OM GROUP INC, 424B1, 1997-04-28

OM GROUP INC
424B1, 1997-04-28
INDUSTRIAL INORGANIC CHEMICALS

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<PAGE> 1

FILE PURSUANT TO RULE 424(b)(1)
REGISTRATION NO. 333-23729

PROSPECTUS

April 24, 1997

[OM GROUP LOGO]

3,000,000 SHARES
OM GROUP, INC.
COMMON STOCK

All of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby are being sold by OM
Group, Inc. (the "Company"). The Common Stock of the Company is traded on the
New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "OMP." On April 24, 1997, the closing
sale price of the Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange
Composite Tape was $27 per share. See "Price Range of Common Stock and
Dividends."

SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 8 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS
THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS IN 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 UNDERWRITING PROCEEDS
TO THE DISCOUNTS AND TO THE
PUBLIC COMMISSIONS(1) COMPANY(2)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share................ $26.75 $1.35 $25.40
Total(3)................. $80,250,000 $4,050,000 $76,200,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

(1) The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended. See "Underwriting."

(2) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company estimated at $600,000.

(3) The Company has granted to the Underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up
to an aggregate of 450,000 additional shares at the Price to the Public,
less Underwriting Discounts and Commissions, solely to cover
over-allotments, if any. If the option is exercised in full, the total Price
to the Public, Underwriting Discounts and Commissions and Proceeds to the
Company, will be $92,287,500, $4,657,500 and $87,630,000, respectively. See
"Underwriting."

The shares of Common Stock are being offered by the several Underwriters,
subject to prior sale, when, as and if delivered to and accepted by the
Underwriters, subject to various prior conditions, including their right to
reject any order in whole or in part. It is expected that delivery of share
certificates will be made in New York, New York, on or about April 30, 1997.

DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
SECURITIES CORPORATION

MERRILL LYNCH & CO.

FIRST ANALYSIS SECURITIES CORPORATION
<PAGE> 2

[OM GROUP LOGO]

VERTICAL INTEGRATION PROCESS CAPABILITIES

<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
RAW Concentrates
MATERIALS Slags
--------- Recycled Materials
Other
|
EXTRACTION Kokkola, Finland
PROCESS St. George, UT
------- |
United States
-------------
Research Triangle Park, NC
Franklin, PA
Johnstown, PA
St. George, UT

</TABLE>
<PAGE> 3

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"). Reports, proxy statements
and other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the
public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, Judiciary
Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at its regional
offices located at Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and 7 World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New
York 10048. Copies of such materials can also be obtained from the Public
Reference Section of the Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates.
The Commission also maintains a Web site that contains reports, proxy statements
and other information filed by the Company. The Commission's Internet address is
http://www.sec.gov. The Company's Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock
Exchange ("NYSE"), and reports, proxy statements and other information
concerning the Company are available for inspection and copying at the office of
the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

This Prospectus constitutes a part of a Registration Statement on Form S-3
("Registration Statement") filed by the Company with the Commission under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). This Prospectus does
not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement in
accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission. Reference is hereby
made to the Registration Statement and related exhibits for further information
regarding the Company and the securities offered hereby. Statements contained
herein concerning the provisions of any document are not necessarily complete
and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such document filed as
an exhibit to the Registration Statement or otherwise filed with the Commission.
Each such statement is qualified in its entirety by such reference. The
Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto may be inspected and copied at
the public reference facilities of the Commission at the addresses set forth
above.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
The following documents filed with the Commission in accordance with the
provisions of the Exchange Act are incorporated herein by reference:

(a) the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996;

(b) the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on
January 28, 1997 regarding the Company's acquisition of SCM Metal
Products, Inc.;

(c) the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the Commission
on March 21, 1997 containing financial information regarding the
Company's acquisition of SCM Metal Products, Inc.;

(d) the description of the Company's Common Stock contained in the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 33-60444) filed
with the Commission on April 1, 1993;

(e) the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on
December 5, 1996 regarding the Company's Stockholders Rights Agreement
dated as of November 5, 1996 between the Company and National City
Bank (the "Stockholders Rights Agreement");

(f) the Company's Proxy Statement filed with the Commission on March 21,
1997; and

(g) the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on
April 22, 1997 regarding the Company's quarterly results as of and for
the three months ended March 31, 1997.

All documents filed by the Company 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 of the securities hereby, shall be deemed to be
incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the
date of filing such documents. Any statement contained in a document
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to
be modified or superseded for the 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 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 to whom a Prospectus
has been delivered, upon written or oral request of such person, a copy of any
or all of the documents which have been incorporated herein by reference, other
than exhibits to such documents (unless such exhibits are specifically
incorporated by reference into such documents). Requests for such copies should
be directed to Ms. Kristine Marks, Manager of Investors Relations and Corporate
Communications, OM Group, Inc., 50 Public Square, 3800 Terminal Tower,
Cleveland, Ohio 44113-2204, telephone (216) 781-0083.
------------------------

CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN, OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK.
SPECIFICALLY, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVERALLOT IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING,
AND MAY BID FOR, AND PURCHASE, SHARES OF THE COMMON STOCK IN THE OPEN MARKET.
FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE "UNDERWRITING."

3
<PAGE> 4

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus or incorporated herein.
Prospective purchasers of Common Stock should carefully read this entire
Prospectus and should consider, among other things, the matters set forth under
"Risk Factors." Unless otherwise noted, all information in this Prospectus with
respect to the Company's capital stock including share and per-share amounts,
does not include Common Stock that may be issued in connection with the exercise
of the over-allotment option granted by the Company to the Underwriters.

On January 21, 1997, the Company acquired SCM Metal Products, Inc. ("SCM"),
a leading producer of metal-based specialty powders and chemicals. As used in
this Prospectus and unless the context otherwise requires, the term "OMG" means
OM Group, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries prior to the acquisition of
SCM, and the term "Company" means OMG and SCM on a pro forma consolidated basis.

THE COMPANY

The Company is a leading, vertically integrated, producer and international
marketer of value-added, metal-based specialty chemicals and powders. The
Company applies proprietary technology to a wide variety of raw material
feedstocks to manufacture and market the following three categories of
metal-based specialty chemicals and powders -- carboxylates, inorganic salts and
powders. Carboxylates, salts and powders accounted for approximately 21%, 45%
and 34% of the Company's net sales in 1996, respectively. The Company believes
it is the world's leading producer of cobalt carboxylates, cobalt and nickel
specialty inorganic salts and copper powders. The Company also believes that it
is the world's second largest producer of cobalt extra-fine powders.

The Company sells more than 300 specialty chemicals and powders for diverse
applications in more than 25 industries. The Company serves over 1,500 customers
with no single customer accounting for 10% or more of the Company's 1996 net
sales. During 1996, approximately 46% of the Company's net sales were to
customers in the Americas, 35% were to customers in Europe, and 19% were to
customers in Asia Pacific. Typically, the Company's products represent a small
portion of the customer's total cost of manufacturing or processing, but are
critical to the customer's product performance.

The Company believes that it has successfully grown in recent years by
accessing new product markets and leveraging core technologies and production
capabilities to satisfy current market needs. OMG had net sales of $251.3
million, $361.0 million and $388.0 million in 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively,
and net income from operations of $35.2 million, $44.0 million and $51.4 million
in 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively. Net income for 1994, 1995 and 1996 was
$20.7 million, $25.9 million and $30.0 million, respectively, representing a
compound annual growth rate of 20.4%.

On January 21, 1997, OMG acquired SCM, a leading producer of copper, iron
and stainless steel powders. SCM serves over 35 niche markets, primarily within
the automotive, electronics, transportation and catalyst industries. The
addition of SCM's metal-based specialty powders and chemicals to the Company's
product line offers significant growth opportunities through cross-selling to
existing customers, geographic expansion and new product development. The
Company's combined pro forma net sales, income from operations and net income
for 1996 were $482.3 million, $60.1 million and $29.2 million, respectively.

COMPETITIVE STRENGTHS

The Company benefits from the following competitive strengths:

- LEADING MARKET POSITIONS

As a result of its high quality products, technological capabilities and
customer service and support, the Company has achieved a leading market position
in the production of metal-based specialty chemicals and powders. The Company
serves numerous international companies including British Steel plc, E.I. du
Pont de Nemours & Company, Exxon Corporation, Ferro Corporation, General
Electric Company, The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Minnesota Mining and
Manufacturing Company (3M), The Nippert Company, a subsidiary of Outokumpu
Copper, Inc., and Sandvik Aktiebolag.

4
<PAGE> 5

- WORLDWIDE PRESENCE

The Company serves customers on a worldwide basis in over 50 countries with
an international sales force of 36 persons and 110 independent agents. This
sales presence, combined with the Company's manufacturing facilities in the
United States, Europe and Asia Pacific, enables the Company to respond promptly
to customer needs on a worldwide basis.

- NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

The Company's research and new product development personnel in the United
States and Finland work closely with its customers to develop new products to
meet changing industry needs and customer requirements. The Company estimates
that products introduced over the last five years represented approximately 10%
of the Company's 1996 net sales.

