS:
 
<TABLE>       
     <C>   <S>
      1.1  Form of Underwriting Agreement
      3.1  Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant,
           as amended through November 20, 1995**
      3.2  Amended and Restated By-laws of the Registrant**
      4.1  Form of certificate representing Common Stock of the Registrant**
      4.2  Form of Rights Agreement**
      5.1  Opinion and consent of Kirkland & Ellis
     10.1  Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of March 16, 1993 by and between
           the Registrant and The Procter & Gamble Cellulose Company.***
     10.2  Management Stock Subscription Agreement and the Addendum thereto
           dated March 22, 1994 by and between the Registrant and Robert E.
           Cannon.****
     10.3  Management Stock Subscription Agreement and the Addendum thereto
           dated March 22, 1994 by and between the Registrant and David B.
           Ferraro.****
     10.4  Management Stock Subscription Agreement and the Addendum thereto
           dated March 22, 1994 by and between the Registrant and Herman P. van
           Eck.****
     10.5  Management Stock Subscription Agreement and the Addendum thereto
           dated March 22, 1994 by and between the Registrant and George B.
           Ellis.****
     10.6  1994 Incentive Stock Option Plan for Management Employees of The
           Buckeye Cellulose Corporation dated March 22, 1994.****
     10.7  Incentive Stock Option Subscription Agreement dated March 22, 1994
           by and between the Registrant and Robert E. Cannon.****
     10.8  Incentive Stock Option Subscription Agreement dated March 22, 1994
           by and between the Registrant and David B. Ferraro.****
     10.9  Incentive Stock Option Subscription Agreement dated March 22, 1994
           by and between the Registrant and Herman P. van Eck.****
     10.10 Incentive Stock Option Subscription Agreement dated March 22, 1994
           by and between the Registrant and George B. Ellis.****
     10.11 Stockholder Agreement dated March 22, 1994 by and between the
           Registrant, Madison Dearborn Capital Partners L.P. and each of the
           named "Executives."****
     10.12 Registration Agreement and the Addendum thereto, dated March 22,
           1994 by and between the Registrant, Madison Dearborn Capital
           Partners L.P. and the named "Executives."****
     10.13 Pulp Supply Agreement dated as of March 16, 1993 by and between
           Buckeye Florida, Limited Partnership and The Procter & Gamble Paper
           Company. Certain portions of the Agreement have been omitted and
           filed separately with the Commission pursuant to an Application for
           Confidential Treatment dated October 30, 1995, as supplemented on
           November 14, 1995 and November 21, 1995.**
     10.14 Timberlands Agreement dated as of March 16, 1993 by and between
           Buckeye Florida, Limited Partnership and The Procter & Gamble
           Company. Certain portions of the Agreement have been omitted and
           filed separately with the Commission pursuant to an Application for
           Confidential Treatment dated October 30, 1995, as supplemented on
           November 14, 1995 and November 21, 1995.**
</TABLE>    
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>       
     <C>   <S>
     10.15 Timber Purchase Agreement dated as of March 16, 1993 by and between
           Buckeye Florida, Limited Partnership and The Procter & Gamble
           Company. Certain portions of the Agreement have been omitted and
           filed separately with the Commission pursuant to an Application for
           Confidential Treatment dated October 30, 1995, as supplemented on
           November 14, 1995 and November 21, 1995.**
     10.16 1994 Incentive Stock Option Plan for Management Employees of Buckeye
           Florida Corporation.**
     10.17 Indenture dated as of May 27, 1993 between the Registrant and
           Bankers Trust Company.***
     10.18 Amended and Restated Registration Agreement by and among the
           Registrant, Madison Dearborn Capital Partners, L.P. and the named
           "Executives."**
     10.19 Umbrella Agreement dated January 18, 1996 by and among Peter Temming
           AG-Specialty Pulp Business, Peter Temming AG, Steinbeis Temming
           Papier GmbH and Steinbeis Temming Papier GmbH & Co.*****
     10.20 Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of March 16, 1993 between Buckeye
           Florida, Limited Partnership and The Procter & Gamble Cellulose
           Company. The Registrant agrees to furnish supplementally to the
           Commission a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit to the
           Agreement upon request by the Commission.**
     10.21 Agreement of Limited Partnership of Buckeye Florida, Limited
           Partnership dated as of March 16, 1993 between Buckeye Acquisition
           Corporation and The Procter & Gamble Cellulose Company.**
     10.22 1995 Management Stock Option Plan of the Registrant.**
     10.23 1995 Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan for Management
           Employees of the Registrant.**
     10.24 Form of Management Stock Option Subscription Agreement.**
     10.25 Form of Stock Option Subscription Agreement.**
     10.26 First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 21, 1995 between
           the Registrant and Bankers Trust Company to Indenture dated as of
           May 27, 1993.*
     10.27 Indenture dated as of November 28, 1995 between the Registrant and
           Union Planters National Bank.
     10.28 Credit Agreement dated as of November 28, 1995 among the Registrant,
           certain subsidiaries of the Registrant, Fleet Bank of Massachusetts,
           N.A., SunTrust Bank, Central Florida N.A. and the other lenders
           party thereto.*
     10.29 Stock Purchase Agreement dated April 26, 1996 among the Registrant,
           Stonebridge Partners Equity Fund, L.P., Alpha Cellulose Associates
           I, L.P., Alpha Cellulose Associates II, L.P., Stonebridge Partners
           Management, L.P., as nominee for P&C Venture Corp. and Dawkes
           Corporation, John P. Flanagan, Michael M. Brown, Janice S. Valenta,
           John F. Manning, Ken L. Wilcox, Albert A. Bounds, Jr., Ralph Bolin,
           Charles P. Oxendine and James R. Israelson.+
     10.30 The Formula Plan for Non-Employee Directors.*
     10.31 Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement dated as of April 25, 1996 among
           the Registrant, certain subsidiaries of the Registrant, Fleet Bank
           of Massachusetts, N.A., SunTrust Bank, Central Florida N.A. and the
           other lenders party thereto.*
     10.32 Company Stock Repurchase Agreement dated as of June 3, 1996 between
           BKI Investment Corp. and Madison Dearborn Capital Partners, L.P.*
     10.33 Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement dated as of June 6, 1996 among
           the Registrant, certain subsidiaries of the Registrant, Fleet Bank
           of Massachusetts, N.A., SunTrust Bank, Central Florida N.A. and the
           other lenders party thereto.******
</TABLE>    
 
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>       
     <C>   <S>
     10.34 Amendment No. 3 to Credit Agreement dated as of June 24, 1996 among
           the Registrant, certain subsidiaries of the Registrant, Fleet Bank
           of Massachusetts, N.A., SunTrust Bank, Central Florida N.A. and the
           other lenders party thereto.
     21.1  Subsidiaries of the Registrant*
     23.1  Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
     23.2  Consent of Dipl.-Ing. Wolf Gadecke Wirtschaftsprufer
     23.3  Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
     23.4  Consent of Kirkland & Ellis (included in opinion filed as Exhibit
           5.1)
     24.1  Powers of attorney (included in signature page)*
</TABLE>    
- --------
          
*Previously filed.     
**Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
    S-1, File No. 33-97840, as filed with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission on October 6, 1995 and as amended on October 30, 1995 and
    November 21, 1995.
***Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on
    Form S-1, File No. 33-60032, as filed with the Securities and Exchange
    Commission on March 25, 1993 and as amended on April 7, 1993, May 4, 1993
    and May 17, 1993.
****Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K
    for the year ended June 30, 1994.
*****Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
    dated May 2, 1996.
       
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
 
  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such
liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or
paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities
being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel
the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the
final adjudication of such issue.
   
  The undersigned hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any
liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's
annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee
benefit plan's annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration
statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time
shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.     
 
  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
    (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
  1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of
  this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a
  form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or
  (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
  registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
    (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act
  of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus
  shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
  securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
  time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
                                     II-5
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
   
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THE REGISTRANT
CERTIFIES THAT IT HAS REASONABLE GROUNDS TO BELIEVE THAT IT MEETS ALL OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR FILING ON FORM S-3 AND HAS DULY CAUSED THIS AMENDMENT NO. 2
TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED,
THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED, IN THE CITY OF MEMPHIS, STATE OF TENNESSEE, ON JUNE
26, 1996.     
 
                                          Buckeye Cellulose Corporation
 
                                                 /s/ Robert E. Cannon
                                          By: _________________________________
                                                     Robert E. Cannon
                                            Chief Executive Officer, Chairman
                                                of the Board and Director
          
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THIS AMENDMENT
NO. 2 TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED ON JUNE 26, 1996, BY THE
FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE CAPACITIES INDICATED WITH RESPECT TO BUCKEYE
CELLULOSE CORPORATION:     
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 SIGNATURE                                     TITLE
                 ---------                                     -----
<S>                                         <C>
          /s/ Robert E. Cannon              Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the
___________________________________________   Board and Director (Principal Executive
             Robert E. Cannon                 Officer)
 
 
                     *                      President, Chief Operating Officer and
___________________________________________   Director (Principal Financial Officer)
             David B. Ferraro
                     *                      Comptroller (Principal Accounting Officer)
___________________________________________
             David H. Whitcomb
 
                     *                      Director
___________________________________________
             Samuel M. Mencoff
 
                     *                      Director
___________________________________________
             Justin S. Huscher
 
                     *                      Director
___________________________________________
                Red Cavaney
                     *                      Director
___________________________________________
               Henry Frigon
 
                     *                      Director
___________________________________________
              Harry Phillips
 
</TABLE>
 
       /s/ Robert E. Cannon
*By: ________________________________
           Robert E. Cannon
           Attorney-in-Fact
 
                                     II-6
<PAGE>
 
                                GRAPHIC APPENDIX

     The inside front cover page of the Prospectus contains a series of multi-
colored pictures of certain end-use applications of specialty cellulose pulps
produced by the Company.  The pictures depict: (i) a baby wearing a disposable
diaper which contains a core comprised of absorbent cellulose pulps; (ii) an
automotive air filter manufactured from customized paper pulps; (iii) motion
picture and photographic film manufactured from chemical cellulose pulps; (iv)
an individual writing on stationery produced from customized paper pulps; (v) a
dessert cup of ice cream which contains thickening ethers produced from chemical
cellulose pulps; and (vi) a child eating a hot dog with casing purified and
strengthened by chemical cellulose pulps. Across the top of the inside front
cover page are the words "END-USE APPLICATIONS OF BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION
PRODUCTS."

     The inside back cover page of the Prospectus contains a series of multi-
colored pictures of the Company's Memphis, Tennessee headquarters building, its
Perry, Florida manufacturing facility and its Memphis, Tennessee manufacturing
facility.  First, a ground-level view of the headquarters building is depicted,
with the words "MEMPHIS HEADQUARTERS" beneath. Second, an aerial view of the
Perry manufacturing facility is depicted, with the words "FOLEY PLANT" beneath.
Third, an aerial view of the Memphis manufacturing facility is depicted, with
the words "MEMPHIS PLANT" beneath.



<PAGE>

                                                                   Exhibit 1.1
                         Buckeye Cellulose Corporation

                              2,845,157 Shares /1/
                                               
                                  Common Stock
                                ($.01 par value)

                             Underwriting Agreement

                                                            New York, New York
                                                            ____________, 1996

Salomon Brothers Inc
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
PaineWebber Incorporated
Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc.
As Representatives of the several Underwriters,

c/o Salomon Brothers Inc
Seven World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048


Dear Sirs:

          Madison Dearborn Capital Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited
partnership (the "Selling Stockholder"), proposes to sell to the underwriters
named in Schedule I hereto (the "Underwriters"), for whom you (the
"Representatives") are acting as representatives, an aggregate of 2,845,157
shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value ("Common Stock") of Buckeye Cellulose
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), (said shares to be sold by
the Selling Stockholder being hereinafter called the "Underwritten Securities").
The Selling Stockholder also proposes to grant to the Underwriters an option to
purchase up to 200,000 additional shares of Common Stock (the "Option
Securities"; the Option Securities, together with the Underwritten Securities,
being hereinafter called the "Securities").

          SECTION 1.  Representations and Warranties of the Company.  The
Company represents and warrants to, and agrees

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

/1/ Plus an option to purchase from Madison Dearborn Capital Partners, L.P. up
to 200,000 additional shares to cover over-allotments.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                               2


with, each Underwriter as set forth below in this Section 1. Certain terms used
in this Section 1 are defined in paragraph (c) hereof.

          (a)  The Company meets the requirements for use of Form S-3 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), and has filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") a registration statement
(file number 333-05139) on such Form, including a related preliminary prospectus
relating to the Securities, for the registration under the Act of the offering
and sale of the Securities. The Company has filed one or more amendments
thereto, including the related preliminary prospectus relating to the
Securities, each of which has previously been furnished to you. The Company will
next file with the Commission one of the following: (i) prior to effectiveness
of such registration statement, a further amendment to such registration
statement, including the form of final prospectus relating to the Securities, or
(ii) a final prospectus relating to the Securities in accordance with Rules 430A
and 424(b). In the case of clause (ii), the Company has included in such
registration statement, as amended at the Effective Date, all information (other
than Rule 430A Information) required by the Act and the rules thereunder to be
included in the Prospectus with respect to the Securities and the offering
thereof. As filed, such amendment and form of final prospectus, or such final
prospectus, shall contain all Rule 430A Information, together with all other
such required information, with respect to the Securities and the offering
thereof and, except to the extent the Representatives shall agree in writing to
a modification, shall be in all substantive respects in the form furnished to
you prior to the Execution Time or, to the extent not completed at the Execution
Time, shall contain only such specific additional information and other changes
(beyond that contained in the latest Preliminary Prospectus) as the Company has
advised you, prior to the Execution Time, will be included or made therein. Upon
your request, but not without our agreement, the Company also will file a Rule
462(b) Registration Statement in accordance with Rule 462(b).

          (b)  On the Effective Date, the Registration Statement did or will,
and when the Prospectus is first filed (if required) in accordance with Rule
424(b) and on the Closing Date, the Prospectus (and any supplements thereto)
will, comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the
Act and the Securities
<PAGE>
 
                                                                             3


Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and the respective rules
thereunder; on the Effective Date, the Registration Statement did not or will
not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the
statements therein not misleading; and, on the Effective Date, the Prospectus,
if not filed pursuant to Rule 424(b), did not or will not, and on the date of
any filing pursuant to Rule 424(b) and on the Closing Date, the Prospectus
(together with any supplement thereto) will not, include any untrue statement of
a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading; provided, however, that the Company makes no
representations or warranties as to the information contained in or omitted from
the Registration Statement or the Prospectus (or any supplement thereto) in
reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the
Company by or on behalf of any Underwriter through the Representatives
specifically for inclusion in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus (or
any supplement thereto).

          (c)  The terms which follow, when used in this Agreement, shall have
the meanings indicated. The term the "Effective Date" shall mean each date that
the Registration Statement, any post-effective amendment or amendments thereto
and any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement became or become effective and each
date after the date hereof on which a document incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement is filed. "Execution Time" shall mean the date and time
that this Agreement is executed and delivered by the parties hereto.
"Preliminary Prospectus" shall mean any preliminary prospectus referred to in
paragraph (a) above and any preliminary prospectus relating to the Securities
included in the Registration Statement at the Effective Date that omits Rule
430A Information. "Prospectus" shall mean the prospectus relating to the
Securities that is first filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) after the Execution Time
or, if no filing pursuant to Rule 424(b) is required, shall mean the form of
final prospectus relating to the Securities included in the Registration
Statement at the Effective Date, except that, if the final prospectus first
furnished to the Underwriters after the Execution Time for use in connection
with the offering of the Securities differs from the prospectus included in the
Registration Statement at the Effective Date (whether or not such prospectus is
required to be filed pursuant to
<PAGE>
 
                                                                             4

Rule 424(b)), "Prospectus" shall mean the final prospectus first furnished to
the Underwriters for such use. "Registration Statement" shall mean the
registration statement referred to in paragraph (a) above, including
incorporated documents, exhibits and financial statements, as amended at the
Execution Time (or, if not effective at the Execution Time, in the form in which
it shall become effective) and, in the event any post-effective amendment
thereto or any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement becomes effective prior to the
Closing Date (as hereinafter defined), shall also mean such registration
statement as so amended or such Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, as the case
may be. Such term shall include any Rule 430A Information deemed to be included
therein at the Effective Date as provided by Rule 430A. "Rule 415", "Rule 424",
"Rule 430A", "Rule 462" and "Regulation S-K" refer to such rules or regulation
under the Act. "Rule 430A information" means information with respect to the
Securities and the offering thereof permitted to be effective pursuant to Rule
430A. "Rule 462(b) Registration Statement" shall mean a registration statement
and any amendments thereto filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) relating to the
offering covered by the initial registration statement (file number 333-05139).
Except as otherwise noted, any reference herein to the Registration Statement, a
Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include
the documents incorporated by reference therein pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3
which were filed under the Exchange Act on or before the Effective Date of the
Registration Statement or the issue date of such Preliminary Prospectus or the
Prospectus, as the case may be; and any reference herein to the terms "amend",
"amendment" or "supplement" with respect to the Registration Statement, any
Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include
the filing of any document under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act after the Effective Date of the Registration Statement, or the
issue date of any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, as the case may be,
deemed to be incorporated therein by reference.

          At the request of the Company, the Underwriters have agreed to reserve
up to shares of the Underwritten Securities to be purchased by the Underwriters
for sale by the Underwriters to directors, executives and other officers,
employees and business associates (collectively, all such reserved shares being
the "Reserve Shares") as part of the distribution of the Underwritten Securities
by the Underwriters, subject to the terms of this Agreement, the
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               5

applicable rules, regulations and interpretations of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. and all other applicable laws, rules and regulations.
To the extent that such Reserved Shares are not so purchased by such directors,
executives and other officers, employees and business associates, such Reserved
Shares may be offered to the public as part of the public offering contemplated
hereby.

          SECTION 2.  Representations and Warranties of the Selling Stockholder.
The Selling Stockholder represents and warrants to, and agrees with, each
Underwriter as set forth below in this Section 2.

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

          (b)  The Selling Stockholder has no reason to believe that the
representations and warranties of the Company contained in Section 1 are not
true and correct, is familiar with the Registration Statement and has no
knowledge of any material fact, condition or information not disclosed in the
Prospectus or any supplement thereto which has adversely affected or may
adversely affect the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries; and the
sale of Securities by the Selling Stockholder pursuant hereto is not prompted by
any information concerning the Company or any of its subsidiaries which is not
set forth in the Prospectus or any supplement thereto.

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

          (d)  No consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or
governmental agency or body is required for
<PAGE>
 
                                                                               6

the consummation by the Selling Stockholder of the transactions contemplated
herein, except such as may have been obtained under the Act, the Exchange Act
and the respective regulations thereunder and such as may be required under the
blue sky laws of any jurisdiction in connection with the purchase and
distribution of the Securities by the Underwriters and such other approvals as
have been obtained.

          (e)  Neither the sale of the Securities being sold by such Selling
Stockholder nor the consummation of any other of the transactions herein
contemplated by such Selling Stockholder or the fulfillment of the terms hereof
by such Selling Stockholder will conflict with, result in a breach or violation
of, or constitute a default under any law or the agreement of limited
partnership of such Selling Stockholder or the terms of any indenture or other
agreement or instrument to which such Selling Stockholder is a party or bound,
or any judgment, order or decree applicable to such Selling Stockholder of any
court, regulatory body, administrative agency, governmental body or arbitrator
having jurisdiction over such Selling Stockholder.

          (f)  The Selling Stockholder has and at the time of delivery of the
Selling Stockholder's Underwritten Securities will have full legal right, power
and capacity, and any approval required by law (other than those imposed by the
Act and the securities or blue sky laws of certain jurisdictions), to sell,
assign, transfer and deliver such Underwritten Securities in the manner provided
in this Agreement.

          (g)  This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the
Selling Stockholder and is a legal, valid and binding agreement of the Selling
Stockholder enforceable against the Selling Stockholder in accordance with its
terms, except as rights to indemnity and contribution hereunder may be limited
by federal or state securities laws and except as the enforceability hereof may
be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws
affecting creditors' rights generally and general principles of equity.

          In respect of any statements in or omissions from the Registration
Statement or the Prospectus or any supplement thereto made in reliance upon and
in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by the
Selling Stockholder specifically for use in connection with
<PAGE>
 
                                                                             7

the preparation thereof, such Selling Stockholder hereby makes the same
representations and warranties to each Underwriter as the Company makes to such
Underwriter under paragraph (b) of Section 1.

          SECTION 3.  Purchase and Sale.  (a)  Subject to the terms and
conditions and in reliance upon the representations and warranties herein set
forth, the Selling Stockholder agrees to sell to each Underwriter, and each
Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Selling
Stockholder the respective number of Underwritten Securities (subject to such
adjustments as you may determine to eliminate any fractional shares) which bears
the same proportion to the number of Underwritten Securities to be sold by the
Selling Stockholder as the number of Underwritten Securities set forth opposite
the name of such Underwriter in Schedule I hereto bears to the total number of
Underwritten Securities to be sold by the Selling Stockholder at a purchase
price of $    per share.

          (b)  Subject to the terms and conditions and in reliance upon the
representations and warranties herein set forth, the Selling Stockholder hereby
grants an option to the several Underwriters to purchase, severally and not
jointly, up to 200,000 shares of Option Securities at the same purchase price
per share as the Underwriters shall pay for the Underwritten Securities. Said
option may be exercised only to cover over-allotments in the sale of the
Underwritten Securities by the Underwriters. Said option may be exercised in
whole or in part at any time (but not more than once) on or before the 30th day
after the date of the Prospectus upon written or telefaxed notice by the
Representatives to the Selling Stockholder setting forth the number of shares of
the Option Securities as to which the several Underwriters are exercising the
option and the settlement date. Delivery of certificates for the shares of
Option Securities, and payment therefor, shall be made as provided in Section 4
hereof. The number of shares of the Option Securities to be purchased by each
Underwriter shall be the same percentage of the total number of shares of the
Option Securities to be purchased by the several Underwriters as such
Underwriter is purchasing of the Underwritten Securities, subject to such
adjustments as you may determine to eliminate any fractional shares.

          SECTION 4.  Delivery and Payment.  Delivery of and payment for the
Underwritten Securities and the Option Securities (if the option provided for in
Section 3(b)
<PAGE>
 
                                                                             8

hereof shall have been exercised on or before the third business day prior to
the Closing Date) shall be made at 10:00 a.m., Chicago time, on ___________,
1996, or such later date (not later than ____________, 1996) as the
Representatives shall designate, which date and time may be postponed by
agreement among the Representatives, the Company and the Selling Stockholder or
as provided in Section 10 hereof (such date and time of delivery and payment for
the Securities being herein called the "Closing Date"). Delivery of the
Securities shall be made to the Representatives for the respective accounts of
the several Underwriters against payment by the several Underwriters through the
Representatives of the purchase price thereof to or upon the order of the
Selling Stockholder by wire transfer of immediately available funds. Such
delivery of and payment for the Underwritten Securities and the Option
Securities shall be made through the facilities of the Depository Trust Company.
The Company agrees that certificates for the Securities shall be registered in
such names and in such denominations as the Representatives may request not less
than three full business days in advance of the Closing Date.

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

          If the option provided for in Section 3(b) hereof is exercised after
the third business day prior to the Closing Date, the Selling Stockholder will
deliver (at the expense of the Company) to the Representatives on the date
specified by the Representatives (which shall be within three business days
after exercise of said option), certificates for the Option Securities in such
names and denominations as the Representatives shall have requested against
payment of the purchase price thereof to or upon the order of the Selling
Stockholder by wire transfer of immediately available funds. If settlement for
the Option Securities occurs after the Closing Date, the Selling Stockholders
will deliver to the Representatives on the settlement date for the Option
Securities, and the obligation of the Underwriters to purchase the Option
Securities shall be conditioned upon receipt of, supplemental opinions,
certificates and letters confirming as of such date the opinions, certificates
and letters delivered on the Closing Date pursuant to Section 7 hereof.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                             9

          SECTION 5.  Offering by Underwriters.  It is understood that the
several Underwriters propose to offer the Securities for sale to the public as
set forth in the Prospectus.

          SECTION 6.  Agreements.  The Company agrees with the several
Underwriters that:

          (a)  The Company will use its best efforts to cause the Registration
Statement, if not effective at the Execution Time, and any amendment thereof, to
become effective. Prior to the termination of the offering of the Securities
(which will be deemed to have occurred on the date that is the earlier of (A) 60
days after the Closing Date and (B) the date on which the Representatives shall
have informed the Company that the offering of the Securities has terminated),
the Company will not file any amendment of the Registration Statement,
supplement to the Prospectus or any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement unless
the Company has furnished the Representatives a copy for their review prior to
filing and will not file any such proposed amendment, supplement or Rule 462(b)
Registration Statement to which the Representatives reasonably object. Subject
to the foregoing sentence, if the Registration Statement has become or becomes
effective pursuant to Rule 430A, or filing of the Prospectus is otherwise
required under Rule 424(b), the Company will cause the Prospectus, properly
completed, and any supplement thereto to be filed with the Commission pursuant
to the applicable paragraph of Rule 424(b) within the time period prescribed and
will provide evidence satisfactory to the Representatives of such timely filing.
Upon your request, the Company will cause the Rule 462(b) Registration
Statement, completed in compliance with the Act and the applicable rules and
regulations thereunder, to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(b)
and will provide evidence satisfactory to the Representatives of such filing.
The Company will promptly advise the Representatives (i) when the Registration
Statement, if not effective at the Execution Time, and any amendment thereto,
shall have become effective, (ii) when the Prospectus, and any supplement
thereto, shall have been filed (if required) with the Commission pursuant to
Rule 424(b), (iii) when, prior to termination of the offering of the Securities,
any amendment to the Registration Statement shall have been filed or become
effective, (iv) of any request by the Commission for any amendment of the
Registration Statement or any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement or supplement
to the
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            10

Prospectus or for any additional information, (v) of the issuance by the
Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration
Statement or the institution or threatening of any proceeding for that purpose
and (vi) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the
suspension of the qualification of the Securities for sale in any jurisdiction
or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose. The Company
will use its best efforts to prevent the issuance of any such stop order and, if
issued, to obtain as soon as possible the withdrawal thereof.

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

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

          (d)  The Company will furnish to the Representatives and counsel for
the Underwriters, without charge, signed copies of the Registration Statement
(including exhibits thereto) and to each other Underwriter a copy of the
Registration Statement (without exhibits thereto) and, will furnish to each
Underwriter (x) until the later of the Effective Date and, if the Company has
elected to rely upon Rule 430A, the Execution Time, as many copies of each
Preliminary Prospectus as such Underwriter may reasonably request and (y) so
long as delivery of a prospectus by an Underwriter or dealer may be required by
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              11

the Act, as many copies of the Prospectus and any supplement thereto as the
Representatives may reasonably request. The Company will furnish or cause to be
furnished to the Representatives copies of all reports on Form SR required by
Rule 463 under the Act. The Company will pay the expenses of printing or other
production of all documents relating to the offering.

          (e)  The Company will arrange for the qualification of the Securities
for sale under the laws of such jurisdictions as the Representatives may
designate, will maintain such qualifications in effect so long as required for
the distribution of the Securities; provided, however, that neither the Company
nor any subsidiary shall be obligated to file any general consent to service of
process or to qualify as a foreign corporation or as a dealer in securities in
any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified or to subject itself to
taxation in respect of doing business in any jurisdiction in which it is not
otherwise so subject.

          (f)  The Company will not, and will not permit its directors or
executive officers listed on Schedule III hereto, for a period of 90 days
following the Execution Time, in each case without the prior written consent of
Salomon Brothers Inc, offer, sell or contract to sell, or otherwise dispose of,
directly or indirectly, any other shares of Common Stock, any other capital
stock of the Company or any securities convertible into, or exercisable or
exchangeable for, shares of Common Stock or any such other capital stock;
provided, however, that the Company may issue securities pursuant to its stock
option or other benefit or incentive plans maintained for its officers,
directors or employees.

          (g)  The Company confirms as of the date hereof that it is in
compliance with all provisions of Section 1 of Laws of Florida, Chapter 92-198,
An Act Relating to Disclosure of Doing Business with Cuba, and the Company
further agrees that if it commences engaging in business with the government of
Cuba or with any person or affiliate located in Cuba after the date the
Registration Statement becomes or has become effective with the Securities and
Exchange Commission or with the Florida Department of Banking and Finance (the
"Department"), whichever date is later, or if the information reported in the
Prospectus, if any, concerning the Company's business with Cuba or with any
person or affiliate located in Cuba changes in any material
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            12

way, the Company will provide the Department notice of such business or change,
as appropriate, in a form acceptable to the Department.

          (h)  The Selling Stockholder agrees with the several Underwriters that
it will not during the period of 90 days following the Execution Time, without
the prior written consent of Salomon Brothers Inc, offer, sell or contract to
sell, or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, or announce the offering
of, any other shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by such person, or any
securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of Common Stock, other
than (i) shares of Common Stock disposed of as bona fide gifts, (ii) transfers
pursuant to the Company Stock Repurchase and the Individuals' Stock Purchase
(each as defined in the Prospectus) and (iii) distributions pursuant to its
limited partnership agreement to the partners of the Selling Stockholder who
shall agree to be bound by the terms of this Section 6(h).

          SECTION 7.  Conditions to the Obligations of the Underwriters.  The
obligations of the Underwriters to purchase the Underwritten Securities and the
Option Securities, as the case may be, shall be subject to the accuracy of the
representations and warranties on the part of the Company and the Selling
Stockholder contained herein as of the Execution Time, the Closing Date and any
settlement date pursuant to Section 4 hereof, to the accuracy of the statements
of the Company or the Selling Stockholder made in any certificates pursuant to
the provisions hereof, to the performance by each of the Company and the Selling
Stockholder of their obligations hereunder and to the following additional
conditions:

          (a)  If the Registration Statement has not become effective prior to
the Execution Time, unless the Representatives agree in writing to a later time,
the Registration Statement will become effective not later than (i) 6:00 p.m.
New York City time, on the date of determination of the public offering price,
if such determination occurred at or prior to 3:00 p.m. New York City time on
such date or (ii) 12:00 Noon on the business day following the day on which the
public offering price was determined, if such determination occurred after 3:00
p.m. New York City time on such date; if filing of the Prospectus, or any
supplement thereto, is required pursuant to Rule 424(b), the Prospectus, and any
such supplement, will be filed in the manner and within the time period
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            13

required by Rule 424(b); and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement shall have been issued and no proceedings for that
purpose shall have been instituted or threatened.

          (b)  The Company shall have furnished to the Representatives the
opinion of Kirkland & Ellis, special counsel for the Company, dated the Closing
Date, to the effect that:

          (i)  each of the Company and the subsidiaries of the Company listed on
     Schedule II hereto (individually a "Subsidiary" and collectively the
     "Subsidiaries") has been duly incorporated or organized and is validly
     existing as a corporation or partnership in good standing under the laws of
     the jurisdiction in which it is chartered or organized, with full corporate
     or partnership power and authority to own its properties and conduct its
     business as described in the Prospectus, and the Company is duly qualified
     to do business as a foreign corporation and is in good standing under the
     laws of Tennessee and Georgia which, to the best of our knowledge are the
     only jurisdictions in which the nature of its business or its ownership or
     leasing of property requires such qualification, and Buckeye Florida
     Corporation and Buckeye Florida, Limited Partnership, are duly qualified to
     do business as a foreign corporation or a foreign limited partnership, as
     the case may be, and are in good standing under the laws of Florida which,
     to the best of our knowledge, is the only jurisdiction in which the nature
     of their respective businesses or the ownership or leasing of their
     respective properties require such qualification;

          (ii) all the outstanding shares of capital stock or partnership
     interests of each Subsidiary have been duly and validly authorized and
     issued and, in the case of shares of capital stock, are fully paid and
     nonassessable, and, except as otherwise set forth in the Prospectus, all
     outstanding shares of capital stock or partnership interests of the
     Subsidiaries are owned by the Company either directly or through wholly
     owned subsidiaries, to the best knowledge of such counsel, free and clear
     of any perfected or other security interests, claims, liens or
     encumbrances;
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            14

          (iii) the Company's authorized equity capitalization at March 31, 1996
     is as set forth in the Prospectus under the caption "Capitalization"; the
     capital stock of the Company conforms in all material respects to the
     description thereof contained in the Prospectus under the caption
     "Description of Capital Stock"; the outstanding shares of Common Stock
     (including the Securities being sold hereunder by the Selling Stockholder)
     have been duly and validly authorized and issued and are fully paid and
     nonassessable; the Securities have been duly authorized for listing on the
     New York Stock Exchange; and the holders of outstanding shares of capital
     stock of the Company are not entitled to preemptive or other rights to
     subscribe for the Securities arising by operation of the Delaware General
     Corporation Law, under the Amended and Restated Certificate of
     Incorporation or By-laws of the Company or any agreement listed on Schedule
     IV hereto;

          (iv) to the best knowledge of such counsel, (1) there is no pending or
     threatened action, suit or proceeding before any court or governmental
     agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or any of
     its subsidiaries of a character required to be disclosed in the
     Registration Statement which is not disclosed as required in the
     Prospectus, and (2) there is no franchise, contract or other document of a
     character required to be described in the Registration Statement or
     Prospectus, or to be filed as an exhibit thereto, which is not described or
     filed as required; and the statements in the Prospectus under the heading
     "Description of Capital Stock", to the extent they constitute a summary of
     law or provisions of documents described therein, have been reviewed by us
     and fairly summarize the matters therein described in all material
     respects;

          (v)  such counsel has been advised by the Commission that the
     Registration Statement was declared effective under the Act; any required
     filing of the Prospectus, and any supplements thereto, pursuant to Rule
     424(b) has been made in the manner and within the time period required by
     Rule 424(b); to the best knowledge of such counsel, no stop order
     suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued,
     no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or threatened by the
     Commission under the Act and the Registration Statement and the Prospectus
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            15

     (other than the financial statements, Financial Schedules and other
     financial or statistical information contained therein or omitted
     therefrom, as to which such counsel need express no opinion) in all
     material respects with the applicable requirements of the Act and the
     Exchange Act and the respective rules thereunder; and such counsel shall
     advise the Underwriters that it has no reason to believe that at the
     Effective Date the Registration Statement contained any untrue statement of
     a material fact or omitted to state any material fact required to be stated
     therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or that
     the Prospectus as of its date or the Closing Date includes any untrue
     statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to
     make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which
     they were made, not misleading (other than the financial statements,
     Financial Schedules and other financial or statistical information
     contained therein or omitted therefrom, as to which such counsel need
     express no opinion);

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

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

          (viii) neither the issue and sale of the Securities, nor the
     consummation of any other of the transactions herein contemplated nor the
     fulfillment of the terms hereof will conflict with, result in a breach or
     violation of, or constitute a default under any applicable law, rule or
     regulation of the States of New York, Illinois or Delaware or of the United
     States (except for the Act, the Exchange Act and state securities or blue
     sky laws) or the charter or by-laws of the Company or the terms of any
     agreement listed on Schedule IV hereto or any judgment, order or decree
     known to such counsel to be applicable to the Company
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            16

     or any of its subsidiaries of any court, regulatory body, administrative
     agency, governmental body or arbitrator having jurisdiction over the
     Company or any of its subsidiaries; and

          (ix) no holders of securities of the Company have rights to the
     registration of such securities under the Registration Statement except
     such rights as have been waived by such holders.

          In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely (A) as to matters
involving the application of laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of
Delaware or the United States, to the extent they deem proper and specified in
such opinion, upon the opinion of other counsel of good standing whom they
believe to be reliable and who are satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters
and (B) as to matters of fact, to the extent they deem proper, on certificates
of responsible officers of the Company and public officials. References to the
Prospectus in this paragraph (b) include any supplements thereto at the Closing
Date. For purposes of such opinion, the terms "Registration Statement" and
"Prospectus" shall not include any documents incorporated by reference therein
which were prepared and filed by the Company without the participation of such
counsel.

          (c)  The Representatives shall have received the opinion of Henry P.
Doggrell, Esq., General Counsel for the Company, dated the Closing Date, to the
effect that the Registration Statement was declared effective under the Act; any
required filing of the Prospectus, and any supplements thereto, pursuant to Rule
424(b) has been made in the manner and within the time period required by Rule
424(b); to the best knowledge of such counsel, no stop order suspending the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued, no proceedings for
that purpose have been instituted or threatened and the Registration Statement
and the Prospectus (other than the financial statements, Financial Schedules and
other financial and statistical information contained therein or omitted
therefrom as to which such counsel need express no opinion) comply as to form in
all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Act and the
Exchange Act and the respective rules thereunder; and such counsel has no reason
to believe that at the Effective Date the Registration Statement includes any
untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading or that the Prospectus
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            17

includes any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material
fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading (other than the financial statements,
Financial Schedules and other financial and statistical information contained
therein or omitted therefrom as to which such counsel need express no opinion);

          (d)  The Selling Stockholder shall have furnished to the
Representatives the opinion of Kirkland & Ellis, special counsel for the Selling
Stockholder, dated the Closing Date, to the effect that:

          (i) this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Selling
     Stockholder and the Selling Stockholder has full legal right and authority
     to sell, transfer and deliver in the manner provided in this Agreement the
     Securities being sold by the Selling Stockholder hereunder;

          (ii) the delivery by the Selling Stockholder to the several
     Underwriters of certificates for the Securities being sold hereunder by the
     Selling Stockholder against payment therefor as provided herein, will pass
     good and marketable title to such Securities to the several Underwriters,
     free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities and claims whatsoever
     (other than those arising as a result of any action taken by the
     Underwriters), assuming that the Underwriters purchased such Securities in
     good faith and without notice of any adverse claims within the meaning of
     the Uniform Commercial Code of the State of New York;

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

          (iv) neither the sale of the Securities being sold by the Selling
     Stockholder nor the consummation of any other of the transactions herein
     contemplated by the
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            18

     Selling Stockholder or the fulfillment of the terms hereof by the Selling
     Stockholder will conflict with, result in a breach or violation of, or
     constitute a default under any applicable law, rule or regulation of the
     States of New York, Illinois or Delaware or of the United States (except
     for the Act, the Exchange Act and the respective rules thereunder) or
     agreement of partnership or limited partnership or the terms of any
     indenture or other agreement or instrument known to such counsel and to
     which the Selling Stockholder is a party or bound, or any judgment, order
     or decree known to such counsel to be applicable to the Selling Stockholder
     of any court, regulatory body, administrative agency, governmental body or
     arbitrator having jurisdiction over the Selling Stockholder.

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

          (e)  The Representatives shall have received from Cravath, Swaine &
Moore, counsel for the Underwriters, such opinion or opinions, dated the Closing
Date, with respect to the issuance and sale of the Securities, the Registration
Statement, the Prospectus (together with any supplement thereto) and other
related matters as the Representatives may reasonably require, and the Company
shall have furnished to such counsel such documents as they reasonably request
for the purpose of enabling them to pass upon such matters.

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

          (i)  the representations and warranties of the Company in this
     Agreement are true and correct in all
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            19

     material respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same effect as if
     made on the Closing Date and the Company has complied in all material
     respects with all the agreements and satisfied in all material respects all
     the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to the
     Closing Date;

          (ii) no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration
     Statement has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been
     instituted or, to the Company's knowledge, threatened by the Commission;
     and

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

          (g)  The Selling Stockholder shall have furnished to the
Representatives a certificate dated the Closing Date, to the effect that the
signer of such certificate has carefully examined the Registration Statement,
the Prospectus, any supplement to the Prospectus and this Agreement and that the
representations and warranties of the Selling Stockholder in this Agreement are
true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date to the
same effect as if made on the Closing Date.

          (h)  At the Execution Time and at the Closing Date, Ernst & Young
L.L.P. shall have furnished to the Representatives and the Selling Stockholder a
letter or letters, dated respectively as of the Execution Time and as of the
Closing Date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives,
confirming that they are independent accountants within the meaning of the Act
and the Exchange Act and the respective applicable published rules and
regulations thereunder and that they have performed a review of the unaudited
interim financial information of the Company for the nine-month period ended
March 31, 1996, in accordance with Statement of Auditing Standards No. 71 and
stating in effect that:
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            20

          (i) in their opinion the audited financial statements and financial
     statement schedules and pro forma financial statements included or
     incorporated in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and reported
     on by them comply in form in all material respects with the applicable
     accounting requirements of the Act and the Exchange Act and the related
     published rules and regulations;

          (ii) on the basis of a reading of the latest unaudited financial
     statements made available by the Company and its subsidiaries; their
     limited review in accordance with standards established by the American
     Institute of Certified Public Accountants under Statement of Auditing
     Standards No. 71 of the unaudited interim financial information for the
     nine-month period ended March 31, 1996, and as at March 31, 1996, as
     indicated in their report dated __________, 1996, carrying out certain
     specified procedures (but not an examination in accordance with generally
     accepted auditing standards) which would not necessarily reveal matters of
     significance with respect to the comments set forth in such letter; a
     reading of the minutes of the meetings of the stockholders, directors and
     the compensation and audit committees of the Company and the subsidiaries;
     and inquiries of certain officials of the Company who have responsibility
     for financial and accounting matters of the Company and its subsidiaries as
     to transactions and events subsequent to June 30, 1995, nothing came to
     their attention which caused them to believe that:

               (1)  any unaudited financial statements included or incorporated
          in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus do not comply in form
          in all material respects with applicable accounting requirements and
          with the published rules and regulations of the Commission with
          respect to financial statements included or incorporated in quarterly
          reports on Form 10-Q under the Exchange Act; and said unaudited
          financial statements are not in conformity with generally accepted
          accounting principles applied on a basis substantially consistent with
          that of the audited financial statements included or incorporated in
          the Registration Statement and the Prospectus; or
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              21

               (2) with respect to the period subsequent to March 31, 1996,
          there were any changes, at a specified date not more than five
          business days prior to the date of the letter, in the long-term debt
          (including current maturities) of the Company and its subsidiaries or
          capital stock of the Company or decreases in the stockholders' equity
          of the Company as compared with the amounts shown on the March 31,
          1996, consolidated balance sheet included or incorporated in the
          Registration Statement and the Prospectus, or for the period from
          April 1, 1996 to such specified date there were any decreases, as
          compared with the corresponding period in the preceding year net
          revenues or income before income taxes or in total or per share
          amounts of net income of the Company and its subsidiaries, except in
          all instances for changes or decreases set forth in such letter, in
          which case the letter shall be accompanied by an explanation by the
          Company as to the significance thereof unless said explanation is not
          deemed necessary by the Representatives;

          (iii) they have performed certain other specified procedures as a
     result of which they determined that certain information of an accounting,
     financial or statistical nature (which is limited to accounting, financial
     or statistical information derived from the general accounting records of
     the Company and its subsidiaries) set forth in the Registration Statement
     and the Prospectus and in Exhibit 12 to the Registration Statement,
     including the information set forth under the captions "Summary Historical
     and Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data", "Unaudited Pro Forma
     Consolidated Financial Data" and "Selected Consolidated Financial Data" in
     the Prospectus, the information included or incorporated in Items 1, 2, 6,
     7 and 11 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, incorporated in the
     Registration Statement and the Prospectus, and the information included in
     the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
     Results of Operations" included or incorporated in the Company's Quarterly
     Reports on Form 10-Q, incorporated in the Registration Statement and the
     Prospectus, agrees with the accounting records of the Company and its
     subsidiaries, excluding any questions of legal interpretation; and
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              22

          (iv) On the basis of a reading of the unaudited pro forma financial
     statements included or incorporated in the Registration Statement and the
     Prospectus (the "pro forma financial statements"); carrying out certain
     specified procedures; inquiries of certain officials of the Company who
     have responsibility for financial and accounting matters; and proving the
     arithmetic accuracy of the application of the pro forma adjustments to the
     historical amounts in the pro forma financial statements, nothing came to
     their attention which caused them to believe that the pro forma financial
     statements do not comply in form in all material respects with the
     applicable accounting requirements of Rule 11-02 of Regulation S-X or that
     the pro forma adjustments have not been properly applied to the historical
     amounts in the compilation of such statements.

          References to the Prospectus in this paragraph (h) include any
supplement thereto at the date of the letter.

          The Representatives shall have also received from Ernst & Young L.L.P.
(1) a report on their examination with respect to pro forma financial
information for the year ended June 30, 1995 stating that in their opinion,
management's assumptions provide a reasonable basis for presenting the
significant effects directly attributable to the transactions set forth in such
report and described in the Notes to Pro Forma Financial Information, the
related pro forma adjustments give appropriate effect to those assumptions, and
the pro forma column for the year ended June 30, 1995 reflects the proper
application of those adjustments to the historical financial statements amounts
in the pro forma financial information for the year then ended and (2) a report
of their review with respect to pro forma financial information for the nine
months ended March 31, 1996 and 1995 stating that based on their review, nothing
came to their attention that caused them to believe that management's
assumptions do not provide a reasonable basis for presenting the significant
effects directly attributable to the transactions set forth in such report and
described in the Notes to Pro Forma Financial Information, that the related pro
forma adjustments do not give appropriate effect to those assumptions, or that
the pro forma column for the nine months ended March 31, 1996 and 1995 do not
reflect the proper allocation of those
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              23

adjustments to the historical statement amounts in the pro forma financial
information for the nine month period then ended.

          The Representatives shall have also received from Ernst & Young L.L.P.
a letter stating that the Company's system of internal accounting controls taken
as a whole is sufficient to meet the broad objectives of internal accounting
control insofar as those objectives pertain to the prevention or detection of
errors or irregularities in amounts that would be material in relation to the
financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries.

          (i)  At the Execution Time and at the Closing Date, Deloitte & Touche
LLP shall have furnished to the Representatives and the Selling Stockholder a
letter or letters, dated respectively as of the Execution Time and as of the
Closing Date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives and the
Selling Stockholder, confirming that, with respect to Alpha Cellulose Holdings,
Inc. ("Alpha") and its subsidiaries, they are independent accountants within the
meaning of the Act and the applicable published rules and regulations thereunder
and that they have performed a review of the unaudited interim financial
information for the three-month period ended March 31, 1996, in accordance with
Statement of Auditing Standards No. 71 and stating in effect that:

          (i)  in their opinion the audited financial statements of Alpha
     included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and reported on
     by them comply in form in all material respects with the applicable
     accounting requirements of the Act and the related published rules and
     regulations;

          (ii)  on the basis of a reading of the latest unaudited financial
     statements made available by Alpha and its subsidiaries; their limited
     review in accordance with standards established by the American Institute
     of Certified Public Accountants under Statement of Auditing Standards No.
     71 of the unaudited interim financial information for the three-month
     period ended March 31, 1996, and as at March 31, 1996, as indicated in
     their report dated __________, 1996, carrying out certain specified
     procedures (but not an examination in accordance with generally accepted
     auditing standards) which would not necessarily reveal matters of
     significance with respect to the comments set forth in such
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              24

     letter; a reading of the minutes of the meetings of the stockholders,
     directors and the compensation and audit committees of Alpha and the
     subsidiaries; and inquiries of certain officials of Alpha who have
     responsibility for financial and accounting matters of Alpha and its
     subsidiaries as to transactions and events subsequent to December 31, 1995,
     nothing came to their attention which caused them to believe that:

               (1) any unaudited financial statements included or incorporated
          in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus do not comply in form
          in all material respects with applicable accounting requirements and
          with the published rules and regulations of the Commission with
          respect to financial statements included or incorporated in quarterly
          reports on Form 10-Q under the Exchange Act; and said unaudited
          financial statements are not in conformity with generally accepted
          accounting principles applied on a basis substantially consistent with
          that of the audited financial statements included or incorporated in
          the Registration Statement and the Prospectus; or

               (2) with respect to the period subsequent to March 31, 1996,
          there were any changes, at a specified date not more than five
          business days prior to the date of the letter, in the long-term debt
          (including current maturities) of Alpha and its subsidiaries or
          capital stock of Alpha or decreases in the stockholders' equity of
          Alpha as compared with the amounts shown on the March 31, 1996,
          consolidated balance sheet included or incorporated in the
          Registration Statement and the Prospectus, or for the period from
          April 1, 1996 to such specified date there were any decreases, as
          compared with the corresponding period in the preceding year net
          revenues or income before income taxes or in total or per share
          amounts of net income of Alpha and its subsidiaries, except in all
          instances for changes or decreases set forth in such letter, in which
          case the letter shall be accompanied by an explanation by Alpha as to
          the significance thereof unless said explanation is not deemed
          necessary by the Representatives; and





<PAGE>
 
                                                                              25

          (iii)  they have performed certain other specified procedures as a
     result of which they determined that certain information of an accounting,
     financial or statistical nature (which is limited to accounting, financial
     or statistical information derived from the general accounting records of
     Alpha and its subsidiaries) set forth in the Registration Statement and the
     Prospectus agrees with the accounting records of Alpha and its
     subsidiaries, excluding any questions of legal interpretation.

          References to the Prospectus in this paragraph (i) include any
supplement thereto at the date of the letter.

          (j)  At the Execution Time and at the Closing Date, Dipl.-Ing. Wolf
Gadecke Wirtschaftsprufer shall have furnished to the Representatives a letter
or letters, dated respectively as of the Execution Time and as of the Closing
Date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives, confirming
that, with respect to Peter Temming Aktiengesellschaft, they are independent
accountants within the meaning of the Act and the applicable published rules and
regulations thereunder and stating in effect that:

          (i)  in their opinion the audited financial statements of Peter
     Temming Aktiengesellschaft included in the Registration Statement and the
     Prospectus and reported on by them comply in form in all material respects
     with the applicable accounting requirements of the Act and the related
     published rules and regulations; and

          (ii)  they have performed certain other specified procedures as a
     result of which they determined that certain information of an accounting,
     financial or statistical nature (which is limited to accounting, financial
     or statistical information derived from the general accounting records of
     Peter Temming Aktiengesellschaft and its subsidiaries) set forth in the
     Registration Statement and the Prospectus, agrees with the accounting
     records of Peter Temming Aktiengesellschaft and its subsidiaries, excluding
     any questions of legal interpretation.

          References to the Prospectus in this paragraph (j) include any
supplement thereto at the date of the letter.

          (k)  Subsequent to the Execution Time or, if
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              26

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

          (l)  At the Execution Time, the Company shall have furnished to the
Representatives a letter substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto from each
executive officer and director of the Company listed in Schedule III hereto and
the Selling Stockholder and addressed to the Representatives, in which each such
person agrees not to offer, sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of any
shares of Common Stock, any other capital stock of the Company or any security
convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock or any such
other capital stock without the prior written consent of Salomon Brothers Inc,
other than as set forth in Exhibit A hereto.

          (m)  Subsequent to the Execution Time, there shall not have been any
decrease in the rating of any of the Company's debt securities by any
"nationally recognized statistical rating organization" (as defined for purposes
of Rule 436(g) under the Act) or any notice given of any intended or potential
decrease in any such rating or of a possible change in any such rating that does
not indicate the direction of the possible change.

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

          (o)  Prior to the Closing Date, the Company and the Selling
Stockholder shall have consummated the Company
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              27

Stock Repurchase (as defined in the Prospectus) and the Selling Stockholder and
the parties thereto shall have consummated the Individuals' Stock Purchase (as
defined in the Prospectus).

          If any of the conditions specified in this Section 7 shall not have
been fulfilled in all material respects when and as provided in this Agreement,
or if any of the opinions and certificates mentioned above or elsewhere in this
Agreement shall not be in all material respects reasonably satisfactory in form
and substance to the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters, this
Agreement and all obligations of the Underwriters hereunder may be canceled at,
or at any time prior to, the Closing Date by the Representatives.  Notice of
such cancellation shall be given to the Company and the Selling Stockholder in
writing or by telephone or telefax confirmed in writing.

          The documents required to be delivered by this Section 7 shall be
delivered at the office of Kirkland & Ellis, 200 East Randolph Drive, Chicago,
IL 60601, on the Closing Date.

          SECTION 8.  Reimbursement of Underwriters' Expenses.  If the sale of
the Securities provided for herein is not consummated because any condition to
the obligations of the Underwriters set forth in Section 7 hereof is not
satisfied, because of any termination pursuant to Section 11 hereof or because
of any refusal, inability or failure on the part of the Company or the Selling
Stockholder to perform any agreement herein or comply with any provision hereof
other than by reason of a default by any of the Underwriters, the Company will
reimburse the Underwriters severally through the Representatives upon demand for
all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable fees and
disbursements of Cravath, Swaine & Moore) approved by the Representatives that
shall have been incurred by them in connection with the proposed purchase and
sale of the Securities.

          SECTION 9.  Indemnification and Contribution.  (a)  Each of the
Company and the Selling Stockholder, severally and not jointly, agree to
indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, the directors, officers, employees
and agents of each Underwriter and each person who controls any Underwriter
within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act
against any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              28

several, to which they or any of them may become subject under the Act, the
Exchange Act or other Federal or state statutory law or regulation, at common
law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or
actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement
or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the registration
statement for the registration of the Securities as originally filed or in any
amendment thereof, or in any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, or in any
amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the
omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and
agrees to reimburse each such indemnified party, as incurred, for any legal or
other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or
defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided, however,
that (i) neither the Company nor the Selling Stockholder will be liable in any
such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises
out of or is based upon any such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or
omission or alleged omission made therein in reliance upon and in conformity
with written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of any
Underwriter through the Representatives specifically for inclusion therein, (ii)
with respect to any untrue statement or omission of a material fact made in any
Preliminary Prospectus, the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 9(a)
shall not inure to the benefit of any Underwriter (or any of the directors,
officers, employees and agents of such Underwriter or any controlling person of
such Underwriter) from whom the person asserting any such loss, claim, damage or
liability purchased the Securities concerned, to the extent that any such loss,
claim, damage or liability of such Underwriter occurs under the circumstances
that (x) the Company had previously furnished copies of the Prospectus to the
Representatives, (y) the untrue statement or omission of a material fact
contained in the Preliminary Prospectus was corrected in the Prospectus and (z)
there was not sent or given to such person, at or prior to the written
confirmation of the sale of such Securities to such person, a copy of the
Prospectus and (iii) the aggregate liability of the Selling Stockholder shall be
limited to the gross proceeds received by it from the Securities purchased by
the Underwriters pursuant to this Agreement.  This indemnity agreement will be
in addition to any liability which the Company or the Selling Stockholder may
otherwise have.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              29

          (b)  Each Underwriter severally agrees to indemnify and hold harmless
the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who signs the
Registration Statement, the Selling Stockholder and each person who controls the
Company or the Selling Stockholder within the meaning of either Section 15 of
the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, to the same extent as the foregoing
indemnity from the Company and the Selling Stockholder to each Underwriter, but
only with reference to written information relating to such Underwriter
furnished to the Company by or on behalf of such Underwriter through the
Representatives specifically for inclusion in the documents referred to in the
foregoing indemnity, and will reimburse the Company, the Selling Stockholder and
such other persons for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the
Company, the Selling Stockholder or such other persons in connection with
investigating or defending any such action or claim as such expenses are
incurred.  This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability which
any Underwriter may otherwise have.  The Company and the Selling Stockholder
acknowledge that the statements set forth in the last paragraph of the cover
page and under the heading "Underwriting" in any Preliminary Prospectus and the
Prospectus constitute the only information furnished in writing by or on behalf
of the several Underwriters for inclusion in any Preliminary Prospectus or the
Prospectus, and you, as the Representatives, confirm that such statements are
correct.

          (c)  Promptly after receipt by an indemnified Party under this Section
9 of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party will, if a
claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under this
Section 9, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof;
but the failure so to notify the indemnifying party will not relieve it from
liability under paragraph (a) or (b) above unless and to the extent it did not
otherwise learn of such action and such failure results in the forfeiture by the
indemnifying party of substantial rights and defenses.  The indemnifying party
shall be entitled to appoint counsel of the indemnifying party's choice at the
indemnifying party's expense to represent the indemnified party in any action
for which indemnification is sought (in which case the indemnifying party shall
not thereafter be responsible for the fees and expenses of any separate counsel
retained by the indemnified party or parties except as set forth below);
provided, however, that such counsel shall be satisfactory to the
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              30

indemnified party. Notwithstanding the indemnifying party's election to appoint
counsel to represent the indemnified party in an action, the indemnified party
shall have the right to employ separate counsel (including local counsel), and
the indemnifying party shall bear the reasonable fees, costs and expenses of
such separate counsel if (i) the use of counsel chosen by the indemnifying party
to represent the indemnified party would present such counsel with a conflict of
interest, (ii) the actual or potential defendants in, or targets of, any such
action include both the indemnified party and the indemnifying party and the
indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded that there may be legal
defenses available to it and/or other indemnified parties which are different
from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party, (iii) the
indemnifying party shall not have employed counsel satisfactory to the
indemnified party to represent the indemnified party within a reasonable time
after notice of the institution of such action or (iv) the indemnifying party
shall authorize the indemnified party to employ separate counsel at the expense
of the indemnifying party.  An indemnifying party will not, without the prior
written consent of the indemnified parties, settle or compromise or consent to
the entry of any judgment with respect to any pending or threatened claim,
action, suit or proceeding in respect of which indemnification or contribution
may be sought hereunder (whether or not the indemnified parties are actual or
potential parties to such claim or action) unless such settlement, compromise or
consent includes an unconditional release of each indemnified party from all
liability arising out of such claim, action, suit or proceeding.  An
indemnifying party shall not be liable under this Section 9 to any indemnified
party regarding any settlement or compromise or consent to the entry of any
judgment with respect to any pending or threatened claim, action, suit or
proceeding in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought
hereunder (whether or not the indemnified parties are actual or potential
parties to such claim or action) unless such settlement, compromise or consent
is consented to by such indemnifying party, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld.

          (d)  In the event that the indemnity provided in paragraph (a) or (b)
of this Section 9 is unavailable to an indemnified party, the Company, the
Selling Stockholder and the Underwriters agree to contribute to the aggregate
losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including legal or other expenses
reasonably incurred in connection with
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              31

investigating or defending same) (collectively "Losses") to which the Company,
the Selling Stockholder and one or more of the Underwriters may be subject in
such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by
the Company and the Selling Stockholder on the one hand and by the Underwriters
on the other hand from the offering of the Securities; provided, however, that
in no case shall any Underwriter (except as may be provided in any agreement
among underwriters relating to the offering of the Securities) be responsible
for any amount in excess of the underwriting discount or commission applicable
to the Securities purchased by such Underwriter hereunder nor shall the Selling
Stockholder be responsible for any amount in excess of the gross proceeds
received by it from the Securities purchased by the Underwriters pursuant to
this Agreement.  If the allocation provided by the immediately preceding
sentence is unavailable for any reason, the Company, the Selling Stockholder and
the Underwriters shall contribute in such proportion as is appropriate to
reflect not only such relative benefits but also the relative fault of the
Company and the Selling Stockholder on the one hand and of the Underwriters on
the other hand in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in
such Losses as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.  Benefits
received by the Company and the Selling Stockholder on the one hand shall be
deemed to be equal to the total net proceeds from the offering (before deducting
expenses) received by the Company and the Selling Stockholder, and benefits
received by the Underwriters on the other hand shall be deemed to be equal to
the total underwriting discounts and commissions, in each case as set forth on
the cover page of the Prospectus.  Relative fault shall be determined by
reference to whether any alleged untrue statement or omission relates to
information provided by the Company or the Selling Stockholder or the
Underwriters.  The Company, the Selling Stockholder and the Underwriters agree
that it would not be just and equitable if contribution were determined by pro
rata allocation or any other method of allocation which does not take account of
the equitable considerations referred to above.  Notwithstanding the provisions
of this paragraph (d), no person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within
the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from
any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.  For
purposes of this Section 9, each person who controls an Underwriter within the
meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act and each director, officer,
employee and agent of an Underwriter shall have the
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              32

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

          (e)  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no
indemnified party shall bring any action, make any claim or have any recourse
against any limited or general partner of the Selling Stockholder (including any
partner, shareholder or other affiliate of any such limited or general partner)
or the assets of such limited or general partner for indemnification or
contribution under this Section 9; provided that any such indemnified party is
not hereby waiving any rights it may have to share in any assets of the Selling
Stockholder which are obtained by the Selling Stockholder (or any trustee or
custodian in bankruptcy or similar proceeding) from any person, including any
partners of the Selling Stockholder, as a result of the application of any
bankruptcy, insolvency or fraudulent conveyance laws.  The Underwriters
acknowledge that the Selling Stockholder has the right to indemnification from
the Company with respect to any amounts the Selling Stockholder pays to the
Underwriters pursuant hereto.  The Underwriters and the Company hereby agree
that to the extent of payments of the Underwriters by the Selling Stockholder
hereunder, the Selling Stockholder shall be subrogated to the rights of the
Underwriters to receive such amounts from the Company, which rights shall be
subordinated in right of payment to any right of the Underwriters to receive any
amounts payable under this Section 9 from the Company.

          SECTION 10.  Default by an Underwriter.  If any one or more
Underwriters shall fail to purchase and pay for any of the Securities agreed to
be purchased by such Underwriter or Underwriters hereunder and such failure to
purchase shall constitute a default in the performance of its or their
obligations under this Agreement, the remaining Underwriters shall be obligated
severally to take up and pay for (in the respective proportions which the amount
of Securities set forth opposite their names in Schedule I hereto bears to the
aggregate amount of Securities set forth opposite the names of all the remaining
Underwriters) the Securities which the defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              33

agreed but failed to purchase, provided, however, that in the event that the
aggregate amount of Securities which the defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters
agreed but failed to purchase shall exceed 10% of the aggregate amount of
Securities set forth in Schedule I hereto, the remaining Underwriters shall have
the right to purchase all, but shall not be under any obligation to purchase
any, of the Securities, and if such nondefaulting Underwriters do not purchase
all the Securities, this Agreement will terminate without liability to any
nondefaulting Underwriter, the Company or the Selling Stockholder.  In the event
of a default by any Underwriter as set forth in this Section 10, the Closing
Date shall be postponed for such period, not exceeding seven days, as the
Representatives shall determine in order that the required changes in the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus or in any other documents or
arrangements may be effected.  Nothing contained in this Agreement shall relieve
any defaulting Underwriter of its liability, if any, to the Company, the Selling
Stockholder and any nondefaulting Underwriter for damages occasioned by its
default hereunder.

          SECTION 11.  Termination.  This Agreement shall be subject to
termination in the absolute discretion of the Representatives, by notice given
to the Company and the Selling Stockholder prior to delivery of and payment for
the Securities, if prior to such time (i) trading in the Company's Common Stock
shall have been suspended by the Commission or the New York Stock Exchange or
trading in securities generally on the New York Stock Exchange shall have been
suspended or limited or minimum prices shall have been established on such
Exchange, (ii) a banking moratorium shall have been declared either by Federal
or New York State authorities or (iii) there shall have occurred any outbreak or
escalation of hostilities, declaration by the United States of a national
emergency or war or other calamity or crisis the effect of which on financial
markets is such as to make it, in the judgment of the Representatives,
impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the offering or delivery of the
Securities as contemplated by the Prospectus (exclusive of any supplement
thereto).

          SECTION 12.  Representations and Indemnities to Survive.  The
respective agreements, representations, warranties, indemnities and other
statements of the Company or its officers, the Selling Stockholder or its
officers and of the Underwriters set forth in or made pursuant to this Agreement
will remain in full force and effect, regardless
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              34

of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or the Company, the
Selling Stockholder or any of their respective officers, directors or
controlling persons referred to in Section 9 hereof, and will survive delivery
of and payment for the Securities. The provisions of Sections 8 and 9 hereof
shall survive the termination or cancellation of this Agreement.

          SECTION 13.  Notices.  All communications hereunder will be in writing
and effective only on receipt, and, if sent to the Representatives, will be
mailed, delivered or telegraphed and confirmed to them, care of Salomon Brothers
Inc, at Seven World Trade Center, New York, New York, 10048; if sent to the
Company, will be mailed, delivered or telefaxed and confirmed to it at 1001
Tillman Street, Memphis, TN 38108, attention:  General Counsel or, if sent to
the Selling Stockholder, will be mailed, delivered or telefaxed and confirmed to
it at Madison Dearborn Capital Partners, L.P., Three First National Plaza, Suite
1330, Chicago, IL 60602, Attention:  Samuel M. Mencoff; and, if to the Company
or the Selling Stockholder, with a copy to Alan G. Berkshire, Kirkland & Ellis,
200 East Randolph Drive, Chicago, IL 60601.

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

          SECTION 15.  Applicable Law.  This Agreement will be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

          SECTION 16.  Canada.  Each of the Underwriters hereby covenants and
agrees that it will not distribute the Securities in such a manner as to require
the filing of a prospectus or similar document (excluding a private placement
offering memorandum) with respect to the Securities under the laws of any
Province or Territory in Canada.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              35

          SECTION 17.  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in one or
more counterparts and, when a counterpart has been executed by each party, all
such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

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


                                       Very truly yours,

                                       BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION


                                       by  __________________________
                                           Name:
                                           Title:


                                       MADISON DEARBORN CAPITAL PARTNERS, L.P.,

                                       by: Madison Dearborn Partners,
                                           L.P., its general partner

                                       by: Madison Dearborn Partners,
                                           Inc., its general partner


                                       by  __________________________
                                           Name:
                                           Title:


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

Salomon Brothers Inc
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
PaineWebber Incorporated
Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc.

by Salomon Brothers Inc,

by ______________________
   Vice President

For themselves and the other
Several Underwriters named in
Schedule I to the foregoing
Agreement.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              36

                                  SCHEDULE I

                                               Number
              Underwriters                    of shares  
              ------------                    --------- 
 
 
Salomon Brothers Inc..................
 
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
 Incorporated.........................
 
PaineWebber Incorporated..............
 
Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc..........
 
   Total..............................
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              37


                                  SCHEDULE II

 
Name of Subsidiary
- ------------------
 
Buckeye Florida Corporation
 
Buckeye Florida, Limited
 Partnership
 
Buckeye Limited Corporation
 
 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              38

                                  SCHEDULE III



                Directors and Executive Officers of the Company
                -----------------------------------------------
                           Subject to 90-Day Lock-Up
                           -------------------------


                      [To be provided by Kirkland & Ellis]
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              39

                                  SCHEDULE IV



                           Instruments and Agreements
                           --------------------------


                      [To be provided by Kirkland & Ellis]

<PAGE>
 
                        [LETTERHEAD OF KIRKLAND & ELLIS]


                                 June 26, 1996


Buckeye Cellulose Corporation
1001 Tillman Street
Memphis, Tennessee 38108

      Re:  Buckeye Cellulose Corporation
           Registration Statement on Form S-3
           Registration No. 333-05139

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We have acted as special counsel to Buckeye Cellulose Corporation, a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the proposed
registration by the Company of up to 3,045,157 shares of the Company's Common
Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Shares") pursuant to a Registration
Statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act") (such
Registration Statement, as amended or supplemented and together with any
registration statement referred to in the succeeding sentence, is hereinafter
referred to as the "Registration Statement").  This opinion also relates to any
registration statement in connection with this offering that is to be effective
upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Act, and the term "Shares" as used
herein includes any additional shares of the Company's Common Stock registered
pursuant to such subsequently filed registration statement.

     In that connection, we have examined originals, or copies certified or
otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such documents, corporate records
and other instruments as we have deemed necessary for the purposes of this
opinion, including (i) the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and
By-Laws of the Company, (ii) minutes and records of the corporate proceedings of
the Company with respect to the Shares, (iii) the Registration Statement and
exhibits thereto, (iv) the form of underwriting agreement (the "Underwriting
Agreement") to be entered into among the Company, Madison Dearborn Capital
Partners, L.P., Salomon Brothers Inc, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, PaineWebber Incorporated and Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc., as
representatives of the underwriters, and (v) such other documents and
instruments as we have deemed necessary for the expression of the opinions
contained herein.
<PAGE>
 
Buckeye Cellulose Corporation
June 26, 1996
Page 2



     For purposes of this opinion, we have assumed the authenticity of all
documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to the originals of all
documents submitted to us as copies and the authenticity of the originals of all
documents submitted to us as copies.  We have also assumed the genuineness of
the signatures of persons signing all documents in connection with which this
opinion is rendered, the authority of such persons signing on behalf of the
parties thereto and the due authorization, execution and delivery of all
documents by the parties thereto other than the Company.  As to any facts
material to the opinions expressed herein which we have not independently
established or verified, we have relied upon statements and representations of
officers and other representatives of the Company and others.

     Our opinion expressed below is subject to the qualifications that we
express no opinion as to the applicability of, compliance with, or effect of any
laws except the laws of the State of Illinois, the State of New York, the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and the federal laws of the
United States of America.

     Based upon and subject to the foregoing qualifications, assumptions and
limitations and the further limitations set forth below, we are of the opinion
that the Shares have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and
are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

     We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Commission as
Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement.  We also consent to the reference to
our firm under the heading "Legal Matters" in the Registration Statement.  In
giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of
persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act or the rules and
regulations of the Commission.

     This opinion is limited to the specific issues addressed herein, and no
opinion may be inferred or implied beyond that expressly stated herein.  We
assume no obligation to revise or supplement this opinion should the present
laws of the States of Illinois, New York or Delaware or the federal law of the
United states be changed by legislative action, judicial decision or otherwise.

     We do not find it necessary for the purposes of this opinion, and
accordingly we do not purport to cover herein, the
<PAGE>
 
Buckeye Cellulose Corporation
June 26, 1996
Page 3



application of the securities or "Blue Sky" laws of the various states to the
issuance of the Shares.

     This opinion is furnished to you in connection with the filing of the
Registration Statement and is not to be used, circulated, quoted or otherwise
relied upon for any other purpose.

                                       Very truly yours,

                                       /s/ Kirkland & Ellis

                                       KIRKLAND & ELLIS
 

<PAGE>
                                                                   Exhibit 10.27
 
                   BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION, AS ISSUER,

                                      AND

                    UNION PLANTERS NATIONAL BANK, AS TRUSTEE



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


                                   INDENTURE


                         DATED AS OF NOVEMBER 28, 1995


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


                                  $150,000,000


                   8-1/2% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2005
<PAGE>
 
          Reconciliation and tie between Trust Indenture Act of 1939
                 and Indenture, dated as of November 28, 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
Trust Indenture                                Indenture
Act Section                                    Section
- ---------------                                ---------
<S>        <C>                                 <C>
 
(S) 310    (a)(1)............................... 609
           (a)(2)............................... 609
           (b).................................. 607, 610
(S) 311    (a).................................. 613
(S) 312    (a).................................. 701
           (c).................................. 702
(S) 313    (a).................................. 703
           (c).................................. 703, 704
(S) 314    (a).................................. 704
           (a)(4)............................... 1020
           (c)(1)............................... 103
           (c)(2)............................... 103
           (e).................................. 103
(S) 315    (a).................................. 601(b)
           (b).................................. 602
           (c).................................. 601(a)
           (d).................................. 601(c), 603
           (e).................................. 514
(S) 316    (a)(last sentence)................... 101 ("Outstanding")
           (a)(1)(A)............................ 502, 512
           (a)(1)(B)............................ 513
           (b).................................. 508
           (c).................................. 105
(S) 317    (a)(1)............................... 503
           (a)(2)............................... 504
           (b).................................. 1003
(S) 318    (a).................................. 108
</TABLE>

Note:  This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be a
       part of this Indenture.
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                               -----------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 

                                                              PAGE
                                                              ----
<S>                                                           <C>   
PARTIES........................................................ 1

RECITALS....................................................... 1

                                  ARTICLE ONE
            DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION


Section 101.   Definitions..................................... 1
               Acquired Indebtedness........................... 2
               Affiliate....................................... 2
               Asset Sale...................................... 3
               Average Life to Stated Maturity................. 3
               Bank Credit Facility............................ 3
               Bankruptcy Law.................................. 3
               Banks........................................... 3
               Board of Directors.............................. 3
               Board Resolution................................ 3
               Business Day.................................... 4
               Capital Lease Obligation........................ 4
               Capital Stock................................... 4
               Cash Equivalents................................ 4
               Change in Control............................... 5
               Commission...................................... 5
               Commodity Price Protection Agreement............ 6
               Common Stock.................................... 6
               Company......................................... 6
               Company Request or Company Order................ 6
               Concurrent Equity Offering...................... 6
               Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio........ 6
               Consolidated Income Tax Expense................. 7
               Consolidated Interest Expense................... 7
               Consolidated Net Income (Loss).................. 7
</TABLE> 

- ----------------------
Note:  This table of contents shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to
       be a part of this Indenture.

                                      (i)
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                      PAGE
                                                                      ----
<S>                                                                   <C> 
     Consolidated Net Worth...........................................  8
     Consolidated Non-cash Charges....................................  8
     Consolidated Tangible Assets.....................................  8
     Consolidation....................................................  8
     Corporate Trust Office...........................................  8
     Currency Hedging Arrangements....................................  8
     Default..........................................................  8
     Designated Senior Indebtedness...................................  8
     Disinterested Director...........................................  9
     Event of Default.................................................  9
     Exchange Act.....................................................  9
     Existing Notes...................................................  9
     Fair Market Value................................................  9
     Generally Accepted Accounting Principles or GAAP.................  9
     Guarantee........................................................  9
     Guaranteed Debt..................................................  9
     Guarantor........................................................  9
     Holder........................................................... 10
     Indebtedness..................................................... 10
     Indenture........................................................ 11
     Indenture Obligations............................................ 11
     Interest Payment Date............................................ 11
     Interest Rate Agreements......................................... 11
     Investment....................................................... 11
     Lien............................................................. 11
     Maturity......................................................... 11
     Moody's.......................................................... 12
     Net Cash Proceeds................................................ 12
     Officers' Certificate............................................ 12
     Opinion of Counsel............................................... 13
     Opinion of Independent Counsel................................... 13
     Outstanding...................................................... 13
     Pari Passu Indebtedness.......................................... 14
     Paying Agent..................................................... 14
     Permitted Holders................................................ 14
     Permitted Indebtedness........................................... 14
     Permitted Investment............................................. 16
     Permitted Lien................................................... 17
     Permitted Subsidiary Indebtedness................................ 17
     Person........................................................... 17
     Predecessor Security............................................. 17
</TABLE> 

                                     (ii)
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                   PAGE
                                                                   ----
<S>                                                                <C> 
               Preferred Stock..................................... 17
               Public Equity Offering.............................. 17
               Purchase Money Obligation........................... 17
               Qualified Capital Stock............................. 18
               Redeemable Capital Stock............................ 18
               Redemption Date..................................... 18
               Redemption Price.................................... 18
               Regular Record Date................................. 18
               Responsible Officer................................. 18
               S&P................................................. 19
               Securities.......................................... 19
               Securities Act...................................... 19
               Senior Indebtedness................................. 19
               Senior Note Indenture............................... 20
               Senior Representative............................... 20
               Special Record Date................................. 20
               Stated Maturity..................................... 20
               Subordinated Indebtedness........................... 20
               Subsidiary.......................................... 20
               Tender Offer........................................ 20
               Trust Indenture Act................................. 20
               Trustee............................................. 20
               Unrestricted Subsidiary............................. 20
               Unrestricted Subsidiary Indebtedness................ 21
               Voting Stock........................................ 22
               Wholly Owned Subsidiary............................. 22
Section 102.   Other Definitions................................... 22
Section 103.   Compliance Certificates and Opinions................ 23
Section 104.   Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee.............. 24
Section 105.   Acts of Holders..................................... 25
Section 106.   Notices, etc., to the Trustee and the Company....... 26
Section 107.   Notice to Holders; Waiver........................... 26
Section 108.   Conflict with Trust Indenture Act................... 27
Section 109.   Effect of Headings and Table of Contents............ 27
Section 110.   Successors and Assigns.............................. 27
Section 111.   Separability Clause................................. 27
Section 112.   Benefits of Indenture............................... 28
Section 113.   GOVERNING LAW....................................... 28
Section 114.   Legal Holidays...................................... 28
Section 115.   Independence of Covenants........................... 28
Section 116.   Schedules and Exhibits.............................. 28
</TABLE> 
                                     (iii)
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                    PAGE
                                                                    ----
<S>             <C>                                                 <C> 
Section 117.    Counterparts........................................  28

                                  ARTICLE TWO
                                 SECURITY FORMS


Section 201.    Forms Generally.....................................  29
Section 202.    Form of Face of Security............................  29
Section 203.    Form of Reverse of Securities.......................  31
Section 204.    Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication.....  35


                                 ARTICLE THREE
                                 THE SECURITIES


Section 301.    Title and Terms.....................................  35
Section 302.    Denominations.......................................  36
Section 303.    Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating......  36
Section 304.    Temporary Securities................................  38
Section 305.    Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange.  38
Section 306.    Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities....  40
Section 307.    Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved......  40
Section 308.    Persons Deemed Owners...............................  42
Section 309.    Cancellation........................................  42
Section 310.    Computation of Interest.............................  42
Section 311.    CUSIP Numbers.......................................  42

                                  ARTICLE FOUR
                       DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE


Section 401.    Company's Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant...  43
                Defeasance..........................................  43 
Section 402.    Defeasance and Discharge............................  43
Section 403.    Covenant Defeasance.................................  44
Section 404.    Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.....  44
Section 405.    Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to 
                Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions....  47
Section 406.    Reinstatement.......................................  47

                                  ARTICLE FIVE
                                    REMEDIES

Section 501.    Events of Default...................................  48
Section 502.    Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment..  50
</TABLE> 

                                     (iv)
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>

                                                                          PAGE
                                                                          ----
<S>             <C>                                                       <C>  
Section 503.    Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by 
                Trustee..................................................  51
Section 504.    Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.........................  52
Section 505.    Trustee May Enforce Claims without Possession of 
                Securities...............................................  53
Section 506.    Application of Money Collected...........................  53
Section 507.    Limitation on Suits......................................  54
Section 508.    Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, 
                Premium and Interest. ...................................  54
Section 509.    Restoration of Rights and Remedies.......................  55
Section 510.    Rights and Remedies Cumulative...........................  55
Section 511.    Delay or Omission Not Waiver.............................  55
Section 512.    Control by Holders.......................................  55
Section 513.    Waiver of Past Defaults..................................  56
Section 514.    Undertaking for Costs....................................  56
Section 515.    Waiver of Stay, Extension or Usury Laws..................  56
Section 516.    Remedies Subject to Applicable Law.......................  57

                                  ARTICLE SIX
                                  THE TRUSTEE

Section 601.    Duties of Trustee........................................  57
Section 602.    Notice of Defaults.......................................  59
Section 603.    Certain Rights of Trustee................................  59
Section 604.    Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals, Dispositions of 
                Securities or Application of Proceeds Thereof............  60
Section 605.    Trustee and Agents May Hold Securities; Collections; etc.  61
Section 606.    Money Held in Trust......................................  61
Section 607.    Compensation and Indemnification of Trustee and Its Prior 
                Claim....................................................  61
Section 608.    Conflicting Interests....................................  62
Section 609.    Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility..................  62
Section 610.    Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor 
                Trustee..................................................  63
Section 611.    Acceptance of Appointment by Successor...................  64
Section 612.    Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to 
                Business.................................................  65
Section 613.    Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company........  66
</TABLE>

                                      (v)
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                          PAGE
                                                                          ----
<S>            <C>                                                        <C>  
                                 ARTICLE SEVEN
               HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY

Section 701.    Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders. 66
Section 702.    Disclosure of Names and Addresses of Holders.............. 66
Section 703.    Reports by Trustee........................................ 67
Section 704.    Reports by Company........................................ 67
                                                                           
                                 ARTICLE EIGHT                             
              CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE         
                                                                           
Section 801.   Company May Consolidate, etc., Only on Certain Terms....... 68
Section 802.   Successor Substituted...................................... 69

                                  ARTICLE NINE
                            SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

Section 901.    Supplemental Indentures and Agreements without Consent 
                of Holders................................................ 70
Section 902.    Supplemental Indentures and Agreements with Consent of 
                Holders................................................... 71
Section 903.    Execution of Supplemental Indentures...................... 72
Section 904.    Effect of Supplemental Indentures......................... 73
Section 905.    Conformity with Trust Indenture Act....................... 73
Section 906.    Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures........ 73
Section 907.    Notice of Supplemental Indentures......................... 73
Section 908.    Revocation and Effect of Consents......................... 73

                                  ARTICLE TEN
                                   COVENANTS

Section 1001.    Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest............... 74
Section 1002.    Maintenance of Office or Agency.......................... 74
Section 1003.    Money for Security Payments to Be Held in Trust.......... 74
Section 1004.    Corporate Existence...................................... 76
Section 1005.    Payment of Taxes and Other Claims........................ 76
Section 1006.    Maintenance of Properties................................ 77
Section 1007.    Insurance................................................ 77
Section 1008.    Limitation on Indebtedness............................... 77
Section 1009.    Limitation on Restricted Payments........................ 78
Section 1010.    Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates............... 82
Section 1011.    Limitation on Liens...................................... 83
</TABLE> 

                                     (vi)
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           ----
<S>              <C>                                                       <C> 
Section 1012.    Limitation on Sale of Assets.............................  83
Section 1013.    Limitation on Senior Subordinated Indebtedness...........  88
Section 1014.    Limitation on Issuances of Guarantees of Subordinated and  
                 Pari Pasu Indebtedness...................................  89
Section 1015.    Restriction on Transfer of Assets........................  89
Section 1016.    Purchase of Securities upon a Change in Control..........  89
Section 1017.    Limitation on Subsidiary Capital Stock...................  94
Section 1018.    Limitation on Dividends and Other Payment Restrictions   
                 Affecting Subsidiaries...................................  94
Section 1019.    Limitation on Unrestricted Subsidiaries..................  95
Section 1020.    Provision of Financial Statements........................  95
Section 1021.    Statement by Officers as to Default......................  96
Section 1022.    Waiver of Certain Covenants..............................  96
                                                                          
                                 ARTICLE ELEVEN                           
                            REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES                      
                                                                          
Section 1101.    Rights of Redemption.....................................  97
Section 1102.    Applicability of Article.................................  97
Section 1103.    Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee....................  97
Section 1104.    Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed........  98
Section 1105.    Notice of Redemption.....................................  98
Section 1106.    Deposit of Redemption Price..............................  99
Section 1107.    Securities Payable on Redemption Date................... 100
Section 1108.    Securities Redeemed or Purchased in Part................ 100

                                 ARTICLE TWELVE
                          SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES

Section 1201.    Securities Subordinate to Senior Indebtedness........... 100
Section 1202.    Payment Over of Proceeds Upon Dissolution, Etc.......... 101
Section 1203.    Suspension of Payment When Senior Indebtedness in 
                 Default................................................. 102
Section 1204.    Payment Permitted if No Default......................... 104
Section 1205.    Subrogation to Rights of Holders of Senior Indebtedness. 104
Section 1206.    Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights............. 104
Section 1207.    Trustee to Effectuate Subordination..................... 105
Section 1208.    No Waiver of Subordination Provisions................... 105
Section 1209.    Notice to Trustee....................................... 106
Section 1210.    Reliance on Judicial Orders or Certificates............. 107
Section 1211.    Rights of Trustee as a Holder of Senior Indebtedness; 
                 Preservation of Trustee's Rights........................ 107
</TABLE> 

                                     (vii)
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 


                                                                        PAGE
                                                                        ----

<S>              <C>                                                    <C>     
Section 1212.    Article Applicable to Paying Agents................... 108
Section 1213.    No Suspension of Remedies............................. 108
Section 1214.    Trustee's Relation to Senior Indebtedness............. 108

                                ARTICLE THIRTEEN
                           SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

Section 1301.    Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture............... 109
Section 1302.    Application of Trust Money............................ 110
 
TESTIMONIUM............................................................ 111
SIGNATURES AND SEALS................................................... 111
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

SCHEDULE I     Permitted Holders

SCHEDULE II    Existing Indebtedness

SCHEDULE III   Existing Dividend Restrictions

EXHIBIT A      Form of Intercompany Note
</TABLE> 

                                    (viii)
<PAGE>
 
          INDENTURE, dated as of November 28, 1995, between Buckeye Cellulose
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and Union Planters National
Bank, a national banking association organized under the statutes of the United
States, as trustee (the "Trustee").