- ADVANCED PRODUCTION CAPABILITY

The Company's manufacturing plants, all of which have received ISO 9002
certification, are capable of efficiently producing a broad range of specialty
chemicals and powders. The Company's refining capability gives it the
flexibility to work with a variety of raw materials. The technical capabilities
of the Finnish and Utah facilities permit the Company to transform low-grade
feedstocks, such as cobalt slag, concentrates and recycled materials, to high
quality finished products. The ability to convert and recycle these materials
gives the Company a significant cost advantage in the marketplace and enables it
to source many grades of feedstocks at competitive prices.

- RELIABLE SUPPLY

Through its long-term relationships with its suppliers and its purchasing
power as the world's largest purchaser of cobalt, the Company has been able to
achieve reliability of supply for its customers. Additionally, the Company's
ability to process a variety of low-grade feedstocks provides the Company with
enhanced supply reliability.

- EXPERIENCED MANAGEMENT

The Company's management has an average of over 20 years' experience in the
chemical industry. This management team has consistently delivered strong
operating performance as demonstrated by increasing income from operations and
net income in each of the last five fiscal years.

BUSINESS STRATEGIES

The Company believes that additional opportunities for earnings growth are
available through continuing implementation of its principal business
strategies:

- FOCUS ON VALUE-ADDED NICHE MARKETS

The Company continues to focus on value-added niche markets through
continuing emphasis on research and technology and customer solution
engineering. Recent examples include development of 400 mesh powders for the
diamond tool market and frit grade cobalt oxides for the ceramic frit market.

- EXPAND SALES OF EXISTING PRODUCTS

The Company seeks to extend the markets for its existing products by
expanding its geographical presence through a growing international sales force
and participating in joint ventures in Asia Pacific. The Company also seeks
cross-selling opportunities across its broad customer base.

- TARGET HIGH GROWTH APPLICATIONS

5
<PAGE> 6

its acquisition of SCM, the Company believes that growth opportunities exist in
stainless steel powders, iron powders, metal pastes and proprietary catalysts.

- STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS AND JOINT VENTURES

The Company will continue to selectively pursue acquisitions that, like
SCM, are complementary to its existing product lines, markets and geography. The
Company pursues acquisitions that leverage its current technology and production
capabilities in carboxylates, salts, powders and other metal-based specialty
products. The Company will also consider additional joint ventures to help it
achieve geographic expansion and extend the markets for its products.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

On January 21, 1997, the Company acquired SCM, one of the world's leading
producers of metal-based specialty powders and chemicals, principally specialty
powders made from copper, iron and stainless steel. SCM serves over 35 niche
markets, primarily within the automotive, electronics, transportation and
catalyst industries. In its fiscal year ended September 28, 1996, SCM had
revenues of approximately $94.3 million. The addition of SCM's metal-based
specialty powders and chemicals to the Company's product line offers significant
growth opportunities through cross-selling to existing customers, geographic
expansion and new product development. See "Business -- Acquisition of SCM."

On April 22, 1997, the Company released the results of its operations for
the three months ended March 31, 1997. Net sales for the three months ended
March 31, 1997 were $110.1 million, a 7% increase from $102.9 million reported
for the comparable period in 1996. Net income for the three months ended March
31, 1997 was $8.2 million, a 15% increase from $7.2 million reported for the
comparable period in 1996. The Company's 1997 first quarter increases in sales
and net income were achieved primarily through an increase in physical volume of
products sold. Higher physical volume in carboxylates and salts, as well as the
net sales added through the acquisition of SCM in January 1997, more than offset
the effect on the net sales line of decreasing cobalt chemical prices due to
declining cobalt raw material prices.

On November 5, 1996, the Company's directors approved a three-for-two split
of its Common Stock in the form of a stock dividend, with one additional share
issued on December 2, 1996, for every two common shares held by shareowners of
record on November 15, 1996.

On December 4, 1996, the Company's Common Stock began trading on the NYSE
under the stock symbol "OMP." Prior to that time, the Common Stock was traded on
the Nasdaq National Market ("Nasdaq") under the symbol "OMGI."

THE OFFERING

Common Stock offered by the Company............... 3,000,000 shares(1)

Common Stock outstanding after the Offering....... 21,617,914 shares(1)(2)

Use of Proceeds................................... The net proceeds received by
the Company from the
Offering will be used to
reduce indebtedness incurred
in the acquisition of SCM.
See "Use of Proceeds."

NYSE Symbol....................................... OMP
- ------------------------------

(1) Excludes 450,000 shares that may be issued by the Company upon the exercise
of the over-allotment option granted to the Underwriters. See
"Underwriting."

(2) Excludes 1,243,079 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon the
exercise of stock options granted under the Company's stock option plans.

6
<PAGE> 7

SUMMARY FINANCIAL AND PRO FORMA COMBINED INFORMATION

Set forth below is selected historical financial information of OMG for the
years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, selected historical financial
information of SCM for its fiscal year ended September 28, 1996 and selected pro
forma financial information for OMG and SCM combined as of and for the 1996
fiscal year. For a discussion of the accounting basis relating to the pro forma
information, see "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial Data."

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SCM PRO FORMA
OMG YEAR ENDED COMBINED
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, SEPTEMBER 28, FISCAL YEAR ENDED
---------------------------- ------------- -----------------
1994 1995 1996 1996 1996
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
Net sales.......................... $251.3 $361.0 $388.0 $94.3 $ 482.3
Gross profit....................... 60.6 74.6 84.0 23.0 106.2
Selling, general and administrative
expenses......................... 25.4 30.6 32.6 10.8 46.1
------ ------ ------ ------ -----
Income from operations............. 35.2 44.0 51.4 12.2 60.1
Other income (expense)............. (4.1) (5.5) (7.0) (4.1) (15.4)
Net income......................... $ 20.7 $ 25.9 $ 30.0 $ 5.0 $ 29.2
====== ====== ====== ====== =====
Net income per share(1)............ $ 1.09 $ 1.36 $ 1.56 -- $ 1.52
% Growth......................... 14.7% 24.8% 14.7% -- --

BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total assets....................... $278.0 $358.0 $438.6 $45.7 $ 589.4
Long-term debt..................... 46.6 89.8 109.3 --(2) 233.3
Stockholders' equity............... 141.2 161.4 185.3 18.5 185.3

OTHER DATA:
Capital expenditures............... $ 19.7 $ 31.2 $ 28.1 $ 1.3 $ 29.4
Depreciation and amortization...... 10.7 13.7 15.8 1.1 20.4

PRODUCTS SOLD:
(millions of pounds)
Carboxylates....................... 37.0 39.7 43.1 -- 43.1
Salts.............................. 42.9 46.4 50.7 7.6 58.3
Powders............................ 1.6 2.4 2.9 33.1 36.0
------ ------ ------ ------ -----
Total............................ 81.5 88.5 96.7 40.7 137.4
====== ====== ====== ====== =====
</TABLE>

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

(1) Adjusted to give effect to the 3-for-2 split of the Common Stock effective
December 2, 1996.

(2) Does not reflect SCM indebtedness to its former parent that existed prior to
its acquisition by OMG.

7
<PAGE> 8

RISK FACTORS

Prospective investors in the Common Stock should consider the following factors,
as well as the other information set forth in this Prospectus and incorporated
herein by reference, in evaluating an investment in the Common Stock.

RAW MATERIAL PRICES AND SUPPLY

The primary raw materials used by the Company in manufacturing products are
cobalt, nickel and copper. The cost of raw materials fluctuates due to actual or
perceived changes in supply and demand. Generally, the Company is able to pass
through to its customers increases and decreases in raw material prices by
increasing or decreasing, respectively, the prices of its products. The degree
of profitability of the Company depends, in part, on the Company's ability to
maintain the differential between its product prices and raw material prices.

While nickel and copper are worldwide commodities and generally available,
cobalt availability can be more uncertain. The Company's supply of cobalt has
historically been sourced primarily from Zaire, Australia, Finland and Zambia.
Although the Company has never experienced a material shortage of cobalt,
production problems and political and civil instability in certain supplier
countries may affect the supply and market price of cobalt. In particular, the
present political and civil instability in Zaire may affect the availability of
raw materials from that supplier country. If a substantial interruption should
occur in the supply from Zaire or elsewhere, there is no assurance that the
Company would be able to obtain as much cobalt from other sources as would be
necessary to satisfy the Company's requirements at prices comparable to its
current arrangements.

The Company attempts to mitigate changes in prices and availability by
maintaining adequate inventories and long-term supply relationships with a
variety of producers. The Company presently has secured all its anticipated
cobalt needs through 1997 and has contracted for a portion of its anticipated
needs in 1998 and 1999.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

Manufacturers of specialty chemical products, including the Company, are
subject to stringent laws and regulations relating to the storage, handling,
disposal, emission and discharge of materials into the environment.
Manufacturers of specialty chemicals, including the Company, have expended, and
may be required to expend in the future, substantial funds for compliance with
such laws and regulations. In addition, claims for personal injury, property
damages or natural resource damages may be made by third parties or regulators.
Annual environmental compliance costs of the Company have approximated $2.0
million in each of the last three years. In addition, the Company has made
capital expenditures of approximately $1.5 million in each of the last three
years in connection with environmental compliance.