                            RECITALS OF THE COMPANY

          The Company has duly authorized the creation of an issue of 8 1/2%
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2005 (the "Securities"), of substantially the
tenor and amount hereinafter set forth, and to provide therefor the Company has
duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture and the Securities;

          This Indenture is subject to, and shall be governed by, the provisions
of the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be part of and to govern
indentures qualified under the Trust Indenture Act;

          All acts and things necessary have been done to make the Securities,
when duly issued and executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered
hereunder, the valid obligations of the Company and this Indenture a valid
agreement of the Company in accordance with the terms of this Indenture;

                  NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:

          For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the
Securities by the Holders thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed, for the
equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Securities, as follows:

                                  ARTICLE ONE

            DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION

     Section 101.  Definitions.
                   ----------- 

          For all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise expressly
provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

          (a) the terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to
them in this Article, and include the plural as well as the singular;

          (b) all other terms used herein which are defined in the Trust
Indenture Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the meanings
assigned to them therein;
<PAGE>
 
          (c)  all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the
meanings assigned to them in accordance with GAAP;

          (d)  the words "herein", "hereof" and "hereunder" and other words of
similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular
Article, Section or other subdivision;

          (e)  all references to $, US$, dollars or United States dollars shall
refer to the lawful currency of the United States of America; and

          (f)  all references herein to particular Sections or Articles refer to
this Indenture unless otherwise so indicated.

          Certain terms used principally in Article Four are defined in Article
Four.

          The following terms shall have the following meanings:

          "Acquired Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of a Person (i) existing at
the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary of the Company or (ii) assumed in
connection with the acquisition of assets from such Person, in each case, other
than Indebtedness incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such
Person becoming a Subsidiary of the Company or such acquisition, as the case may
be. Acquired Indebtedness shall be deemed to be incurred on the date of the
related acquisition of assets from any Person or the date the acquired Person
becomes a Subsidiary of the Company, as the case may be.

          "Affiliate" means, with respect to any specified Person: (i) any other
Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or
indirect common control with such specified Person; (ii) any other Person that
owns, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of such specified Person's Capital
Stock or any officer or director of any such specified Person or other Person
or, with respect to any natural Person, any person having a relationship with
such Person by blood, marriage or adoption not more remote than first cousin; or
(iii) any other Person 5% or more of the Voting Stock of which is beneficially
owned or held directly or indirectly by such specified Person. For the purposes
of this definition, "control" when used with respect to any specified Person
means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly
or indirectly, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or
otherwise; and the terms "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings
correlative to the foregoing.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
          "Asset Sale" means any sale, issuance, conveyance, transfer, lease or
other disposition (including, without limitation, by way of merger,
consolidation or sale and leaseback transaction) (collectively, a "transfer"),
directly or indirectly, in one or a series of related transactions, of: (i) any
Capital Stock of any Subsidiary of the Company; (ii) all or substantially all of
the properties and assets of any division or line of business of the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries; or (iii) any other properties or assets of the Company
or any Subsidiary of the Company other than in the ordinary course of business.
For the purposes of this definition, the term "Asset Sale" shall not include any
transfer of properties and assets (A) that is governed by Article Eight, (B)
that is by any Subsidiary of the Company to the Company or any Wholly Owned
Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, (C) that is of
inventory in the ordinary course of business, (D) that is of obsolete equipment
in the ordinary course of business or (E) the Fair Market Value of which in the
aggregate during any 12 month period, for all such transfers, does not exceed $5
million.

          "Average Life to Stated Maturity" means, as of the date of
determination with respect to any Indebtedness, the quotient obtained by
dividing (i) the sum of the products of (a) the number of years from the date of
determination to the date or dates of each successive scheduled principal
payment of such Indebtedness multiplied by (b) the amount of each such principal
payment by (ii) the sum of all such principal payments.

          "Bank Credit Facility" means the Bank Credit Agreement, dated as of
the date of the Indenture, among the Company, the Banks, and Fleet Bank of
Massachusetts, N.A., as such agreement, in whole or in part, may be amended,
renewed, extended, substituted, refinanced, restructured, replaced, supplemented
or otherwise modified from time to time (including, without limitation, any
successive renewals, extensions, substitutions, refinancings, restructurings,
replacements, supplementations or other modifications of the foregoing
regardless of the amount of borrowings permitted thereunder, which borrowings
were incurred in accordance with this Indenture).

          "Bankruptcy Law" means Title 11, United States Bankruptcy Code of
1978, as amended, or any similar United States federal or state law relating to
bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, winding up, liquidation, reorganization or
relief of debtors or any amendment to, succession to or change in any such law.

          "Banks" means the lenders under the Bank Credit Facility.

          "Board of Directors" means the board of directors of the Company or
any duly authorized committee of such board.

          "Board Resolution" means a copy of a resolution certified by the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by
the Board of

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification
and delivered to the Trustee.

          "Business Day" means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and
Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions or trust companies in
The City of New York, Memphis, Tennessee or the city in which the Corporate
Trust Office of the Trustee is located are authorized or obligated by law,
regulation or executive order to close.

          "Capital Lease Obligation" of any Person means any obligation of such
Person and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis under any capital lease of
real or personal property which, in accordance with GAAP, has been recorded as a
capitalized lease obligation .

          "Capital Stock" of any Person means any and all shares, interests,
participations or other equivalents (however designated) of such Person's
capital stock or other equity interests, and any rights (other than debt
securities convertible into capital stock), warrants or options exchangeable for
or convertible into such capital stock, whether now outstanding or issued after
the date of this Indenture.

          "Cash Equivalents" means (i) any evidence of Indebtedness, maturing
not more than one year after the date of acquisition, issued by the United
States of America, or an instrumentality or agency thereof, and guaranteed fully
as to principal, premium, if any, and interest by the United States of America,
(ii) any money market deposit account, demand deposit account, time deposit or
certificate of deposit, maturing not more than one year after the date of
acquisition, of a commercial banking institution organized under the laws of the
United States of America, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any
foreign country recognized by the United States of America and which institution
has combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than $200
million, (iii) any time deposit or certificate of deposit, maturing more than
one year after the date of acquisition, of a commercial banking institution
organized under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof, the
District of Columbia, or any foreign country recognized by the United States of
America and which institution has combined capital and surplus and undivided
profits of not less than $200 million and whose debt has a rating, at the time
as of which any investment therein is made, of "P-1" (or higher) according to
Moody's or any successor rating agency or "A-1" (or higher) according to S&P or
any successor rating agency, (iv) commercial paper, maturing not more than one
year after the date of acquisition, issued by a corporation (other than an
Affiliate or Subsidiary of the Company) organized and existing under the laws of
the United States of America with a rating, at the time as of which any
investment therein is made, of "P-1" according to Moody's or "A-1" according to
S&P and (v) any money market deposit account, demand deposit account, time
deposit or certificate of deposit of Union Planters

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
National Bank; provided that Union Planters National Bank has combined capital
and surplus and undivided profits of not less than $100 million.

          "Change in Control" means the occurrence of any of the following
events: (i) any "person" or "group" (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d)
and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), other than Permitted Holders (including any
Permitted Holders that are part of a "group"), is or becomes the "beneficial
owner" (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that
a Person shall be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all shares that such
Person has the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately
or only after the passage of time), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of
the total outstanding Voting Stock of the Company; (ii) during any period of two
consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted
the board of directors of the Company (together with any new directors whose
election to such board or whose nomination for election by the stockholders of
the Company was approved by a vote of 66-2/3% of the directors then still in
office who were either directors at the beginning of such period or whose
election or nomination for election was previously so approved), cease for any
reason to constitute a majority of such board of directors then in office; (iii)
the Company consolidates with or merges with or into any Person or conveys,
transfers or leases all or substantially all of its assets to any Person, or any
corporation consolidates with or merges into or with the Company in any such
event pursuant to a transaction in which the outstanding Voting Stock of the
Company is changed into or exchanged for cash, securities or other property,
other than any such transaction where the outstanding Voting Stock of the
Company is not changed or exchanged at all (except to the extent necessary to
reflect a change in the jurisdiction of incorporation of the Company or where
(A) the outstanding Voting Stock of the Company is changed into or exchanged for
(x) Voting Stock of the surviving corporation which is not Redeemable Capital
Stock or (y) cash, securities and other property (other than Capital Stock of
the surviving corporation) in an amount which could be paid by the Company as a
Restricted Payment in accordance with Section 1009 (and such amount shall be
treated as a Restricted Payment subject to the provisions described under
Section 1009) and (B) no "person" or "group", other than Permitted Holders
(including any Permitted Holders as part of a group), owns immediately after
such transaction, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the total outstanding
Voting Stock of the surviving corporation; or (iv) the Company is liquidated or
dissolved or adopts a plan of liquidation or dissolution other than in a
transaction which complies with the provisions described under Article Eight.

          "Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from
time to time constituted, created under the Exchange Act, or if at any time
after the execution of this Indenture such Commission is not existing and
performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act then the
body performing such duties at such time.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
          "Commodity Price Protection Agreement" means any forward contract,
commodity swap, commodity option or other similar financial agreement or
arrangement relating to, or the value of which is dependent upon, fluctuations
in commodity prices .

          "Common Stock" means the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of
the Company. "Company" means Buckeye Cellulose Corporation, a corporation
incorporated under the laws of Delaware, until a successor Person shall have
become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture and
thereafter "Company" shall mean such successor Person. To the extent necessary
to comply with the requirements of the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act
Sections 310 through 317 as they are applicable to the Company, the term
"Company" shall include any other obligor with respect to the Securities for
purposes of complying with such provisions.

          "Company Request" or "Company Order" means a written request or order
signed in the name of the Company by any one of its Chairman of the Board, its
Vice-Chairman, its President, its Chief Executive Officer, its Chief Operating
Officer or a Vice President (regardless of Vice Presidential designation), and
by any one of its Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, its Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary, and delivered to the Trustee.

          "Concurrent Equity Offering" means the offerings by the Company of
shares of Common Stock pursuant to prospectuses dated November 21, 1995.

          "Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio" of any Person means, for
any period, the ratio of (a) the sum of Consolidated Net Income (Loss),
Consolidated Interest Expense, Consolidated Income Tax Expense and Consolidated
Non-cash Charges deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income (Loss) in each
case, for such period, of such Person and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated
basis, all determined in accordance with GAAP to (b) the Consolidated Interest
Expense for such period; provided that (i) in making such computation, the
Consolidated Interest Expense attributable to interest on any Indebtedness
computed on a pro forma basis and (A) bearing a floating interest rate shall be
computed as if the rate in effect on the date of computation had been the
applicable rate for the entire period and (B) which was not outstanding during
the period for which the computation is being made but which bears, at the
option of such Person, a fixed or floating rate of interest, shall be computed
by applying at the option of such Person either the fixed or floating rate and
(ii) in making such computation, the Consolidated Interest Expense of such
Person attributable to interest on any Indebtedness under a revolving credit
facility computed on a pro forma basis shall be computed based upon the average
daily balance of such Indebtedness during the applicable period.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
          "Consolidated Income Tax Expense" of any Person means, for any period,
the provision for federal, state, local and foreign income taxes of such Person
and its Consolidated Subsidiaries for such period as determined in accordance
with GAAP.

          "Consolidated Interest Expense" of any Person means, without
duplication, for any period, the sum of (a) the interest expense of such Person
and its Subsidiaries for such period, on a Consolidated basis, including,
without limitation, (i) amortization of debt discount, (ii) the net costs
associated with Interest Rate Agreements, Currency Hedging Agreements and
Commodity Price Protection Agreements (including amortization of discounts),
(iii) the interest portion of any deferred payment obligation and (iv) accrued
interest, plus (b) (i) the interest component of the Capital Lease Obligations
paid, accrued and/or scheduled to be paid or accrued by such Person and its
Subsidiaries during such period and (ii) all capitalized interest of such Person
and its Subsidiaries plus (c) the interest expense under any Guaranteed Debt of
such Person and its Subsidiaries to the extent not included under clause (a)(iv)
above, plus (d) the aggregate amount during such period of cash or non-cash
dividends paid on any Redeemable Capital Stock or Preferred Stock of the Company
and its Subsidiaries, in each case as determined on a Consolidated basis in
accordance with GAAP.

          "Consolidated Net Income (Loss)" of any Person means, for any period,
the Consolidated net income (or loss) of such Person and its Subsidiaries for
such period on a Consolidated basis as determined in accordance with GAAP,
adjusted, to the extent included in calculating such net income (or loss), by
excluding, without duplication, (i) all extraordinary gains or losses (less all
fees and expenses relating thereto), (ii) the portion of net income (or loss) of
such Person and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis allocable to minority
interests in unconsolidated Persons to the extent that cash dividends or
distributions have not actually been received by such Person or one of its
Consolidated Subsidiaries, (iii) net income (or loss) of any Person combined
with such Person or any of its Subsidiaries on a "pooling of interests" basis
attributable to any period prior to the date of combination, (iv) any gain or
loss, net of taxes, realized upon the termination of any employee pension
benefit plan, (v) net gains (or losses) (less all fees and expenses relating
thereto) in respect of dispositions of assets other than in the ordinary course
of business, (vi) the net income of any Subsidiary of such Person to the extent
that the declaration of dividends or similar distributions by that Subsidiary of
that income is not at the time permitted, directly or indirectly, by operation
of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree,
order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Subsidiary or
its stockholders, (vii) any restoration to income of any contingency reserve,
except to the extent provision for such reserve was made out of income accrued
at any time following the date of this Indenture, or (viii) any gain arising
from the acquisition of any securities, or the extinguishment, under GAAP, of
any Indebtedness of such Person.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
          "Consolidated Net Worth" of any Person, as of a date, means the
Consolidated stockholders' equity (excluding Redeemable Capital Stock and
treasury stock) of such Person and its Subsidiaries, as of such date, as
determined in accordance with GAAP.

          "Consolidated Non-cash Charges" of any Person means, for any period,
the aggregate depreciation, amortization and other non-cash charges of such
Person and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis for such period, as
determined in accordance with GAAP (excluding any non-cash charge which requires
an accrual or reserve for cash charges for any future period).

          "Consolidated Tangible Assets" of any Person means (a) all amounts
that would be shown as assets on a consolidated balance sheet of such Person and
its Subsidiaries prepared in accordance with GAAP less (b) the amount thereof
constituting goodwill and other intangible assets as calculated in accordance
with GAAP.

          "Consolidation" means, with respect to any Person, the consolidation
of the accounts of such Person and each of its Subsidiaries (other than
Unrestricted Subsidiaries) if and to the extent the accounts of such Person and
each of its Subsidiaries (other than Unrestricted Subsidiaries) would normally
be consolidated with those of such Person, all in accordance with GAAP. The term
"Consolidated" shall have a similar meaning.

          "Corporate Trust Office" means the office of the Trustee or an
affiliate or agent thereof at which at any particular time the corporate trust
business for the purposes of this Indenture shall be administered, as designated
by the Trustee, which office at the date of execution of this Indenture is
located at 6200 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119.

          "Currency Hedging Arrangements" means one or more of the following
agreements which shall be entered into by one or more financial institutions:
foreign exchange contracts, currency swap agreements or other similar agreements
or arrangements designed to protect against the fluctuations in currency values.

          "Default" means any event which is, or after notice or passage of any
time or both would be, an Event of Default.

          "Designated Senior Indebtedness" means (i) all Senior Indebtedness
under the Bank Credit Facility and (ii) any other Senior Indebtedness which is
incurred pursuant to an agreement (or series of related agreements) providing
for Indebtedness of at least $25 million and is specifically designated in the
instrument evidencing such Senior Indebtedness or the agreement under which such
Senior Indebtedness arises as "Designated Senior Indebtedness" by the Company .

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
          "Disinterested Director" means, with respect to any transaction or
series of related transactions, a member of the board of directors of the
Company who does not have any material direct or indirect financial interest
(other than solely as a result of equity ownership in the Company) in or with
respect to such transaction or series of related transactions.

          "Event of Default" has the meaning specified in Section 501.

          "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
or any successor statute .

          "Existing Notes" means the 10 1/4% Senior Notes Due 2001 of the
Company.

          "Fair Market Value" means, with respect to any asset or property, the
sale value that would be obtained in an arm's-length transaction between an
informed and willing seller under no compulsion to sell and an informed and
willing buyer under no compulsion to buy.

          "Generally Accepted Accounting Principles" or "GAAP" means generally
accepted accounting principles in the United States, consistently applied, which
are in effect on the date of this Indenture.

          "Guarantee" means the guarantee by any Guarantor of the Company's
Indenture Obligations.

          "Guaranteed Debt" of any Person means, without duplication, all
Indebtedness of any other Person referred to in the definition of Indebtedness
below guaranteed directly or indirectly in any manner by such Person, or in
effect guaranteed directly or indirectly by such Person through an agreement (i)
to pay or purchase such Indebtedness or to advance or supply funds for the
payment or purchase of such Indebtedness, (ii) to purchase, sell or lease (as
lessee or lessor) property, or to purchase or sell services, primarily for the
purpose of enabling the debtor to make payment of such Indebtedness or to assure
the holder of such Indebtedness against loss, (iii) to supply funds to, or in
any other manner invest in, the debtor (including any agreement to pay for
property or services without requiring that such property be received or such
services be rendered), (iv) to maintain working capital or equity capital of the
debtor, or otherwise to maintain the net worth, solvency or other financial
condition of the debtor or (v) otherwise to assure a creditor against loss;
provided that the term "guarantee" shall not include endorsements for collection
or deposit, in either case, in the ordinary course of business.

          "Guarantor" means any Subsidiary of the Company which becomes a
guarantor of the Securities pursuant to Section 1014 or Section 1015 of this
Indenture

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
until a successor replaces such party pursuant to the applicable provisions of
this Indenture and, thereafter, shall mean such successor.

          "Holder" means a Person in whose name a Security is registered in the
Security Register.

          "Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Person, without duplication,
(i) all indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money or for the deferred
purchase price of property or services, excluding any trade payables and other
accrued current liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business, but
including, without limitation, all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such
Person in connection with any letters of credit issued under letter of credit
facilities, acceptance facilities or other similar facilities and in connection
with any agreement to purchase, redeem, exchange, convert or otherwise acquire
for value any Capital Stock of such Person, or any warrants, rights or options
to acquire such Capital Stock, now or hereafter outstanding, (ii) all
obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or other
similar instruments, (iii) all indebtedness created or arising under any
conditional sale or other title retention agreement with respect to property
acquired by such Person (even if the rights and remedies of the seller or lender
under such agreement in the event of default are limited to repossession or sale
of such property), but excluding trade payables arising in the ordinary course
of business, (iv) all obligations under Interest Rate Agreements, Currency
Hedging Agreements or Commodity Price Protection Agreements of such Person, (v)
all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person, (vi) all Indebtedness referred to
in clauses (i) through (v) above of other Persons and all dividends of other
Persons, the payment of which is secured by (or for which the holder of such
Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by)
any Lien, upon or with respect to property (including, without limitation,
accounts and contract rights) owned by such Person, even though such Person has
not assumed or become liable for the payment of such Indebtedness, (vii) all
Guaranteed Debt of such Person, (viii) all Redeemable Capital Stock issued by
such Person valued at the greater of its voluntary or involuntary maximum fixed
repurchase price plus accrued and unpaid dividends, and (ix) any amendment,
supplement, modification, deferral, renewal, extension, refunding or refinancing
of any liability of the types referred to in clauses (i) through (viii) above.
For purposes hereof, the "maximum fixed repurchase price" of any Redeemable
Capital Stock which does not have a fixed repurchase price shall be calculated
in accordance with the terms of such Redeemable Capital Stock as if such
Redeemable Capital Stock were purchased on any date on which Indebtedness shall
be required to be determined pursuant to this Indenture, and if such price is
based upon, or measured by, the Fair Market Value of such Redeemable Capital
Stock, such Fair Market Value to be determined in good faith by the board of
directors of the issuer of such Redeemable Capital Stock.

                                     -10-
<PAGE>
 
          "Indenture" means this instrument as originally executed (including
all exhibits and schedules hereto) and as it may from time to time be
supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered
into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof.

          "Indenture Obligations" means the obligations of the Company, any
Guarantor and any other obligor under this Indenture or under the Securities to
pay principal of, premium, if any, and interest when due and payable, and all
other amounts due or to become due under or in connection with this Indenture,
the Securities and the performance of all other obligations to the Trustee and
the holders under this Indenture and the Securities, according to the respective
terms thereof.

          "Interest Payment Date" means the Stated Maturity of an installment of
interest on the Securities.

          "Interest Rate Agreements" means one or more of the following
agreements which shall be entered into by one or more financial institutions:
interest rate protection agreements (including, without limitation, interest
rate swaps, caps, floors, collars and similar agreements) and/or other types of
interest rate hedging agreements from time to time.

          "Investment" means, with respect to any Person, directly or
indirectly, any advance, loan (including guarantees), or other extension of
credit or capital contribution to (by means of any transfer of cash or other
property to others or any payment for property or services for the account or
use of others), or any purchase, acquisition or ownership by such Person of any
Capital Stock, bonds, notes, debentures or other securities issued or owned by
any other Person and all other items that would be classified as investments on
a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP.

          "Lien" means any mortgage or deed of trust, charge, pledge, lien
(statutory or otherwise), security interest, assignment, deposit, arrangement,
easement, hypothecation, claim, preference, priority or other encumbrance upon
or with respect to any property of any kind (including any conditional sale,
capital lease or other title retention agreement, any leases in the nature
thereof, and any agreement to give any security interest), real or personal,
movable or immovable, now owned or hereafter acquired.

          "Maturity" means, when used with respect to the Securities, the date
on which the principal of the Securities becomes due and payable as therein
provided or as provided in this Indenture, whether at Stated Maturity, the Offer
Date or the redemption date and whether by declaration of acceleration, Offer in
respect of Excess Proceeds,

                                     -11-
<PAGE>
 
Change in Control Offer in respect of a Change in Control, call for redemption
or otherwise.

          "Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or any successor
rating agency.

          "Net Cash Proceeds" means (a) with respect to any Asset Sale by any
Person, the proceeds thereof (without duplication in respect of all Asset Sales)
in the form of cash including payments in respect of deferred payment
obligations when received in the form of, or stock or other assets when disposed
of for, cash (except to the extent that such obligations are financed or sold
with recourse to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) net of (i) brokerage
commissions and other reasonable fees and expenses (including fees and expenses
of counsel and investment bankers) related to such Asset Sale, (ii) provisions
for all taxes payable as a result of such Asset Sale, (iii) payments made to
retire Indebtedness where payment of such Indebtedness is secured by the assets
or properties the subject of such Asset Sale, (iv) amounts required to be paid
to any Person (other than the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company) owning a
beneficial interest in the assets subject to the Asset Sale, (v) appropriate
amounts to be provided by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, as the
case may be, as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any liabilities
associated with such Asset Sale and retained by the Company or any Subsidiary of
the Company, as the case may be, after such Asset Sale, including, without
limitation, pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities, liabilities
related to environmental matters and liabilities under any indemnification
obligations associated with such Asset Sale, all as reflected in an officers'
certificate delivered to the Trustee and (vi) any amounts required to be placed
by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in a restricted escrow or
reserve account by the terms of the agreements pursuant to which the Asset Sale
is made, provided that any such amounts shall be deemed to be Net Cash Proceeds
of an Asset Sale upon the release of such amounts to the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries and (b) with respect to any issuance or sale of Capital Stock or
options, warrants or rights to purchase Capital Stock, or debt securities or
Capital Stock that have been converted into or exchanged for Capital Stock as
referred to in Section 1009, the proceeds of such issuance or sale in the form
of cash including payments in respect of deferred payment obligations when
received in the form of, or stock or other assets when disposed of for, cash
(except to the extent that such obligations are financed or sold with recourse
to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries), net of attorney's fees, accountant's
fees and brokerage, consultation, underwriting and other fees and expenses
actually incurred in connection with such issuance or sale and net of taxes paid
or payable as a result thereof.

          "Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by the Chairman of
the Board, Vice Chairman, the President, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief
Operating Officer or a Vice President (regardless of Vice Presidential
designation), and by the

                                     -12-
<PAGE>
 
Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of
the Company and delivered to the Trustee.

          "Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion of counsel, who may be
counsel for the Company or the Trustee, unless an Opinion of Independent Counsel
is required pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, and who shall be reasonably
acceptable to the Trustee.

          "Opinion of Independent Counsel" means a written opinion of counsel
issued by someone who is not an employee or consultant (other than non-employee
legal counsel) of the Company but who may be regular outside counsel to the
Company and who shall be reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.

          "Outstanding" when used with respect to Securities means, as of the
date of determination, all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered
under this Indenture, except:

          (a) Securities theretofore cancelled by the Trustee or delivered to
the Trustee for cancellation;

          (b) Securities, or portions thereof, for whose payment or redemption
money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or
any Paying Agent (other than the Company) in trust or set aside and segregated
in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent) for
the Holders of such Securities; provided that if such Securities are to be
redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this
Indenture or provision therefor reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee has been
made;

          (c) Securities, except to the extent provided in Sections 402 and 403,
with respect to which the Company has effected defeasance or covenant defeasance
as provided in Article Four; and

          (d) Securities paid in lieu of replacement pursuant to Section 306 and
Securities in exchange for or in lieu of which other Securities have been
authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, other than any such
Securities in respect of which there shall have been presented to the Trustee
and the Company proof reasonably satisfactory to each of them that such
Securities are held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands the Securities are
valid obligations of the Company;

provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite
principal amount of Outstanding Securities have given any request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, Securities owned
by the Company, any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the
Company or such other obligor

                                     -13-
<PAGE>
 
shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in
determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such
request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only
Securities which the Trustee actually knows to be so owned shall be so
disregarded. Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith may be
regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the reasonable
satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee's right so to act with respect to such
Securities and that the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the
Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or such other obligor.

          "Pari Passu Indebtedness" means any Indebtedness of the Company that
is pari passu in right of payment to the Securities.

          "Paying Agent" means any Person (including the Company) authorized by
the Company to pay the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any
Securities on behalf of the Company.

          "Permitted Holders" means Madison Dearborn Capital Partners, L.P. and
the executive officers of the Company listed on Schedule I hereto.

          "Permitted Indebtedness" means:

     (i) Indebtedness of the Company under the Bank Credit Facility in an
aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the greater
of (a) $135 million less the sum of (1) the aggregate principal amount of the
Existing Notes outstanding at the time of determination (excluding as
outstanding for this purpose any such Existing Notes to the extent they are
concurrently repurchased or refinanced with the proceeds of borrowings under the
Bank Credit Facility) and (2) the aggregate principal amount of any Indebtedness
incurred pursuant to clause (xi) below to refinance the Existing Notes and any
successive refinancings thereof, and (b) 85% of accounts receivable and 50% of
inventory of the Company and its Subsidiaries under a borrowing-based facility
based on accounts receivable and inventory (each as determined in accordance
with GAAP);

     (ii) Indebtedness of the Company pursuant to the Securities;

     (iii)  guarantees of any of the Company's Subsidiaries of Indebtedness of
the Company; provided such Indebtedness and guarantees are incurred in
accordance with the terms of this Indenture;

     (iv) Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries outstanding on
the date of this Indenture and listed on Schedule II hereto;

                                     -14-
<PAGE>
 
     (v) Indebtedness of the Company owing to any of its Subsidiaries; provided
that any Indebtedness of the Company owing to a Subsidiary of the Company is
made pursuant to an intercompany note in the form attached to this Indenture and
is subordinated in right of payment from and after such time as the Securities
shall become due and payable (whether at Stated Maturity, acceleration or
otherwise) to the payment and performance of the Company's obligations under the
Securities; provided, further, that any disposition, pledge or transfer of any
such Indebtedness to a Person (other than a disposition, pledge or transfer to a
Subsidiary of the Company) shall be deemed to be an incurrence of such
Indebtedness by the Company not permitted by this clause (v);

     (vi) Indebtedness of a Wholly Owned Subsidiary owing to the Company or
another Wholly Owned Subsidiary; provided that any such Indebtedness is made
pursuant to an intercompany note in the form attached to this Indenture;
provided, further, that (a) any disposition, pledge or transfer of any such
Indebtedness to a Person (other than the Company or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary)
shall be deemed to be an incurrence of such Indebtedness by the obligor not
permitted by this clause (vi), and (b) any transaction pursuant to which any
Wholly Owned Subsidiary, which has Indebtedness owing to the Company or any
other Wholly Owned Subsidiary, ceases to be a Wholly Owned Subsidiary shall be
deemed to be the incurrence of Indebtedness by such Wholly Owned Subsidiary that
is not permitted by this clause (vi);

     (vii) obligations of the Company entered into in the ordinary course of
business (a) pursuant to Interest Rate Agreements designed to protect the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries against fluctuations in interest rates in
respect of Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as long as
such obligations do not exceed the aggregate principal amount of such
Indebtedness then outstanding, (b) under any Currency Hedging Arrangements,
which if related to Indebtedness do not increase the amount of such Indebtedness
other than as a result of foreign exchange fluctuations, or (c) under any
Commodity Price Protection Agreements, which if related to Indebtedness do not
increase the amount of such Indebtedness other than as a result of foreign
exchange fluctuations;

     (viii) Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries incurred to
finance construction of a pipeline and other environmental expenditures,
pursuant to an agreement reached between the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection and the Company, not to exceed $40 million outstanding at any one
time in the aggregate;

     (ix) Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries evidenced by
Purchase Money Obligations and Capital Lease Obligations not to exceed $5
million outstanding at any one time in the aggregate;

                                     -15-
<PAGE>
 
     (x) Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries incurred after
the date of this Indenture relating to letters of credit supporting workers
compensation obligations not to exceed $5 million outstanding at any one time in
the aggregate;

     (xi) any renewals, extensions, substitutions, refundings, refinancings or
replacements (collectively, a "refinancing") of any Indebtedness described in
clauses (ii) and (iv) of this definition of "Permitted Indebtedness," including
any successive refinancings so long as the aggregate principal amount of
Indebtedness represented thereby is not increased by such refinancing plus the
lesser of (I) the stated amount of any premium or other payment required to be
paid in connection with such a refinancing pursuant to the terms of the
Indebtedness being refinanced or (II) the amount of premium or other payment
actually paid at such time to refinance the Indebtedness, plus, in either case,
the amount of expenses of the Company incurred in connection with such
refinancing and (A) in the case of any refinancing of Indebtedness that is
Subordinated Indebtedness, such new Indebtedness is made subordinated to the
Securities at least to the same extent as the Indebtedness being refinanced and
(B) in the case of Pari Passu Indebtedness or Subordinated Indebtedness, as the
case may be, such refinancing does not reduce the Average Life to Stated
Maturity or the Stated Maturity of such Indebtedness; and

     (xii) Indebtedness of the Company in addition to that described in clauses
(i) through (xi) above, and any renewals, extensions, substitutions,
refinancings or replacements of such Indebtedness, so long as the aggregate
principal amount of all such Indebtedness shall not exceed $25 million
outstanding at any one time in the aggregate.

          "Permitted Investment" means (i) Investments in any Wholly Owned
Subsidiary or any Person which, as a result of such Investment, (a) becomes a
Wholly Owned Subsidiary or (b) is merged or consolidated with or into, or
transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into,
the Company or any Wholly Owned Subsidiary; (ii) Indebtedness of the Company or
a Subsidiary of the Company described under clauses (v), (vi) and (vii) of the
definition of "Permitted Indebtedness"; (iii) Cash Equivalents; (iv) Investments
acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in connection with an
Asset Sale permitted under Section 1012 to the extent such Investments are non-
cash proceeds as permitted under such Section; (v) Investments in existence on
the date of this Indenture; (vi) loans or advances to employees made in the
ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices of the Company
and its Subsidiaries not to exceed $2 million outstanding at any one time in the
aggregate; (vii) loans made to employees (including guarantees of loans by third
parties to employees) from time to time in an aggregate principal amount at any
one time outstanding not to exceed $1 million, the proceeds of which are used to
purchase Capital Stock of the Company; (viii) sales of goods on trade credit
terms, consistent with the past practices of the Company or any Subsidiary of
the Company or as otherwise consistent

                                     -16-
<PAGE>
 
with trade credit terms in common use in the industry; (ix) Investments valued
at Fair Market Value at the time made in Unrestricted Subsidiaries not to exceed
$10 million outstanding at any one time in the aggregate; and (x) in addition to
Investments described in clauses (i) through (ix) of this definition of
"Permitted Investments," Investments valued at Fair Market Value at the time
made not to exceed $15 million outstanding at any one time in the aggregate.

          "Permitted Lien" means any Lien arising by reason of taxes not yet
delinquent or which are being contested in good faith.

          "Permitted Subsidiary Indebtedness" means (i) Acquired Indebtedness of
any Subsidiary of the Company and (ii) Indebtedness of any Subsidiary of the
Company, provided that the aggregate outstanding principal amount of
Indebtedness of all of the Company's Subsidiaries incurred pursuant to this
clause (ii) shall not at any given time exceed 10% of the Company's Consolidated
Tangible Assets as of the date of determination.

          "Person" means any individual, corporation, limited liability company,
partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust,
unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision
thereof.

          "Predecessor Security" of any particular Security means every previous
Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such
particular Security; and, for the purposes of this definition, any Security
authenticated and delivered under Section 306 in exchange for a mutilated
Security or in lieu of a lost, destroyed or stolen Security shall be deemed to
evidence the same debt as the mutilated, lost, destroyed or stolen Security.

          "Preferred Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock
of any class or classes (however designated) which is preferred as to the
payment of dividends or distributions, or as to the distribution of assets upon
any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of such Person, over the
Capital Stock of any other class in such Person.

          "Public Equity Offering" means an underwritten offer and sale of
Common Stock by the Company to the public pursuant to a registration statement
(other than Form S-8 or any successor form or forms or a registration statement
relating to securities issuable by or in connection with any benefit plan of
such Person) that has been declared effective by the Commission pursuant to the
Securities Act.