Some risk of environmental liability is inherent in the nature of the
Company's business and in the ownership and operation of real property, and
there is no assurance that additional material environmental costs will not
arise in the future. In addition, environmental considerations may affect
customer acceptance of certain of the Company's products. Based on presently
available information, however, the Company does not currently anticipate any
material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial condition, or
competitive position as a result of compliance with environmental requirements,
environmental liability or the impact of environmental considerations on the
marketability of its products. See "Business -- Environmental Matters."

ACQUISITIONS

As part of its business strategy, the Company continues to pursue strategic
acquisitions and joint ventures that would leverage its current technology and
production capability for metal-based specialty chemicals and powders.
Identifying and pursuing future acquisition and joint venture opportunities and
integrating acquired products and businesses will require a significant amount
of management time and skill. There can be no assurance that the Company will be
able to identify suitable acquisition candidates, or finance (through available
cash flow and/or additional debt or equity financing), consummate or assimilate
such acquisitions.

8
<PAGE> 9

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

In addition to the United States, the Company has manufacturing and other
facilities in Europe and Asia Pacific, and markets its products worldwide.
Although most of the Company's raw material purchases and product sales are
transacted in U.S. dollars, liabilities for non-U.S. operating expenses and
income taxes are denominated in local currencies. Accordingly, fluctuations in
currency prices may affect the Company's operating results and net income. In
order to partially hedge the balance sheet exposure to fluctuating rates, the
Company enters into forward contracts to purchase Finnish Markka.

FOREIGN COUNTRY OPERATING RISKS

In addition to exchange rate risks, the Company is subject to a number of
risks inherent in international operations, including unexpected changes in
regulatory requirements, the costs and burdens of complying with foreign laws,
and political and economic instability. There can be no assurance that the
foregoing factors will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's
future results of operations.

CERTAIN ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECTS

The Company's certificate of incorporation and by-laws contain certain
provisions that may be deemed to have anti-takeover effects. These provisions
include a classified Board of Directors, the elimination of the ability of
stockholders to act by written consent in lieu of a meeting and the ability of
the Board to establish one or more series of preferred stock, having such number
of shares, designations, relative voting rights, dividend rates, liquidation and
other rights, preferences and limitations as the Board may fix, without further
stockholder approval. In addition, in November of 1996, the Board adopted a
Stockholders Rights Agreement pursuant to which the Board declared a dividend
distribution of one Right (as defined) for each outstanding share of Common
Stock of the Company. The Stockholders Rights Agreement and the other provisions
discussed above may be deemed to have anti-takeover effects because they may
delay, defer or prevent an unsolicited acquisition proposal that some, or a
majority, of the stockholders might believe to be in their best interests or in
which stockholders might receive a premium for their Common Stock over the then
market price of such shares.

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<PAGE> 10

PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDENDS

OMG's Common Stock began trading on the NYSE under the symbol "OMP" on
December 4, 1996. Prior to that time, the Common Stock was traded on Nasdaq
under the symbol "OMGI." The following table sets forth for the calendar
quarters indicated the high and low sale prices for the Common Stock as reported
on the NYSE Composite Tape or Nasdaq, as the case may be, and the dividends per
share paid in such quarters. The information provided below has been adjusted to
give effect to the three-for-two split of the Company's Common Stock approved by
the Board in November, 1996. The last reported sale price of the Common Stock on
the NYSE Composite Tape on April 24, 1997, was $27 per share.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRICE RANGE
OF COMMON STOCK DIVIDENDS
--------------- PAID PER
HIGH LOW SHARE
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Year Ended December 31, 1995:
1st Quarter.................................................. $16 5/8 $14 1/2 $0.06
2nd Quarter.................................................. 19 1/2 15 3/8 0.06
3rd Quarter.................................................. 21 3/8 18 5/8 0.06
4th Quarter.................................................. 22 3/8 18 7/8 0.06
Year Ended December 31, 1996:
1st Quarter.................................................. $25 1/8 $21 5/8 $0.07
2nd Quarter.................................................. 28 24 1/2 0.07
3rd Quarter.................................................. 27 3/8 22 3/4 0.07
4th Quarter.................................................. 28 3/4 25 3/8 0.07
Year Ended December 31, 1997:
1st Quarter.................................................. $31 3/8 $26 1/4 $0.08
2nd Quarter through April 24, 1997........................... 28 1/2 25 *
</TABLE>

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

* On April 11, 1997, the Board declared a second quarter dividend of $0.08 per
share of Common Stock to be paid on May 30, 1997.

USE OF PROCEEDS

The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of Common Stock pursuant to
the Offering are estimated to be approximately $75.6 million ($87.0 million if
the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full), after deducting
underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated expenses.

The Company increased its credit facility with certain lenders led by
National City Bank ("NCB Credit Facility") by $120.0 million in January of 1997
to purchase SCM (the "SCM Loan"). The SCM Loan was used to finance, in part, the
SCM purchase price of $122.0 million and related acquisition expenses of $2.0
million. The Company intends to use the proceeds of the Offering to reduce the
SCM Loan.

The SCM Loan bears interest at the Company's option at either (i) NCB's
prime rate or (ii) at a floating rate based on LIBOR, plus a margin ranging from
1.00% to 1.25% depending on the Company's long-term debt to EBITDA ratio. The
Company's maximum credit under the NCB Credit Facility is an amount equal to the
lesser of (i) $240.0 million, or (ii) $120.0 million plus any portion of the SCM
Loan which is not paid down with the proceeds of the Offering; provided,
however, the maximum credit under the facility will not at any time be less than
$180.0 million. As of April 18, 1997, the aggregate borrowings under the NCB
Credit Facility were approximately $232.0 million. The SCM Loan matures on June
30, 1997, and all outstanding borrowings under the credit facility following
such date, including any portion of the SCM Loan which is not paid down with the
proceeds of this Offering, matures on January 31, 2002, subject to extension.

10
<PAGE> 11

CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth OMG's capitalization as of December 31,
1996, with pro forma adjustments to reflect the acquisition of SCM on January
21, 1997, and as adjusted to reflect the sale by the Company of Common Stock
offered hereby and the application of the net proceeds therefrom as described
under "Use of Proceeds." The following information should be read in conjunction
with OMG's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and the Company's
pro forma combined condensed financial data and the notes thereto included
elsewhere in this Prospectus.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRO FORMA AND
PRO FORMA AS ADJUSTED
OMG FOR THE ACQUISITION FOR THE
HISTORICAL OF SCM OFFERING
(IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Long-term debt(1):
Notes payable to banks........................... $ 79.0 $ 203.0 $ 127.4
Notes payable to insurance companies............. 30.0 30.0 30.0
Other............................................ 3.9 3.9 3.9
------ ------ ------
Total long-term debt.......................... 112.9 236.9 161.3
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock.................................. -- -- --
Common stock..................................... 0.2 0.2 0.2
Capital in excess of par value................... 102.1 102.1 177.7
Retained earnings................................ 86.3 86.3 86.3
Treasury stock................................... (3.1) (3.1) (3.1)
Foreign currency translation adjustments......... (0.2) (0.2) (0.2)
------ ------ ------
Total stockholders' equity.................... 185.3 185.3 260.9
------ ------ ------
Total capitalization............................... $298.2 $ 422.2 $ 422.2
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>

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

(1) Includes current portion of $3.6 million.

11
<PAGE> 12

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED FINANCIAL DATA

The following unaudited pro forma combined condensed financial statements
have been prepared by OMG's management. These financial statements reflect OMG's
acquisition of SCM and combine, for the periods or date indicated, the
historical consolidated financial statements of OMG and SCM, using the purchase
method of accounting.

OMG has a December 31 year end, while SCM has historically utilized a
September year ending on the Saturday closest to September 30. For purposes of
developing the pro forma financial statements, OMG and SCM have been combined
utilizing their respective fiscal years. The unaudited pro forma combined
condensed balance sheet reflects the adjustments as if the acquisition had
occurred on December 31, 1996. The unaudited pro forma combined statement of
income reflects adjustments as if the acquisition occurred at the beginning of
the year indicated. These pro forma financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the historical financial statements and related notes of OMG
and SCM. The pro forma financial statements include preliminary estimates and
assumptions which OMG's management believes are reasonable. The pro forma
results are not necessarily indicative of the results which would have occurred
if the business combination had been in effect on the dates indicated, or which
may result in the future, and do not include any cost savings or other effects
of the planned integration of OMG and SCM.

The pro forma financial statements were prepared using the following facts
and assumptions:

1. OMG acquired the assets and liabilities of SCM in exchange for a total
cash payment of $122.0 million.

2. OMG borrowed $124.0 million to finance the acquisition price and related
transaction costs of $2.0 million.

3. The acquired assets and liabilities of SCM are recorded at estimated
fair values as determined by OMG's management based on information
currently available and on current tentative assumptions as to the
future operations of SCM. Accordingly, the allocation of the purchase
price to the acquired assets and liabilities of SCM is subject to
revision as a result of the final determination of appraised and other
fair values.

12
<PAGE> 13

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF FISCAL YEAR END 1996
-------------------------------------------------------
OMG SCM PRO FORMA PRO FORMA
HISTORICAL HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS COMBINED
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents.................... $ 7,818 $ 405 $ 8,223
Accounts receivable.......................... 60,054 11,293 71,347
Inventories.................................. 195,050 11,748 206,798
Other current assets......................... 8,245 1,426 9,671
-------- ------- --------
Total current assets................. 271,167 24,872 296,039
Property, plant and equipment, net............. 110,621 13,880 $ 8,573(2a) 133,074
Other assets:
Unprocessed inventory........................ 27,499 27,499
Goodwill and other intangible assets......... 23,036 2,124 3,230(2b)
(2,124)(2c)
97,000(2d) 123,266
Deferred income taxes........................ 3,844 (1,576)(2f) 2,268
Other assets................................. 6,310 980 7,290
-------- ------- -------- --------
Total assets......................... $ 438,633 $ 45,700 $ 105,103 $ 589,436
======== ======= ======== ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt............ $ 3,586 $ 3,586
Accounts payable............................. 77,330 $ 5,709 83,039
Accrued income taxes......................... 2,753 3,156 5,909
Other accrued expenses....................... 13,637 5,221 18,858
-------- ------- --------
Total current liabilities............ 97,306 14,086 111,392
Long-term debt................................. 109,295 $ 124,000(1) 233,295
Contract payable............................... 27,499 27,499
Deferred income taxes.......................... 17,773 2,176 4,131(2e) 24,080
Other long-term liabilities.................... 1,438 10,910 (4,500)(2g) 7,848
Stockholders' equity........................... 185,322 18,528 (18,528)(2h) 185,322
-------- ------- -------- --------
Total liabilities and stockholders'
equity............................. $ 438,633 $ 45,700 $ 105,103 $ 589,436
======== ======= ======== ========
</TABLE>

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

(1) The borrowing by OMG to finance the $122,000 acquisition price and
$2,000 of transaction costs.

(2) The allocation of the aggregate purchase price of SCM, and the
recognition of the excess of aggregate purchase price over the estimated
fair value of net assets acquired, is as follows:

<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C>
a. Adjust property, plant and equipment to estimated fair value $ 8,573
b. Adjust intangible assets to estimated fair value 3,230
c. Eliminate the excess of cost over net assets acquired related to SCM's
acquisitions of businesses in prior years (2,124)
d. Adjust for excess of purchase price over estimated fair value of net assets
acquired 97,000
e. Establish deferred income tax liability resulting from the application of
purchase accounting, assuming a 35% tax rate (4,131)
f. Reverse deferred income tax asset resulting from the application of purchase
accounting, assuming a 35% tax rate (1,576)
g. Adjust benefit plan liabilities to current value 4,500
h. Eliminate net equity, prior to purchase accounting adjustments 18,528
--------
Aggregate purchase price and related transaction costs $124,000
========
</TABLE>

13
<PAGE> 14

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED 1996
-------------------------------------------------------
OMG SCM PRO FORMA PRO FORMA
HISTORICAL HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS COMBINED
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales...................................... $ 387,999 $ 94,279 $ 482,278
Cost of products sold.......................... 304,025 71,252 $ 857(1a)
(72)(1b) 376,062
-------- ------- ------- --------
Gross profit................................... 83,974 23,027 (785) 106,216
Selling, general and administrative expenses... 32,553 10,765 323(1c)
2,425(1d) 46,066
-------- ------- ------- --------
Income from operations......................... 51,421 12,262 (3,533) 60,150
Other income (expense)
Interest expense............................. (7,485) (4,095) (4,275)(1e) (15,855)
Interest income.............................. 244 244
Foreign exchange gain........................ 223 223
-------- ------- ------- --------
(7,018) (4,095) (4,275) (15,388)
-------- ------- ------- --------
Income before income taxes..................... 44,403 8,167 (7,808) 44,762
Income taxes................................... 14,356 3,137 (1,918)(lf) 15,575
-------- ------- ------- --------
Net income..................................... $ 30,047 $ 5,030 $(5,890) $ 29,187
======== ======= ======= ========
Weighted average number of common shares
outstanding.................................. 19,266 19,266
Net income per share (1g)...................... $ 1.56 $ 1.52
</TABLE>

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

(1) To reflect OMG's acquisition of SCM:

<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C>
a. Recognize over ten years additional depreciation for write-up of property, plant
and equipment to fair value $ 857
b. Add back eliminated goodwill amortization expense 72
c. Recognize over ten years additional amortization for write-up of intangible assets
to estimated fair value 323
d. Amortize over a forty-year period the excess of purchase price of SCM over
estimated fair value of net assets acquired 2,425
e. Recognize additional interest expense due to $124 million increase in consolidated
long-term debt to finance the acquisition and related transaction costs 4,275
f. Record the income tax effect of the previous adjustments assuming a 35% income tax
rate 1,918
g. Pro forma net income per Common Share is computed by dividing net income by the
weighted average number of shares outstanding
</TABLE>

14
<PAGE> 15

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Set forth below are selected historical financial data for OMG as of and
for its last five fiscal years, and selected pro forma financial information for
OMG and SCM combined as of and for their respective 1996 fiscal years. The
selected historical financial data for OMG does not include SCM which was
acquired on January 21, 1997. This information should be read in conjunction
with the consolidated financial statements of OMG and the related notes thereto
included elsewhere in this Prospectus and "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMBINED
OMG PRO FORMA
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, FISCAL YEAR ENDED
-------------------------------------------------- -----------------
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1996

(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA:
Net sales.................... $201.2 $179.5 $251.3 $361.0 $388.0 $ 482.3
Gross profit................. 38.6 45.8 60.6 74.6 84.0 106.2
Selling, general and
administrative expenses.... 20.4 20.7 25.4 30.6 32.6 46.1
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Income from operations....... 18.2 25.1 35.2 44.0 51.4 60.1
Other income (expense)....... 0.6 (2.0) (4.1) (5.5) (7.0) (15.4)
Net income................... $ 12.0 $ 15.4 $ 20.7 $ 25.9 $ 30.0 $ 29.2
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Net income per share......... $ 0.77 $ 0.95 $ 1.09 $ 1.36 $ 1.56 $ 1.52
% Growth................... -- 23.4% 14.7% 24.8% 14.7% --
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total assets................. $172.6 $217.3 $278.0 $358.0 $438.6 $ 589.4
Long-term debt............... 48.5 30.6 46.6 89.8 109.3 233.3
Stockholders' equity......... 80.1 124.9 141.2 161.4 185.3 185.3
OTHER DATA:
Capital expenditures......... $ 7.1 $ 8.7 $ 19.7 $ 31.2 $ 28.1 $ 29.4
Depreciation and
amortization............... 8.2 9.6 10.7 13.7 15.8 20.4
PRODUCTS SOLD:
(millions of pounds)
Carboxylates................. 32.4 32.7 37.0 39.7 43.1 43.1
Salts........................ 29.0 36.3 42.9 46.4 50.7 58.3
Powders...................... 0.8 1.0 1.6 2.4 2.9 36.0
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total...................... 62.2 70.0 81.5 88.5 96.7 137.4
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
</TABLE>

15
<PAGE> 16

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

GENERAL

The primary raw materials used by the Company in manufacturing its products
are cobalt, nickel and copper. The degree of profitability of the Company
depends, in part, on the Company's ability to maintain the differential between
its product prices and raw material prices. Typically, the Company's products
represent a small portion of the customer's total cost of manufacturing or
processing, but are critical to the customer's product performance. Generally,
the Company is able to pass along to its customers increases and decreases in
raw material prices by increasing or decreasing, respectively, the prices of its
products. The timing and amount of such adjustments in its product prices
depends upon the type of product sold and the inventories and market share
positions of the Company and its competitors. The Company's flexibility to
adjust its prices in response to changes in raw material prices is greater with
respect to carboxylates than with salts and powders.

Because certain of the Company's products are sold at a relatively fixed
dollar amount over raw material costs, the Company's percentage gross margins
can increase or decrease with increases or decreases in raw material prices.
When raw material prices increase, percentage gross margins contract.
Conversely, when raw material prices decrease, percentage gross margins expand.
The Company focuses on increasing the dollar amount of its gross profit by
managing its product mix, volumes, selling prices, raw material costs and
operating expenses.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion of results of operations relates to OMG prior to
the acquisition of SCM and should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements of OMG and the notes thereto which are included elsewhere in this
Prospectus.

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995

Net sales for 1996 were $388.0 million, an increase of 7.5% compared to
1995. The increase in sales resulted principally from increases in physical
volume of products sold and from changes in product mix, more than offsetting a
decline in OMG's product prices resulting from decreasing cobalt market prices.