          "Purchase Money Obligation" means any Indebtedness secured by a Lien
on assets related to the business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and
any additions and accession thereto, which are purchased by the Company or any
of its

                                     -17-
<PAGE>
 
Subsidiaries at any time after the Securities are issued; provided that (i) the
security agreement or conditional sales or other title retention contract
pursuant to which the Lien on such assets is created (collectively, a "Purchase
Money Security Agreement") shall be entered into within 90 days after the
purchase, acquisition or substantial completion of the construction of such
assets and shall at all times be confined solely to the assets so purchased,
acquired or constructed, any additions and accessions thereto and any proceeds
therefrom, (ii) at no time shall the aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding Indebtedness secured thereby be increased, except in connection with
the purchase of additions and accessions thereto and except in respect of fees
and other obligations in respect of such Indebtedness and (iii) (A) the
aggregate outstanding principal amount of Indebtedness secured thereby
(determined on a per asset basis in the case of any additions and accessions)
shall not at the time such Purchase Money Security Agreement is entered into
exceed 100% of the purchase price to the Company or its Subsidiaries of the
assets subject thereto or (b) the Indebtedness secured thereby shall be with
recourse solely to the assets so purchased or acquired, any additions and
accessions thereto and any proceeds therefrom.

          "Qualified Capital Stock" of any Person means any and all Capital
Stock of such Person other than Redeemable Capital Stock.

          "Redeemable Capital Stock" means any Capital Stock that, either by its
terms or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or
exchangeable or otherwise, is or upon the happening of an event or passage of
time would be, required to be redeemed prior to any Stated Maturity of the
principal of the Securities or is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof
at any time prior to any such Stated Maturity, or is convertible into or
exchangeable for debt securities at any time prior to any such Stated Maturity
at the option of the holder thereof.

          "Redemption Date" when used with respect to any Security to be
redeemed pursuant to any provision in this Indenture means the date fixed for
such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture.

          "Redemption Price" when used with respect to any Security to be
redeemed pursuant to any provision in this Indenture means the price at which it
is to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture.

          "Regular Record Date" for the interest payable on any Interest Payment
Date means the June 1 or December 1 (whether or not a Business Day) next
preceding such Interest Payment Date.

          "Responsible Officer" when used with respect to the Trustee means any
officer assigned to the Corporate Trust Office or the agent of the Trustee
appointed

                                     -18-
<PAGE>
 
hereunder,including any vice president, assistant vice president, assistant
secretary, or any,or any other officer or assistant officer of the Trustee or
the agent of the Trustee appointed hereunder to whom any corporate trust matter
is referred because of his or her knowledge of and familiarity with the
particular subject.

          "S&P" means Standard & Poor's Corporation or any successor rating
agency.
          "Securities" has the meaning specified in the first recital of this
Indenture.

          "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any
successor statute.

          "Senior Indebtedness" means the principal of, premium, if any, and
interest (including interest accruing after the filing of a petition initiating
any proceeding under any state, federal or foreign bankruptcy law whether or not
allowable as a claim in such proceeding) on any Indebtedness of the Company
(other than as otherwise provided in this definition), whether outstanding on
the date of this Indenture or thereafter created, incurred or assumed, and
whether at any time owing, actually or contingent, unless, in the case of any
particular Indebtedness, the instrument creating or evidencing the same or
pursuant to which the same is outstanding expressly provides that such
Indebtedness shall not be senior in right of payment to the Securities. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, "Senior Indebtedness" shall include
the principal of, premium, if any, and interest (including interest accruing
after the filing of a petition initiating any proceeding under any state,
federal or foreign bankruptcy laws whether or not allowable as a claim in such
proceeding) on all monetary obligations of every kind and nature of the Company
from time to time owed to the lenders under the Bank Credit Facility; provided,
however, that any Indebtedness under any refinancing, refunding, or replacement
of the Bank Credit Facility shall not constitute Senior Indebtedness to the
extent that the Indebtedness thereunder is by its express terms subordinate to
any other Indebtedness of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, "Senior
Indebtedness" shall not include (i) Indebtedness evidenced by the Securities,
(ii) Indebtedness that is by its terms subordinate or junior in right of payment
to any Indebtedness of the Company, (iii) Indebtedness which, when incurred and
without respect to any election under Section 1111(b) of Title 11 United States
Code, is without recourse to the Company, (iv) Indebtedness which is represented
by Redeemable Capital Stock, (v) any liability for foreign, federal, state,
local or other taxes owed or owing by the Company to the extent such liability
constitutes Indebtedness, (vi) Indebtedness of the Company to a Subsidiary of
the Company or any other Affiliate of the Company or any of such Affiliate's
Subsidiaries and (vii) that portion of any Indebtedness which at the time of
issuance is issued in violation of this Indenture.

                                     -19-
<PAGE>
 
          "Senior Note Indenture" means the indenture dated as of May 27, 1993
between the Company and Bankers Trust Company, as trustee, relating to the
Existing Notes.

          "Senior Representative" means a representative of one or more holders
of Designated Senior Indebtedness.

          "Special Record Date" for the payment of any Defaulted Interest means
a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 307.

          "Stated Maturity" means when used with respect to any Indebtedness or
any installment of interest thereon, the dates specified in such Indebtedness as
the fixed date on which the principal of such Indebtedness or such installment
of interest, as the case may be, is due and payable.

          "Subordinated Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of the Company
subordinated in right of payment to the Securities.

          "Subsidiary" means any Person, a majority of the equity ownership or
the Voting Stock of which is at the time owned, directly or indirectly, by
another Person or by one or more of such other Person's other Subsidiaries, or
by such other Person and one or more of such other Person's other Subsidiaries;
provided that any Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Company shall not be deemed a
Subsidiary of the Company under the Securities.

          "Tender Offer" means the Company's offer to purchase the Existing
Notes pursuant to the Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation Statement dated
October 16, 1995.

          "Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, or any successor statute.

          "Trustee" means, except as set forth in Section 405 hereof, the Person
named as the "Trustee" in the first paragraph of this Indenture, until a
successor trustee shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions
of this Indenture, and thereafter "Trustee" shall mean such successor trustee.

          "Unrestricted Subsidiary" means (i) any Subsidiary of the Company that
at the time of determination shall be an Unrestricted Subsidiary (as designated
by the Board of Directors of the Company, as provided below) and (ii) any
Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors of the Company
may designate any Subsidiary of the Company (including any newly acquired or
newly formed Subsidiary of the Company) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary if all
of the following conditions apply:
<PAGE>
 
(a) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries provides credit support for
Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary (including any undertaking,
agreement or instrument evidencing such Indebtedness), (b) such Unrestricted
Subsidiary is not liable, directly or indirectly, with respect to any
Indebtedness other than Unrestricted Subsidiary Indebtedness, (c) any Investment
in such Unrestricted Subsidiary made as a result of designating such Subsidiary
an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall not violate the provisions of Section 1019 and
such Unrestricted Subsidiary is not party to any agreement, contract,
arrangement or understanding at such time with the Company or any other
Subsidiary of the Company unless the terms of any such agreement, contract,
arrangement or understanding are no less favorable to the Company or such other
Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons who are
not Affiliates of the Company or, in the event such condition is not satisfied,
the value of such agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding to such
Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be deemed a Restricted Payment; and (d) such
Unrestricted Subsidiary does not own any Capital Stock in any Subsidiary of the
Company which is not simultaneously being designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
Any such designation by the Board of Directors of the Company shall be evidenced
to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a Board Resolution giving effect to
such designation and an Officers' Certificate certifying that such designation
complies with the foregoing conditions and shall be deemed a Restricted Payment
on the date of designation in an amount equal to the greater of (1) the net book
value of such Investment or (2) the Fair Market Value of such Investment as
determined in good faith by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may
designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Subsidiary of the Company; provided
that either (x) the Unrestricted Subsidiary to be designated a Subsidiary of the
Company has total assets of $1,000 or less at the time of its designation or (y)
(i) immediately after giving effect to such designation, the Company could incur
$1.00 of additional Indebtedness (other than Permitted Indebtedness) pursuant to
the restrictions under Section 1008 and (ii) all Indebtedness of such
Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be deemed to be incurred on the date such
Unrestricted Subsidiary is designated a Subsidiary of the Company.

          "Unrestricted Subsidiary Indebtedness" of any Unrestricted Subsidiary
means Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary (i) as to which neither the
Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is directly or indirectly liable (by virtue
of the Company or any such Subsidiary being the primary obligor on, guarantor
of, or otherwise liable in any respect to, such Indebtedness), except Guaranteed
Debt of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to any Affiliate, in which case
(unless the incurrence of such Guaranteed Debt resulted in a Restricted Payment
at the time of incurrence) the Company shall be deemed to have made a Restricted
Payment equal to the principal amount of any such Indebtedness to the extent
guaranteed at the time such Affiliate is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary
and (ii) which, upon the occurrence of a default with respect thereto, does not
result in, or permit any holder of any Indebtedness of the Company or

                                    - 21 -
<PAGE>
 
any of its Subsidiaries to declare, default on such Indebtedness of the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries or cause the payment thereof to be accelerated or
payable prior to its Stated Maturity.

          "Voting Stock" means Capital Stock of the class or classes pursuant to
which the holders thereof have the general voting power under ordinary
circumstances to elect at least a majority of the board of directors, managers
or trustees of a corporation (irrespective of whether or not at the time Capital
Stock of any other class or classes shall have or might have voting power by
reason of the happening of any contingency).

          "Wholly Owned Subsidiary" means a Subsidiary of the Company all the
Capital Stock of which is owned by the Company or another Wholly Owned
Subsidiary. For purposes of this definition any directors' qualifying shares or
investments by foreign nationals mandated by applicable law shall be disregarded
in determining the ownership of a Subsidiary of the Company.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Section 102.    Other Definitions.
                ------------------

          Term                                   Defined in Section
          ----                                   ------------------
<S>       <C>                                    <C>

          "Act"                                         105
          "Change in Control Offer"                    1016
          "Change in Control Purchase Date"            1016
          "Change in Control Purchase Notice"          1016
          "Change in Control Purchase Price"           1016
          "covenant defeasance"                         403
          "Defaulted Interest"                          307
          "defeasance"                                  402
          "Defeasance Redemption Date"                  404
          "Defeased Securities"                         401
          "Deficiency"                                 1012
          "Excess Proceeds"                            1012
          "incur"                                      1008
          "Offer"                                      1012
          "Offer Date"                                 1012
          "Offered Price"                              1012
          "Pari Passu Debt Amount"                     1012
          "Pari Passu Offer"                           1012
          "Permitted Payments"                         1209
          "Required Filing Date"                       1020
          "Restricted Payments"                        1009
          "Security Amount"                            1012
</TABLE> 

                                    - 22 -
<PAGE>

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

<S>       <C>                                         <C>  
 
          "Security Register"                          305
          "Security Registrar"                         305
          "Special Payment Date"                       307
          "Surviving Entity"                           801
          "U.S. Government Obligations"                404

</TABLE> 

     Section 103.   Compliance Certificates and Opinions.
                    ------------------------------------ 


          Upon any application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take
any action under any provision of this Indenture, the Company and any other
obligor on the Securities (if applicable) shall furnish to the Trustee an
Officers' Certificate in a form and substance reasonably acceptable to the
Trustee stating that all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this
Indenture (including any covenant compliance with which constitutes a condition
precedent) relating to the proposed action have been complied with, and an
Opinion of Counsel in a form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Trustee
stating that in the opinion of such counsel all such conditions precedent, if
any, have been complied with, except that, in the case of any such application
or request as to which the furnishing of such certificates or opinions is
specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating to such
particular application or request, no additional certificate or opinion need be
furnished.

          Every certificate or Opinion of Counsel with respect to compliance
with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture shall include:

          (a)  a statement that each individual signing such certificate or
individual or firm signing such opinion has read such covenant or condition and
the definitions herein relating thereto;

          (b)  a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination
or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such
certificate or opinion are based;

          (c)  a statement that, in the opinion of each such individual or such
firm, he or it has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to
enable him or it to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such
covenant or condition has been complied with; and

          (d)  a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such individual
or such firm, such condition or covenant has been complied with.

                                    - 23 -
<PAGE>
 
     Section 104.  Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee.
                   -------------------------------------- 

          In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or
covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all
such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such
Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one
such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and one
or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may certify
or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.

          Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Company or other
obligor on the Securities may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters,
upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, counsel, unless such
officer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know that the
certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which
his certificate or opinion is based are erroneous.  Any such certificate or
opinion may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a
certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the
Company or other obligor on the Securities stating that the information with
respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Company or other
obligor on the Securities, unless such officer or counsel knows, or in the
exercise of reasonable care should know that the certificate or opinion or
representations with respect to such matters are erroneous.  Opinions of Counsel
required to be delivered to the Trustee may have qualifications customary for
opinions of the type required and counsel delivering such Opinions of Counsel
may rely on certificates of the Company or government or other officials
customary for opinions of the type required, including certificates certifying
as to matters of fact, including that various financial covenants have been
complied with.

          Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Company or other
obligor on the Securities may be based, insofar as it relates to accounting
matters, upon a certificate or opinion of or representations by an accountant or
firm of accountants in the employ of the Company, unless such officer knows or
in the exercise of reasonable care should know that the certificate or opinion
or representations with respect to the accounting matters upon which his
certificate or opinion may be based are erroneous.  Any certificate or opinion
of any independent firm of public accountants filed with the Trustee shall
contain a statement that such firm is independent with respect to the Company.

          Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more
applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other
instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and
form one instrument.

                                    - 24 -
<PAGE>
 
     Section 105.  Acts of Holders.
                   --------------- 

          (a)  Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent,
waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by
Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of
substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by an agent duly
appointed in writing; and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such
action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered
to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company.  Such
instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced
thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the "Act" of the Holders signing
such instrument or instruments.  Proof of execution of any such instrument or of
a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this
Indenture and conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company, if made in the
manner provided in this Section 105.

          (b)  The ownership of Securities shall be proved by the Security
Register.

          (c)  Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent,
waiver or other Act by the Holder of any Security shall bind every future Holder
of the same Security or the Holder of every Security issued upon the transfer
thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof, in respect of anything done,
suffered or omitted to be done by the Trustee, any Paying Agent or the Company
in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such
Security.

          (d)  The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such
instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such
execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by
law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing
such instrument or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof.  Where
such execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than his individual
capacity, such certificate of affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof
of his authority.  The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument or
writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved
in any other manner which the Trustee deems sufficient.

          (e)  If the Company shall solicit from the Holders any request,
demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, the
Company may, at its option, by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, fix in advance
a record date for the determination of such Holders entitled to give such
request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act,
but the Company shall have no obligation to do so. Notwithstanding Trust
Indenture Act Section 316(c), any such record date shall be the record date
specified in or pursuant to such Board Resolution, which shall be a date

                                    - 25 -
<PAGE>
 
not more than 30 days prior to the first solicitation of Holders generally in
connection therewith and no later than the date such solicitation is completed.

          If such a record date is fixed, such request, demand, authorization,
direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act may be given before or after
such record date, but only the Holders of record at the close of business on
such record date shall be deemed to be Holders for purposes of determining
whether Holders of the requisite proportion of Securities then Outstanding have
authorized or agreed or consented to such request, demand, authorization,
direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, and for this purpose the
Securities then Outstanding shall be computed as of such record date; provided
that no such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver
or other Act by the Holders on such record date shall be deemed effective unless
it shall become effective pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture not later
than six months after the record date.

     Section 106.  Notices, etc., to the Trustee and the Company.
                   --------------------------------------------- 

          Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver
or Act of Holders or other document provided or permitted by this Indenture to
be made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with:

          (a)  the Trustee by any Holder or by the Company or any other obligor
on the Securities shall be sufficient for every purpose (except as provided in
Section 501(c)) hereunder if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid,
or delivered by recognized overnight courier, to or with the Trustee at its
Corporate Trust Office, Attention:  Corporate Trust Trustee Administration, or
at any other address previously furnished in writing to the Holders, the Company
or any other obligor on the Securities by the Trustee; or

          (b)  the Company by the Trustee or any Holder shall be sufficient for
every purpose (except as provided in Section 501(c)) hereunder if in writing and
mailed, first-class postage prepaid, or delivered by recognized overnight
courier, to the Company addressed to it at 1001 Tillman Street, Memphis,
Tennessee 38108, Attention: David B. Ferraro, or at any other address previously
furnished in writing to the Trustee by the Company.

     Section 107.  Notice to Holders; Waiver.
                   ------------------------- 

          Where this Indenture provides for notice to Holders of any event, such
notice shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided)
if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, or delivered by
recognized overnight courier, to each Holder affected by such event, at his
address as it appears in the Security Register, not later than the latest date,
and not earlier than the earliest date, prescribed for 

                                    - 26 -
<PAGE>
 
the giving of such notice. In any case where notice to Holders is given by mail,
neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed,
to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with
respect to other Holders. Any notice when mailed to a Holder in the aforesaid
manner shall be conclusively deemed to have been received by such Holder whether
or not actually received by such Holder. Where this Indenture provides for
notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person
entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such
waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders
shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition
precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.

          In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or by
reason of any other cause, it shall be impracticable to mail notice of any event
as required by any provision of this Indenture, then any method of giving such
notice as shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee shall be deemed to be
a sufficient giving of such notice.

     Section 108.  Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.
                   --------------------------------- 

          If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with any
provision of the Trust Indenture Act or another provision which is required or
deemed to be included in this Indenture by any of the provisions of the Trust
Indenture Act, the provision or requirement of the Trust Indenture Act shall
control.  If any provision of this Indenture modifies or excludes any provision
of the Trust Indenture Act that may be so modified or excluded, the latter
provision shall be deemed to apply to this Indenture as so modified or to be
excluded, as the case may be.

     Section 109.  Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.
                   ---------------------------------------- 

          The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are
for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

     Section 110.  Successors and Assigns.
                   ---------------------- 

          All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Company shall
bind successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.

     Section 111.  Separability Clause.
                   ------------------- 

          In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Securities shall be
invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of
the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

                                    - 27 -
<PAGE>
 
     Section 112.  Benefits of Indenture.
                   --------------------- 

          Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied,
shall give to any Person (other than the parties hereto and their successors
hereunder, any Paying Agent, the Holders and the holders of Senior Indebtedness)
any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this
Indenture.

     SECTION 113. GOVERNING LAW.
                  ------------- 

          THIS INDENTURE AND THE SECURITIES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED
IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO
THE CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF).

     Section 114.  Legal Holidays.
                   -------------- 

          In any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date, Maturity
or Stated Maturity of any Security shall not be a Business Day, then
(notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or of the Securities)
payment of interest or principal or premium, if any, need not be made on such
date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force
and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date or Redemption Date, or at the
Maturity or Stated Maturity and no interest shall accrue with respect to such
payment for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date, Redemption
Date, Maturity or Stated Maturity, as the case may be, to the next succeeding
Business Day.

     Section 115.  Independence of Covenants.
                   ------------------------- 

          All covenants and agreements in this Indenture shall be given
independent effect so that if a particular action or condition is not permitted
by any such covenants, the fact that it would be permitted by an exception to,
or be otherwise within the limitations of, another covenant shall not avoid the
occurrence of a Default or an Event of Default if such action is taken or
condition exists.

     Section 116.  Schedules and Exhibits.
                   ---------------------- 

          All schedules and exhibits attached hereto are by this reference made
a part hereof with the same effect as if herein set forth in full.

     Section 117.  Counterparts.
                   ------------ 

          This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of
which shall be an original; but such counterparts shall together constitute but
one and the same instrument.

                                    - 28 -
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE TWO

                                SECURITY FORMS

     Section 201.  Forms Generally.
                   --------------- 

          The Securities and the Trustee's certificate of authentication thereon
shall be in substantially the forms set forth in this Article Two, with such
appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are
required or permitted by this Indenture and may have such letters, numbers or
other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as
may be required to comply with the rules of any securities exchange, any
organizational document or governing instrument or applicable law or as may,
consistently herewith, be determined by the officers executing such Securities,
as evidenced by their execution of the Securities.  Any portion of the text of
any Security may be set forth on the reverse thereof, with an appropriate
reference thereto on the face of the Security.

          The definitive Securities shall be printed, lithographed or engraved
or produced by any combination of these methods or may be produced in any other
manner permitted by the rules of any securities exchange on which the Securities
may be listed, all as determined by the officers executing such Securities, as
evidenced by their execution of such Securities.

     Section 202.  Form of Face of Security.
                   ------------------------ 

          (a)  The form of the face of the Securities shall be substantially as
follows:

                         BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION
                              __________________

                   8 1/2% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTE DUE 2005

No. __________                                             $_________________
                                                            CUSIP No. 11815HAB0

          Buckeye Cellulose Corporation, a Delaware corporation (herein called
the "Company," which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture
hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to
_____________ or registered assigns, the principal sum of _______________ United
States dollars on December 15, 2005, at the office or agency of the Company
referred to below, and to pay interest thereon from November 28, 1995, or from
the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly
provided for, semiannually on June 15 and December 15 in each year, 

                                    - 29 -
<PAGE>
 
commencing June 15, 1996 at the rate of 8 1/2% per annum, in cash in United
States dollars, until the principal hereof is paid or duly provided for.
Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day
months.

          The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on
any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture, be paid to the
Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is
registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such
interest, which shall be the June 1 or December 1 (whether or not a Business
Day), as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date.  Any such
interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for, and interest on such
defaulted interest at the interest rate borne by the Securities, to the extent
lawful, shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record
Date, and may be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more
Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special
Record Date for the payment of such defaulted interest to be fixed by the
Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities not less than 10
days prior to such Special Record Date, or may be paid at any time in any other
lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange
on which the Securities may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required
by such exchange, all as more fully provided in such Indenture.

          Payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on this
Security will be made at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that
purpose in The City of New York, and at such other office or agency of the
Company as may be maintained for such purpose, in such coin or currency of the
United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment
of public and private debts; provided, however, that payment of interest may be
made at the option of the Company by check mailed to the address of the Person
entitled thereto as such address shall appear on the Security Register.

          Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security
set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes
have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

          Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been duly executed
by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof or by the authenticating agent
appointed as provided in the Indenture by manual signature, this Security shall
not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture, or be valid or obligatory
for any purpose.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly
executed by the manual or facsimile signature of its authorized officers and its
corporate seal to be affixed or reproduced hereon.

                                    - 30 -
<PAGE>
 
                              BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION


                              By:__________________________
                              Title:_______________________

Attest:
                                     [SEAL]

____________________________
  Authorized Officer

     Section 203.  Form of Reverse of Securities.
                   ----------------------------- 

          (a) The form of the reverse of the Securities shall be substantially
as follows:

          This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of Securities of the
Company designated as its 8 1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2005 (herein
called the "Securities"), limited (except as otherwise provided in the Indenture
referred to below) in aggregate principal amount to $150,000,000, issued under
and subject to the terms of an indenture (herein called the "Indenture") dated
as of November 28, 1995, between the Company and Union Planters National Bank,
as trustee (herein called the "Trustee," which term includes any successor
trustee under the Indenture), to which Indenture and all indentures supplemental
thereto reference is hereby made for a statement of the respective rights,
limitations of rights, duties, obligations and immunities thereunder of the
Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities, and of the terms upon
which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered.

          The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of (a)
the entire Indebtedness on the Securities and (b) certain restrictive covenants
and related Defaults and Events of Default, in each case upon compliance with
certain conditions set forth therein.

          The Indebtedness evidenced by the Securities is, to the extent and in
the manner provided in the Indenture, subordinate and subject in right of
payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, whether
outstanding on the date of the Indenture or thereafter, and this Security is
issued subject to such provisions. Each Holder of this Security, by accepting
the same, (a) agrees to and shall be bound by such provisions, (b) authorizes
and directs the Trustee on his behalf to take such action as may be necessary or
appropriate to effectuate the subordination as provided in the Indenture and (c)
appoints the Trustee his attorney-in-fact for such purpose; provided, however,


                                     -31-
<PAGE>
 
that, subject to Section 406 of the Indenture, the Indebtedness evidenced by
this Security shall cease to be so subordinate and subject in right of payment
upon any defeasance of this Security referred to in clause (a) or (b) of the
preceding paragraph.

          The Securities are subject to redemption at any time on or after
December 15, 2000, at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, on not
less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior notice to the Holders by first-class
mail in amounts of $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof at the following
redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount), if
redeemed during the 12-month period beginning on December 15 of the years
indicated below:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                            Redemption
               Year                           Price
               ----                         ----------
               <S>                          <C>                               
               2000.......................    104.25%
               2001.......................    102.83%
               2002.......................    101.41%

</TABLE> 

and thereafter at 100% of the principal amount, in each case, together with
accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the Redemption Date (subject to the
right of Holders of record on applicable Regular Record Dates or Special Record
Dates to receive interest due on applicable Interest Payment Dates or Special
Payment Dates).

          Up to $50 million aggregate principal amount of the Securities may be
redeemed at any time on or prior to December 15, 1998, at the option of the
Company within 60 days after the consummation of one or more Public Equity
Offerings by the Company from the net proceeds to the Company of any such Public
Equity Offering, upon not less than 20 nor more than 60 days prior notice to the
Holders, in amounts of $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof, at a redemption
price equal to 108.50% of the principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid
interest, if any, to the Redemption Date (subject to the right of Holders of
record on applicable Record Dates or Special Record Dates to receive interest
due on applicable Interest Payment Dates or Special Payment Dates); provided
that after giving effect to any such redemption, at least $90,000,000 aggregate
principal amount of the Securities remains outstanding.

          If less than all of the Securities are to be redeemed pursuant to the
preceding two paragraphs, the Trustee shall select the Securities or portions
thereof to be redeemed pro rata, by lot or by any other method the Trustee shall
deem fair and reasonable.

          If a Change in Control shall occur at any time, then, each Holder
shall have the right to require that the Company purchase such Holder's
Securities in whole or in


                                     -32-
<PAGE>
 
part in integral multiples of $1,000, at a purchase price in cash in an amount
equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest,
if any, to the date of purchase. Within 30 days following any Change in Control,
the Company shall notify the Trustee thereof and give written notice of such
Change in Control to each Holder by first-class mail, postage prepaid, at his
address appearing in the Security Register.

          Notice of redemption if mailed in the manner provided in the Indenture
shall be conclusively presumed to have been given, whether or not the Holder
receives such notice. In any case, failure to give such notice by mail or any
defect in the notice to the Holder of any Security designated for redemption as
a whole or in part shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the
redemption of any other Security.

          Under certain circumstances, in the event the Net Cash Proceeds
received by the Company from any Asset Sale, which proceeds are not used to
repay Senior Indebtedness or invested in properties or assets used in the
businesses of the Company or reasonably related thereto, equals or exceeds a
specified amount, the Company will be required to apply such proceeds to the
repayment of the Securities and Pari Passu Indebtedness.

          In the case of any redemption or repurchase of Securities in
accordance with the Indenture, interest installments whose Stated Maturity is on
or prior to the Redemption Date will be payable to the Holders of such
Securities of record as of the close of business on the applicable Regular
Record Date or Special Record Date referred to on the face hereof. Securities
(or portions thereof) for whose redemption and payment provision is made in
accordance with the Indenture shall cease to bear interest from and after the
Redemption Date.

          In the event of redemption or repurchase of this Security in
accordance with the Indenture in part only, a new Security or Securities for the
unredeemed portion hereof shall be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon
the cancellation hereof.

          If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the principal
amount of all the Securities may be declared due and payable in the manner and
with the effect provided in the Indenture.

          The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions (including certain
amendments permitted without the consent of any Holders) as therein provided,
the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the
Company and the rights of the Holders under the Indenture and the Securities at
any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of a
specified percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Securities at the time
Outstanding. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of
specified percentages in aggregate principal


                                     -33-
<PAGE>
 
amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of
all the Securities, to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions
of the Indenture and the Securities and certain past Defaults under the
Indenture and the Securities and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver
by or on behalf of the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and binding
upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any
Security issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor
or in lieu hereof whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon
this Security.

          No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security
or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company or any
other obligor on the Securities (in the event such other obligor is obligated to
make payments in respect of the Securities), which is absolute and
unconditional, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on this
Security at the times, place, and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein
prescribed, subject to the subordination provisions of the Indenture.

          The Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount
of the Outstanding Securities shall have the right to direct the time, method
and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee,
or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, provided that (a)
such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with the
Indenture, expose the Trustee to personal liability, or be unduly prejudicial to
Holders not joining therein and (b) subject to the provisions of Section 315 of
the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by
the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction.

          The Securities are issuable only in fully registered form without
coupons, in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. As
provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth,
the Securities are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of
Securities of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder
surrendering the same.

          As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations
therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable on the Security
Register of the Company, upon surrender of this Security for registration of
transfer at the office or agency of the Company maintained for such purpose in
The City of New York, and at such other office or agency of the Company as may
be maintained for such purpose, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written
instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security
Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in
writing, and thereupon one or more new Securities, of authorized denominations
and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated
transferee or transferees.

                                     -34-
<PAGE>
 
          No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or
exchange or redemption of Securities, but the Company may require payment of a
sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in
connection therewith.

          Prior to and at the time of due presentment of this Security for
registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any Paying Agent of the
Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is
registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security is
overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any Paying Agent shall be
affected by notice to the contrary.

          THIS SECURITY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAWS
PRINCIPLES THEREOF.

          All terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture and
not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the
Indenture.

     Section 204.  Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication.
                   ----------------------------------------------- 

          The Trustee's certificate of authentication shall be included on the
form of the face of the Securities substantially in the following form:

                    TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION.
          This is one of the Securities referred to in the within-mentioned
Indenture.

Dated:
                              UNION PLANTERS NATIONAL
                              BANK, as Trustee

                              By:  _________________________________
                                  Authorized Officer

                                 ARTICLE THREE

                                 THE SECURITIES

     Section 301.  Title and Terms.
                   --------------- 

          The aggregate principal amount of Securities which may be
authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is limited to $150,000,000 in
principal amount of Securities, except for Securities authenticated and
delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of,
other Securities pursuant to Section 303, 304, 305, 306, 906, 1012, 1016 or
1108.

                                     -35-
<PAGE>
 
          The Securities shall be known and designated as the "8 1/2% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2005" of the Company. The Stated Maturity of the
Securities shall be December 15, 2005, and the Securities shall each bear
interest at the rate of 8 1/2% from November 28, 1995, or from the most recent
Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid, as the case may be,
payable semiannually on June 15 and December 15, in each year, commencing June
15, 1996, until the principal thereof is paid or duly provided for. Interest on
any overdue principal, interest (to the extent lawful) or premium, if any, shall
be payable on demand.

          The principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Securities
shall be payable at the office or agency of the Company maintained for such
purpose in The City of New York, and at such other office or agency of the
Company as may be maintained for such purpose; provided, however, that interest
may be paid at the option of the Company by check mailed to addresses of the
Persons entitled thereto as such addresses shall appear on the Security
Register.

          The Securities shall be subject to repurchase by the Company pursuant
to an Offer as provided in Section 1012.

          Holders shall have the right to require the Company to purchase their
Securities, in whole or in part, in the event of a Change in Control pursuant to
Section 1016.

          The Securities shall be redeemable as provided in Article Eleven and
in the Securities.

          At the election of the Company, the entire Indebtedness on the
Securities or certain of the Company's obligations and covenants and certain
Events of Default thereunder may be defeased as provided in Article Four.

          The Indebtedness evidenced by the Securities shall be subordinated in
right of payment to Senior Indebtedness as provided in Article 12.

     Section 302.  Denominations.
                   ------------- 

          The Securities shall be issuable only in fully registered form without
coupons, in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof.

     Section 303.  Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.
                   ---------------------------------------------- 

          The Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Company by one of
its Chairman of the Board, its President, its Chief Executive Officer, its Chief
Operating Officer or one of its Vice Presidents under its corporate seal
reproduced thereon attested


                                     -36-
<PAGE>
 
by its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries. The signatures of any of
these officers on the Securities may be manual or facsimile.

          Securities bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals
who were at any time the proper officers of the Company shall bind the Company,
notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such
offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Securities or did not
hold such offices at the date of such Securities.

          At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of
this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities executed by the Company to
the Trustee for authentication, together with a Company Order for the
authentication and delivery of such Securities; and the Trustee in accordance
with such Company Order shall authenticate and deliver such Securities as
provided in this Indenture and not otherwise.

          Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.

          No Security shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or
be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there appears on such Security a
certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein duly
executed by the Trustee by manual signature of an authorized officer, and such
certificate upon any Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only
evidence, that such Security has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder
and is entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.

          In case the Company, pursuant to Article Eight, shall be consolidated
or merged with or into any other Person or shall sell, assign, convey, transfer,
lease or otherwise dispose of substantially all of its properties and assets to
any Person, and the successor Person resulting from such consolidation or
surviving such merger, or into which the Company shall have been consolidated or
merged, or the successor Person which shall have participated in the sale,
assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition as aforesaid, shall
have executed an indenture supplemental hereto with the Trustee pursuant to
Article Eight, any of the Securities authenticated or delivered prior to such
consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other
disposition may, from time to time, at the request of the successor Person, be
exchanged for other Securities executed in the name of the successor Person with
such changes in phraseology and form as may be appropriate, but otherwise in
substance of like tenor as the Securities surrendered for such exchange and of
like principal amount; and the Trustee, upon Company Request of the successor
Person, shall authenticate and deliver Securities as specified in such request
for the purpose of such exchange. If Securities shall at any time be
authenticated and delivered in any new name of a successor Person pursuant to
this Section 303 in exchange or substitution for or upon registration of
transfer of any Securities, such successor Person, at the option of the Holders
but without


                                     -37-
<PAGE>
 
expense to them, shall provide for the exchange of all Securities at the time
Outstanding for Securities authenticated and delivered in such new name.

          The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent acceptable to the
Company to authenticate Securities on behalf of the Trustee. Unless limited by
the terms of such appointment, an authenticating agent may authenticate
Securities whenever the Trustee may do so. Each reference in this Indenture to
authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent. An
authenticating agent has the same rights as any Security Registrar or Paying
Agent to deal with the Company and its Affiliates.

     Section 304.  Temporary Securities.
                   -------------------- 

          Pending the preparation of definitive Securities, the Company may
execute, and upon Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver,
temporary Securities which are printed, lithographed, typewritten or otherwise
produced, in any authorized denomination, substantially of the tenor of the
definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued and with such appropriate
insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the officers
executing such Securities may determine, as conclusively evidenced by their
execution of such Securities.

          If temporary Securities are issued, the Company will cause definitive
Securities to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of
definitive Securities, the temporary Securities shall be exchangeable for
definitive Securities upon surrender of the temporary Securities at the office
or agency of the Company designated for such purpose pursuant to Section 1002
(or in accordance with Section 303, in the case of initial Securities), without
charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more
temporary Securities, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall
authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a like principal amount of
definitive Securities of authorized denominations. Until so exchanged the
temporary Securities shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits
under this Indenture as definitive Securities.

     Section 305.  Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange.
                   --------------------------------------------------- 

          The Company shall cause the Trustee to keep, so long as it is the
Security Registrar, at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, or such other
office as the Trustee may designate, a register (the register maintained in such
office or in any other office or agency designated pursuant to Section 1002
being herein sometimes referred to as the "Security Register") in which, subject
to such reasonable regulations as the Security Registrar may prescribe, the
Company shall provide for the registration of Securities and of transfers of
Securities. The Trustee shall initially be the "Security Registrar" for the

                                     -38-
<PAGE>
 
purpose of registering Securities and transfers of Securities as herein
provided. The Company may appoint one or more co-registrars.

          Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Security at the
office or agency of the Company designated pursuant to Section 1002, the Company
shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of
the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Securities of the same
series of any authorized denomination or denominations, of a like aggregate
principal amount.

          At the option of the Holder, Securities may be exchanged for other
Securities of any authorized denomination or denominations, of a like aggregate
principal amount, upon surrender of the Securities to be exchanged at such
office or agency. Whenever any Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the
Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the
Securities of the same series which the Holder making the exchange is entitled
to receive .

          All Securities issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of
Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same
Indebtedness, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the
Securities surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

          Every Security presented or surrendered for registration of transfer,
or for exchange or redemption shall (if so required by the Company or the
Trustee) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer
in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar, duly executed by
the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

          No service charge shall be made to a Holder for any registration of
transfer or exchange or redemption of Securities, but the Company may require
payment of a sum sufficient to pay all documentary, stamp or similar issue or
transfer taxes or other governmental charges that may be imposed in connection
with any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, other than
exchanges pursuant to Section 303, 304, 305, 306, 906, 1012, 1016 or 1108 not
involving any transfer.

          The Company shall not be required (a) to issue, register the transfer
of or exchange any Security during a period beginning at the opening of business
15 days before the mailing of a notice of redemption of the Securities selected
for redemption under Section 1104 and ending at the close of business on the day
of such mailing or (b) to register the transfer of or exchange any Security so
selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of
Securities being redeemed in part.


                                     -39-
<PAGE>
 
     Section 306.  Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.
                   ------------------------------------------------ 

          If (a) any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee, or (b)
the Company and the Trustee receive evidence to their satisfaction of the
destruction, loss or theft of any Security, and there is delivered to the
Company and the Trustee, such security or indemnity, in each case, as may be
required by them to save each of them harmless, then, in the absence of notice
to the Company or the Trustee that such Security has been acquired by a bona
fide purchaser, the Company shall execute and upon a Company Request the Trustee
shall authenticate and deliver, in exchange for any such mutilated Security or
in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a replacement Security
of like tenor and principal amount, bearing a number not contemporaneously
Outstanding.

          In case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security has
become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may,
instead of issuing a replacement Security, pay such Security.

          Upon the issuance of any replacement Securities under this Section,
the Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to pay all documentary,
stamp or similar issue or transfer taxes or other governmental charge that may
be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and
expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.

          Every replacement Security issued pursuant to this Section in lieu of
any destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute an original additional
contractual obligation of the Company and any other obligor upon the Securities,
whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be at any time
enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all benefits of this Indenture
equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities duly issued
hereunder.

          The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall preclude (to
the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement
or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities.

     Section 307.  Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved.
                   ---------------------------------------------- 

          Interest on any Security which is payable, and is punctually paid or
duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in
whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered
at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest payment.

          Any interest on any Security which is payable, but is not punctually
paid or duly provided for, on the Stated Maturity of such and interest on such
defaulted interest at


                                     -40-
<PAGE>
 
the then applicable interest rate borne by the Securities, to the extent lawful
(such defaulted interest and interest thereon herein collectively called
"Defaulted Interest"), shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on the
Regular Record Date; and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Company, at
its election in each case, as provided in Subsection (a) or (b) below:

          (a) The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to
          the Persons in whose names the Securities (or their respective
          Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on a
          Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which
          shall be fixed in the following manner. The Company shall notify the
          Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be
          paid on each Security and the date (not less than 30 days after such
          notice) of the proposed payment (the "Special Payment Date"), and at
          the same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of
          money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of
          such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the
          Trustee for such deposit prior to the Special Payment Date, such money
          when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons
          entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this Subsection provided.
          Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a Special Record Date for the payment
          of such Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than 15 days and
          not less than 10 days prior to the Special Payment Date and not less
          than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the
          proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in
          writing of such Special Record Date. In the name and at the expense of
          the Company, the Trustee shall cause notice of the proposed payment of
          such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be
          mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder at his address as
          it appears in the Security Register, not less than 10 days prior to
          such Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed payment of such
          Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date and Special Payment
          Date therefor having been so mailed, such Defaulted Interest shall be
          paid to the Persons in whose names the Securities (or their respective
          Predecessor Securities) are registered on such Special Record Date and
          shall no longer be payable pursuant to the following Subsection (b).

          (b) The Company may make payment to the Persons in whose name the
          Securities are registered at the close of business on the Special
          Record Date of any Defaulted Interest in any other lawful manner not
          inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which
          the Securities may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required
          by such exchange, if, after written notice given by the Company to the
          Trustee of the proposed


                                     -41-
<PAGE>
 
          payment pursuant to this Subsection, such payment shall be deemed
          practicable by the Trustee.

          Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section 307, each Security
delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in exchange
for or in lieu of any other Security shall carry the rights to interest accrued
and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Security.

     Section 308.  Persons Deemed Owners.
                   --------------------- 

          Prior to due presentment of a Security for registration of transfer,
the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat
the Person in whose name any Security is registered as the owner of such
Security for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of, premium, if any,
and (subject to Section 307) interest on such Security and for all other
purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Security is overdue, and neither the
Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be
affected by notice to the contrary.

     Section 309.  Cancellation.
                   ------------ 

          All Securities surrendered for payment, purchase, redemption,
registration of transfer or exchange shall be delivered to the Trustee and, if
not already cancelled, shall be promptly cancelled by it. The Company may at any
time deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Securities previously
authenticated and delivered hereunder which the Company may have acquired in any
manner whatsoever, and all Securities so delivered shall be promptly cancelled
by the Trustee. No Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange
for any Securities cancelled as provided in this Section 309, except as
expressly permitted by this Indenture. All cancelled Securities held by the
Trustee shall be returned to the Company. The Trustee shall provide the Company
a list of all Securities that have been cancelled from time to time as requested
in writing by the Company.

     Section 310.  Computation of Interest.
                   ----------------------- 

          Interest on the Securities shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day
year of twelve 30-day months.

     Section 311.  CUSIP Numbers.
                   ------------- 

          The Company in issuing the Securities may use "CUSIP" numbers (if then
generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use "CUSIP" numbers in notices
of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may
state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers
either as printed on the


                                     -42-
<PAGE>
 
Securities or as contained in any notice of a redemption and that reliance may
be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Securities,
and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of
such numbers.

                                  ARTICLE FOUR

                       DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

     Section 401.  Company's Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.
                   ------------------------------------------------------------ 

          The Company may, at its option by Board Resolution, at any time, with
respect to the Securities, elect to have either Section 402 or Section 403 be
applied to all of the Outstanding Securities (the "Defeased Securities"), upon
compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article Four.

     Section 402.  Defeasance and Discharge.
                   ------------------------ 

          Upon the Company's exercise under Section 401 of the option applicable
to this Section 402, the Company and any other obligor upon the Securities, if
any, shall be deemed to have been discharged from its obligations with respect
to the Defeased Securities on the date the conditions set forth in Section 404
below are satisfied (hereinafter, "defeasance"). For this purpose, such
defeasance means that each of the Company and any other obligor upon the
Securities shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire Indebtedness
represented by the Defeased Securities, which shall thereafter be deemed to be
"Outstanding" only for the purposes of Section 405 and the other Sections of
this Indenture referred to in (a) and (b) below, and to have satisfied all its
other obligations under such Securities and this Indenture insofar as such
Securities are concerned (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, and,
upon Company Request, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same),
except for the following which shall survive until otherwise terminated or
discharged hereunder: (a) the rights of Holders of Defeased Securities to
receive, solely from the trust fund described in Section 404 and as more fully
set forth in such Section, payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if
any, and interest on such Securities when such payments are due, (b) the
Company's obligations with respect to such Defeased Securities under Sections
304, 305, 306, 1002 and 1003, (c) the rights, powers, trusts, duties,
indemnities and immunities of the Trustee hereunder, including, without
limitation, the Trustee's rights under Section 606, and (d) this Article Four.
Subject to compliance with this Article Four, the Company may exercise its
option under this Section 402 notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option
under Section 403 with respect to the Securities.

                                     -43-
<PAGE>
 
     Section 403.  Covenant Defeasance.
                   ------------------- 

          Upon the Company's exercise under Section 401 of the option applicable
to this Section 403, the Company and any other obligor upon the Securities shall
be released from its obligations under any covenant or provision contained or
referred to in Sections 1005 through 1020, inclusive, and the provisions of
clauses (iii) and (iv) of Section 801(a) and Article Twelve shall not apply,
with respect to the Defeased Securities on and after the date the conditions set
forth in Section 404 below are satisfied (hereinafter, "covenant defeasance"),
and the Defeased Securities shall thereafter be deemed to be not "Outstanding"
for the purposes of any direction, waiver, consent or declaration or Act of
Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection with such covenants
and the provisions of Article Twelve, but shall continue to be deemed
"Outstanding" for all other purposes hereunder. For this purpose, such covenant
defeasance means that, with respect to the Defeased Securities, the Company and
any such obligor may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect
of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such Section or Article,
whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein or
in such Defeased Securities or other documents to any such Section or Article or
by reason of any reference in any such Section or Article to any other provision
herein or in any other document and such omission to comply shall not constitute
a Default or an Event of Default under Section 501(c) but, except as specified
above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Defeased Securities shall be
unaffected thereby.

     Section 404.  Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.
                   ----------------------------------------------- 

          The following shall be the conditions to application of either Section
402 or Section 403 to the Defeased Securities:

          (1) The Company shall irrevocably have deposited or caused to be
deposited with the Trustee (or another trustee satisfying the requirements of
Section 608 who shall agree to comply with the provisions of this Article Four
applicable to it) as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making the
following payments, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely
to, the benefit of the Holders of such Securities, (a) United States dollars in
an amount, (b) U.S. Government Obligations which through the scheduled payment
of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms and
with no further reinvestment will provide, not later than one day before the due
date of any payment, money in an amount, or (c) a combination thereof, in such
amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of
independent public accountants or a nationally recognized investment banking
firm expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to
pay and discharge, and which shall be applied by the Trustee (or other
qualifying trustee) to pay and discharge the principal of, premium, if any, and
interest on the Defeased Securities on the Stated Maturity of such


                                     -44-
<PAGE>
 
principal or installment of principal or interest (or on any date after December
15, 2000 (such date being referred to as the "Defeasance Redemption Date")), if
at or prior to exercising under Section 401 either its option applicable to
Section 402 or its option applicable to Section 403, the Company shall have
delivered to the Trustee an irrevocable notice to redeem all of the Outstanding
Securities on the Defeasance Redemption Date); provided that the Trustee (or
such qualifying trustee) shall have been irrevocably instructed to apply such
United States dollars or the proceeds of such U.S. Government Obligations to
said payments with respect to the Securities; and provided, further, that the
United States dollars or U.S. Government Obligations deposited shall not be
subject to the rights of the holders of Senior Indebtedness pursuant to the
provisions of Article Twelve. For this purpose, "U.S. Government Obligations"
means securities that are (i) direct obligations of the United States of America
for the timely payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or (ii)
obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or
instrumentality of the United States of America the timely payment of which is
unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United
States of America, which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the
option of the issuer thereof, and shall also include a depository receipt issued
by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act), as custodian
with respect to any such U.S. Government Obligation or a specific payment of
principal of or interest on any such U.S. Government Obligation held by such
custodian for the account of the holder of such depository receipt, provided
that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any
deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from
any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government
Obligation or the specific payment of principal of or interest on the U.S.
Government Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt.

          (2) In the case of an election under Section 402, the Company shall
have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Independent Counsel in the United
States stating that (A) the Company has received from, or there has been
published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (B) since the date of
this Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable federal income tax
law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of
Independent Counsel in the United States shall confirm that, the Holders of the
Outstanding Securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal
income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance and will be subject to
federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times
as would have been the case if such defeasance had not occurred.

          (3) In the case of an election under Section 403, the Company shall
have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Independent Counsel in the United
States to the effect that the Holders of the Outstanding Securities will not
recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of
such covenant defeasance and will be


                                     -45-
<PAGE>
 
subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the
same times as would have been the case if such covenant defeasance had not
occurred.

          (4) No Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing on the date of such deposit or insofar as subsections 501(g) and (h)
are concerned, at any time during the period ending on the 91st day after the
date of deposit (it being understood that this condition shall not be deemed
satisfied until the expiration of such period).

          (5) Such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not cause the Trustee
to have a conflicting interest as defined in this Indenture and for purposes of
the Trust Indenture Act with respect to any securities of the Company or any
other obligor upon the Securities (assuming the Securities are in default within
the meaning of said Act).

          (6) Such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not result in a
breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, this Indenture or any
other material agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party or by which it is bound.

          (7) Such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not result in the
trust arising from such deposit constituting an investment company as defined in
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, unless such trust shall be
qualified under such Act or exempt from regulation thereunder.

          (8) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of
Independent Counsel to the effect that after the 91st day following the deposit,
the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors' rights
generally.

          (9) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Company with the intent
of preferring the holders of the Securities over the other creditors of the
Company with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding
creditors of the Company or others.

          (10) No event or condition shall exist that would prevent the Company
from making payments of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the
Securities on the date of such deposit or at any time ending on the 91st day
after the date of such deposit.

          (11) The Company will have delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate and an Opinion of Independent Counsel in the United States, each
stating that all conditions precedent provided for relating to either the
defeasance under Section 402


                                     -46-
<PAGE>
 
or the covenant defeasance under Section 403 (as the case may be) have been
complied with as contemplated by this Section 404.

          Opinions of Counsel or Opinions of Independent Counsel required to be
delivered under this Section may have qualifications customary for opinions of
the type required and counsel delivering such opinions may rely on certificates
of the Company or government or other officials customary for opinions of the
type required, which certificates shall be limited as to matters of fact,
including that various financial covenants have been complied with.

     Section 405. Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to Be Held in
                  -------------------------------------------------------------
          Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions.
          ------------------------------------- 

          Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all
United States dollars and U.S. Government Obligations (including the proceeds
thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee--collectively
for purposes of this Section 405, the "Trustee") pursuant to Section 404 in
respect of the Defeased Securities shall be held in trust and applied by the
Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Securities and this
Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent
(excluding the Company or any of its Affiliates acting as Paying Agent) as the
Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Securities of all sums due and to
become due thereon in respect of principal, premium, if any, and interest, but
such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required
by law. Money so held in trust shall not be subject to the provisions of Article
Twelve.

          The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee
or other charge imposed on or assessed against the U.S. Government Obligations
deposited pursuant to Section 404 or the principal and interest received in
respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for
the account of the Holders of the Defeased Securities.

          Anything in this Article Four to the contrary notwithstanding, the
Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon Company
Request any United States dollars or U.S. Government Obligations held by it as
provided in Section 404 which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of
independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof
delivered to the Trustee, are in excess of the amount thereof which would then
be required to be deposited to effect defeasance or covenant defeasance.

     Section 406.  Reinstatement.
                   ------------- 

          If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any United States
dollars or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with Section 402 or 403, as
the case may


                                     -47-
<PAGE>
 
be, by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority
enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, then the
Company's obligations under this Indenture and the Securities, and the
provisions of Article Twelve hereof, shall be revived and reinstated as though
no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 402 or 403, as the case may be,
until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such
United States dollars or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with Section
402 or 403, as the case may be; provided, however, that if the Company makes any
payment to the Trustee or Paying Agent of principal, premium, if any, or
interest on any Security following the reinstatement of its obligations, the
Trustee or Paying Agent shall promptly pay any such amount to the Holders of the
Securities and the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of
such Securities to receive such payment from the United States dollars and U.S.
Government Obligations held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.

                                  ARTICLE FIVE

                                    REMEDIES

     Section 501.  Events of Default.
                   ----------------- 

          "Event of Default," wherever used herein, means any one of the
following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it
shall be occasioned by the provisions of Article Twelve or be voluntary or
involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment,
decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any
administrative or governmental body):

          (a) there shall be a default in the payment of any interest on any
Security when it becomes due and payable, and such default shall continue for a
period of 30 days;

          (b) there shall be a default in the payment of the principal of (or
premium, if any, on) any Security at its Maturity (upon acceleration, optional
or mandatory redemption, if any, required repurchase or otherwise);

          (c) (i) there shall be a default in the performance, or breach, of any
covenant or agreement of the Company under this Indenture (other than a default
in the performance, or breach, of a covenant or agreement which is specifically
dealt with in Subsection (a) or (b) of this Section 501 or in clauses (ii),
(iii) and (iv) of this Subsection (c) of this Section 501) and such default or
breach shall continue for a period of 30 days after written notice has been
given, by certified mail, (x) to the Company by the Trustee or (y) to the
Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal
amount of the Outstanding Securities, specifying such default or breach and
requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a "Notice of
Default" hereunder;


                                     -48-
<PAGE>
 
(ii) there shall be a default in the performance or breach of the provisions of
Article Eight; (iii) the Company shall have failed to make or consummate an
Offer in accordance with the provisions of Section 1012; or (iv) the Company
shall have failed to make or consummate a Change in Control Offer in accordance
with the provisions of Section 1016;

          (d) one or more defaults shall have occurred under any agreements,
indentures or instruments under which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
then has outstanding Indebtedness in excess of $10 million in the aggregate and,
if such Indebtedness has not already matured at its final maturity in accordance
with its terms, such Indebtedness shall have been accelerated;

          (e) one or more judgments, orders or decrees for the payment of money
in excess of $5 million, either individually or in the aggregate, shall be
rendered against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their
respective properties and shall not be discharged and either (i) any creditor
shall have commenced an enforcement proceeding upon such judgment, order or
decree or (ii) there shall have been a period of 60 consecutive days during
which a stay of enforcement of such judgment or order, by reason of an appeal or
otherwise, shall not be in effect;

          (f) any holder or holders of at least $10 million in aggregate
principal amount of Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries after
a default under such Indebtedness shall notify the Trustee of the intended sale
or disposition of any assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that have
been pledged to or for the benefit of such holder or holders to secure such
Indebtedness or shall commence proceedings, or take any action (including by way
of set-off), to retain in satisfaction of such Indebtedness or to collect on,
seize, dispose of or apply in satisfaction of Indebtedness, assets of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries (including funds on deposit or held pursuant
to lock-box and other similar arrangements);

          (g) there shall have been the entry by a court of competent
jurisdiction of (i) a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries in an involuntary case or proceeding under any
applicable Bankruptcy Law or (ii) a decree or order adjudging the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking reorganization,
arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries under any applicable federal or state law, or appointing a
custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator (or other
similar official) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or of any
substantial part of their respective properties, or ordering the winding up or
liquidation of their respective affairs, and any such decree or order for relief
shall continue to be in effect, or any such other decree or order shall be
unstayed and in effect, for a period of 60 consecutive days; or

                                     
                                     -49-
<PAGE>
 
          (h) (i) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries commences a voluntary
case or proceeding under any applicable Bankruptcy Law or any other case or
proceeding to be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent, (ii) the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries consents to the entry of a decree or order for relief in
respect of the Company or any such Subsidiary in an involuntary case or
proceeding under any applicable Bankruptcy Law or to the commencement of any
bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against it, (iii) the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries files a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization
or relief under any applicable federal or state law, (iv) the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries (1) consents to the filing of such petition or the appointment
of, or taking possession by, a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee,
trustee, sequestrator or similar official of the Company or any such Subsidiary
or of any substantial part of their respective properties, (2) makes an
assignment for the benefit of creditors or (3) admits in writing its inability
to pay its debts generally as they become due, or (v) the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries takes any corporate action in furtherance of any such actions in
this paragraph (h).

     Section 502.  Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.
                   -------------------------------------------------- 

          If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in
Sections 501(g) and (h)) shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee or the
Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities
Outstanding may, and the Trustee at the request of the Holders of not less than
25% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities Outstanding shall, declare
all unpaid principal of, premium, if any, and accrued interest on all the
Securities to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the
Company (and to the Trustee if given by the Holders of the Securities) and upon
any such declaration, such principal, premium, if any, and interest shall become
due and payable immediately. If an Event of Default specified in clause (g) or
(h) of Section 501 occurs and is continuing with respect to the Company and is
continuing, then all the Securities shall ipso facto become and be due and
payable immediately in an amount equal to the principal amount of the
Securities, together with premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest, if
any, to the date the Securities become due and payable, without any declaration
or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder. Thereupon, the Trustee
may, at its discretion, proceed to protect and enforce the rights of the holders
of Securities by appropriate judicial proceedings.

          After such declaration of acceleration but before a judgment or decree
for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as hereinafter in
this Article provided, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount
of the Securities Outstanding, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee,
may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if:


                                     -50-
<PAGE>
 
          (a) the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum
sufficient to pay

               (i) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee under Section 607
          and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances
          of the Trustee, its agents and counsel,

               (ii) all overdue interest on all Outstanding Securities,

               (iii)  the principal of and premium, if any, on any Outstanding
          Securities which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of
          acceleration and interest thereon at a rate borne by the Securities,
          and

               (iv) to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful,
          interest upon overdue interest at the rate borne by the Securities;
          and

          (b) all Events of Default, other than the non-payment of principal of
the Securities which have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration,
have been cured or waived as provided in Section 513.

No such rescission shall affect any subsequent Default or impair any right
consequent thereon.

     Section 503.  Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by
                   -------------------------------------------------------
          Trustee.
          ------- 

          The Company covenants that if

          (a) default is made in the payment of any interest on any Security
          when such interest becomes due and payable and such default continues
          for a period of 30 days, or

          (b) default is made in the payment of the principal of or premium, if
          any, on any Security at the Stated Maturity thereof,

the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to it, for the benefit of the
Holders of such Securities, subject to Article Twelve, the whole amount then due
and payable on such Securities for principal and premium, if any, and interest,
with interest upon the overdue principal and premium, if any, and, to the extent
that payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable, upon overdue
installments of interest, at the rate borne by the Securities; and, in addition
thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and
expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses,
disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.


                                     -51-
<PAGE>
 
          If the Company fails to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand,
the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a
judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid and may
prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree, and may enforce the same
against the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities and collect the
moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of
the property of the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities, wherever
situated.

          If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may in
its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the
Holders under this Indenture by such appropriate private or judicial proceedings
as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce such rights,
whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this
Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein or therein, or
to enforce any other proper remedy, subject however to Section 512.  No recovery
of any such judgment upon any property of the Company shall affect or impair any
rights, powers or remedies of the Trustee or the Holders.

     Section 504.  Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.
                   -------------------------------- 

          In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation,
bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other
judicial proceeding relative to the Company or any other obligor upon the
Securities or the property of the Company or of such other obligor or their
creditors, the Trustee (irrespective of whether the principal of the Securities
shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or
otherwise and irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have made any demand on
the Company for the payment of overdue principal or interest) shall be entitled
and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise,

          (a) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of principal, and
premium, if any, and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Securities and
to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order
to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable
compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents
and counsel) and of the Holders allowed in such judicial proceeding, and

          (b) subject to Article Twelve, to collect and receive any moneys or
other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the
same;

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or
similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each
Holder to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee
shall consent to the making of such 


                                     -52-
<PAGE>
 
payments directly to the Holders, to pay the Trustee any amount due it for the
reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee,
its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 607.

          Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to
authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of
reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities
or the rights of any Holder thereof, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in
respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.

     Section 505.  Trustee May Enforce Claims without Possession of Securities.
                   ----------------------------------------------------------- 

          All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the Securities
may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of
the Securities or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and
any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name
and as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after
provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses,
disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, be for the
ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities in respect of which such
judgment has been recovered.

     Section 506.  Application of Money Collected.
                   ------------------------------ 

          Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article or
otherwise on behalf of the Holders or the Trustee pursuant to this Article or
through any proceeding or any arrangement or restructuring in anticipation or in
lieu of any proceeding contemplated by this Article shall be applied, subject to
applicable law, in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the
Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal,
premium, if any, or interest, upon presentation of the Securities and the
notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender
thereof if fully paid:

          FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee under Section
607;

          SECOND:  Subject to Article Twelve, to the payment of the amounts then
due and unpaid upon the Securities for principal, premium, if any, and interest,
in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected,
ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts
due and payable on such Securities for principal, premium, if any, and interest;
and

          THIRD:  Subject to Article Twelve, the balance, if any, to the Person
or Persons entitled thereto, including the Company, provided that all sums due
and owing to the Holders and the Trustee have been paid in full as required by
this Indenture.


                                      -53-
<PAGE>
 
     Section 507.  Limitation on Suits.
                   ------------------- 

          No Holder of any Securities shall have any right to institute any
proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture or the
Securities, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other
remedy hereunder, unless

          (a) such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of
a continuing Event of Default;

          (b) the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities shall have made written request to the Trustee to
institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as
trustee hereunder;

          (c) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee an indemnity
satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be
incurred in compliance with such request;

          (d) the Trustee for 15 days after its receipt of such notice, request
and offer (and if requested, provision) of indemnity has failed to institute any
such proceeding; and

          (e) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given
to the Trustee during such 15-day period by the Holders of a majority in
principal amount of the Outstanding Securities;

it being understood and intended that no one or more Holders shall have any
right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of
this Indenture or any Security to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any
other Holders, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any
other Holders or to enforce any right under this Indenture or any Security,
except in the manner provided in this Indenture and for the equal and ratable
benefit of all the Holders.

     Section 508.  Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium
                   ------------------------------------------------------------
          and Interest.
          ------------ 

          Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, but subject to
Article Twelve, the Holder of any Security shall have the right based on the
terms stated herein, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of
the principal of, premium, if any, and (subject to Section 307) interest on such
Security on the respective Stated Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in
the case of redemption or repurchase, on the Redemption Date or the repurchase
date) and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such
rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder, subject to
Article Twelve.


                                     -54-
<PAGE>
 
     Section 509.  Restoration of Rights and Remedies.
                   ---------------------------------- 

          If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce
any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been
discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to
the Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case the Company, any
other obligor on the Securities, the Trustee and the Holders shall, subject to
any determination in such proceeding, be restored severally and respectively to
their former positions hereunder, and thereafter all rights and remedies of the
Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been
instituted.

     Section 510.  Rights and Remedies Cumulative.
                   ------------------------------ 

          Except as provided in Section 306, no right or remedy herein conferred
upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of
any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent
permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy
given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise.
The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise,
shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other
appropriate right or remedy.

     Section 511.  Delay or Omission Not Waiver.
                   ---------------------------- 

          No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Security
to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair
any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or
an acquiescence therein.  Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law
to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as
often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case
may be.

     Section 512.  Control by Holders.
                   ------------------ 

          The Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount
of the Outstanding Securities shall have the right to direct the time, method
and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee,
or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, provided that

          (a) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or
with this Indenture (including, without limitation, Section 507), expose the
Trustee to personal liability, or be unduly prejudicial to Holders not joining
therein; and


                                     -55-
<PAGE>
 
          (b) subject to the provisions of Section 315 of the Trust Indenture
Act, the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is
not inconsistent with such direction.

     Section 513.  Waiver of Past Defaults.
                   ----------------------- 

          The Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount
of the Outstanding Securities may on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities
waive any past Default hereunder and its consequences, except a Default

          (a) in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest
on any Security; or

          (b) in respect of a covenant or a provision hereof which under Article
Nine cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each
Security Outstanding affected by such modification or amendment.

          Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, and any Event
of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every
purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or
other Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

     Section 514.  Undertaking for Costs.
                   --------------------- 

          All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Security
by his acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in
its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy
under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken,
suffered or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such
suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in
its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees,
against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and
good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the
provisions of this Section shall not apply to any suit instituted by the
Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Holder, or group of Holders, holding in
the aggregate more than 10% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities,
or to any suit instituted by any Holder for the enforcement of the payment of
the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Security on or after the
respective Stated Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of
redemption, on or after the Redemption Date).

     Section 515.  Waiver of Stay, Extension or Usury Laws.
                   --------------------------------------- 

          Each of the Company and any other obligor upon the Securities
covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any
time insist upon, or plead, 


                                     -56-
<PAGE>
 
or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay
or extension law or any usury or other law wherever enacted, now or at any time
hereafter in force, which would prohibit or forgive the Company or any such
obligor from paying all or any portion of the principal of, premium, if any, or
interest on the Securities contemplated herein or in the Securities or which may
affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and each of the
Company and any such obligor (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby
expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it
will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to
the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as
though no such law had been enacted.

     Section 516.  Remedies Subject to Applicable Law.
                   ---------------------------------- 

          All rights, remedies and powers provided by this Article Five may be
exercised only to the extent that the exercise thereof does not violate any
applicable provision of law in the premises, and all the provisions of this
Indenture are intended to be subject to all applicable mandatory provisions of
law which may be controlling in the premises and to be limited to the extent
necessary so that they will not render this Indenture invalid, unenforceable or
not entitled to be recorded, registered or filed under the provisions of any
applicable law.

                                  ARTICLE SIX

                                  THE TRUSTEE

     Section 601.  Duties of Trustee.
                   ----------------- 

          Subject to the provisions of Trust Indenture Act Section 315(a)
through 315(d):

          (a) if a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing, the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in
it by this Indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise
thereof as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the
conduct of his own affairs.

          (b) except during the continuance of a Default or an Event of Default:

               (1) the Trustee need perform only those duties as are
          specifically set forth in this Indenture and no covenants or
          obligations shall be implied in this Indenture that are adverse to the
          Trustee; and

               (2) in the absence of bad faith or willful misconduct on its
          part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the
          statements and the 

                                     -57-
<PAGE>
 
          correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or
          opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements
          of this Indenture. However, in the case of any such certificates or
          opinions which by any provision hereof are specifically required to be
          furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall examine the certificates
          and opinions to determine whether or not they conform to the
          requirements of this Indenture, but need not confirm or investigate
          the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts stated
          therein.

          (c) the Trustee may not be relieved from liability for its own
negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful
misconduct, except that:

               (1) this Subsection (c) does not limit the effect of Subsection
          (b) of this Section 601;

               (2) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment
          made in good faith by a Responsible Officer, unless it is proved that
          the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and

               (3) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action it
          takes or omits to take in good faith, in accordance with a direction
          of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of Outstanding
          Securities relating to the time, method and place of conducting any
          proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any
          trust or power confirmed upon the Trustee under this Indenture.

          (d) no provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend
or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the
performance of any of its duties hereunder or in the exercise of any of its
rights or powers if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that
repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is
not reasonably assured to it.

          (e) whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of
this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to Subsections
(a), (b), (c) and (d) of this Section 601.

          (f) the Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any money or
assets received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the
Company.  Assets held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other
assets except to the extent required by law.

                                     -58-
<PAGE>
 
     Section 602.  Notice of Defaults.
                   ------------------ 

          Within 90 days after the occurrence of any Default, the Trustee shall
transmit by mail to all Holders and any other persons entitled to receive
reports pursuant to Section 313(c) of the Trust Indenture Act, as their names
and addresses appear in the Security Register, notice of such Default hereunder
known to the Trustee, unless such Default shall have been cured or waived;
provided, however, that, except in the case of a Default in the payment of the
principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Security, the Trustee shall be
protected in withholding such notice if and so long as a trust committee of
Responsible Officers of the Trustee in good faith determines that the
withholding of such notice is in the interest of the Holders.

     Section 603.  Certain Rights of Trustee.
                   ------------------------- 

          Subject to the provisions of Section 601 hereof and Trust Indenture
Act Sections 315(a) through 315(d):

          (a) the Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or
refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument,
opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture,
note, other evidence of Indebtedness or other paper or document believed by it
to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or
parties;

          (b) any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be
sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or Company Order and any resolution
of the Board of Directors may be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution;

          (c) the Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection and any
advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete
authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted
by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon in accordance with such
advice or Opinion of Counsel;

          (d) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the
rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of
any of the Holders pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have
offered to the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against
the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred therein or thereby
in compliance with such request or direction;

          (e) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted by
it in good faith and believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion,
rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture other than any liabilities
arising out of the negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of the Trustee;

                                     -59-
<PAGE>
 
          (f) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the
facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument,
opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, approval,
appraisal, bond, debenture, note, coupon, security or other paper or document
unless requested in writing to do so by the Holders of not less than a majority
in aggregate principal amount of the Securities then Outstanding; provided that,
if the payment within a reasonable time to the Trustee of the costs, expenses or
liabilities likely to be incurred by it in the making of such investigation is,
in the opinion of the Trustee, not reasonably assured to the Trustee by the
security afforded to it by the terms of this Indenture, the Trustee may require
reasonable indemnity against such expenses or liabilities as a condition to
proceeding; the reasonable expenses of every such investigation shall be paid by
the Company or, if paid by the Trustee or any predecessor Trustee, shall be
repaid by the Company upon demand; provided, further, the Trustee in its
discretion may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or
matters as it may deem fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such
further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books,
records and premises of the Company, personally or by agent or attorney;

          (g) whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall
deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking,
suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence
be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part,
rely upon an Officers' Certificate;

          (h) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or
perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or
attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or
negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it
hereunder; and

          (i) no provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend
or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the
performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its
rights or powers.

     Section 604.  Trustee Not Responsible for Recitals, Dispositions of
                   -----------------------------------------------------
                   Securities or Application of Proceeds Thereof.
                   --------------------------------------------- 

          The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the
Trustee's certificates of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of
the Company, and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for their correctness.
The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this
Indenture or of the Securities, except that the Trustee represents that it is
duly authorized to execute and deliver this Indenture, authenticate the
Securities and perform its obligations hereunder and that the statements made by
it in a Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 supplied to the Company are true
and accurate subject to the qualifications set forth therein.  The Trustee shall
not 

                                     -60-
<PAGE>
 
be accountable for the use or application by the Company of Securities or
the proceeds thereof.

     Section 605.  Trustee and Agents May Hold Securities; Collections; etc.
                   ---------------------------------------------------------

          The Trustee, any Paying Agent, Security Registrar or any other agent
of the Company, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or
pledgee of Securities, with the same rights it would have if it were not the
Trustee, Paying Agent, Security Registrar or such other agent and, subject to
Sections 608 and 613 hereof and Trust Indenture Act Sections 310 and 311, may
otherwise deal with the Company and receive, collect, hold and retain
collections from the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not
the Trustee, Paying Agent, Security Registrar or such other agent.

     Section 606.  Money Held in Trust.
                   ------------------- 

          All moneys received by the Trustee shall, until used or applied as
herein provided, be held in trust for the purposes for which they were received,
but need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by
mandatory provisions of law.  Except for funds or securities deposited with the
Trustee pursuant to Article Four, the Trustee shall be required to invest all
moneys received by the Trustee, until used or applied as herein provided, in
Cash Equivalents in accordance with the specific written directions of the
Company.

     Section 607.  Compensation and Indemnification of Trustee and Its Prior
                   ---------------------------------------------------------
                   Claim.
                   ----- 

          The Company covenants and agrees to pay to the Trustee from time to
time, and the Trustee shall be entitled to, such compensation as the Company and
the Trustee shall from time to time agree in writing for all services rendered
by it hereunder (which shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to
the compensation of a trustee of an express trust) and the Company covenants and
agrees to pay or reimburse the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee upon its
request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made
by or on behalf of the Trustee in accordance with any of the provisions of this
Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and
disbursements of its counsel and of all agents and other persons not regularly
in its employ) except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may arise
from its negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.  The Company also
covenants and agrees to indemnify the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee for,
and to hold it harmless against, any and all claim, loss, damage, liability,
tax, assessment or other governmental charge (other than taxes applicable to the
Trustee's compensation hereunder) or expense incurred without negligence, bad
faith or willful misconduct on its part, arising out of or in 

                                     -61-
<PAGE>
 
connection with the acceptance or administration of this Indenture or the trusts
hereunder and its duties hereunder, including enforcement of this Section 607
and also including any liability which the Trustee may incur as a result of
failure to withhold, pay or report any tax, assessment or other governmental
charge, and the costs and expenses of defending itself against or investigating
any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of
its powers or duties hereunder. The obligations of the Company under this
Section 607 to compensate, reimburse and indemnify the Trustee and each
predecessor Trustee and to pay or reimburse the Trustee and each predecessor
Trustee for expenses, disbursements and advances shall constitute an additional
obligation hereunder and shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this
Indenture and the resignation or removal of the Trustee and each predecessor
Trustee.

          The Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Securities as to all
property and funds held by it hereunder for any amount owing it or any
predecessor Trustee pursuant to this Section 607, except with respect to funds
held in trust for the benefit of the Holders of particular Securities.

          When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services in connection
with an Event of Default specified in Section 501(g) or Section 501 (h), the
expenses (including the reasonable charges and expenses of its counsel) and the
compensation for the services are intended to constitute expenses of
administration under any applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or
other similar law.

     Section 608.  Conflicting Interests.
                   --------------------- 

          The Trustee shall comply with the provisions of Section 310(b) of the
Trust Indenture Act.

     Section 609.  Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.
                   --------------------------------------- 

          There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder which shall be
eligible to act as trustee under Trust Indenture Act Section 310(a)(5) and which
shall have an office in The City of New York, a combined capital and surplus of
at least $100,000,000, to the extent there is an institution eligible and
willing to serve.  If the Trustee does not have an office in The City of New
York, the Trustee may appoint an agent in The City of New York reasonably
acceptable to the Company to conduct any activities which the Trustee may be
required under this Indenture to conduct in The City of New York.  If such
corporation publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or
to the requirements of federal, state, territorial or District of Columbia
supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section 609,
the combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall be deemed to be its
combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition
so published.  If at any time the Trustee shall cease to be 

                                     -62-
<PAGE>
 
eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section 609, the Trustee
shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified
in this Article.

     Section 610.  Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor Trustee.
                   --------------------------------------------------------- 

          (a) No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a
successor trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the
acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee under Section 611.

          (b) The Trustee, or any trustee or trustees hereafter appointed, may
at any time resign by giving written notice thereof to the Company.  Upon
receiving such notice of resignation, the Company shall promptly appoint a
successor trustee by written instrument executed by authority of the Board of
Directors, a copy of which shall be delivered to the resigning Trustee and a
copy to the successor trustee.

          (c) The Trustee may be removed at any time by an Act of the Holders of
not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding
Securities, delivered to the Trustee and to the Company.

          (d)  If at any time:

               (1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with the provisions of Trust
          Indenture Act Section 310(b) after written request therefor by the
          Company or by any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security
          for at least six months,

               (2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 609 and
          shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or
          by any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at
          least six months, or

               (3) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be
          adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent, or a receiver of the Trustee or of
          its property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take
          charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the
          purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation,

then, in any case, (i) the Company by a Board Resolution may remove the Trustee,
or (ii) subject to Section 514, the Holder of any Security who has been a bona
fide Holder of a Security for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and
all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for
the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor trustee.  Such
court may thereupon, after such notice, if 

                                     -63-
<PAGE>
 
any, as it may deem proper and prescribe, remove the Trustee and appoint a
successor trustee.

          (e) If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of
acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any cause, the
Company, by a Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor trustee and
shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 611.  If an instrument
of acceptance by a successor trustee shall not have been delivered to the
Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of resignation, or after
such removal or incapacity, the resigning Trustee may, or any Holder who has
been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months may, on behalf of
himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent
jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor trustee.  Such court may
thereupon, after such notice, if any, as it may deem proper, appoint a successor
trustee.  If, within one year after such resignation, removal or incapability,
or the occurrence of such vacancy, the Company has not appointed a successor
Trustee, a successor trustee shall be appointed by the Act of the Holders of a
majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities delivered to the
Company and the retiring Trustee.  Such successor trustee so appointed shall
forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment become the successor trustee
and supersede the successor trustee appointed by the Company.  If no successor
trustee shall have been so appointed by the Company or the Holders of the
Securities and accepted appointment in the manner hereinafter provided, the
Holder of any Security who has been a bona fide Holder for at least six months
may, subject to Section 514, on behalf of himself and all others similarly
situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a
successor trustee.

          (f) The Company shall give notice of each resignation and each removal
of the Trustee and each appointment of a successor trustee by mailing written
notice of such event by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to the Holders of
Securities as their names and addresses appear in the Security Register.  Each
notice shall include the name of the successor trustee and the address of its
Corporate Trust Office or agent hereunder.

     Section 611.  Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.
                   -------------------------------------- 

          Every successor trustee appointed hereunder shall execute, acknowledge
and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting
such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring
Trustee shall become effective and such successor trustee, without any further
act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts
and duties of the retiring Trustee as if originally named as Trustee hereunder;
but, nevertheless, on the written request of the Company or the successor
trustee, upon payment of its charges pursuant to Section 607 then unpaid, such
retiring Trustee shall, pay over to the successor trustee all moneys at the time
held by it hereunder and shall execute and deliver an instrument transferring to
such successor trustee all such rights, powers, duties and obligations.  Upon
request of 

                                     -64-
<PAGE>
 
any such successor trustee, the Company shall execute any and all instruments
for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor trustee
all such rights and powers. Any Trustee ceasing to act shall, nevertheless,
retain a prior lien upon all property or funds held or collected by such Trustee
or such successor trustee to secure any amounts then due such Trustee pursuant
to the provisions of Section 607.

          No successor trustee with respect to the Securities shall accept
appointment as provided in this Section 611 unless at the time of such
acceptance such successor trustee shall be eligible to act as trustee under the
provisions of Trust Indenture Act Section 310(a) and this Article Six and shall
have a combined capital and surplus of at least $100,000,000 and have a
Corporate Trust Office or an agent selected in accordance with Section 609.

          Upon acceptance of appointment by any successor trustee as provided in
this Section 611, the Company shall give notice thereof to the Holders of the
Securities, by mailing such notice to such Holders at their addresses as they
shall appear on the Security Register.  If the acceptance of appointment is
substantially contemporaneous with the resignation, then the notice called for
by the preceding sentence may be combined with the notice called for by Section
610.  If the Company fails to give such notice within 10 days after acceptance
of appointment by the successor trustee, the successor trustee shall cause such
notice to be given at the expense of the Company.

     Section 612.  Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.
                   ----------------------------------------------------------- 

          Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or
with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger,
conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any
corporation succeeding to all or substantially all of the corporate trust
business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder,
provided such corporation shall be eligible under Trust Indenture Act Section
310(a) and this Article Six and shall have a combined capital and surplus of at
least $100,000,000 and have a Corporate Trust Office or an agent selected in
accordance with Section 609 without the execution or filing of any paper or any
further act on the part of any of the parties hereto.

          In case at the time such successor to the Trustee shall succeed to the
trusts created by this Indenture any of the Securities shall have been
authenticated but not delivered, any such successor to the Trustee may adopt the
certificate of authentication of any predecessor Trustee and deliver such
Securities so authenticated; and, in case at that time any of the Securities
shall not have been authenticated, any successor to the Trustee may authenticate
such Securities either in the name of any predecessor hereunder or in the name
of the successor trustee; and in all such cases such certificate shall have the
full force which it is anywhere in the Securities or in this Indenture provided
that the 

                                     -65-
<PAGE>
 
certificate of the Trustee shall have; provided that the right to adopt the
certificate of authentication of any predecessor Trustee or to authenticate
Securities in the name of any predecessor Trustee shall apply only to its
successor or successors by merger, amalgamation, conversion or consolidation.

     Section 613.  Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.
                   ------------------------------------------------- 

          If and when the Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the Company
(or other obligor under the Securities), the Trustee shall be subject to the
provisions of the Trust Indenture Act regarding the collection of claims against
the Company (or any such other obligor).  A Trustee who has resigned or been
removed shall be subject to the Trust Indenture Act Section 311(a) to the extent
indicated therein.

                                 ARTICLE SEVEN

               HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY

     Section 701.  Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders.
                   --------------------------------------------------------- 

          The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee

          (a) semiannually, not more than 10 days after each Regular Record
Date, a list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names
and addresses of the Holders as of such Regular Record Date; and

          (b) at such other times as the Trustee may reasonably request in
writing, within 30 days after receipt by the Company of any such request, a list
of similar form and content to that in Subsection (a) hereof as of a date not
more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished;

provided, however, that if and so long as the Trustee shall be the Security
Registrar, no such list need be furnished.