Cobalt market prices ranged from $20 to $32 per pound during 1996 compared
to $27 to $32 per pound during 1995. The market price of nickel ranged from
$2.92 to $3.78 per pound during 1996 compared to $3.17 to $4.57 per pound during
1995.

Pounds of product sold by OMG were approximately 96.7 million pounds during
1996 compared to 88.5 million pounds in 1995. The increase in carboxylate
products sold resulted principally from higher sales in Europe. The increase in
salt products sold resulted principally from higher sales of cobalt-based
products. The increase in powders sold resulted principally from higher sales of
coarse grade powders.

Gross profit increased to $84.0 million in 1996, a 12.6% increase from
1995. The improvement in gross profit was primarily the result of higher
physical volume of cobalt-based products sold. Cost of products sold decreased
to 78.4% of net sales for the year ended 1996 from 79.3% of net sales in 1995
primarily because of lower cobalt market prices.

Selling, general and administrative expenses remained approximately the
same at 8.4% of net sales in 1996 and 1995.

Other expenses were $7.0 million in 1996 compared to $5.5 million in 1995
due primarily to increased interest expense on higher outstanding borrowings,
offset by gains on foreign exchange.

Income taxes as a percentage of income before tax decreased to 32% in 1996
from 33% in 1995 as a greater percentage of total income was earned in Finland,
which has a lower statutory tax rate (28%) than in the United States.

16
<PAGE> 17

Net income for 1996 was $30.0 million, an increase of $4.1 million from
1995, primarily due to the aforementioned factors.

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994

Net sales for 1995 were $361.0 million, an increase of 43.7% compared to
1994. The increase in sales resulted principally from increases in OMG's selling
prices resulting from increasing cobalt market prices, as well as increases in
physical volume of products sold.

Cobalt market prices ranged from $27 to $32 per pound during 1995 compared
to $14 to $30 per pound during 1994. The market price of nickel ranged from
$3.17 to $4.57 per pound during 1995 compared to $2.37 to $4.02 per pound during
1994.

Pounds of product sold by OMG were approximately 88.5 million pounds during
1995 compared to 81.5 million pounds in 1994. The increase in physical volume of
carboxylate products sold resulted primarily from increased sales of PVC heat
stabilizers. The increase in salt products sold resulted primarily from higher
sales of cobalt salts. The increase in powder products sold resulted from
increases in both extra fine and coarse grade powder sales.

Gross profit increased to $74.6 million in 1995, a 23.1% increase from
1994. The improvement in gross profit was primarily the result of higher
physical volume of products sold, a more favorable product mix, and relatively
more stable market prices. Because certain of OMG's products are sold at a
relatively fixed dollar amount over raw material costs, OMG's percentage gross
margin decreased to 20.7% in 1995 from 24.1% in 1994 as cobalt market prices
increased to higher levels in 1995.

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 8.5% of net sales
in 1995 from 10.1% of net sales in 1994. This improvement resulted from higher
overall increases in net sales relative to increases of $5.2 million in expenses
due to higher administrative costs to support OMG's growth in global markets.

Other expenses were $5.5 million in 1995 compared to $4.1 million in 1994
due primarily to increased interest expense on higher outstanding borrowings
offset by lower losses on foreign exchange.

Income taxes as a percentage of income tax remained approximately the same
at 33% in both 1995 and 1994. In 1995, a greater percentage of total income was
earned in Finland, which has a lower statutory tax rate than the United States.
Offsetting this, however, were adjustments of worldwide tax liabilities and a
change in Finland's statutory tax rate to 28% for 1996.

Net income for 1995 was $25.9 million, an increase of $5.2 million from
1994, primarily due to the aforementioned factors.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company has used available cash flow from operations, increased
borrowings, and proceeds from the sale of common stock to finance increases in
working capital and capital expenditures. The Company believes that it will have
sufficient cash generated by operations to provide for its future working
capital and capital expenditure requirements and to pay quarterly cash dividends
on its common stock, subject to the Board's discretion. In February, 1997, the
Board of Directors authorized an increase in quarterly dividends to $0.08 per
share. Subject to several limitations in its revolving credit facilities and its
note purchase agreement, the Company may incur additional borrowings to finance
working capital and certain capital expenditures, including, without limitation,
the purchase of additional raw materials. The Company intends to finance any
future acquisitions and joint ventures through a combination of available cash
flow, borrowings under a credit facility and/or debt or equity offerings.

The Company had higher working capital needs in 1995 and 1996 resulting
from its substantial growth, and for funding advance payments for certain raw
materials.

The Company has ongoing capital expenditure programs to improve its
processing technology and plant and equipment, and to expand capacity to
accommodate its substantial growth. The Company anticipates that capital
spending, exclusive of acquisitions or joint ventures, will approximate $30.0
million per year through 1998.

17
<PAGE> 18

The Company enters into long-term inventory supply arrangements and in 1995
took delivery of and title to 53,000 wet metric tons of cobalt slag at its
Kokkola facilities from a major supplier. The Company was not required to pay
for such slag until used, but has at times made advance payments. During 1996,
the Company took delivery of an additional 80,000 wet metric tons.

In 1994, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement for the
three year period ending December 20, 1997 to convert the variable interest rate
on an aggregate contract amount of $30 million to a fixed rate of 7.28% plus
0.35% to 0.75%. The purpose of entering into the interest rate swap is to
protect the Company from the possibility of higher interest rates on what it
views as base borrowings under its variable rate revolving credit facility.

The Company's revolving credit facility was revised in October, 1996 to
increase its maximum available credit from $60.0 to $120.0 million and expand
its sources of capital by adding two new institutions. The Company increased the
credit facility by $120.0 million in January of 1997 to purchase SCM. The SCM
Loan was used to finance, in part, the SCM purchase price of $122.0 million and
related acquisition expenses of $2.0 million. Proceeds from the Offering will be
used to pay down the SCM Loan. After giving effect to the SCM acquisition and
the Offering, the Company's maximum credit under the credit facility will be
approximately $180.0 million and its available credit at December 31, 1996 would
have been approximately $52.6 million.

Although most of the Company's raw material purchases and product sales are
transacted in U.S. Dollars, liabilities for non-U.S. operating expenses and
income taxes are denominated in local currencies. Accordingly, fluctuations in
currency prices may affect the Company's operating results and net income.
Specifically, when the Finnish Markka weakens against the U.S. dollar, there is
a net favorable effect on the Company due to lower operating expenses and lower
net balance sheet liabilities when translated into U.S. dollars. The reverse is
true when the Finnish Markka strengthens against the U.S. dollar. In order to
partially hedge the balance sheet exposure to fluctuating rates, the Company
enters into forward contracts to purchase Finnish Markka.

BUSINESS
HISTORY

OMG was formed in 1991 to effect the combination of Mooney Chemicals, Inc.,
now known as OMG Americas, Inc. ("OMG Americas"), Kokkola Chemicals Oy ("KCO")
and Vasset, S.A. ("Vasset"), which are long established companies operating in
the United States, Finland and France, respectively. KCO and Vasset were
previously wholly owned subsidiaries of Outokumpu Oy, a Finnish corporation
("Outokumpu Oy"). OMG Americas entered the carboxylates business in 1946 and the
cobalt salts business in 1983. Outokumpu Oy began manufacturing cobalt powders
in 1967. In 1983, a predecessor company of KCO entered the cobalt and
nickel-based salts business and, in 1990, the carboxylates business through the
acquisition of Vasset, an established manufacturer and marketer of organic
compounds of cobalt and other metals used primarily in the tire industry.

This business combination (the "Combination"), which created a company with
an international presence, was designed to take advantage of complementary
technical and manufacturing strengths, market positions, product ranges and raw
material sources. Since the Combination, the Company has achieved the following:

(i) implemented new refining technology to lower raw material costs
and increased physical volumes of products sold, simultaneously
strengthening its position as a supplier of cobalt based specialty
chemicals and as a buyer of cobalt raw materials.

(ii) focused and expanded its regional product strengths
geographically, specifically expanding salts from Europe into the U.S.,
carboxylates from the U.S. into Europe, and salts, carboxylates, and
powders into Asia Pacific.

(iii) introduced new products focused on new applications or market
segments such as PVC heat stabilizers and rechargeable battery chemicals.

(iv) expanded geographic scope and product offerings through joint
ventures and acquisitions.

18
<PAGE> 19

GENERAL

The Company is a leading, vertically integrated, producer and international
marketer of value-added, metal-based specialty chemicals and powders. The
Company applies proprietary technology to a wide variety of raw material
feedstocks to manufacture and market the following three categories of
metal-based specialty chemicals and powders -- carboxylates, inorganic salts and
powders. Carboxylates, salts and powders accounted for approximately 21.0%,
45.0% and 34.0% of the Company's net sales in 1996, respectively. The Company
believes it is the world's leading producer of cobalt carboxylates, cobalt and
nickel specialty inorganic salts and copper powders. The Company also believes
that it is the world's second largest producer of cobalt extra-fine powders.

The Company sells more than 300 specialty chemicals and powders for diverse
applications in more than 25 industries. The Company serves over 1,500 customers
with no single customer accounting for 10% or more of the Company's 1996 net
sales. During 1996, approximately 46% of the Company's net sales were to
customers in the Americas, 35% were to customers in Europe and 19% were to
customers in Asia Pacific. Typically, the Company's products represent a small
portion of the customer's total cost of manufacturing or processing, but are
critical to the customer's product performance.

COMPETITIVE STRENGTHS

The Company benefits from the following competitive strengths:

- LEADING MARKET POSITIONS

- WORLDWIDE PRESENCE

- NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

19
<PAGE> 20

- ADVANCED PRODUCTION CAPABILITY

- RELIABLE SUPPLY

- EXPERIENCED MANAGEMENT

BUSINESS STRATEGIES

The Company believes that additional opportunities for earnings growth are
available through continuing implementation of its principal business
strategies:

- FOCUS ON VALUE-ADDED NICHE MARKETS

The Company continues to focus on value-added niche markets through
continuing emphasis on research and technology and customer solution
engineering. Recent examples include the development of 400 mesh powders for the
diamond tool market and frit grade cobalt oxides for the ceramic frit market.

- EXPAND SALES OF EXISTING PRODUCTS

- TARGET HIGH GROWTH APPLICATIONS

The Company believes that growth opportunities exist for the Company's
cobalt and nickel products incorporated in such end products as rechargeable
batteries and in the Company's barium, calcium and zinc products used to
stabilize both color and strength in flexible PVC. In addition, through its
acquisition of SCM, the Company believes that growth opportunities exist in
stainless steel powders, iron powders, metal pastes and proprietary catalysts.

- STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS AND JOINT VENTURES

20
<PAGE> 21

PRODUCTS AND MARKETS

The following is a discussion of the Company's products and markets,
including SCM.

METAL CARBOXYLATES. The Company believes it is the world's leading
manufacturer and marketer of cobalt carboxylates and produces over 200
carboxylate products. In addition to cobalt products, the Company manufactures
carboxylates using a variety of other metals, including barium, calcium, copper,
manganese, molybdenum, nickel, potassium, zinc, and zirconium. Metal
carboxylates are essential components in numerous complex chemical and
industrial processes, and are used in many end markets, such as coatings, custom
catalysts, liquid detergents, lubricants and fuel additives, plastic
stabilizers, polyester promoters and adhesion promoters for rubber tires.
Examples of specific applications include the use of additives to optimize the
drying process in paints and enamels, fuel additives to improve combustion and
suppress smoke, rubber adhesion promoters to improve the bonding of rubber to
steel-belted tires, and lubricant additives to improve fuel efficiency.

The Company produces metal carboxylates at its manufacturing facilities in
the United States and Europe. Metal carboxylates are sold to customers in the
Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. Sales of metal carboxylates accounted for
approximately $98.9 million, or approximately 21% of the Company's 1996 net
sales. The following table sets forth certain information concerning the
Company's end markets for metal carboxylates and representative attributes:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
END MARKETS ATTRIBUTES
<S> <C>
Coatings...................... Promotes faster drying in such products as house paints,
both exterior and interior, as well as industrial and marine
coatings
Liquid Detergents............. Catalyzes the detergent alcohol found in liquid laundry
soaps
Lubricating Oils.............. Enhances the performance of various lubricating oils used in
automobile engines, generators and mining equipment by
reducing sludge build-up, preventing oxidation under high
pressure and reducing friction
Polyester Resins.............. Accelerates the curing of polyester resins found in
reinforced fiberglass boats, storage tanks, bathrooms,
sports equipment, automobile and truck components
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)...... Mitigates the effect of heat on flexible PVC in such
products as medical tubing, garden hoses, resilient flooring
and shower curtains
Printing Inks................. Promotes faster drying in various printing inks
Tires......................... Promotes bonding of metal-to-rubber in radial tires
</TABLE>

METAL SALTS. The Company believes it is the world's leading manufacturer
and marketer of cobalt and nickel-based specialty salts and produces over 25
products in this category. The Company also produces copper salts. Metal salts
are used in a wide variety of end products including catalysts, colorants,
batteries, petroleum additives, magnetic media, metal finishing agents and a
broad range of chemicals. Salts have several characteristics that make them
essential components in a wide range of industrial and chemical processes. For
example, cobalt oxide is ideal for use as a bonding agent for the underlaying of
enamels and ceramics which require uniform fine powder. Nickel carbonate has the
necessary purity and consistency to make it suitable for electrogalvanizing
steel to prevent corrosion. Copper oxide has properties well suited for
antifouling in marine paint applications.

The Company produces cobalt, nickel and copper salts at its manufacturing
facilities in the United States and Finland for sale to customers in the
Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. Sales of metal salts accounted for

21
<PAGE> 22

approximately $218.9 million, or 45% of the Company's 1996 net sales. The
following table sets forth certain information concerning the Company's end
markets for metal salts and representative attributes:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
END MARKETS ATTRIBUTES
<S> <C>
Ceramics and Glassware........ Provides color for earthenware and glass, pigments, and
facilitates adhesion of porcelain to metal
Household Appliances.......... Enhances metal-glass bonding in a variety of household
appliances
Magnetic Media................ Improves the recording quality of video and audio tapes, as
well as enhances the high screen resolution properties in
television sets
Petrochemical Refining........ Reduces sulfur dioxide and nitrogen emissions
Steel......................... Improves the rust resistance in auto and truck bodies
Synthetic Fibers.............. Improves the efficiency of chemical processes used to
manufacture synthetic fibers
Paints........................ Enhances antifouling in marine paints
</TABLE>

METAL POWDERS. The Company believes it is a leading producer of copper
powders and the world's second largest manufacturer of cobalt extra-fine
powders. The Company also manufactures iron and stainless steel powders. Cobalt
extra-fine powders are among the most technically advanced metal powder
products. High specification metal powders have several important
characteristics that make them essential components in a number of applications.
Cobalt extra-fine powders have very low oxygen levels, thereby avoiding
brittleness, and are used primarily to produce cemented carbides for mining and
machine tools and oil and gas drilling equipment, and diamond tools used in the
construction, quarrying and manufacturing industries as well as other hard metal
applications. Copper powders produce high strength, corrosion resistant, high
performance alloyed materials used in the military and aerospace industries.

The Company produces powders at its manufacturing facilities in Finland and
the United States for sale to customers in the Americas, Europe and Asia
Pacific. Sales of cobalt and copper powders accounted for approximately $164.5
million, or approximately 34% of the Company's 1996 net sales. The following
table sets forth certain information concerning the Company's end markets for
metal powders and representative attributes:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
END MARKETS ATTRIBUTES
<S> <C>
Construction Equipment........ Strengthens and adds durability to diamond cutting and
drilling equipment used in construction and quarrying
Cutting Tools................. Strengthens and adds durability to mining and machine
cutting tools, as well as oil and gas drilling equipment
Rechargeable Batteries........ Improves the electrical conduction of rechargeable batteries
found in cellular phones, video cameras, portable computers
and power tools
Bushings & Bearings........... Enhances performance through porous, self-lubricating bronze
bearings for electric motors and other industrial
applications
Microelectronic............... Reduces the solder bridging and enhances solder joint
strength for circuit boards and brazing
Pressed Metal Parts........... Prevents corrosion in automotive exhaust systems
High-Tech Alloys.............. Strengthens and prevents corrosion of high performance
alloyed materials
</TABLE>

RAW MATERIALS

The primary raw materials used by the Company in manufacturing products are
cobalt, nickel and copper. The cost of raw materials fluctuates due to actual or
perceived changes in supply and demand.

22
<PAGE> 23

Generally, the Company is able to pass through to its customers increases and
decreases in raw material prices by increasing or decreasing, respectively, the
prices of its products. The degree of profitability of the Company depends, in
part, on the Company's ability to maintain the differential between its product
prices and raw material prices.

The following tables set forth the average quarterly per pound prices for
cobalt, nickel and copper for the last five years.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Measurement Period
(Fiscal Year Covered) Cobalt - Price/lb
<S> <C>
1Q 1992 29.50
2Q 1992 26.50
3Q 1992 20.25
4Q 1992 20.50
1Q 1993 15.75
2Q 1993 14.75
3Q 1993 12.50
4Q 1993 13.00
1Q 1994 20.50
2Q 1994 24.50
3Q 1994 24.00
4Q 1994 32.25
1Q 1995 29.75
2Q 1995 28.00
3Q 1995 28.00
4Q 1995 31.75
1Q 1996 31.00
2Q 1996 27.00
3Q 1996 22.50
4Q 1996 22.25
</TABLE>
Source: Metals Bulletin

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Measurement Period
(Fiscal Year Covered) Nickel - Price/lb
<S> <C>
1Q 1992 3.47
2Q 1992 3.30
3Q 1992 3.27
4Q 1992 2.75
1Q 1993 2.75
2Q 1993 2.60
3Q 1993 2.20
4Q 1993 2.15
1Q 1994 2.65
2Q 1994 2.70
3Q 1994 2.80
4Q 1994 3.45
1Q 1995 3.95
2Q 1995 3.40
3Q 1995 3.90
4Q 1995 3.80
1Q 1996 3.70
2Q 1996 3.70
3Q 1996 3.35
4Q 1996 3.15
</TABLE>
Source: London Metal Exchange

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Measurement Period
(Fiscal Year Covered) Copper - Price/lb
<S> <C>
1Q 1992 1.0
2Q 1992 1.02
3Q 1992 1.12
4Q 1992 .98
1Q 1993 .98
2Q 1993 .84
3Q 1993 .84
4Q 1993 .74
1Q 1994 .88
2Q 1994 .98
3Q 1994 1.04
4Q 1994 1.28
1Q 1995 1.36
2Q 1995 1.32
3Q 1995 1.34
4Q 1995 1.32
1Q 1996 1.16
2Q 1996 1.14
3Q 1996 .92
4Q 1996 .99
</TABLE>
Source: Commodity Exchange Inc.