     Section 702.  Disclosure of Names and Addresses of Holders.
                   -------------------------------------------- 

          Holders may communicate pursuant to Trust Indenture Act Section 312(b)
with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the
Securities, and the Trustee shall comply with Trust Indenture Act Section
312(b).  The Company, the Trustee, the Registrar and any other Person shall have
the protection of Trust Indenture Act Section 312(c).  Further, every Holder of
Securities, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Company and the
Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee or any agent of either of them
shall be held accountable by reason of the disclosure of any information as to
the names and addresses of the Holders in accordance with Trust 

                                     -66-
<PAGE>
 
Indenture Act Section 312, regardless of the source from which such information
was derived, and that the Trustee shall not be held accountable by reason of
mailing any material pursuant to a request made under Trust Indenture Act
Section 312.

     Section 703.  Reports by Trustee.
                   ------------------ 

          (a) Within 60 days after May 15 of each year commencing with the first
May 15 after the issuance of Securities, the Trustee, if so required under the
Trust Indenture Act, shall transmit by mail to all Holders, in the manner and to
the extent provided in Trust Indenture Act Section 313(c), a brief report dated
as of such May 15 in accordance with and with respect to the matters required by
Trust Indenture Act Section 313(a). The Trustee shall also transmit by mail to
all Holders, in the manner and to the extent provided in Trust Indenture Act
Section 313(c), a brief report in accordance with and with respect to the
matters required by Trust Indenture Act Section 313(b)(2).

          (b) A copy of each report transmitted to Holders pursuant to this
Section 703 shall, at the time of such transmission, be mailed to the Company
and filed with each stock exchange, if any, upon which the securities are listed
and also with the Commission. The Company will promptly notify the Trustee when
the Securities are listed on any stock exchange .

     Section 704. Reports by Company.
                   ------------------ 

          The Company shall:

          (a) file with the Trustee, within 30 days after the Company is
required to file the same with the Commission, copies of the annual reports and
of the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of
any of the foregoing as the Commission may from time to time by rules and
regulations prescribe) which the Company may be required to file with the
Commission pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act; or, if
the Company is not required to file information, documents or reports pursuant
to either of said Sections, then it shall (i) deliver to the Trustee annual
audited financial statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries, prepared on a
consolidated basis in conformity with GAAP, within 150 days after the end of
each fiscal year of the Company, and (ii) file with the Trustee and the
Commission, in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed from time to
time by the Commission, such of the supplementary and periodic information,
documents and reports which may be required pursuant to Section 13 of the
Exchange Act in respect of a security listed and registered on a national
securities exchange as may be prescribed from time to time in such rules and
regulations;

          (b) file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with the
rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission, such
additional

                                     -67- 
<PAGE>
 
information, documents and reports with respect to compliance by the Company
with the conditions and covenants of this Indenture as is required from time to
time by such rules and regulations (including such information, documents and
reports referred to in Trust Indenture Act Section 314(a)); and

          (c) within 30 days after the filing thereof with the Trustee, transmit
by mail to all Holders in the manner and to the extent provided in Trust
Indenture Act Section 313(c), such summaries of any information, documents and
reports required to be filed by the Company pursuant to Section 1020 hereunder
and subsections (a) and (b) of this Section as is required by rules and
regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission.

          Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is
for informational purposes only and the Trustee's receipt of such shall not
constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or
determinable from information contained therein, including the Company's
compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is
entitled to rely exclusively on Officers' Certificates).

                                 ARTICLE EIGHT

              CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE

     Section 801. Company May Consolidate, etc., Only on Certain Terms.
                  ------------------------------------------------
          The Company will not, in a single transaction or through a series of
related transactions, consolidate with or merge with or into any other Person or
sell, assign, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or
substantially all of its properties and assets to any Person or group of
affiliated Persons, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to enter into any such
transaction or series of related transactions if such transaction or series of
related transactions, in the aggregate, would result in a sale, assignment,
conveyance, transfer, lease or disposition of all or substantially all of the
properties and assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated
basis to any other Person or group of affiliated Persons, unless at the time and
after giving effect thereto:

               (i) either (1) the Company shall be the continuing corporation or
          (2) the Person (if other than the Company) formed by such
          consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which
          acquires by sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or
          disposition all or substantially all of the properties and assets of
          the Company and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis (the
          "Surviving Entity") shall be a corporation duly organized and validly
          existing under the laws of the United States of

                                     -68-
<PAGE>
 
          America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia and such Person
          expressly assumes, by a supplemental indenture, executed and delivered
          to the Trustee, in a form satisfactory to the Trustee, all the
          obligations of the Company under the Securities and this Indenture, as
          the case may be, and the Securities and this Indenture shall remain in
          full force and effect as so supplemented;

               (ii) immediately before and immediately after giving effect to
          such transaction on a pro forma basis (and treating any Indebtedness
          not previously an obligation of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
          which becomes an obligation of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
          in connection with or as a result of such transaction as having been
          incurred at the time of such transaction), no Default or Event of
          Default shall have occurred and be continuing;

               (iii) immediately before and immediately after giving effect to
          such transaction on a pro forma basis (on the assumption that the
          transaction occurred on the first day of the four-quarter period
          immediately prior to the consummation of such transaction with the
          appropriate adjustments with respect to the transaction being included
          in such pro forma calculation), the Company (or the Surviving Entity
          if the Company is not the continuing obligor under this Indenture)
          could incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness (other than Permitted
          Indebtedness) under Section 1008; and

               (iv) at the time of the transaction the Company or the Surviving
          Entity shall have delivered, or caused to be delivered, to the
          Trustee, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee,
          an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each to the effect
          that such consolidation, merger, transfer, sale, assignment,
          conveyance, transfer, lease or other transaction and the supplemental
          indenture in respect thereof comply with this Indenture and that all
          conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction
          have been complied with.

     Section 802. Successor Substituted.
                  ----------------------
 
          Upon any consolidation or merger, or any sale, assignment, conveyance,
transfer, lease or disposition of all or substantially all of the properties and
assets of the Company in accordance with Section 801, the successor Person
formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the
successor Person to which such sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or
disposition is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise
every right and power of, the Company under

                                     -69- 
<PAGE>
 
this Indenture and the Securities with the same effect as if such successor had
been named as the Company herein and in the Securities. When a successor (other
than a successor that is an Affiliate of the Company) assumes all the
obligations of its predecessor under this Indenture or the Securities, the
predecessor shall be released from those obligations; provided that in the case
of a transfer by lease, the predecessor shall not be released from the payment
of principal and interest on the Securities.

                                  ARTICLE NINE

                            SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

     Section 901.  Supplemental Indentures and Agreements without Consent of
                   ---------------------------------------------------------
          Holders.
          ------- 

          Without the consent of any Holders, the Company and any other obligor
upon the Securities, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee, at
any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures
supplemental hereto, in form and substance satisfactory to the Trustee, for any
of the following purposes:

          (a) to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company or any
other obligor upon the Securities, and the assumption by any such successor of
the covenants of the Company or such obligor herein and in the Securities in
accordance with Article Eight;

          (b) to add to the covenants of the Company or any other obligor upon
the Securities for the benefit of the Holders or to surrender any right or power
herein conferred upon the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities, as
applicable, herein or in the Securities;

          (c) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision
herein or in the Securities which may be defective or inconsistent with any
other provision herein or in the Securities or to make any other provisions with
respect to matters or questions arising under this Indenture or the Securities;
provided that, in each case, such provisions shall not adversely affect the
interests of the Holders;

          (d) to comply with the requirements of the Commission in order to
effect or maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture
Act, as contemplated by Section 905 or otherwise;

          (e) to add a Guarantor pursuant to the requirements of Section 1014 or
1015;


                                     -70-
<PAGE>
 
          (f) to evidence and provide the acceptance of the appointment of a
successor trustee hereunder; or

          (g) to mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or grant a security interest in
favor of the Trustee for the benefit of the Holders as additional security for
the payment and performance of the Indenture Obligations, in any property or
assets, including any which are required to be mortgaged, pledged or
hypothecated, or in which a security interest is required to be granted to the
Trustee pursuant to this Indenture or otherwise.

     Section 902.  Supplemental Indentures and Agreements with Consent of
                   ------------------------------------------------------
          Holders.
          ------- 

          With the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the Outstanding Securities, by Act of said Holders delivered
to the Company and the Trustee, the Company, when authorized by Board
Resolutions, and the Trustee may (i) enter into an indenture or indentures
supplemental hereto in form and substance satisfactory to the Trustee, for the
purpose of adding any provisions to or amending, modifying or changing in any
manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or the Securities
(including but not limited to, for the purpose of modifying in any manner the
rights of the Holders under this Indenture or the Securities) or (ii) waive
compliance with any provision in this Indenture or the Securities (other than
waivers of past Defaults covered by Section 513 and waivers of covenants which
are covered by Section 1022); provided, however, that no such supplemental
indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security
affected thereby:

          (a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any installment
of interest on, any Security or waive a default in the payment of the principal
or interest on any Security, or reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate
of interest thereon or any premium payable upon the redemption thereof, or
change the coin or currency in which the principal of any Security or any
premium or the interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute
suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the Stated Maturity
thereof (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the Redemption Date);

          (b) amend, change or modify the obligation of the Company to make and
consummate an Offer with respect to any Asset Sale or Asset Sales in accordance
with Section 1012 or the obligation of the Company to make and consummate a
Change in Control Offer in the event of a Change in Control in accordance with
Section 1016, including amending, changing or modifying any definitions with
respect thereto;

          (c) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding
Securities, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental
indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver of
compliance with certain


                                     -71-
<PAGE>
 
provisions of this Indenture or certain defaults hereunder and their
consequences provided for in this Indenture;

          (d) modify any of the provisions of this Section 902 or Section 513 or
1022, except to increase the percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding
Securities the consent of whose Holders is required for any such actions or to
provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or
waived without the consent of the Holder of each Security affected thereby;

          (e) except as otherwise permitted under Article Eight, consent to the
assignment or transfer by the Company of any of its rights and obligations under
this Indenture; or

          (f) amend or modify any of the provisions of this Indenture relating
to the subordination of the Securities in any manner adverse to the Holders or
otherwise affect the ranking of the Securities in any manner adverse to the
Holders.

          Upon the written request of the Company accompanied by a copy of Board
Resolutions authorizing the execution of any such supplemental indenture, and
upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence of the consent of Holders as
aforesaid, the Trustee shall join with the Company in the execution of such
supplemental indenture.

          It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders under this Section
902 to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but
it shall be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof.

     Section 903.  Execution of Supplemental Indentures.
                   ------------------------------------ 

          In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any
supplemental indenture or waiver permitted by this Article Nine or the
modifications thereby of the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall
be entitled to receive, and (subject to Trust Indenture Act Section 315(a)
through 315(d) and Section 602 hereof) shall be fully protected in relying upon,
an Opinion of Counsel and an Officers' Certificate stating that the execution of
such supplemental indenture (a) is authorized or permitted by this Indenture and
(b) does not violate the provisions of any agreement or instrument evidencing
any other Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. The Trustee
may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture
which affects the Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities under this
Indenture or otherwise. 


                                     -72-
<PAGE>
 
     Section 904.  Effect of Supplemental Indentures.
                   --------------------------------- 

          Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article,
this Indenture and the Securities shall be modified in accordance therewith, and
such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all
purposes; and every Holder of Securities theretofore or thereafter authenticated
and delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby.

     Section 905.  Conformity with Trust Indenture Act.
                   ----------------------------------- 

          Every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article Nine
shall conform to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect.

     Section 906.  Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures.
                   -------------------------------------------------- 

          Securities authenticated and delivered after the execution of any
supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article Nine may, and shall if required
by the Trustee, bear a notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any matter
provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall so determine,
new Securities so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the
Board of Directors, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and
executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in
exchange for Outstanding Securities.

     Section 907.  Notice of Supplemental Indentures.
                   --------------------------------- 

          Promptly after the execution by the Company and the Trustee of any
supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of Section 902, the Company
shall give notice thereof to the Holders of each Outstanding Security affected,
in the manner provided for in Section 106, setting forth in general terms the
substance of such supplemental indenture.

     Section 908.  Revocation and Effect of Consents.
                   --------------------------------- 

          Until an amendment or waiver becomes effective, a consent to it by a
Holder of a Security is a continuing consent by the Holder and every subsequent
Holder of a Security or portion of a Security that evidences the same
Indebtedness as the consenting Holder's Security, even if a notation of the
consent is not made on any Security. However, any such Holder, or subsequent
Holder, may revoke the consent as to his Security or portion of a Security if
the Trustee receives the notice of revocation before the date the amendment or
waiver becomes effective. An amendment or waiver shall become effective in
accordance with its terms and thereafter bind every Holder.

                                  ARTICLE TEN



                                     -73-
<PAGE>
 
                                   COVENANTS

     Section 1001.  Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest.
                    ------------------------------------------ 

          Subject to the provisions of Article Twelve, the Company shall duly
and punctually pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the
Securities in accordance with the terms of the Securities and this Indenture.

     Section 1002.  Maintenance of Office or Agency.
                    ------------------------------- 

          The Company shall maintain in The City of New York an office or agency
where Securities may be presented or surrendered for payment, and where
Securities may be surrendered for registration of transfer, redemption or
exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the
Securities and this Indenture may be served. The Company will give prompt
written notice to the Trustee of the location and any change in the location of
any such offices or agencies. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain
any such required offices or agencies or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with
the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be
made or served at the office of the agent of the Trustee described above and the
Company hereby appoints such agent as its agent to receive all such
presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.

          The Company may from time to time designate one or more other offices
or agencies (in or outside of The City of New York) where the Securities may be
presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes, and may from time to time
rescind such designation. The Company will give prompt written notice to the
Trustee of any such designation or rescission and any change in the location of
any such office or agency.

     Section 1003.  Money for Security Payments to Be Held in Trust.
                    ----------------------------------------------- 

          If the Company or any of its Affiliates shall at any time act as
Paying Agent, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of, premium,
if any, or interest on any of the Securities, segregate and hold in trust for
the benefit of the Holders entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay the
principal, premium, if any, or interest so becoming due until such sums shall be
paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided, and will
promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.

          If the Company or any of its Affiliates is not acting as Paying Agent,
the Company will, on or before each due date of the principal of, premium, if
any, or interest on, any Securities, deposit with a Paying Agent a sum in same
day funds sufficient to pay the principal, premium, if any, or interest so
becoming due, such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons
entitled to such principal, premium or interest, and (unless



                                     -74-
<PAGE>
 
such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the Trustee
of such action or any failure so to act.

          If the Company is not acting as Paying Agent, the Company will cause
each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to execute and deliver to the Trustee
an instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject
to the provisions of this Section, that such Paying Agent will:

          (a) hold all sums held by it for the payment of the principal of,
premium, if any, or interest on Securities in trust for the benefit of the
Persons entitled thereto until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or
otherwise disposed of as herein provided;

          (b) give the Trustee notice of any Default by the Company (or any
other obligor upon the Securities) in the making of any payment of principal,
premium, if any, or interest;

          (c) at any time during the continuance of any such default, upon the
written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums so held in
trust by such Paying Agent; and

          (d) acknowledge, accept and agree to comply in all aspects with the
provisions of this Indenture relating to the duties, rights and disabilities of
such Paying Agent.

          The Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the
satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or
by Company Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in
trust by the Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee
upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Company or
such Paying Agent; and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee,
such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to
such money.

          Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held
by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any,
or interest on any Security and remaining unclaimed for two years after such
principal and premium, if any, or interest has become due and payable shall
promptly be paid to the Company on Company Request, or (if then held by the
Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Security
shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for
payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with
respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee
thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or such
Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the
expense of the Company cause to be published once, in the New York Times and The
Wall Street Journal (national
  

                                     -75-
<PAGE>
 
edition), and mail to each such Holder, notice that such money remains unclaimed
and that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days
from the date of such notification, publication and mailing, any unclaimed
balance of such money then remaining will promptly be repaid to the Company.

     Section 1004.  Corporate Existence.
                    ------------------- 

          Subject to Article Eight, the Company shall do or cause to be done all
things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect the corporate
existence and related rights and franchises (charter and statutory) of the
Company and each of its Subsidiaries; provided, however, that the Company shall
not be required to preserve any such right or franchise or the corporate
existence of any such Subsidiary if the Board of Directors of the Company shall
determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of
the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries as a whole and that the loss
thereof would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on
the ability of the Company to perform its obligations hereunder; and provided,
further, however, that the foregoing shall not prohibit a sale, transfer or
conveyance of a Subsidiary of the Company or any of its assets in compliance
with the terms of this Indenture.

     Section 1005.  Payment of Taxes and Other Claims.
                    --------------------------------- 

          The Company shall pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged,
on or before the date the same shall become due and payable, (a) all taxes,
assessments and governmental charges levied or imposed upon the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries shown to be due on any return of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries or otherwise assessed or upon the income, profits or property of
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries if failure to pay or discharge the same
could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the ability of
the Company to perform its obligations hereunder and (b) all lawful claims for
labor, materials and supplies, which, if unpaid, would by law become a Lien upon
the property of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except for any Lien
permitted to be incurred under Section 1012, if failure to pay or discharge the
same could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the
ability of the Company to perform its obligations hereunder; provided, however,
that the Company shall not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid
or discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount,
applicability or validity is being contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings properly instituted and diligently conducted and in respect of which
appropriate reserves (in the good faith judgment of management of the Company)
are being maintained in accordance with GAAP.


                                     -76-
<PAGE>
 
     Section 1006.  Maintenance of Properties.
                    ------------------------- 

          The Company shall cause all material properties owned by the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries or used or held for use in the conduct of its
business or the business of any of its Subsidiaries to be maintained and kept in
good condition, repair and working order (ordinary wear and tear excepted) and
supplied with all necessary equipment and will cause to be made all necessary
repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, all as in
the reasonable judgment of the Company may be consistent with sound business
practice and necessary so that the business carried on in connection therewith
may be properly conducted at all times; provided, however, that nothing in this
Section shall prevent the Company from discontinuing the maintenance of any of
such properties if such discontinuance is, in the reasonable judgment of the
Company, desirable in the conduct of its business or the business of any of its
Subsidiaries and not reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on
the ability of the Company to perform its obligations hereunder.

     Section 1007.  Insurance.
                    --------- 

          The Company shall at all times keep all of its and its Subsidiaries'
properties which are of an insurable nature insured with insurers, believed by
the Company in good faith to be financially sound and responsible, against loss
or damage to the extent that property of similar character is usually so insured
by corporations similarly situated and owning like properties in the same
general geographic areas in which the Company and its Subsidiaries operate,
except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a
material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings,
business affairs or prospects of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a
whole.

     Section 1008.  Limitation on Indebtedness.
                    -------------------------- 

          The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to,
create, issue, incur, assume, guarantee or otherwise in any manner become
directly or indirectly liable for the payment of or otherwise incur
(collectively, "incur"), any Indebtedness (including any Acquired Indebtedness)
other than Permitted Indebtedness which may be incurred at any time, except for
(a) Indebtedness of the Company and (b) Permitted Subsidiary Indebtedness;
provided that, in each case, the Company's Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage
Ratio for the four full fiscal quarters for which financial results are
available immediately preceding the incurrence of such Indebtedness taken as one
period (and after giving pro forma effect to (i) the incurrence of such
Indebtedness and (if applicable) the application of the net proceeds therefrom,
including to refinance other Indebtedness, as if such Indebtedness was incurred,
and the application of such proceeds occurred, on the first day of such
applicable period; (ii) the incurrence, repayment


                                     -77-
<PAGE>
 
or retirement of any other Indebtedness by the Company and its Subsidiaries
since the first day of such applicable period as if such Indebtedness was
incurred, repaid or retired at the beginning of such applicable period (except
that, in making such computation, the amount of Indebtedness under any revolving
credit facility shall be computed based upon the average daily balance of such
Indebtedness during such applicable period); (iii) in the case of Acquired
Indebtedness or any acquisition occurring at the time of the incurrence of such
Indebtedness, the related acquisition, assuming such acquisition had been
consummated on the first day of such applicable period; and (iv) any acquisition
or disposition by the Company and its Subsidiaries of any company or any
business or any assets out of the ordinary course of business, whether by
merger, stock purchase or sale or asset purchase or sale, or any related
repayment of Indebtedness, in each case since the first day of such applicable
period, assuming such acquisition or disposition had been consummated on the
first day of such applicable period) is at least equal to or greater than
2.0:1.0x.

     Section 1009.  Limitation on Restricted Payments.
                    --------------------------------- 

          (a) The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries
to, directly or indirectly:

               (i) declare or pay any dividend on, or make any distribution to
          holders of, any shares of the Company's Capital Stock (other than
          dividends or distributions payable solely in its shares of Qualified
          Capital Stock or in options, warrants or other rights to acquire
          shares of such Qualified Capital Stock);

               (ii) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value,
          directly or indirectly, the Company's Capital Stock or any Capital
          Stock of any Affiliate of the Company (other than Capital Stock of any
          Wholly Owned Subsidiary) or options, warrants or other rights to
          acquire such Capital Stock;

               (iii) make any principal payment on, or repurchase, redeem,
          defease, retire or otherwise acquire for value, prior to any scheduled
          principal payment, sinking fund payment or maturity, any Subordinated
          Indebtedness;

               (iv) declare or pay any dividend or distribution on any Capital
          Stock of any Subsidiary of the Company to any Person (other than (a)
          to the Company or any Wholly Owned Subsidiary or (b) to all holders of
          Capital Stock of such Subsidiary on a pro rata basis);


                                     -78-
<PAGE>
 
               (v) incur, create or assume any guarantee of Indebtedness of any
          Affiliate of the Company (other than (a) guarantees of Indebtedness of
          a Wholly Owned Subsidiary given by the Company or (b) guarantees of
          Indebtedness of the Company given by any Subsidiary of the Company, in
          each case, in accordance with the terms of this Indenture); or

               (vi) make any Investment in any Person (other than any Permitted
          Investments)

(any of the foregoing actions described in clauses (i) through (vi), other than
any such action that is a Permitted Payment (as defined below), collectively,
"Restricted Payments") (the amount of any such Restricted Payment, if other than
cash, as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company, whose
determination shall be conclusive and evidenced by a Board Resolution), unless
(1) immediately before and immediately after giving effect to such Restricted
Payment on a pro forma basis, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred
and be continuing and such Restricted Payment shall not be an event which is, or
after notice or lapse of time or both, would be, an "event of default" under the
terms of any Indebtedness of the Company or its Subsidiaries; (2) immediately
before and immediately after giving effect to such Restricted Payment on a pro
forma basis, the Company could incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness (other
than Permitted Indebtedness) under the provisions contained in Section 1008; and
(3) after giving effect to the proposed Restricted Payment, the aggregate amount
of all such Restricted Payments declared or made after the date of this
Indenture, does not exceed the sum of:

     (A)  $15 million;

     (B)  50% of the aggregate cumulative Consolidated Net Income of the Company
          accrued on a cumulative basis during the period beginning October 1,
          1995 and ending on the last day of the Company's last fiscal quarter
          ending prior to the date of the Restricted Payment (or, if such
          aggregate cumulative Consolidated Net Income shall be a loss, minus
          100% of such loss);

     (C)  the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds received after the date of this
          Indenture by the Company from the issuance or sale (other than to any
          of its Subsidiaries) of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company or any
          options, warrants or rights to purchase such Qualified Capital Stock
          of the Company (except, in each case, pursuant to the Concurrent
          Equity Offering or to the extent such proceeds are used to purchase,
          redeem or otherwise retire Capital Stock or Subordinated Indebtedness
          as set forth in clause (ii) or (iii) of paragraph (b) of this Section
          1009);


                                     -79-
<PAGE>
 
     (D)  the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds received after the date of this
          Indenture by the Company (other than from any of its Subsidiaries)
          upon the exercise of any options, warrants or rights to purchase
          Qualified Capital Stock of the Company;

     (E)  the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds received after the date of this
          Indenture by the Company from the conversion or exchange, if any, of
          debt securities or Redeemable Capital Stock of the Company or its
          Subsidiaries into or for Qualified Capital Stock of the Company plus,
          to the extent such converted debt securities or Redeemable Capital
          Stock were issued after the date of this Indenture, the aggregate Net
          Cash Proceeds from their original issuance; and

     (F)  to the extent not otherwise included in the Company's Consolidated Net
          Income, the aggregate payments in cash of interest on Indebtedness or
          dividends or other distributions received by the Company or any of its
          Subsidiaries after the date of this Indenture from any Unrestricted
          Subsidiary (or from redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a
          Subsidiary of the Company), except to the extent any such payments are
          in respect of taxes to be paid by the Company with respect to the
          operations of such Unrestricted Subsidiary.

          (b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, and in the case of clauses (ii)
through (vii) below, so long as there is no Default or Event of Default
continuing, the foregoing provisions shall not prohibit the following actions
(each of clauses (i) through (iv) being referred to as a "Permitted Payment"):

               (i) the payment of any dividend within 60 days after the date of
          declaration thereof, if at such date of declaration such payment was
          permitted by the provisions of paragraph (a) of this Section 1009 and
          such payment shall have been deemed to have been paid on such date of
          declaration and shall not have been deemed a "Permitted Payment" for
          purposes of the calculation required by paragraph (a) of this Section
          1009;

               (ii) the repurchase, redemption, or other acquisition or
          retirement of any shares of any class of Capital Stock of the Company
          in exchange for (including any such exchange pursuant to the exercise
          of a conversion right or privilege in connection with which cash is
          paid in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares or scrip), or out of
          the Net Cash Proceeds of a substantially concurrent issue and sale for
          cash (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company) of, other shares of
          Qualified Capital Stock of the Company; provided that the Net Cash
          Proceeds from the issuance of such shares of



                                     -80-
<PAGE>
 
          Qualified Capital Stock are, to the extent so used, excluded from
          clause (3)(C) of paragraph (a) of this Section 1009;

               (iii)  the repurchase, redemption, defeasance, retirement or
          acquisition for value or payment of principal of any Subordinated
          Indebtedness in exchange for, or in an amount not in excess of the net
          proceeds of, a substantially concurrent issuance and sale for cash
          (other than to any Subsidiary of the Company) of any Qualified Capital
          Stock of the Company, provided that the Net Cash Proceeds from the
          issuance of such shares of Qualified Capital Stock are, to the extent
          so used, excluded from clause (3)(C) of paragraph (a) of this Section
          1009;

               (iv) the repurchase, redemption, defeasance, retirement,
          refinancing, acquisition for value or payment of principal of any
          Subordinated Indebtedness (other than Redeemable Capital Stock) (a
          "refinancing") through the substantially concurrent issuance of new
          Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company, provided that any such new
          Subordinated Indebtedness (1) shall be in a principal amount that does
          not exceed the principal amount so refinanced (or, if such
          Subordinated Indebtedness provides for an amount less than the
          principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of
          acceleration thereof, then such lesser amount as of the date of
          determination), plus the lesser of (I) the stated amount of any
          premium or other payment required to be paid in connection with such a
          refinancing pursuant to the terms of the Subordinated Indebtedness
          being refinanced or (II) the amount of premium or other payment
          actually paid at such time to refinance the Subordinated Indebtedness,
          plus, in either case, the amount of expenses of the Company incurred
          in connection with such refinancing; (2) has an Average Life to Stated
          Maturity greater than the remaining Average Life to Stated Maturity of
          the Securities; (3) has a Stated Maturity for its final scheduled
          principal payment later than the Stated Maturity for the final
          scheduled principal payment of the Securities; and (4) is expressly
          subordinated in right of payment to the Securities at least to the
          same extent as the Subordinated Indebtedness to be refinanced;

               (v) the repurchase of any Subordinated Indebtedness of the
          Company at a purchase price not greater than 101% of the principal
          amount of such Subordinated Indebtedness in the event of a Change in
          Control pursuant to a provision similar to Section 1016; provided that
          prior to or simultaneously with such repurchase, the Company has made
          the Change in Control Offer as provided in Section 1016 and has
          repurchased all 


                                     -81-
<PAGE>
 
          Securities validly tendered for payment in connection with such Change
          in Control Offer;

               (vi) the repurchase of any Subordinated Indebtedness of the
          Company, at a purchase price not greater than 100% of the principal
          amount of such Indebtedness in the event of an Asset Sale pursuant to
          a provision similar to Section 1012; provided that prior to such
          repurchase the Company has made an Offer to purchase the Securities as
          provided in Section 1012 and has repurchased all Securities validly
          tendered for payment in connection with such Offer; and

               (vii)  the repurchase of shares of Capital Stock of the Company
          from employees of the Company upon termination of employment, death or
          retirement pursuant to the terms of an employee benefit plan or
          employment agreement; provided that the aggregate amount of all such
          repurchases in any 12-month period may not exceed $1 million plus the
          aggregate amount by which repurchases in prior years was less than $1
          million.

     Section 1010.  Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates.
                    ------------------------------------------ 

          The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to,
directly or indirectly, enter into any transaction or series of related
transactions (including, without limitation, the sale, purchase, exchange or
lease of assets, property or services) with any Affiliate of the Company (other
than the Company or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary) unless (i) such transaction or
series of related transactions is in writing and on terms that are no less
favorable to the Company or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, than those that
would be available in a comparable transaction in arm's-length dealings with an
unrelated third party, (ii) with respect to any transaction or series of related
transactions involving an aggregate value in excess of $1 million, the Company
delivers an Officers' Certificate to the Trustee certifying that such
transaction or series of related transactions complies with clause (i) above and
(iii) with respect to any transaction or series of related transactions
involving an aggregate value in excess of $5 million, either (x) such
transaction or series of related transactions has been approved by a majority of
the Disinterested Directors of the Company, or in the event there is only one
Disinterested Director, by such Disinterested Director, or (y) the Company
delivers to the Trustee a written opinion of an investment banking firm of
national standing or other recognized independent expert with experience
appraising the terms and conditions of the type of transaction or series of
related transactions for which an opinion is required stating that the
transactions or series of related transactions is fair to the Company or such
Subsidiary from a financial point of view; provided, however, that this
provision shall not apply to any transaction with an officer or director of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries entered into in the ordinary course of
business (including compensation or employee


                                     -82-
<PAGE>
 
benefit arrangements with any officer or director of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries, including under any stock option or stock incentive plans).

     Section 1011.  Limitation on Liens.
                    ------------------- 

          The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to,
directly or indirectly, create, incur or affirm any Lien of any kind (other than
Permitted Liens) securing any Pari Passu Indebtedness or Subordinated
Indebtedness (including any assumption, guarantee or other liability with
respect thereto by any Subsidiary of the Company) upon any property or assets
(including any intercompany notes) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
owned on the date of this Indenture or acquired after the date of this
Indenture, or any income or profits therefrom, unless the Securities are
directly secured equally and ratably with (or, in the case of Subordinated
Indebtedness, prior or senior thereto, with the same relative priority as the
Securities shall have with respect to such Subordinated Indebtedness) the
obligation or liability secured by such Lien, and except for any Lien securing
Acquired Indebtedness created prior to (and not created in connection with, or
in contemplation of) the incurrence of such Pari Passu Indebtedness or
Subordinated Indebtedness by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries which
Indebtedness is permitted under the provisions of Section 1008; provided that
any such Lien extends only to the assets that were subject to such Lien securing
such Acquired Indebtedness prior to the related acquisition by the Company or
its Subsidiaries.

     Section 1012.  Limitation on Sale of Assets.
                    ---------------------------- 

          (a) The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries
to, directly or indirectly, consummate an Asset Sale unless (i) at least 75% of
the consideration from such Asset Sale are received in cash and (ii) the Company
or such Subsidiary receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at
least equal to the Fair Market Value of the assets subject to such Asset Sale
(as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company and evidenced in a Board
Resolution); provided that the amount of any Senior Indebtedness (as shown on
the Company's most recent balance sheet or in the notes thereto) of the Company
that is assumed by the transferee of any asset in connection with any Asset Sale
shall be deemed to be cash for all purposes of this provision.

          (b) If all or a portion of the Net Cash Proceeds of any Asset Sale are
not required to be applied to repay permanently any Senior Indebtedness then
outstanding as required by the terms thereof, or the Company determines not to
apply such Net Cash Proceeds to the permanent prepayment of such Senior
Indebtedness, or if no such Senior Indebtedness is then outstanding, then the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries may, within 18 months of the Asset Sale,
invest (or enter into a legally binding commitment to invest) the Net Cash
Proceeds in properties and other assets that (as determined by the Board of


                                     -83-
<PAGE>
 
Directors of the Company) replace the properties and assets that were the
subject of the Asset Sale or in properties and assets that will be used in the
businesses of the Company or its Subsidiaries existing on the date of this
Indenture or in businesses reasonably related thereto. If any such legally
binding commitment to invest such Net Cash Proceeds is terminated, then the
Company may, within 90 days of such termination or within 18 months of such
Asset Sale, whichever is later, invest such Net Cash Proceeds as provided above.
The amount of such Net Cash Proceeds not used or invested as set forth in this
subsection (b) of this Section 1012 constitutes "Excess Proceeds."

          (c) When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $15 million,
the Company will apply the Excess Proceeds to the repayment of the Securities
and any other Pari Passu Indebtedness outstanding with similar provisions
requiring the Company to make an offer to purchase such Indebtedness with the
proceeds from any Asset Sale as follows: (A) the Company will make an offer to
purchase (an "Offer") from all holders of the Securities in accordance with the
procedures set forth in this Indenture in the maximum principal amount
(expressed as a multiple of $1,000) of Securities that may be purchased out of
an amount (the "Security Amount") equal to the product of such Excess Proceeds
multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the outstanding principal
amount of the Securities, and the denominator of which is the sum of the
outstanding principal amount of the Securities and such Pari Passu Indebtedness
(subject to proration in the event such amount is less than the aggregate
Offered Price (as defined herein) of all Securities tendered) and (B) to the
extent required by such Pari Passu Indebtedness to reduce permanently the
principal amount of such Pari Passu Indebtedness, the Company will make an offer
to purchase or otherwise repurchase or redeem Pari Passu Indebtedness (a "Pari
Passu Offer") in an amount (the "Pari Passu Debt Amount") equal to the excess of
the Excess Proceeds over the Security Amount; provided that in no event will the
Company be required to make a Pari Passu Offer in a Pari Passu Debt Amount
exceeding the principal amount of such Pari Passu Indebtedness plus the amount
of any premium required to be paid to repurchase such Pari Passu Indebtedness.
The offer price for the Securities will be payable in cash in an amount equal to
100% of the principal amount of the Securities plus accrued and unpaid interest,
if any, to the date (the "Offer Date") such Offer is consummated (the "Offered
Price"), in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Indenture. To the
extent that the aggregate Offered Price of the Securities tendered pursuant to
the Offer is less than the Security Amount relating thereto or the aggregate
amount of Pari Passu Indebtedness that is purchased in a Pari Passu Offer is
less than the Pari Passu Debt Amount, the Company may use any remaining Excess
Proceeds for general corporate purposes. If the aggregate principal amount of
Securities and Pari Passu Indebtedness surrendered by holders thereof exceeds
the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Trustee shall select the Securities to be
purchased on a pro rata basis. Upon the completion of the purchase of all the
Securities tendered


                                     -84-
<PAGE>
 
pursuant to an Offer and the completion of a Pari Passu Offer, the amount of
Excess Proceeds, if any, shall be reset at zero.

          (d) When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $15 million,
such Excess Proceeds will, prior to any purchase of Securities described in
subsection (c) of this Section 1012, be set aside by the Company in a separate
account pending (i) deposit with the depository or a paying agent of the amount
required to purchase the Securities tendered in an Offer or Pari Passu
Indebtedness tendered in a Pari Passu Offer, (ii) delivery by the Company of the
Offered Price to the holders of the Securities tendered in an Offer or Pari
Passu Indebtedness tendered in a Pari Passu Offer and (iii) application, as set
forth above, of Excess Proceeds in the business of the Company and its
Subsidiaries for general corporate purposes. Such Excess Proceeds may be
invested in Cash Equivalents, provided that the maturity date of any such
investment made after the amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $15 million shall
not be later than the Offer Date. The Company shall be entitled to any interest
or dividends accrued, earned or paid on such Cash Equivalents; provided that the
Company shall not withdraw such interest from the separate account if an Event
of Default has occurred and is continuing.

          (e) If the Company becomes obligated to make an Offer pursuant to
subsection (c) of this Section 1012, the Securities and the Pari Passu
Indebtedness shall be purchased by the Company, at the option of the holders
thereof, in whole or in part in integral multiples of $1,000, on a date that is
not earlier than 45 days and not later than 60 days from the date the notice of
the Offer is given to holders, or such later date as may be necessary for the
Company to comply with the requirements under the Exchange Act.

          (f) The Company will comply with the applicable tender offer rules,
including Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act, and any other applicable securities
laws or regulations in connection with an Offer.

          (g) The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries
to, create or permit to exist or become effective any restriction (other than
restrictions existing under (A) Pari Passu Indebtedness or Subordinated
Indebtedness as in effect on the date of this Indenture and listed on Schedule I
hereto as such Indebtedness may be refinanced from time to time or (B) any
Senior Indebtedness existing on the date of this Indenture or thereafter;
provided that such restrictions are no less favorable to the holders of
Securities than those existing on the date of this Indenture) that would
materially impair the ability of the Company to make an Offer to purchase the
Securities or, if such Offer is made, to pay for the Securities tendered for
purchase.

          (h) Subject to paragraph (f) above, within 30 days after the date on
which the amount of Excess Proceeds equals or exceeds $15 million, the Company
shall 


                                     -85-
<PAGE>
 
send or cause to be sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to the Trustee
and to each Holder, at his address appearing in the Security Register, a notice
stating or including:


               (1) that the Holder has the right to require the Company to
          repurchase, subject to proration, such Holder's Securities at the
          Offered Price;

               (2)  the Offer Date;

               (3) the instructions a Holder must follow in order to have his
          Securities purchased in accordance with subsection (c) of this Section
          1012; and

               (4) (i) the most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K
          (including audited consolidated financial statements) of the Company,
          the most recent subsequently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as
          applicable, and any Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed
          subsequent to such Quarterly Report, other than Current Reports
          describing Asset Sales otherwise described in the offering materials
          (or corresponding successor reports) (or in the event the Company is
          not required to prepare any of the foregoing Forms, the comparable
          information required pursuant to Section 1020), (ii) a description of
          material developments in the Company's business subsequent to the date
          of the latest of such Reports, (iii) if material, appropriate pro
          forma financial information, and (iv) such other information, if any,
          concerning the business of the Company which the Company in good faith
          believes will enable such Holders to make an informed investment
          decision regarding the Offer;

               (5)  the Offered Price;

               (6) the names and addresses of the Paying Agent and the offices
          or agencies referred to in Section 1002;

               (7) that Securities must be surrendered at least three Business
          Days prior to the Offer Date to the Paying Agent to an office or
          agency referred to in Section 1002 to collect payment;

               (8) that any Securities not tendered will continue to accrue
          interest and that unless the Company defaults in the payment of the


                                     -86-
<PAGE>
 
          purchase price, any Security accepted for payment pursuant to the
          Offer shall cease to accrue interest on and after the Offer Date; and

               (9) the procedures for withdrawing a tender.