RESEARCH
AND
DEVELOPMENT

The Company's research and new product development program is an integral
part of its business. Research and development focuses on adapting proprietary
technologies to develop new products and working with customers to meet their
specific requirements. New products introduced since 1991 represented
approximately 10% of the Company's 1996 net sales. Research and development
expenses for OMG on a historical basis were approximately $2.8 million, $3.4
million, and $3.8 million for 1994, 1995, and 1996, respectively. The Company's
pro forma research and development expenses were approximately $5.8 million for
1996.

The Company's research staff of 52 persons conducts carboxylate, metal
salts and powders research and development at the Company's laboratories located
in Cleveland, Ohio; Research Triangle Park, North Carolina; and Kokkola,
Finland. The Company also maintains a research agreement with Outokumpu Research
Oy.

PATENTS

The Company holds 112 patents related to the manufacturing, processing and
use of metallo-organic and metal-based compounds. In addition, the Company has
the right to use, and in certain instances license and sell, technology covered
by 16 patents in the areas of hydrometallurgical processes, solvent extraction,
agitators and metal powders. The Company does not consider any single patent or
trademark to be material to its business as a whole.

23
<PAGE> 24

MARKETING AND SALES

The Company conducts its U.S. marketing and sales from its offices in
Cleveland, Ohio and Research Triangle Park, North Carolina and its marketing and
sales in Europe and Asia Pacific through the Company's subsidiaries, OMG Europe
GmbH and OMG Asia Pacific Co., Ltd. in Dusseldorf, Germany and Taipei, Taiwan,
respectively. The Company's sales group consists of 36 employees, who are
responsible for certain industry and geographic segments. The Company has 110
independent sales and marketing agents worldwide.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

Since 1970, a wide variety of environmental laws and regulations have been
adopted by the United States and by foreign, state and local governments which
continue to be amended and supplemented. The Company is subject to these laws
and regulations as a result of its operations and use of certain substances that
are, or have been, used, produced or discharged at or by the Company's plants.
In addition, soil and/or groundwater contamination presently exists and may in
the future be discovered at levels which require remediation under environmental
laws at properties now or previously owned, operated or used by the Company.

Annual environmental compliance costs and capital expenditures were
approximately $2.0 million and $1.5 million, respectively, for 1996. Such
ongoing expenses include costs relating to waste water analysis and disposal,
hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste analysis and disposal, sea water
control, air emissions controls, soil and groundwater clean-up and monitoring
and related staff costs. The Company anticipates that it will continue to incur
costs and make expenditures at moderately increasing levels for the foreseeable
future in light of the Company's recent acquisition of SCM, the fact that
environmental laws and regulations are becoming increasingly stringent, and the
likely lowering of permissible discharge limits.

Due to the ongoing development and understanding of facts and remedial
options and due to the possibility of unanticipated regulatory developments, the
amount and timing of future environmental expenditures could vary significantly
from those currently anticipated. Although it is difficult to quantify the
potential impact of compliance with or liability under environmental protection
laws, based on presently available information, the Company believes that the
ultimate aggregate cost to the Company of environmental remediation, as well as
other legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business, will not
result in a material adverse effect upon its financial condition or results of
operations.

EMPLOYEES

At January 31, 1997, the Company had 703 full-time employees of which 451
were located in the United States, 209 in Finland, 36 in Western Europe and 7 in
Taiwan. Employees at the Company's facilities in Research Triangle Park, North
Carolina; Franklin, Pennsylvania; St. George, Utah; and Ezanville, France are
non-unionized. Employees at the Company's facilities in Kokkola, Finland are
members of several national workers' unions under various union agreements.
Generally, such union agreements have two-year terms. Employees at the
Johnstown, Pennsylvania facility are members of the United Steelworkers Union.
The Johnstown union agreement has a term of 5 years expiring in June of 1998.
The Company believes relations with its employees are good.

PROPERTIES

The Company believes that its plants and facilities, which are of varying
ages and of different construction types, have been satisfactorily maintained,
are in good condition, are suitable for the Company's operations and generally
provide sufficient capacity to meet the Company's production requirements. The
Company's manufacturing plants have all received ISO 9002 certification. The
land on which the Kokkola plant is located is leased with a remaining term of 94
years. The land on which the St. George, Utah plant is located is leased with a
remaining term, including options, of 48 years. Otherwise, the real properties
comprising the Company's manufacturing facilities are owned by the Company. The
principal executive offices of the Company are located at 50 Public Square, 3800
Terminal Tower, Cleveland, Ohio and the telephone number for such offices is
(216) 781-0083.

24
<PAGE> 25

The Company's Kokkola, Finland production facility is situated on property
owned by Outokumpu Zinc Oy. KCO and Outokumpu Zinc Oy share certain physical
facilities, services and utilities under agreements with varying expiration
dates. General property and administrative services are provided under a service
agreement, which expires in 1998, but are priced separately and subject to
yearly renegotiation in anticipation of phasing out Outokumpu Zinc's role as a
service provider. Utilities and raw material purchase assistance contracts
provide that KCO jointly purchase with, or pay a fee to, affiliates of Outokumpu
Oy for assistance in negotiating contracts and securing bulk quantity discounts.

Certain information regarding the Company's offices and research and
product development and manufacturing facilities is set forth below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APPROXIMATE LEASED/
LOCATION(1) FACILITY FUNCTION SQUARE FEET OWNED
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cleveland, Ohio Corporate headquarters 5,800 leased
Research and development facility 11,400 leased
Americas marketing and administration offices 14,800 leased
Dusseldorf, Germany European marketing and administration offices 3,800 leased
Taipei, Taiwan Asia Pacific marketing and administration offices 1,500 leased
Franklin, Pennsylvania Manufactures carboxylates and salts 220,000 owned
St. George, Utah Manufactures salts 37,000 leased
Kokkola, Finland Manufactures carboxylates, salts and powders 400,000 leased
Ezanville, France Manufactures carboxylates 50,000 owned
Johnstown, Pennsylvania Manufactures powders 137,700 owned
Research Triangle Park, N.C. Manufactures powders 132,300 owned
Marketing and administration offices
</TABLE>

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

(1) Does not include facilities owned or leased by the Company's Asia Pacific
joint ventures.

25
<PAGE> 26

ACQUISITION OF SCM

On January 21, 1997, the Company acquired SCM, one of the world's leading
producers of metal-based specialty powders and chemicals -- principally
specialty powders made from copper, iron and stainless steel.

Set forth below are selected financial information for SCM for its fiscal
year ended September 28, 1996 and the three months ended December 30, 1995 and
December 28, 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 28, DECEMBER 30, DECEMBER 28,
----------------- -------------- --------------
1996 1995 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(UNAUDITED)

(IN THOUSANDS)
Statement of Income Data:
Net Sales................................. $94,279 $ 23,557 $ 22,857
Gross profit.............................. 23,027 5,913 6,143
Selling, general and administrative
expenses............................... 10,765 2,813 2,580
------------- ----------- -----------
Income from operations.................... 12,262 3,100 3,563
Interest expense.......................... (4,095) (1,170) (975)
Net income................................ $ 5,030 $ 1,210 $ 1,614
============= =========== ===========
Balance Sheet Data:
Total assets.............................. $45,700 $ 42,198 $ 44,984
</TABLE>

SCM serves over 35 niche markets, primarily within the automotive,
electronics, transportation, and catalyst industries. It offers significant
growth opportunities through geographic expansion, cross-selling opportunities
and new product development. Through SCM, the Company plans to enter new niche
markets and leverage its core technology in specialty chemicals and powders. The
following are examples of products and markets offering opportunity for growth:

- Stainless steel powders used to fabricate metal parts such as exhaust
flanges for automobiles;

- Electrolytic iron powders used in specialty applications where
performance is critical;

- Copper catalysts used for the production of silanes in the silicone
industry which has been operating at near capacity levels and is
expanding;

- Solder pastes used in the electronics industry and in cellular phones,
personal computers, laptop/notebook computers, and supporting devices.