          (i) Holders electing to have Securities purchased hereunder will be
required to surrender such Securities at the address specified in the notice at
least three Business Days prior to the Offer Date.  Holders will be entitled to
withdraw their election to have their Securities purchased pursuant to this
Section 1012 if the Company receives, not later than the Offer Date, a facsimile
transmission or letter setting forth (1) the name of the Holder, (2) the
certificate number of the Security in respect of which such notice of withdrawal
is being submitted, (3) the principal amount of the Security (which shall be
$1,000 or an integral multiple thereof) delivered for purchase by the Holder as
to which his election is to be withdrawn, (4) a statement that such Holder is
withdrawing his election to have such principal amount of such Security
purchased, and (5) the principal amount, if any, of such Security (which shall
be $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof) that remains subject to the original
notice of the Offer and that has been or will be delivered for purchase by the
Company.

          (j) The Company shall (i) not later than the Offer Date, accept for
payment Securities or portions thereof tendered pursuant to the Offer, (ii) not
later than 10:00 a.m. (New York time) on the Offer Date, deposit with the
Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Company or any of its Affiliates is
acting as Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 1003)
an amount of money in same day funds (or New York Clearing House funds if such
deposit is made prior to the Offer Date) sufficient to pay the aggregate Offered
Price of all the Securities or portions thereof which are to be purchased on
that date and (iii) not later than 10:00 a.m. (New York time) on the Offer Date,
deliver to the Paying Agent (if other than the Company) an Officers' Certificate
stating the Securities or portions thereof accepted for payment by the Company.

          Subject to applicable escheat laws, as provided in the Securities, the
Trustee and the Paying Agent shall return to the Company any cash that remains
unclaimed, together with interest, if any, thereon, held by them for the payment
of the Offered Price; provided, however, that (x) to the extent that the
aggregate amount of cash deposited by the Company with the Trustee in respect of
an Offer exceeds the aggregate Offered Price of the Securities or portions
thereof to be purchased, then the Trustee shall hold such excess for the Company
and (y) unless otherwise directed by the Company in writing, promptly after the
Business Day following the Offer Date the Trustee shall return any such excess
to the Company together with interest or dividends, if any, thereon.


                                     -87-
<PAGE>
 
          (k) Securities to be purchased shall, on the Offer Date, become due
and payable at the Offered Price and from and after such date (unless the
Company shall default in the payment of the Offered Price) such Securities shall
cease to bear interest.  Such Offered Price shall be paid to such Holder
promptly following the later of the Offer Date and the time of delivery of such
Security to the relevant Paying Agent at the office of such Paying Agent by the
Holder thereof in the manner required.  Upon surrender of any such Security for
purchase in accordance with the foregoing provisions, such Security shall be
paid by the Company at the Offered Price; provided, however, that installments
of interest whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Offer Date shall be
payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor
Securities, registered as such on the relevant Regular Record Dates according to
the terms and the provisions of Section 307; provided, further, that Securities
to be purchased are subject to proration in the event the Security Amount is
less than the aggregate Offered Price of all Securities tendered for purchase,
with such adjustments as may be appropriate by the Trustee so that only
Securities in denominations of $1,000 or integral multiples thereof, shall be
purchased.  If any Security tendered for purchase shall not be so paid upon
surrender thereof by deposit of funds with the Trustee or a Paying Agent in
accordance with subsection (j) of this Section 1012, the principal thereof (and
premium, if any, thereon) shall, until paid, bear interest from the Offer Date
at the rate borne by such Security.  Any Security that is to be purchased only
in part shall be surrendered to a Paying Agent at the office of such Paying
Agent (with, if the Company, the Security Registrar or the Trustee so requires,
due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to
the Company and the Security Registrar or the Trustee duly executed by, the
Holder thereof or such Holder's attorney duly authorized in writing), and the
Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the
Holder of such Security, without service charge, one or more new Securities of
any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder in an aggregate
principal amount equal to, and in exchange for, the portion of the principal
amount of the Security so surrendered that is not purchased.  The Company shall
publicly announce the results of the Offer on or as soon as practicable after
the Offer Date.

     Section 1013.  Limitation on Senior Subordinated Indebtedness
                    ----------------------------------------------

          The Company will not, directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue,
assume, guarantee or otherwise in any manner become directly or indirectly
liable for or with respect to or otherwise permit to exist any Indebtedness that
is subordinate by its express terms in right of payment to any Indebtedness of
the Company, unless such Indebtedness is also pari passu with the Securities or
subordinate in right of payment to the Securities at least to the same extent as
the Securities are subordinate in right of payment to Senior Indebtedness as set
forth in this Indenture.


                                     -88-
<PAGE>
 
     Section 1014. Limitation on Issuances of Guarantees of Subordinated and
                   ---------------------------------------------------------
                    Pari Pasu Indebtedness.
                    ----------------------
          (a) The Company will not permit any of its Subsidiaries, directly or
indirectly, to guarantee, assume or in any other manner become liable with
respect to any Subordinated Indebtedness or Pari Pasu Indebtedness of the
Company unless such Subsidiary simultaneously executes and delivers a
supplemental indenture to this Indenture providing for a Guarantee of the
Securities, on the same terms as the guarantee of such Indebtedness except that
(A) if any such guarantee, assumption or liability is subordinated to a
guarantee of Senior Indebtedness, the Guarantee under the supplemental indenture
shall be subordinated to such guarantee of Senior Indebtedness to the same
extent as the Securities are subordinated to Senior Indebtedness under this
Indenture and (B) if such Indebtedness constitutes Subordinated Indebtedness any
such guarantee, assumption or other liability of such Subsidiary with respect to
such Subordinated Indebtedness shall be subordinated to such Subsidiary's
Guarantee of the Securities at least to the same extent as such Subordinated
Indebtedness is subordinated to the Securities.

          (b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Guarantee by a Subsidiary of
the Company of the Securities shall provide by its terms that it shall be
automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon any sale,
exchange or transfer, to any Person not an Affiliate of the Company, of all of
the Company's Capital Stock in, or all or substantially all of the assets of,
such Subsidiary; provided that such transaction is in compliance with the terms
of this Indenture and such Subsidiary is released from its guarantees of all
other Subordinated Indebtedness and Pari Passu Indebtedness of the Company.

     Section 1015.  Restriction on Transfer of Assets.
                    --------------------------------- 

          The Company will not sell, convey, transfer or otherwise dispose of
its assets or property to any Subsidiary of the Company, except for sales,
conveyances, transfers or other dispositions (a) made in the ordinary course of
business or (b) to any Subsidiary of the Company if such Subsidiary
simultaneously executes and delivers a supplemental indenture to this Indenture
providing for a Guarantee by such Subsidiary of the Securities on a senior
subordinated basis to the same extent as the Securities are subordinated to
Senior Indebtedness.

     Section 1016.  Purchase of Securities upon a Change in Control.
                    ----------------------------------------------- 

          (a) If a Change in Control shall occur at any time, then each Holder
shall have the right to require that the Company purchase such Holder's
Securities in whole or in part in integral multiples of $1,000, at a purchase
price (the "Change in Control

                                     -89- 
<PAGE>
 
Purchase Price") in cash in an amount equal to 101% of the principal amount of
such Securities, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of
purchase (the "Change in Control Purchase Date"), pursuant to the offer
described below in this Section 1016 (the "Change in Control Offer") and in
accordance with the procedures set forth in Subsections (b), (c), (d), (e) and
(f) of this Section 1016.

          (b) Within 30 days following a Change in Control and prior to the
mailing of the Change in Control Purchase Notice (as defined) to the Holders
provided for in subsection (c) of this Section 1016, the Company will either (1)
repay in full all Indebtedness under the Bank Credit Facility and permanently
reduce the commitments of the Banks thereunder or offer to repay in full all
such Indebtedness and permanently reduce the commitment of each Bank who has
accepted such offer or (2) obtain the requisite consent under the Bank Credit
Facility to permit the repurchase of the Securities as provided for in this
Section 1016. The Company shall first comply with the provisions of this
subsection (b) of this Section 1016 before it shall be required to repurchase
the Securities in accordance with this Section 1016, but any failure to comply
with this Section 1016 shall constitute an Event of Default under this
Indenture.

          (c) Within 30 days following any Change in Control, the Company shall
notify the Trustee thereof and give written notice (a "Change in Control
Purchase Notice") of such Change in Control to each Holder by first-class mail,
postage prepaid, at his address appearing in the Security Register stating or
including:

               (1) that a Change in Control has occurred, the date of such
          event, and that such Holder has the right to require the Company to
          repurchase such Holder's Securities at the Change in Control Purchase
          Price ;

               (2) the circumstances and relevant facts regarding such Change in
          Control (including but not limited to information with respect to pro
          forma historical income, cash flow and capitalization after giving
          effect to such Change in Control);

               (3) (i) the most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K
          (including audited consolidated financial statements) of the Company,
          the most recent subsequently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as
          applicable, and any Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed
          subsequent to such Quarterly Report (or in the event the Company is
          not required to prepare any of the foregoing Forms, the comparable
          information required to be prepared by the Company pursuant to Section
          1020), (ii) a description of material developments in the Company's
          business subsequent to the date of the latest of such reports and
          (iii) such other information, if any, concerning the business of the
          Company which the Company in good

                                     -90-
<PAGE>
 
          faith believes will enable such Holders to make an informed investment
          decision regarding the Change in Control Offer;

               (4) that the Change in Control Offer is being made pursuant to
          this Section 1016 and that all Securities properly tendered pursuant
          to the Change in Control Offer will be accepted for payment at the
          Change in Control Purchase Price;

               (5) the Change in Control Purchase Date which shall be fixed by
          the Company and shall be a Business Day no earlier than 30 days nor
          later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed, or such later
          date as is necessary to comply with requirements under the Exchange
          Act;

               (6) the Change in Control Purchase Price;

               (7) the names and addresses of the Paying Agent and the offices
          or agencies referred to in Section 1002;

               (8) that Securities must be surrendered at least one Business Day
          prior to the Change in Control Purchase Date to the Paying Agent at
          the office of the Paying Agent or to an office or agency referred to
          in Section 1002 to collect payment ;

               (9) that the Change in Control Purchase Price for any Security
          which has been properly tendered and not properly withdrawn will be
          paid promptly following the Change in Control Offer Purchase Date;

               (10) the procedures for withdrawing a tender of Securities and
          Change in Control Purchase Notice;

               (11) that any Security not tendered will continue to accrue
          interest; and

               (12) that, unless the Company defaults in the payment of the
          Change in Control Purchase Price, any Securities accepted for payment
          pursuant to the Change in Control Offer shall cease to accrue interest
          after the Change in Control Purchase Date.

          (d) Upon receipt by the Company of the proper tender of Securities,
the Holder of the Security in respect of which such proper tender was made shall
(unless the tender of such Security is properly withdrawn) thereafter be
entitled to receive solely the Change in Control Purchase Price with respect to
such Security. Upon surrender of any such Security for purchase in accordance
with the foregoing provisions, such Security

                                     -91- 
<PAGE>
 
shall be paid by the Company at the Change in Control Purchase Price; provided,
however, that installments of interest whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to
the Change in Control Purchase Date shall be payable to the Holders of such
Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such on the
relevant Regular Record Dates according to the terms and the provisions of
Section 307. If any Security tendered for purchase in accordance with the
provisions of this Section 1016 shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof, the
principal thereof (and premium, if any, thereon) shall, until paid, bear
interest from the Change in Control Purchase Date at the rate borne by such
Security. Holders electing to have Securities purchased will be required to
surrender such Securities to the Paying Agent at the address specified in the
Change in Control Purchase Notice at least one Business Day prior to the Change
in Control Purchase Date. Any Security that is to be purchased only in part
shall be surrendered to a Paying Agent at the office of such Paying Agent (with,
if the Company, the Security Registrar or the Trustee so requires, due
endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the
Company and the Security Registrar or the Trustee, as the case may be, duly
executed by, the Holder thereof or such Holder's attorney duly authorized in
writing), and the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and
deliver to the Holder of such Security, without service charge, one or more new
Securities of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder in an
aggregate principal amount equal to, and in exchange for, the portion of the
principal amount of the Security so surrendered that is not purchased.

          (e) The Company shall (i) not later than the Change in Control
Purchase Date, accept for payment Securities or portions thereof tendered
pursuant to the Change in Control Offer, (ii) not later than 10:00 a.m. (New
York time) on the Change in Control Purchase Date, deposit with the Paying Agent
an amount of cash sufficient to pay the aggregate Change in Control Purchase
Price of all the Securities or portions thereof which are to be purchased as of
the Change in Control Purchase Date and (iii) not later than 10:00 a.m. (New
York time) on the Change in Control Purchase Date, deliver to the Paying Agent
an Officers' Certificate stating the Securities or portions thereof accepted for
payment by the Company. The Paying Agent shall promptly mail or deliver to
Holders of Securities so accepted payment in an amount equal to the Change in
Control Purchase Price of the Securities purchased from each such Holder, and
the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall promptly authenticate and mail
or deliver to such Holders a new Security equal in principal amount to any
unpurchased portion of the Security surrendered. Any Securities not so accepted
shall be promptly mailed or delivered by the Paying Agent at the Company's
expense to the Holder thereof. The Company will publicly announce the results of
the Change in Control Offer on the Change in Control Purchase Date. For purposes
of this Section 1016, the Company shall choose a Paying Agent which shall not be
the Company.

                                     -92-
<PAGE>
 
          (f) A tender made in response to a Change in Control Purchase Notice
may be withdrawn before or after delivery by the Holder to the Paying Agent at
the office of the Paying Agent of the Security to which such tender relates, by
means of a written notice of withdrawal delivered by the Holder to the Paying
Agent at the office of the Paying Agent or to the office or agency referred to
in Section 1002 to which the related tender was delivered prior to the Change in
Control Purchase Date specifying, as applicable:

               (1)  the name of the Holder;

               (2) the certificate number of the Security in respect of which
          such notice of withdrawal is being submitted;

               (3) the principal amount of the Security (which shall be $1,000
          or an integral multiple thereof) delivered for purchase by the Holder
          as to which such notice of withdrawal is being submitted; and

               (4) the principal amount, if any, of such Security (which shall
          be $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof) that remains subject to the
          original Change in Control Purchase Notice and that has been or will
          be delivered for purchase by the Company.

          (g) Subject to applicable escheat laws, as provided in the Securities,
the Trustee and the Paying Agent shall return to the Company any cash that
remains unclaimed, together with interest or dividends, if any, thereon, held by
them for the payment of the Change in Control Purchase Price; provided, however,
that, (x) to the extent that the aggregate amount of cash deposited by the
Company pursuant to clause (ii) of subsection (e) of this Section 1016 exceeds
the aggregate Change in Control Purchase Price of the Securities or portions
thereof to be purchased, then the Trustee shall hold such excess for the Company
and (y) unless otherwise directed by the Company in writing, promptly after the
Business Day following the Change in Control Purchase Date the Trustee shall
return any such excess to the Company together with interest, if any, thereon.

          The Company shall not be required to make a Change in Control Offer
upon a Change in Control if a third party makes the Change in Control Offer in
the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements
applicable to a Change in Control Offer made by the Company and purchases all
Securities validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change in Control
Offer.

          (h) The Company will comply with the applicable tender offer rules,
including Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act, and any other applicable securities
laws or regulations in connection with a Change in Control Offer.


                                     -93-
<PAGE>
 
          (i) The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries
to, create or permit to exist or become effective any restriction (other than
restrictions existing under the Bank Credit Facility (or any guarantee thereof)
or under Indebtedness as in effect on the date of this Indenture) and any
extensions, refinancings, renewals or replacements of any of the foregoing that
would materially impair the ability of the Company to make a Change in Control
Offer to purchase the Securities or, if such Change in Control Offer is made, to
pay for the Securities tendered for purchase; provided that the restrictions in
any such extensions, refinancings, renewals or replacements are no less
favorable in any material respect to the holders of the Securities than those
under the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed or replaced.

     Section 1017.  Limitation on Subsidiary Capital Stock.
                    -------------------------------------- 

          The Company will not permit (a) any Subsidiary of the Company to
issue, sell or transfer any Capital Stock, except for (i) Capital Stock issued
or sold to, held by or transferred to the Company or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary,
(ii) the ownership by directors of directors' qualifying shares or the ownership
by foreign nationals of Capital Stock of any Subsidiary of the Company, to the
extent required by applicable law, and (iii) Capital Stock issued by a Person
prior to the time (A) such Person becomes a Subsidiary of the Company, (B) such
Person merges with or into a Subsidiary of the Company or (C) a Subsidiary of
the Company merges with or into such Person; provided that such Capital Stock
was not issued or incurred by such Person in anticipation of the type of
transaction contemplated by subclause (A), (B) or (C) or (b) any Person (other
than the Company or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary) to acquire Capital Stock of any
Subsidiary of the Company from the Company or any Wholly Owned Subsidiary
except, in the case of clause (a) or (b), upon the acquisition of all the
outstanding Capital Stock of such Subsidiary which is not in violation with any
other terms of this Indenture.

     Section 1018.  Limitation on Dividends and Other Payment Restrictions
                    ------------------------------------------------------
          Affecting Subsidiaries.
          ---------------------- 

          The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to,
directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become
effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any of its
Subsidiaries to (i) pay dividends or make any other distribution on its Capital
Stock, (ii) pay any Indebtedness owed to the Company or any other of its
Subsidiaries, (iii) make any Investment in the Company or any other Subsidiary
of the Company or (iv) transfer any of its properties or assets to the Company
or any other of its Subsidiaries, except for:  (a) any agreement in effect on
the date of this Indenture and listed on Schedule III hereto; (b) any
encumbrance or restriction, with respect to a Subsidiary of the Company that is
not a Subsidiary of the Company on the date of this Indenture, in existence at
the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary of the Company and not incurred in
connection with, or in contemplation of, 


                                     -94-
<PAGE>
 
such Person becoming a Subsidiary of the Company; (c) any encumbrance or
restriction existing by reason of applicable law; (d) any encumbrance or
restriction existing under any customary non-assignment provisions of any lease
governing a leasehold interest of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company;
(e) any encumbrance or restriction contained in any working capital facility of
a foreign Subsidiary of the Company; and (f) any encumbrance or restriction
existing under any agreement that extends, renews, refinances or replaces the
agreements containing the encumbrances or restrictions in the foregoing clauses
(a) and (b), or in this clause (f), provided that the terms and conditions of
any such encumbrances or restrictions are no more restrictive in any material
respect than those under or pursuant to the agreement evidencing the
Indebtedness so extended, renewed, refinanced or replaced.

     Section 1019.  Limitation on Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
                    --------------------------------------- 

          The Company will not make, and will not permit its Subsidiaries to
make, any Investment in an Unrestricted Subsidiary if, at the time thereof, the
amount of such Investment would exceed the amount of Restricted Payments then
permitted to be made pursuant to Section 1009 plus the amount of Permitted
Investments described in clauses (ix) and (x) of the definition thereof then
permitted to be made pursuant to Section 1009.  Any Investments in an
Unrestricted Subsidiary permitted to be made pursuant to this Section 1019 (i)
will be treated as a Restricted Payment (unless such Investment was a Permitted
Investment) in calculating the amount of Restricted Payments made by the Company
and (ii) may be made in cash or property.

     Section 1020.  Provision of Financial Statements.
                    --------------------------------- 

          Whether or not the Company is subject to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act, the Company will, to the extent permitted under the Exchange Act,
file with the Commission the annual reports, quarterly reports and other
documents which the Company would have been required to file with the Commission
pursuant to such Section 13(a) or 15(d) if the Company were so subject, such
documents to be filed with the Commission on or prior to the date (the "Required
Filing Date") by which the Company would have been required so to file such
documents if the Company were so subject.  The Company will also in any event
(x) within 15 days of each Required Filing Date (i) transmit by mail to all
Holders, as their names and addresses appear in the Security Register, without
cost to such holders and (ii) file with the Trustee copies of the annual
reports, quarterly reports and other documents which the Company would have been
required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act if the Company were subject to either of such Sections and (y) if
filing such documents by the Company with the Commission is not permitted under
the Exchange Act, promptly upon written request and payment of the reasonable
cost of 


                                     -95-
<PAGE>
 
duplication and delivery, supply copies of such documents to any prospective
holder at the Company's cost.

     Section 1021.  Statement by Officers as to Default.
                    ----------------------------------- 

          (a) The Company will deliver to the Trustee, not more than 120 days
after the end of each fiscal year of the Company ending after the date hereof, a
written statement signed by two executive officers of the Company, one of whom
shall be the principal executive officer, principal financial officer or
principal accounting officer of the Company, stating whether or not, after a
review of the activities of the Company during such year and of the Company's
performance under this Indenture, to the best knowledge, based on such review,
of the signers thereof, the Company has fulfilled all of its obligations and is
in compliance with all conditions and covenants under this Indenture throughout
such year and, if there has been a Default specifying each Default and the
nature and status thereof and any actions being taken by the Company with
respect thereto.

          (b) When any Default or Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing, or if the Trustee or any Holder or the trustee for or the holder of
any other evidence of Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
gives any notice or takes any other action with respect to a claimed default,
the Company shall deliver to the Trustee by registered or certified mail or
facsimile transmission followed by hard copy an Officers' Certificate specifying
such Default, Event of Default, notice or other action, the status thereof and
what actions the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto,
within 10 Business Days of its occurrence.

     Section 1022.  Waiver of Certain Covenants.
                    --------------------------- 

          The Company may omit in any particular instance to comply with any
covenant or condition set forth in Sections 1006 through 1011, 1013, 1014, 1015
and 1017 through 1020, if, before or after the time for such compliance, the
Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Securities at the time Outstanding shall, by Act of such Holders, waive such
compliance in such instance with such covenant or condition, but no such waiver
shall extend to or affect such covenant or condition except to the extent so
expressly waived, and, until such waiver shall become effective, the obligations
of the Company and the duties of the Trustee in respect of any such covenant or
condition shall remain in full force and effect.


                                     -96-
<PAGE>
 
                                 ARTICLE ELEVEN

                            REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES

     Section 1101.  Rights of Redemption.
                    -------------------- 

          (a) The Securities are subject to redemption, at any time on or after
December 15, 2000, at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, subject to
the conditions, and at the Redemption Prices, specified in the form of Security,
together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the Redemption Date
(subject to the right of Holders of record on relevant Regular Record Dates and
Special Record Dates to receive interest due on applicable Interest Payment
Dates and Special Payment Dates).

          (b) Up to $50,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Securities may
may be redeemed at any time on or prior to December 15, 1998, at the option of
the Company within 60 days after the consummation of one or more Public Equity
Offerings by the Company from the net proceeds to the Company of such Public
Equity Offerings, upon not less than 20 nor more than 60 days' prior notice to
the Holders, in amounts of $1,000 or integral multiples of $1,000, at a
redemption price equal to 108.50% of the principal amount, together, in each
case, with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the Redemption Date (subject
to the right of Holders of record on applicable Record Dates or Special Record
Dates to receive interest due on applicable Interest Payment Dates or Special
Payment Dates); provided that after giving effect to any such redemption, at
least $90,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Securities remains
outstanding.

     Section 1102.  Applicability of Article.
                    ------------------------ 

          Redemption of Securities at the election of the Company or otherwise,
as permitted or required by any provision of this Indenture, shall be made in
accordance with such provision and this Article Eleven.

     Section 1103.  Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee.
                    ------------------------------------- 

          The election of the Company to redeem any Securities pursuant to
Section 1101 shall be evidenced by a Company Order and an Officers' Certificate.
In case of any redemption at the election of the Company, the Company shall, not
less than 45 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date fixed by the
Company, notify the Trustee in writing of such Redemption Date and of the
principal amount of Securities to be redeemed.


                                     -97-
<PAGE>
 
     Section 1104.  Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed.
                    ------------------------------------------------- 

          If less than all the Securities are to be redeemed, the particular
Securities or portions thereof to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 30
days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding
Securities not previously called for redemption in compliance with the
requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which the
Securities being redeemed are listed, or if the Securities are not listed on a
national securities exchange, pro rata, by lot or such other method as the
Trustee shall deem fair and reasonable, and the amounts to be redeemed may be
equal to $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof.

          The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company and the Security
Registrar in writing of the Securities selected for redemption and, in the case
of any Securities selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof
to be redeemed.

          For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise
requires, all provisions relating to redemption of Securities shall relate, in
the case of any Security redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion
of the principal amount of such Security which has been or is to be redeemed.

     Section 1105.  Notice of Redemption.
                    -------------------- 

          Notice of redemption shall be given by first-class mail, postage
prepaid, mailed to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed, at his address
appearing in the Security Register as follows:

          (i) if the Company is redeeming the Securities pursuant to Section
1101(a), not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date; or

          (ii) if the Company is redeeming the Securities pursuant to Section
1101(b), not less than 20 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date.

          All notices of redemption shall state:

          (a)  the Redemption Date;

          (b)  the Redemption Price;

          (c) if less than all Outstanding Securities are to be redeemed, the
identification of the particular Securities to be redeemed;

          (d) in the case of a Security to be redeemed in part, the principal
amount of such Security to be redeemed and that after the Redemption Date upon
surrender of 


                                     -98-
<PAGE>
 
such Security, new Security or Securities in the aggregate principal amount
equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued;

          (e) that Securities called for redemption must be surrendered to the
Paying Agent to collect the Redemption Price;

          (f) that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price will become due
and payable upon each such Security or portion thereof to be redeemed, and that
(unless the Company shall default in payment of the Redemption Price) interest
thereon shall cease to accrue on and after said date;

          (g) the place or places where such Securities are to be surrendered
for payment of the Redemption Price; and

          (h) the CUSIP number, if any, relating to such Securities.

          Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed at the election of
the Company shall be given by the Company or, at the Company's written request,
by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company.  If the Company
elects to give notice of redemption, it shall provide the Trustee with a
certificate stating that such notice has been given in compliance with the
requirements of this Section 1105.

          The notice if mailed in the manner herein provided shall be
conclusively presumed to have been given, whether or not the Holder receives
such notice and shall be deemed to have been given on the date of the mailing of
such notice.  In any case, failure to give such notice by mail or any defect in
the notice to the Holder of any Security designated for redemption as a whole or
in part shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of
any other Security.

     Section 1106.  Deposit of Redemption Price.
                    --------------------------- 

          On or prior to 10:00 a.m. (New York time) on any Redemption Date, the
Company shall deposit with the Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the
Company or any of its Affiliates is acting as Paying Agent, segregate and hold
in trust as provided in Section 1003) an amount of money in same day funds
sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of, and (except if the Redemption Date
shall be an Interest Payment Date or Special Payment Date) accrued interest on,
all the Securities or portions thereof which are to be redeemed on that date.
All money earned on funds held in trust by the Trustee or any Paying Agent shall
be remitted to the Company.


                                     -99-
<PAGE>
 
     Section 1107.  Securities Payable on Redemption Date.
                    ------------------------------------- 

          Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Securities so
to be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the
Redemption Price therein specified and from and after such date (unless the
Company shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued
interest) such Securities shall cease to bear interest.  Upon surrender of any
such Security for redemption in accordance with said notice, such Security shall
be paid by the Company at the Redemption Price together with accrued interest to
the Redemption Date; provided, however, that installments of interest whose
Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date shall be payable to the
Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as
such on the relevant Regular Record Dates and Special Record Dates according to
the terms and the provisions of Section 307.

          If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon
surrender thereof for redemption, the principal and premium, if any, shall,
until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate borne by such
Security.

     Section 1108.  Securities Redeemed or Purchased in Part.
                    ---------------------------------------- 

          Any Security which is to be redeemed or purchased only in part shall
be surrendered to the Paying Agent at the office or agency maintained for such
purpose pursuant to Section 1002 (with, if the Company, the Security Registrar
or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of
transfer in form satisfactory to the Company, the Security Registrar or the
Trustee, as the case may be, duly executed by, the Holder thereof or such
Holder's attorney duly authorized in writing), and the Company shall execute,
and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Security
without service charge, a new Security or Securities, of any authorized
denomination as requested by such Holder in aggregate principal amount equal to,
and in exchange for, the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Security so
surrendered that is not redeemed or purchased.
 

                                 ARTICLE TWELVE

                          SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES

     Section 1201.  Securities Subordinate to Senior Indebtedness.
                    --------------------------------------------- 

          The Company covenants and agrees, and each Holder of a Security, by
his acceptance thereof, likewise covenants and agrees, that, to the extent and
in the manner hereinafter set forth in this Article, the Indebtedness
represented by the Securities and the payment of the principal of, premium, if
any, and interest on the Securities are hereby 


                                     -100-
<PAGE>
 
expressly made subordinate and subject in right of payment as provided in this
Article to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness.

          This Article Twelve shall constitute a continuing offer to all Persons
who, in reliance upon such provisions, become holders of, or continue to hold
Senior Indebtedness; and such provisions are made for the benefit of the holders
of Senior Indebtedness; and such holders are made obligees hereunder and they or
each of them may enforce such provisions.

     Section 1202.  Payment Over of Proceeds Upon Dissolution, Etc.
                    ---------------------------------------------- 

          In the event of (a) any insolvency or bankruptcy case or proceeding,
or any receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar case or
proceeding in connection therewith, relative to the Company or to its assets, or
(b) any liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of the Company, whether
voluntary or involuntary and whether or not involving insolvency or bankruptcy,
or (c) any assignment for the benefit of creditors or any other marshaling of
assets or liabilities of the Company, then and in any such event:

          (1) the holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be entitled to receive
payment in full before the Holders of the Securities are entitled to receive any
payment or distribution of any kind or character excluding securities of the
Company or any other corporation that are equity securities or are subordinated
in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness, that may at the time be
outstanding, to substantially the same extent as, or to a greater extent than,
the Securities are so subordinated as provided in this Article; such securities
are hereinafter collectively referred to as "Permitted Junior Securities" on
account of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Securities
(including any payment or other distribution which may be received from the
holders of Subordinated Indebtedness as a result of any payment on such
Subordinated Indebtedness); and

          (2) any payment or distribution of assets of the Company of any kind
or character, whether in cash, property or securities (excluding Permitted
Junior Securities), by set-off or otherwise, to which the Holders or the Trustee
would be entitled but for the provisions of this Article (including any payment
or other distribution which may be received from the holders of Subordinated
Indebtedness as a result of any payment on such Subordinated Indebtedness) shall
be paid by the liquidating trustee or agent or other Person making such payment
or distribution, whether a trustee in bankruptcy, a receiver or liquidating
trustee or otherwise, directly to the holders of Senior Indebtedness or their
representative or representatives or to the trustee or trustees under any
indenture under which any instruments evidencing any of such Senior Indebtedness
may have been issued, ratably according to the aggregate amounts remaining
unpaid on account of the Senior Indebtedness held or represented by each, to the
extent necessary to make payment

                                    -101- 
<PAGE>
 
in full of all Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid, after giving effect to any
concurrent payment or distribution to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness;
and

          (3) in the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of
this Section, the Trustee or the Holder of any Security shall have received any
payment or distribution of assets of the Company of any kind or character,
whether in cash, property or securities, in respect of principal, premium, if
any, and interest on the Securities before all Senior Indebtedness is paid in
full, then and in such event such payment or distribution (excluding Permitted
Junior Securities) (including any payment or other distribution which may be
received from the holders of Subordinated Indebtedness as a result of any
payment on such Subordinated Indebtedness) shall be paid over or delivered
forthwith directly to the holders of Senior Indebtedness or their representative
or representatives or to the trustee or trustees under any indenture under which
any instruments evidencing any of such Senior Indebtedness have been issued for
application to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid, to the
extent necessary to pay all Senior Indebtedness in full after giving effect to
any concurrent payment or distribution to or for the holders of Senior
Indebtedness.

          The consolidation of the Company with, or the merger of the Company
with or into, another Person or the liquidation or dissolution of the Company
following the conveyance, transfer or lease of its properties and assets
substantially as an entirety to another Person upon the terms and conditions set
forth in Article Eight shall not be deemed a dissolution, winding up,
liquidation, reorganization, assignment for the benefit of creditors or
marshaling of assets and liabilities of the Company for the purposes of this
Section if the Person formed by such consolidation or the surviving entity of
such merger or the Person which acquires by conveyance, transfer or lease such
properties and assets substantially as an entirety, as the case may be, shall,
as a part of such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease, comply
with the conditions set forth in Article Eight.

     Section 1203.  Suspension of Payment When Senior Indebtedness in Default.
                    --------------------------------------------------------- 

          (a) Unless Section 1202 shall be applicable, upon (1) the occurrence
and during the continuance of any default in the payment of any Designated
Senior Indebtedness beyond any applicable grace period (a "Payment Default") and
(2) receipt by the Trustee from the Senior Representative of written notice of
such Payment Default, no payment (other than any payments previously made
pursuant to Section 402 or 403 in this Indenture) or distribution of any assets
of the Company of any kind or character (excluding Permitted Junior Securities)
shall be made by the Company on account of principal of, premium, if any, or
interest on, the Securities, or on account of the purchase, redemption,
defeasance or other acquisition of or in respect of the Securities unless and
until such Payment Default shall have been cured or waived or shall have ceased
to exist

                                    -102- 
<PAGE>
 
or the Designated Senior Indebtedness shall have been discharged or paid in full
after which the Company shall (subject to the other provisions of this Article
Twelve) resume making any and all required payments in respect of the
Securities, including any missed payments.

          (b) Unless Section 1202 shall be applicable, upon (1) the occurrence
and during the continuance of any non-payment default with respect to any
Designated Senior Indebtedness pursuant to which the maturity thereof may then
be accelerated (a "Non-Payment Default") and (2) receipt by the Trustee and the
Company from a Senior Representative of written notice of such Non-payment
Default, no payment (other than any payments previously made pursuant to
Sections 402 or 403 in this Indenture) or distribution of any assets of the
Company of any kind or character (excluding Permitted Junior Securities) shall
be made by the Company on account of any principal of, premium, if any, or
interest on, the Securities, or on account of the purchase, redemption,
defeasance or other acquisition of, or in respect of, Securities for a period
("Payment Blockage Period") commencing on the date of receipt by the Trustee of
such notice and continuing until the earliest of (subject to any blockage of
payments that may then or thereafter be in effect under subsection (a) of this
Section 1203) (x) 179 days after receipt of such written notice by the Trustee
(provided any Designated Senior Indebtedness as to which notice was given shall
theretofore have not been accelerated), (y) the date on which such Non-payment
Default (and all Non-payment Defaults as to which notice is given after such
Payment Blockage Period is initiated) is cured or waived or ceases to exist or
on which the Designated Senior Indebtedness related thereto is discharged or
paid in full or (z) the date on which such Payment Blockage Period (and all Non-
payment Defaults as to which notice is given after such Payment Blockage Period
is initiated) shall have been terminated by written notice to the Company or the
Trustee from the Senior Representative or holder of Designated Senior
Indebtedness initiating such Payment Blockage Period, after which, in the case
of clause (x), (y) or (z), the Company shall (subject to the other provisions of
this Article including subsection (a) of this Section 1203) promptly resume
making any and all required payments in respect of the Securities, including any
missed payments. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, in no
event shall a Payment Blockage Period under this subsection (b) of this Section
1203 extend beyond 179 days from the date of the receipt by the Company or the
Trustee of the notice referred to in clause (2) of this subsection (b) of this
Section 1203 (such 179-day period referred to as the "Initial Period"). Any
number of notices of Non-payment Defaults may be given during the Initial
Period; provided that during any period of 365 consecutive days only one Payment
Blockage Period during which payment of principal of, premium, if any, or
interest on the Securities may not be made, may commence and the duration of
such period may not exceed 179 days. No Non-payment Default with respect to any
Designated Senior Indebtedness that existed or was continuing on the date of the
commencement of any Payment Blockage Period will be, or

                                    -103- 
<PAGE>
 
can be, made the basis for the commencement of a second Payment Blockage Period,
whether or not within a period of 365 consecutive days, unless such Non-payment
Default shall have been cured or waived for a period of not less than 90
consecutive days. The Company shall deliver a notice to the Trustee promptly
after the date on which any Non-payment Default is cured or waived or ceases to
exist or on which the Designated Senior Indebtedness related thereto is
discharged or paid in full and the Trustee is authorized to act in reliance on
such notice.

          (c) In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company
shall make any payment to the Trustee or the Holder of any Security prohibited
by the foregoing provisions of this Section, then and in such event such payment
shall be paid over and delivered forthwith to a Senior Representative of the
holders of the Designated Senior Indebtedness or as a court of competent
jurisdiction shall direct.

     Section 1204.  Payment Permitted if No Default.
                    ------------------------------- 

          Nothing contained in this Article, elsewhere in this Indenture or in
any of the Securities shall prevent the Company, at any time except during the
pendency of any case, proceeding, dissolution, liquidation or other winding-up,
assignment for the benefit of creditors or other marshaling of assets and
liabilities of the Company referred to in Section 1202 or under the conditions
described in Section 1203, from making payments at any time of principal of,
premium, if any, or interest on the Securities.

     Section 1205.  Subrogation to Rights of Holders of Senior Indebtedness.
                    ------------------------------------------------------- 

          After the payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, the Holders of
the Securities shall be subrogated to the rights of the holders of such Senior
Indebtedness to receive payments and distributions of cash, property and
securities applicable to the Senior Indebtedness until the principal of,
premium, if any, and interest on the Securities shall be paid in full. For
purposes of such subrogation, no payments or distributions to the holders of
Senior Indebtedness of any cash, property or securities to which the Holders of
the Securities or the Trustee would be entitled except for the provisions of
this Article, and no payments over pursuant to the provisions of this Article to
the holders of Senior Indebtedness by Holders of the Securities or the Trustee,
shall, as among the Company, its creditors other than holders of Senior
Indebtedness, and the Holders of the Securities, be deemed to be a payment or
distribution by the Company to or on account of the Senior Indebtedness.

     Section 1206.  Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights.
                    ------------------------------------------- 

          The provisions of this Article are intended solely for the purpose of
defining the relative rights of the Holders of the Securities on the one hand
and the holders of Senior Indebtedness on the other hand. Nothing contained in
this Article or elsewhere in

                                    -104- 
<PAGE>
 
this Indenture or in the Securities is intended to or shall (a) impair, the
Company, its creditors other than holders of Senior Indebtedness and the Holders
of the Securities, the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and
unconditional, to pay to the Holders of the Securities the principal of,
premium, if any, and interest on the Securities as and when the same shall
become due and payable in accordance with their terms; or (b) affect the
relative rights against the Company of the Holders of the Securities and
creditors of the Company other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness; or (c)
prevent the Trustee or the Holder of any Security from exercising all remedies
otherwise permitted by applicable law upon default under this Indenture, subject
to the rights, if any, under this Article of the holders of Senior Indebtedness
(1) in any case, proceeding, dissolution, liquidation or other winding up,
assignment for the benefit of creditors or other marshaling of assets and
liabilities of the Company referred to in Section 1202, to receive, pursuant to
and in accordance with such Section, cash, property and securities otherwise
payable or deliverable to the Trustee or such Holder, or (2) under the
conditions specified in Section 1203, to prevent any payment prohibited by such
Section or enforce their rights pursuant to Section 1203(c).

     Section 1207.  Trustee to Effectuate Subordination.
                    ----------------------------------- 

          Each Holder of a Security by his acceptance thereof authorizes and
directs the Trustee on his behalf to take such action as may be necessary or
appropriate to effectuate the subordination provided in this Article and
appoints the Trustee his attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes,
including, in the event of any dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or
reorganization of the Company whether in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership
proceedings, or otherwise, the timely filing of a claim for the unpaid balance
of the indebtedness of the Company owing to such Holder in the form required in
such proceedings and the causing of such claim to be approved. If the Trustee
does not file a proper claim at least 30 days before the expiration of the time
to file such claim, then the holders of Senior Indebtedness, and their agents,
trustees or other representatives are authorized (but shall not have any
obligation) to do so for and on behalf of the Holders of the Securities.

     Section 1208.  No Waiver of Subordination Provisions.
                    ------------------------------------- 

          (a) No right of any present or future holder of any Senior
Indebtedness to enforce subordination as herein provided shall at any time in
any way be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of
the Company or by any act or failure to act, in good faith, by any such holder,
or by any non-compliance by the Company with the terms, provisions and covenants
of this Indenture, regardless of any knowledge thereof any such holder may have
or be otherwise charged with.

                                     -105-
<PAGE>
 
          (b) Without limiting the generality of Subsection (a) of this Section,
the holders of Senior Indebtedness may, at any time and from time to time,
without the consent of or notice to the Trustee or the Holders of the
Securities, without incurring responsibility to the Holders of the Securities
and without impairing or releasing the subordination provided in this Article or
the obligations hereunder of the Holders of the Securities to the holders of
Senior Indebtedness, do any one or more of the following: (1) change the manner,
place or terms of payment or extend the time of payment of, or renew or alter,
Senior Indebtedness or any instrument evidencing the same or any agreement under
which Senior Indebtedness is outstanding; (2) sell, exchange, release or
otherwise deal with any property pledged, mortgaged or otherwise securing Senior
Indebtedness; (3) release any Person liable in any manner for the collection or
payment of Senior Indebtedness; and (4) exercise or refrain from exercising any
rights against the Company and any other Person; provided, however, that in no
event shall any such actions limit the right of the Holders of the Securities to
take any action to accelerate the maturity of the Securities pursuant to Article
Five of this Indenture or to pursue any rights or remedies hereunder or under
applicable laws if the taking of such action does not otherwise violate the
terms of this Article, subject to the rights, if any, under this Article, of the
holders, from time to time, of Senior Indebtedness to receive the cash, property
or securities receivable upon the exercise of such rights or remedies.

     Section 1209.  Notice to Trustee.
                    ----------------- 

          (a) The Company shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any
fact known to the Company which would prohibit the making of any payment to or
by the Trustee in respect of the Securities. Notwithstanding the provisions of
this Article or any provision of this Indenture, the Trustee shall not be
charged with knowledge of the existence of any facts which would prohibit the
making of any payment to or by the Trustee in respect of the Securities, unless
and until the Trustee shall have received written notice thereof from the
Company or a holder of Senior Indebtedness or from a Senior Representative or
any trustee, fiduciary or agent therefor; and, prior to the receipt of any such
written notice, the Trustee shall be entitled in all respects to assume that no
such facts exist; provided, however, that if the Trustee shall not have received
the notice provided for in this Section at least two Business Days prior to the
date upon which by the terms hereof any money may become payable for any purpose
(including, without limitation, the payment of the principal of, premium, if
any, or interest on any Security), then, anything herein contained to the
contrary notwithstanding but without limiting the rights and remedies of the
holders of Senior Indebtedness, a Senior Representative or any trustee,
fiduciary or agent thereof, the Trustee shall have full power and authority to
receive such money and to apply the same to the purpose for which such money was
received and shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary which may be
received by it within two Business Days prior to such date; nor shall the
Trustee be charged with knowledge of the curing of any such default or the
elimination of the act or condition

                                    -106- 
<PAGE>
 
preventing any such payment unless and until the Trustee shall have received an
Officers' Certificate to such effect.

          (b) The Trustee shall be entitled to rely on the delivery to it of a
written notice to the Trustee and the Company by a Person representing himself
to be a Senior Representative or a holder of Senior Indebtedness (or a trustee,
fiduciary or agent therefor) to establish that such notice has been given by a
Senior Representative or a holder of Senior Indebtedness (or a trustee,
fiduciary or agent therefor); provided, however, that failure to give such
notice to the Company shall not affect in any way the ability of the Trustee to
rely on such notice. In the event that the Trustee determines in good faith that
further evidence is required with respect to the right of any Person as a holder
of Senior Indebtedness to participate in any payment or distribution pursuant to
this Article, the Trustee may request such Person to furnish evidence to the
reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount of Senior Indebtedness
held by such Person, the extent to which such Person is entitled to participate
in such payment or distribution and any other facts pertinent to the rights of
such Person under this Article, and if such evidence is not furnished, the
Trustee may defer any payment to such Person pending judicial determination as
to the right of such Person to receive such payment. A certificate of the Senior
Representative shall be sufficient evidence with respect to Designated Senior
Indebtedness.

     Section 1210.  Reliance on Judicial Orders or Certificates.
                    ------------------------------------------- 

          Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Company referred to
in this Article, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities shall be entitled
to rely upon any order or decree entered by any court of competent jurisdiction
in which such insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership, liquidation, reorganization,
dissolution, winding up or similar case or proceeding is pending, or a
certificate of the trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, liquidating trustee,
custodian, assignee for the benefit of creditors, agent or other person making
such payment or distribution, delivered to the Trustee or to the Holders of
Securities or a Certificate of a Senior Representative, for the purpose of
ascertaining the Persons entitled to participate in such payment or
distribution, the holders of Senior Indebtedness and other indebtedness of the
Company, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or
distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article,
provided that the foregoing shall apply only if such court has been fully
apprised of the provisions of this Article.

     Section 1211.  Rights of Trustee as a Holder of Senior Indebtedness;
                    -----------------------------------------------------
          Preservation of Trustee's Rights.
          -------------------------------- 

          The Trustee in its individual capacity shall be entitled to all the
rights set forth in this Article with respect to any Senior Indebtedness which
may at any time be

                                    -107- 
<PAGE>
 
held by it, to the same extent as any other holder of Senior Indebtedness, and
nothing in this Indenture shall deprive the Trustee of any of its rights as such
holder. Nothing in this Article shall apply to claims of, or payments to, the
Trustee under or pursuant to Section 607.

     Section 1212.  Article Applicable to Paying Agents.
                    ----------------------------------- 

          In case at any time any Paying Agent other than the Trustee shall have
been appointed by the Company and be then acting under this Indenture, the term
"Trustee" as used in this Article shall in such case (except with respect to
delivery of notices and unless the context otherwise requires) be construed as
extending to and including such Paying Agent within its meaning as fully for all
intents and purposes as if such Paying Agent were named in this Article in
addition to or in place of the Trustee; provided, however, that Section 1211
shall not apply to the Company or any Affiliate of the Company if it or such
Affiliate acts as Paying Agent.

     Section 1213.  No Suspension of Remedies.
                    ------------------------- 

          Nothing contained in this Article shall limit the right of the Trustee
or the Holders of Securities to take any action to accelerate the maturity of
the Securities pursuant to Article Five of this Indenture or to pursue any
rights or remedies hereunder or under applicable law, subject to the rights, if
any, under this Article of the holders, from time to time, of Senior
Indebtedness to receive the cash, property or securities receivable upon the
exercise of such rights or remedies.

     Section 1214.  Trustee's Relation to Senior Indebtedness.
                    ----------------------------------------- 

          With respect to the holders of Senior Indebtedness, the Trustee
undertakes to perform or to observe only such of its covenants and obligations
as are specifically set forth in this Article, and no implied covenants or
obligations with respect to the holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be read
into this Article against the Trustee. The Trustee shall not be deemed to owe
any fiduciary duty to the holders of Senior Indebtedness and the Trustee shall
not be liable to any holder of Senior Indebtedness if it shall mistakenly
(absent gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct) pay over or deliver
to Holders, the Company or any other Person moneys or assets to which any holder
of Senior Indebtedness shall be entitled by virtue of this Article or otherwise.

                                     -108-

<PAGE>
 
                                ARTICLE THIRTEEN

                           SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

     Section 1301.  Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.
                    --------------------------------------- 

          This Indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further
effect (except as to surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of
Securities expressly provided for herein) and the Trustee, upon Company Request
and at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments
acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture (including, but not
limited to Article Twelve), when

          (a) either

               (1) all the Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered
          (other than (i) Securities which have been destroyed, lost or stolen
          and which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 306 or
          (ii) all Securities for whose payment United States dollars have
          theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by
          the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged from
          such trust, as provided in Section 1003) have been delivered to the
          Trustee for cancellation; or

               (2) all such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee
          cancelled or for cancellation (x) have become due and payable, (y)
          will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year
          or (z) are to be called for redemption within one year under
          arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of
          redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the
          Company; and the Company has irrevocably deposited or caused to be
          deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose an
          amount in United States dollars sufficient to pay and discharge the
          entire Indebtedness on the Securities not theretofore delivered to the
          Trustee for cancellation, including the principal of, premium, if any,
          and accrued interest on such Securities at such Maturity, Stated
          Maturity or Redemption Date;

          (b) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable
hereunder by the Company; and

          (c) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate
and an Opinion of Independent Counsel stating that (i) all conditions precedent
herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture
have been complied with and (ii) such satisfaction and discharge will not result
in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, this Indenture or
any other material agreement

                                    -109- 
<PAGE>
 
or instrument to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by
which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound.

          Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the
obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 607 and, if United
States dollars shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause
(2) of Subsection (a) of this Section 1301, the obligations of the Trustee under
Section 1302 and the last paragraph of Section 1003 shall survive.

     Section 1302.  Application of Trust Money.
                    -------------------------- 

          Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all
United States dollars deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 1301 shall
be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the
Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any
Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the
Trustee may determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal of,
premium, if any, and interest on the Securities for whose payment such United
States dollars have been deposited with the Trustee.

                                     -110-

                                 *     *     *
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be
duly executed, all as of the day and year first above written.


                              BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION

                                  
     [SEAL]                   By: /s/ Robert E. Cannon
                                  ----------------------------------- 
                                  Name:  Robert E. Cannon
                                  Title: Chief Executive Officer and
                                         Chairman of the Board


Attest: /s/ David Whitcomb   
        --------------------------------     
        Name:
        Title:



                              UNION PLANTERS NATIONAL
                              BANK, as Trustee


     [SEAL]                   By: /s/ Bonnie F. Spracher
                                  --------------------------------- 
                                  Name:  Bonnie F. Spracher
                                  Title: Vice President & Corporate
                                          Trust Officer


Attest: /s/ Rosemary Clark
        ---------------------------------
        Name:  Rosemary Clark
        Title: Vice President & Corporate
                Trust Officer


                                    - 110 -
<PAGE>
 
STATE OF NEW YORK             )
                              )  ss.:
CITY OF NEW YORK              )

          On the 28th day of November, 1995, before me personally came Robert E.
Cannon, to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he
resides at 445 South Shady Grove Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38120; that he is
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Buckeye Cellulose
Corporation, one of the corporations described in and which executed the
foregoing instrument; that he knows the corporate seal of such corporation; that
the seal affixed to said instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so
affixed pursuant to authority of the Board of Directors of such corporation; and
that he signed his name thereto pursuant to like authority.



                                                                       (NOTARIAL
                                                                           SEAL)



                                                /s/ Regina M. Sarnicola
                                                -----------------------
                                                    Regina M. Sarnicola  
                                                Notary Public, State of New York
                                                      No. 01SA5026825
                                                  Qualified in Massau County 
                                               Commission Expires April 25, 1996
<PAGE>

                                                                     (Indenture)

STATE OF TENNESSEE

COUNTY OF SHELBY

          On the 24th day of November, 1995, before me personally came Bonnie F.
Spracher, to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that she
resides at Memphis, Tennessee; that she is Vice President and Corporate Trust
Officer of Union Planters National Bank, one of the corporations described in
and which executed the foregoing instrument; that she knows the corporate seal
of such corporation; that the seal affixed to said instrument is such corporate
seal; that it was so affixed pursuant to authority of the Board of Directors of
such corporation; and that she signed her name thereto pursuant to like
authority.



                                                                 
                                          /s/ Phyllis Jean Apple
                                          ---------------------------
                                          Notary Public
                                         
                                         
                                          My commission expires: 11-13-96 
                                                                 --------
<PAGE>
 
                                   SCHEDULE I

                               Permitted Holders

 
I.     Robert E. Cannon

II.    David B. Ferraro

III.   Herman P. van Eck

IV.    George B. Ellis

V.     B. Jerry L. Huff

VI.    R. Neil O'Brien

VII.   David H. Whitcomb

VIII.  Mann A. Shoffner, III

IX.    (i) Family members or the relatives of the persons described in I-VIII 
above; (ii) any trusts created for the benefit of the persons described in 
I-VIII above or in clause (i); (iii) in the event of the incompetence or death 
of any of the persons described in I-VIII above or in clause (i), such person's 
estate, executor, administrator, committee or other personal representatives or 
beneficiaries, in each case who at any particular date shall beneficially own 
or have the right to acquire, directly or indirectly Common Stock.
<PAGE>
 
                                  SCHEDULE II

                             Existing Indebtedness

I.   Buckeye Florida Partners has pledged certificates of deposit in the amounts
of $2,300,000 and $900,000 to Union Planters National Bank, to secure payment by
certain executive officers of the Company of loans, which are in the principal 
amounts equal to the denominations of the respective certificates of deposit, 
the proceeds of which were utilized to purchase stock in the Company.

II.  The Company is the lessee under the following, which have been 
     capitalized:

     Capital Lease for SAP Software license with Winthrop Resources from March 
     1994 - February 1997

     Capital Lease for Disk Mirroring Software license with Winthrop Resources 
     from June 1995 - March 1997

     Capital Lease for E-mail Software license with Winthrop Resources from 
     January 1995 - March 1997

     Operating Lease for Computer Hardware with Winthrop Resources from March 
     1994 - April 1997  

     Operating Lease for E-mail Hardware with Winthrop Resources from January
     1995 - April 1997

     Operating Lease for Disk Mirroring System with Winthrop Resources from 
     June 1995 - April 1997

III. Indebtedness under the Existing Notes
<PAGE>
 
                                  SCHEDULE III

                         Existing Dividend Restrictions

I.   Indenture dated as of May 27, 1993 between the Company and Bankers Trust 
     Company, as trustee, as amended November 9, 1995

II.  Bank Credit Facility
<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT A
                                                                       ---------

                               INTERCOMPANY NOTE
                               -----------------

                                                      ______________, 19________
          

          Evidences of all loans or advances ("Loans") made hereunder shall be
reflected on the grid attached hereto.  FOR VALUE RECEIVED, ______________, a
________________ corporation (the "Maker"), HEREBY PROMISES TO PAY ON DEMAND to
the order of ________________ (the "Holder") the principal sum of the aggregate
unpaid principal amount of all Loans (plus accrued interest thereon) at any time
and from time to time made hereunder which has not been previously paid.

          All capitalized terms used herein that are defined in, or by reference
in, the Indenture between BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation
(the "Company"), and UNION PLANTERS NATIONAL BANK, as trustee, dated as of
November 28, 1995 (the "Indenture"), have the meanings assigned to such terms
therein, or by reference therein, unless otherwise defined.

                                   ARTICLE I

                           TERMS OF INTERCOMPANY NOTE

          Section 1.01  Note Not Forgivable.  Unless the Maker of the Loan
hereunder is the Company, the Holder may not forgive any amounts owing under
this intercompany note.

          Section 1.02  Interest:  Prepayment.  (a)  The interest rate
("Interest Rate") on the Loans shall be a rate per annum reflected on the grid
attached hereto.

          (b) The interest, if any, payable on each of the Loans shall accrue
from the date such Loan is made and, subject to Section 2.01, shall be payable
upon demand of the Holder.

          (c) If the principal or accrued interest, if any, of the Loans is not
paid on the date demand is made, interest on the unpaid principal and interest
will accrue at a rate equal to the Interest Rate, if any, plus 100 basis points
per annum from maturity until the principal and interest on such Loans are fully
paid.


                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
          (d) Subject to Section 2.01, any amounts hereunder may be prepaid at
any time by the Maker.

          Section 1.03 Subordination. All Loans made to the Company shall be
subordinated in right of payment to the payment and performance of the
obligations of the Company under the Indenture, the Securities or any other
Indebtedness ranking senior to or pari passu with the Securities, including,
without limitation, any Indebtedness incurred under the Bank Credit Facility;
provided, that this provision shall not prohibit the repayment by any Subsidiary
of the Company of any Loans of which the Company is the Holder.

                                   ARTICLE II

                               EVENTS OF DEFAULT

          Section 2.01  Events of Default.  If after the date of issuance of
this Loan (i) an Event of Default has occurred under the Indenture, (ii) an
Event of Default (as defined) has occurred under the Bank Credit Facility or
(iii) an "event of default" (as defined) has occurred under any other
Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, then (x) in the event
the Maker is a Subsidiary of the Company, all amounts owing under the Loans
hereunder shall be immediately due and payable to the Holder and (y) in the
event the Maker is the Company, the amounts owing under the Loans hereunder
shall not be due and payable at any time; provided, however, that if such Event
of Default or event of default has been waived, cured or rescinded, such amounts
shall no longer be due and payable in the case of clause (x), and such amounts
may be paid in the case of clause (y).  If the Holder is a Subsidiary of the
Company, then the Holder hereby agrees that if it receives any payments or
distributions on any Loan from the Company which is not payable pursuant to
clause (y) of the prior sentence after any Event of Default described in clauses
(i) or (ii) or any event of default described in clause (iii) above has
occurred, is continuing and has not been waived, cured or rescinded, it will pay
over and deliver forthwith to the Company all such payments and distributions.


                                      A-2
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE III

                                 MISCELLANEOUS

          Section 3.01  Amendments, Etc.  No amendment or waiver of any
provision of this intercompany note, or consent to depart herefrom is permitted
at any time for any reason, except with the consent of the Holders of not less
than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities.

          Section 3.02  Assignment.  No party to this Agreement may assign, in
whole or in part, any of its rights and obligations under this intercompany
note, except to its legal successor in interest.

          Section 3.03  Third Party Beneficiaries.  The holders of the
Securities or any other Indebtedness ranking pari passu with or senior to, the
Securities, including without limitation, any Indebtedness incurred under the
Bank Credit Facility, shall be third party beneficiaries to this intercompany
note and shall have the right to enforce this intercompany note against the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

          Section 3.04  Headings.  Article and Section headings in this
intercompany note are included for convenience of reference only and shall not
constitute a part of this intercompany note for any other purpose.

          Section 3.05  Entire Agreement.  This intercompany note sets forth the
entire agreement of the parties with respect to its subject matter and
supersedes all previous understandings, written or oral, in respect thereof.

          Section 3.06  GOVERNING LAW.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND
CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (WITHOUT GIVING
EFFECT TO THE CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF).

          Section 3.07  Waivers.  The Maker hereby waives presentment, demand
for payment, notice of protest and all other demands and notices in connection
with the delivery, acceptance, performance or enforcement hereof.


                                       By:______________________________________

                                      A-3
<PAGE>
 
               BORROWINGS, MATURITIES, AND PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        Amount of   Maturity of      Amount
        Borrowing/  Borrowing/   Principal Paid  Unpaid Principal  Notation
Date    Principal    Principal     or Prepaid        Balance       Made by
- ----    ----------  -----------  --------------  ----------------  --------
<S>     <C>         <C>          <C>             <C>               <C>

 
</TABLE>

                                      A-4

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.33

                         BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION

                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

                                AMENDMENT NO. 2
                                ---------------

     This Agreement, dated as of June 6, 1996 (the "Agreement"), is among
Buckeye Cellulose Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), the
Subsidiaries of the Company from time to time party to the Credit Agreement (as
defined below), the Lenders under the Credit Agreement, Fleet National Bank,
both in its capacity as a Lender and in its capacity as agent for itself and the
other Lenders, and SunTrust Bank, Central Florida N.A., both in its capacity as
a Lender and its capacity as co-agent for itself and the other Lenders. The
parties agree as follows:

     1.  Credit Agreement; Definitions.  This Agreement amends the Credit
Agreement dated as of November 28, 1995 among the parties hereto (as in effect
prior to giving effect to this Agreement, the "Credit Agreement").  Capitalized
terms defined in the Credit Agreement as amended hereby (the "Amended Credit
Agreement") and not otherwise defined herein are used with the meaning defined
therein.

     2.  Amendment of Credit Agreement.  Effective upon the date all the
conditions set forth in Section 4 hereof are satisfied (the "Amendment Date"),
which conditions must be satisfied no later than August 31, 1996, the Credit
Agreement is amended as follows:

          2.1. Amendment of Section 2.1.2. Section 2.1.2 of the Credit Agreement
     is amended by replacing the existing figures in the table with the
     following figures:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                     Period                                     Amount
                     ------                                     ------ 
<S>                                                          <C>
     Prior to January 1, 1998                                $155,000,000
     From January 1, 1998 through March 31, 1998             $150,000,000
     From April 1, 1998 through June 30, 1998                $145,000,000
     From July 1, 1998 through September 30, 1998            $140,000,000
     From October 1, 1998 through December 31, 1998          $135,000,000
     From January 1, 1999 through March 31, 1999             $130,000,000
     From April 1, 1999 through June 30, 1999                $125,000,000
     From July 1, 1999 through September 30, 1999            $120,000,000
     From October 1, 1999 through December 31, 1999          $115,000,000
     From January 1, 2000 through March 31, 2000             $108,750,000
     From April 1, 2000 through June 30, 2000                $102,500,000
     From July 1, 2000 through September 30, 2000            $ 96,250,000
     From October 1, 2000 through the Final Maturity Date    $ 90,000,000
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
          2.2. Amendment of Exhibit 11.1. Exhibit 11.1 to the Credit Agreement
     is amended to read in its entirety as set forth in Exhibit 11.1 hereto.
 
     3.  Representations and Warranties.  Each of the Company and such of its
Subsidiaries as are party hereto from time to time jointly and severally
represents and warrants as follows:

          3.1. Legal Existence, Organization. The Company and each Subsidiary is
     a duly organized and validly existing corporation, in good standing under
     the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with all power and
     authority, corporate, partnership or otherwise, necessary (a) to enter into
     and perform this Agreement and the Amended Credit Agreement and (b) to own
     its properties and carry on the business now conducted or proposed to be
     conducted by it. Each of the Company and each Subsidiary has taken all
     corporate, partnership or other action required to make the provisions of
     this Agreement and the Amended Credit Agreement the valid and enforceable
     obligations they purport to be.

          3.2. Enforceability. Each of the Company and each Subsidiary has duly
     executed and delivered this Agreement. Each of this Agreement and the
     Amended Credit Agreement is the legal, valid and binding obligation of each
     of the Company and each Subsidiary and is enforceable against it in
     accordance with its terms.

          3.3. No Legal Obstacle to Agreements. Neither the execution, delivery
     or performance of this Agreement, nor the performance of the Amended Credit
     Agreement, nor the consummation of any other transaction referred to or
     contemplated by this Agreement, nor the fulfillment of the terms hereof or
     thereof, has constituted or resulted in or will constitute or result in:

          (a) any breach or termination of the provisions of any agreement,
     instrument, deed or lease to which the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or
     any other Obligor is a party or by which it is bound, or of the Charter or
     By-laws of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any other Obligor;

          (b) the violation in any material respect of the Company, any of its
     Subsidiaries or any other Obligor of any law, judgment, decree or
     governmental order, rule or regulation applicable to the Company, any of
     its Subsidiaries or any other Obligor;

          (c) the creation under any agreement, instrument, deed or lease of any
     Lien (other than Liens which secure the Credit Obligations) upon any of the
     assets of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any other Obligor; or

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
               (d) any redemption, retirement or other repurchase obligation of
          the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any other Obligor under any
          Charter, By-law, agreement, instrument, deed or lease.
        
          No approval, authorization or other action by, or declaration to or
          filing with, any governmental or administrative authority or any other
          Person is required to be obtained or made by the Company, any of its
          Subsidiaries or any other Obligor in connection with the execution,
          delivery and performance of this Agreement or the performance of the
          Amended Credit Agreement, or the consummation of the transactions
          contemplated hereby or thereby.
     
               3.4. Defaults. Immediately before and after giving effect to the
          amendments set forth in Section 2, no Default or Event of Default will
          exist.
         
               3.5. Incorporation of Representations and Warranties. The
          representations and warranties set forth in Section 7 of the Amended
          Credit Agreement are true and correct on the date hereof as if
          originally made on and as of the date hereof.
          
          4. Conditions. The effectiveness of this Agreement shall be subject to
     the satisfaction of the following conditions, which conditions must be
     satisfied prior to August 31, 1996 or this Agreement shall terminate:
         
               4.1. Notes. The Company shall have duly authorized, executed and
          delivered to the Agent new Revolving Notes for each Lender against
          delivery by existing Lenders of their previously outstanding Revolving
          Notes for cancellation.
          
               4.2. Legal Opinion. On the Amendment Date, the Lenders shall have
          received from Baker, Donelson, Bearman & Caldwell, special counsel for
          the Company, their opinion with respect to the transactions
          contemplated by this Agreement, which opinion shall be in form and
          substance satisfactory to the Lenders.
          
               4.3. Acquisition. Contemporaneously with the effectiveness of
          this Agreement on the Amendment Date, the Company and its Subsidiaries
          shall have acquired Alpha Cellulose Corporation in accordance with
          Section 6.9.10 of the Credit Agreement.
          
               4.4. Officer's Certificate. The representations and warranties of
          the Company and its Subsidiaries set forth or incorporated by
          reference herein shall be true and correct as of the Amendment Date as
          if originally made on and as of the Amendment Date; no Default shall
          have occurred on or prior to the Amendment Date; and the Agent shall
          have received a certificate to these effects signed by a Financial
          Officer.
          

                                      -3-
          
          
          
       
       
       
       
<PAGE>
 
          4.5. Proper Proceedings. This Agreement, each other Credit Document
     and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall have been
     authorized by all necessary proceedings on the part of the Company, each
     other Obligor and any of their respective Affiliates party thereto. All
     necessary consents, approvals and authorizations of any governmental or
     administrative agency or any other Person with respect to any of the
     transactions contemplated hereby or by any other Credit Document shall have
     been obtained and shall be in full force and effect. The Agent shall have
     received copies of all documents, including certificates, records of
     corporate and partnership proceedings and opinions of counsel, which the
     Agent may have reasonably requested in connection therewith, such documents
     where appropriate to be certified by proper corporate or governmental
     authorities.

     5. Further Assurances. The Company and its Subsidiaries will, promptly upon
the request of the Agent from time to time, execute, acknowledge, deliver, file
and record all such instruments and notices, and take all such other action, as
the Agent deems necessary or advisable to carry out the intent and purposes of
this Agreement .

     6. General. The Amended Credit Agreement and all of the Credit Documents
are each confirmed as being in full force and effect. This Agreement, the
Amended Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents referred to herein or
therein constitute the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof and thereof and supersede all prior and current
understandings and agreements, whether written or oral. Each of this Agreement
and the Amended Credit Agreement is a Credit Document and may be executed in any
number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument, and
shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective
successors and assigns, including as such successors and assigns all holders of
any Revolving Note. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws (other than the conflict of law rules) of The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
     Each of the undersigned has caused this Agreement to be executed and
delivered by its duly authorized officer as an agreement under seal as of the
date first above written.


 
                                   BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION


                                   By ____________________________________
                                       Title:


                                   BUCKEYE FLORIDA CORPORATION
                                   BUCKEYE FOLEY CORPORATION
                      


                                   By ____________________________________
                                       Title:


                                   BUCKEYE FLORIDA, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                                   By BUCKEYE FLORIDA CORPORATION,
                                    general partner


                                   By ____________________________________
                                       Title:


                                   FLEET NATIONAL BANK


                                   By ____________________________________
                                       Vice President


                                   SUNTRUST BANK, CENTRAL FLORIDA N.A.


                                   By ____________________________________
                                       Vice President




                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
                                   DRESDNER BANK AG
                                   CHICAGO AND GRAND CAYMAN BRANCHES


                                   By ____________________________________
                                       Title:
 

                                   By ____________________________________
                                       Title:


                                   WACHOVIA BANK OF GEORGIA, N.A.

                                   By ____________________________________
                                       Title:


                                   FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK OF NORTH CAROLINA


                                   By ____________________________________
                                       Title:


                                   FIRST TENNESSEE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION


                                   By ____________________________________
                                       Title:


                                   FIRST AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK


                                   By ____________________________________
                                       Title:




                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 

                      REVOLVING LOAN PERCENTAGE INTERESTS



          The Percentage Interest of each Lender in the Loan and Letters of
Credit, and the related Commitments, shall be computed based on the maximum
principal amount for each Lender in the Maximum Amount of Credit set forth
below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    Lender                             Maximum Principal Amount
                    ------                             ------------------------
          <S>                                          <C>
          Fleet National Bank                               $ 40,000,000
          SunTrust Bank, Central Florida N.A.               $ 35,500,000
          Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A.                    $ 22,500,000
          Dresdner Bank AG
           Chicago and Grand Cayman Branches                $ 17,500,000
          First Union National Bank of North Carolina       $ 17,000,000
          First American National Bank                      $ 12,500,000
          First Tennessee Bank National Association         $ 10,000,000
                                                            ------------
               TOTAL                                        $155,000,000
</TABLE>


<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.34
                         
                         BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION

                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

                                Amendment No. 3
                                ---------------

     This Agreement, dated as of June 24, 1996, is among Buckeye Cellulose
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), the Subsidiaries of the
Company party hereto, Fleet National Bank, as agent (the "Agent") for the
Lenders, and SunTrust Bank, Central Florida, N.A., as co-agent (the "Co-Agent")
for the Lenders.  The parties agree as follows:

1.   Reference to Credit Agreement; Definitions. Reference is made to the Credit
Agreement dated as of November 28, 1995, among the parties hereto, as amended by
two previous amendments dated April 25, 1996 and June 6, 1996, respectively (as
in effect prior to giving effect to this Agreement, the "Credit Agreement").
Capitalized terms defined in the Credit Agreement as amended by this Agreement
(the "Amended Credit Agreement") and not otherwise defined herein are used
herein with the meanings so defined.

2.   Amendment of the Credit Agreement.  Effective upon the date on which all of
the conditions set forth in Section 4 hereof are satisfied (the "Amendment
Date"), which conditions must be satisfied no later than August 31, 1996, the
Credit Agreement is amended as follows:

     2.1. Amendment of Section 1.  Section 1 of the Credit Agreement is amended
by adding immediately after Section 1.118 a new Section 1.118A to read in its
entirety as follows:

          "1.118A. "Redemption Subordinated Debt" means the Company's Senior
     Subordinated Notes due 2008 to be issued in the original principal amount
     of not more than $100,000,000, pursuant to the Indenture between the
     Company and Union Planters National Bank, as trustee, as in effect on the
     date of issuance." 

     2.2. Amendment of Section 6.5.1. Section 6.5.1 of the Credit Agreement is
amended to read in its entirety as follows:

          "6.5.1. Consolidated Net Worth. Consolidated Net Worth shall not at
     any time be less than $70,000,000; provided, however, that on September 30,
     1996 and on the last day of each fiscal quarter of the Company thereafter,
     the then effective dollar amount in this Section 6.5.1 shall be increased
     by 50% of Consolidated Net Income (if positive) of the Company and its
     Subsidiaries determined in accordance with GAAP for the quarter then
     ended."

     2.3. Amendment of Section 6.6.10.  Section 6.6.10 of the Credit Agreement
is amended to read in its entirety as follows:
<PAGE>
 
          "6.6.10.   Indebtedness of the Company in respect of the Approved
     Subordinated Debt, the Senior Notes and the Redemption Subordinated Debt."

     2.4. Amendment of Section 6.9.  Section 6.9 of the Credit Agreement is
amended by adding immediately after Section 6.9.10 a new Section 6.9.11 to read
in its entirety as follows:

          "6.9.11. In addition to all other Investments allowed by this Section
     6.9 and notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 6.9, the
     Company is permitted to form a Wholly Owned Subsidiary for the sole purpose
     of repurchasing a portion of the ownership interest of MDCP in the Company,
     and the Company may make a capital contribution of up to $50,000,000 to
     such Wholly Owned Subsidiary to fund such repurchase."

     2.5. Amendment of Section 6.10.3.  Section 6.10.3 of the Credit Agreement
is amended to read in its entirety as follows:

          "6.10.3. The Company may pay interest and principal of the Approved
     Subordinated Debt and the Redemption Subordinated Debt, each in accordance
     with the respective subordination provisions thereof."

     2.6. Amendment of Section 6.10.  Section 6.10 of the Credit Agreement is
amended by adding immediately after Section 6.10.5 a new Section 6.10.6 to read
in its entirety as follows:

          "6.10.6. So long as immediately before and after giving effect thereto
     no Default exists, the Company through one of its Wholly Owned Subsidiaries
     may repurchase a portion of the ownership interest of MDCP in the Company
     in an aggregate amount not to exceed $50,000,000 from the proceeds of the
     Redemption Subordinated Debt contributed by the Company to such Wholly
     Owned Subsidiary as permitted by Section 6.9.11."

     2.7. Amendment of Section 6.13.  Section 6.13 of the Credit Agreement is
amended by changing the title thereto to read in its entirety "Issuance of Stock
by Subsidiaries; Subsidiary Distributions; Restricted Operations of Subsidiary"
and by adding immediately after Section 6.13.2 and new Section 6.13.3 to read in
its entirety as follows:

          "6.13.3. Restricted Operations of Subsidiary. The Subsidiary of the
     Company formed in accordance with Section 6.9.11 will conduct no operations
     other than acquiring and owning the capital stock of the Company to be
     repurchased from MDCP and activities incidental thereto. Such Subsidiary
     will own no material assets other than the stock of the Company and cash to
     be distributed to it by the Company in accordance with Section 6.9.11."

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
     2.8.  Amendment of Section 6.16.3.  Section 6.16.3 of the Credit Agreement
is amended to read in its entirety as follows:

           "6.16.3. Covenants in the indentures for the Approved Subordinated
     Debt and the Senior Notes, each as in effect on the Initial Closing Date,
     and in the indenture for the Redemption Subordinated Debt, as in effect on
     the Amendment Date."

     2.9.  Amendment of Exhibit 7.1.  Exhibit 7.1 to the Credit Agreement is
amended to read in its entirety as set forth in Exhibit 7.1 hereto.

     2.10. Amendment to Exhibit 7.2.2.  Exhibit 7.2.2 to the Credit Agreement
is amended to read in its entirety as set forth in Exhibit 7.2.2 hereto.

3.   Representation and Warranty.  In order to induce the Agent and the Co-Agent
to enter into this Agreement, the Company represents and warrants to the Lenders
that after giving effect to this Agreement, no Default will exist.

4.   Conditions.  The effectiveness of this Agreement shall be subject to the
satisfaction of the following conditions, which conditions must be satisfied
prior to August 31, 1996 or this Agreement shall terminate:

     4.1.  Redemption Subordinated Debt.  The Company shall have issued the
Redemption Subordinated Debt in an aggregate principal amount of no more than
$100,000,000, and the proceeds of the Redemption Subordinated Debt shall be used
to fund the repurchase of a portion of the ownership interest of MDCP in the
Company as permitted by Section 6.9.11 and Section 6.10.6 and to complete the
acquisition of Alpha Cellulose Corporation or to repay the Revolving Loan in
accordance with Section 4.3.  Any such repayment of the Revolving Loan shall not
decrease the Lenders' Commitments as provided in Section 2.

     4.2.  Officer's Certificate.  The representations and warranties of the
Company and its Subsidiaries set forth or incorporated by reference herein shall
be true and correct as of the Amendment Date as if originally made on and as of
the Amendment Date; no Default shall have occurred on or prior to the Amendment
Date; and the Agent shall have received a certificate to these effects signed by
a Financial Officer.

     4.3.  Proper Proceedings.  This Agreement, each other Credit Document and
the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall have been authorized by
all necessary proceedings on the part of the Company, each other Obligor and any
of their respective Affiliates party thereto.  All necessary consents, approvals
and authorizations of any governmental or administrative agency or any other
Person with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby or by any
other Credit Document shall have been obtained and shall be in full force and
effect.  The Agent shall have received copies of all documents,
including certificates, records of corporate and partnership proceedings and
opinions of 

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
counsel, which the Agent may have reasonably requested in connection therewith,
such documents where appropriate to be certified by proper corporate or
governmental authorities.

5. General. The Amended Credit Agreement and all of the Credit Documents are
each confirmed as being in full force and effect. This Agreement, the Amended
Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents referred to herein or therein
constitute the entire understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the
subject matter hereof and thereof and supersede all prior and current
understandings and agreements, whether written or oral. Each of the Amended
Credit Agreement and this Agreement is a Credit Document and may be executed in
any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument, and
shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective
successors and assigns and all holders of any Note. This Agreement shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws (other than the conflict
of laws rules) of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
     Each of the undersigned has caused this Agreement to be executed and
delivered by its duly authorized officer as an agreement under seal as of the
date first written above.

                          BUCKEYE CELLULOSE CORPORATION


                          By_____________________________________
                            Title:


                          BUCKEYE FLORIDA CORPORATION
                          BUCKEYE FOLEY CORPORATION


                          By_____________________________________
                            Title:


                          BUCKEYE FLORIDA, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                          By BUCKEYE FLORIDA CORPORATION,
                             its general partner


                          By_____________________________________
                            Title:


                          FLEET NATIONAL BANK,
                          as Agent under the Credit Agreement


                          By_____________________________________
                            Vice President


                          SUNTRUST BANK, CENTRAL FLORIDA, N.A.,
                          as Co-Agent under the Credit Agreement

                          By_____________________________________
                            Vice President

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
                      The undersigned Lenders consent to the foregoing 
                      Amendment No. 3:

                      DRESDNER BANK AG
                      CHICAGO AND GRAND CAYMAN BRANCHES


                      By_____________________________________
                        Vice President

                      By_____________________________________
                        Assistant Vice President


                      WACHOVIA BANK OF GEORGIA, N.A.


                      By_____________________________________
                        Vice President


                      FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK
                        OF NORTH CAROLINA


                      By_____________________________________
                        Vice President


                      FIRST TENNESSEE BANK NATIONAL                 
                        ASSOCIATION

 
                      By_____________________________________
                        Vice President


                      FIRST AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK


                      By_____________________________________
                        Senior Vice President

                                      -6-

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                               AUDITORS' CONSENT
   
  We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of our reports dated July 28, 1995, with respect to the combined
consolidated financial statements of Buckeye Cellulose Corporation and
Affiliates and the combined statement of operating income of the Predecessor,
in Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related
Prospectus of Buckeye Cellulose Corporation for the registration of 3,045,157
shares of its Common Stock, and to the incorporation by reference therein of
our reports dated July 28, 1995 with respect to the consolidated financial
statements and schedule of Buckeye Cellulose Corporation, and dated September
1, 1993 with respect to the statement of operating income and related schedule
of the Memphis Mill Operations of the Procter & Gamble Cellulose Company
included in Buckeye Cellulose Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended June 30, 1995, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
    
                                          Ernst & Young LLP
 
Memphis, Tennessee
   
June 25, 1996     

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.2
 
                               AUDITOR'S CONSENT
 
  I consent to the reference to my firm under the caption "Experts" and to the
use of my report dated April 29, 1996 in the Registration Statement (Form S-3)
and related Prospectus of Buckeye Cellulose Corporation for the registration
of 3,045,157 shares of its common stock.
 
                                                 Dipl.-Ing. Wolf Gadecke
                                                    Wirtschaftsprufer
 
Hamburg, Germany
   
June 25, 1996     

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.3
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
 
  We consent to the use in this Registration Statement of Buckeye Cellulose
Corporation on Form S-3 of our report on Alpha Cellulose Holdings, Inc. dated
February 29, 1996, appearing in the Prospectus, which is part of this
Registration Statement.
 
  We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such
Prospectus.
 
                                          DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
   
June 26, 1996     
Raleigh, North Carolina


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