SCM is a global supplier with manufacturing facilities located in Research
Triangle Park, North Carolina; Johnstown, Pennsylvania; and Singapore (as part
of a 70% owned joint venture). SCM's sales and administrative activities are
headquartered at its Research Triangle Park facility.

26
<PAGE> 27

MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth, as of February 28, 1997, certain
information regarding the Company's directors, executive officers and certain
other significant employees of the Company.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
- ---------------------------- --- ---------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
James P. Mooney............. 49 Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Eugene Bak.................. 63 Director, President and Chief Operating Officer
Lee R. Brodeur.............. 68 Director
Frank Butler................ 61 Director
Thomas R. Miklich........... 49 Director
John E. Mooney.............. 46 Director
Markku Toivanen............. 56 Director
James M. Materna............ 51 Chief Financial Officer
Thomas E. Fleming........... 51 President, OMG Americas, Inc.
Kari Muuraiskangas.......... 52 President, OMG Europe GmbH
J.R. Hwang.................. 48 President, OMG Asia Pacific Co., Ltd.
Antti Aaltonen.............. 49 President, OMG Kokkola Chemicals Oy
Michael J. Scott............ 46 Vice President, Human Resources, General Counsel and Secretary
H. Burnham Tinker........... 57 Vice President, Corporate Development
John R. Holtzhauser......... 40 Corporate Controller
Terry Guckes................ 47 Vice President, Planning and Development
</TABLE>

JAMES P. MOONEY is Chairman of the Board and has been a director and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company since 1991. From 1991 to 1994, Mr. Mooney was
President of the Company. From 1979 to 1991, Mr. Mooney was President and Chief
Executive Officer of Mooney Chemicals, Inc. Mr. Mooney received a B.A. degree in
history from Quincy University, where he is a member of the Board of Trustees.
Mr. Mooney is also a member of the Board of Directors of Brush Wellman Inc. Mr.
Mooney is John E. Mooney's brother.

EUGENE BAK has been President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company
since 1994. From 1992 to 1994, Mr. Bak was President of Mooney Chemicals, Inc.
From 1970 to 1992, Mr. Bak held various management positions at Mooney
Chemicals, Inc., including Vice President of Operations and Manager of the
Company's Franklin, Pennsylvania, facility. Mr. Bak received a B.S. in chemical
engineering from Ohio State University and an M.B.A. from Seton Hall University.

LEE R. BRODEUR has been a director of the Company since 1991 and a director
of Mooney Chemicals, Inc. since 1987. Mr. Brodeur was employed by the Firestone
Tire & Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio from 1951 until his retirement as President
and Chief Operating Officer of that company in 1986.

FRANK BUTLER has been a director of the Company since 1996. He has been the
President and General Manager of the Coatings Division of The Sherwin Williams
Company since 1992 and has held several other management positions with The
Sherwin Williams Company since 1966. Mr. Butler received a B.S. degree in
Chemistry from Kansas State University and a M.S. degree in Chemistry from Iowa
State University.

THOMAS R. MIKLICH has been a director of the Company since 1993. Mr.
Miklich has been employed by Invacare Corporation as Chief Financial Officer
since 1993. Prior to joining Invacare, Mr. Miklich was Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and a Director of Van Dorn Company. For 22 years prior
to that, Mr. Miklich was employed with The Sherwin Williams Company where he
held several financial positions, culminating as their Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer.

JOHN E. MOONEY was appointed as a director of the Company in November,
1995, to fill a vacancy. For the past 10 years, Mr. Mooney has been President of
Sachem, Inc., a specialty chemical manufacturer. Prior to that time, he was the
Vice President of Finance and Procurement for Mooney Chemicals, Inc. Mr. Mooney
received a B.A. in Economics from the University of Toronto. Mr. Mooney is James
P. Mooney's brother.

27
<PAGE> 28

MARKKU TOIVANEN has been a director of the Company since 1991. Since 1993,
Mr. Toivanen has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Outokumpu
Metals & Resources Oy. From 1992 to 1993, Mr. Toivanen served as OMR's Executive
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. From 1991 to 1992, Mr. Toivanen
served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Outokumpu Mines Ltd. (Canada),
a wholly owned subsidiary of Outokumpu Oy. Mr. Toivanen and Antti Aaltonen, Vice
President of Operations for Kokkola Chemicals Oy, are brothers-in-law.

JAMES M. MATERNA has been the Company's chief financial officer since 1992.
Prior to such time, he was a principal in Ashley Management, a financial
management services and private investment firm for six years. From 1981 to
1986, Mr. Materna was a partner with the accounting firm of KPMG Peat Marwick in
New York and Cleveland. Mr. Materna received a B.S. degree in chemical
engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, and an M.B.A. degree from the
Graduate School of Business of Stanford University. Mr. Materna is a certified
public accountant.

THOMAS E. FLEMING has been President of OMG Americas, Inc. since 1994.
Prior to that, he served as Mooney Chemical, Inc.'s Vice President of Marketing
for seven years. From 1968 to 1987, Mr. Fleming held various positions with
Mooney Chemical, Inc. including national accounts manager, industry manager and
national sales manager. Mr. Fleming received a B.B.A. degree in marketing from
Cleveland State University.

KARI MUURAISKANGAS has been the President of OMG Europe GmbH since 1992.
From 1970 to 1992, Mr. Muuraiskangas was employed by Outokumpu Oy and its
subsidiary companies in various production and marketing capacities. From 1986
to 1989 he served as President of Outokumpu Japan KK, a wholly owned subsidiary
of Outokumpu Oy. Mr. Muuraiskangas received an M.S. degree from Tempere
University, Finland in 1969.

J.R. HWANG has been the President of OMG Asia Pacific Co., Ltd. since 1994.
Prior to that, he held various positions with Amax Extractive Research &
Development, Inc. and the Hall Chemical Company where he served as the director
of Far East operations. Dr. Hwang earned a bachelor's degree in metallurgical
engineering and materials science from National Cheng-Kung University, Taiwan, a
master's degree and Ph.D. from Stanford University and an M.B.A. from the
Weatherhead School of Management of Case Western Reserve University.

ANTTI AALTONEN has been President of OMG Kokkola since 1996 and prior to
that was KCO's Vice President of Operations for four years. Mr. Aaltonen was
appointed project manager for the design and construction of the Kokkola plant
in 1977. He was appointed the first production manager for the facility in 1982
and subsequently became development manager. Mr. Toivanen and Mr. Aaltonen are
brothers-in-law.

MICHAEL J. SCOTT has been Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of
the Company since 1995. Prior to that, Mr. Scott was General Counsel and
Secretary. Mr. Scott has a B.A. from Hamilton College and a J.D. from the
Cleveland State University, John Marshall College of Law.

H. BURNHAM TINKER has been the Vice President of Corporate Development
since 1994. Prior to that, Dr. Tinker served as MCI's Vice President of Research
and Development for four years. From 1983 to 1991, Dr. Tinker was the technical
director of Mooney Chemicals, Inc. From 1966 to 1980, Dr. Tinker worked in
various research and management capacities at Monsanto Company, a chemical
company. Dr. Tinker received a B.S. degree in chemistry from St. Louis
University and a Ph.D. degree in inorganic chemistry from the University of
Chicago.

JOHN R. HOLTZHAUSER has been the Corporate Controller since 1993. From 1986
to 1992 Mr. Holtzhauser was the Controller of Mooney Chemicals, Inc. Mr.
Holtzhauser received a B.B.A. degree in accounting from Cleveland State
University and an M.B.A. degree from the Weatherhead School of Management of
Case Western Reserve University.

28
<PAGE> 29

TERRY GUCKES has been Vice President of Planning and Development of the
Company since 1995. From 1988 to 1995, Dr. Guckes worked for The Lubrizol
Corporation as a Vice President of Lubrizol Enterprises, the venture capital arm
of Lubrizol, and then as Vice President of the Strategic Planning and Investment
Division. From 1986 to 1988, Dr. Guckes led the area of commercial development
of new products in the automotive area for W. R. Grace. From 1974 to 1986, Dr.
Guckes held various positions with the Exxon Corporation in venture capital,
chemicals, refinery engineering and production. Dr. Guckes received a B.Sc.E. in
Chemical Engineering from Princeton University, a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering
from the University of Wisconsin in 1974, and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School
of Business in 1984.

29
<PAGE> 30

UNDERWRITING

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement, the
Underwriters named below have severally agreed to purchase from the Company, and
the Company has agreed to sell to them, the following respective number of
shares of Common Stock at the offering price less the underwriting discounts and
commissions set forth on the cover of this Prospectus.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNDERWRITERS NUMBER OF SHARES
<S> <C>
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation.................. 1,179,000
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated............................................ 1,179,000
First Analysis Securities Corporation................................ 262,000
ABN Amro Securities (USA) Inc........................................ 40,000
Goldman, Sachs & Co.................................................. 40,000
Lehman Brothers Inc.................................................. 40,000
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated.................................... 40,000
NatWest Securities Corporation....................................... 40,000
Schroder Wertheim & Co. Incorporated................................. 40,000
McDonald & Company Securities, Inc................................... 40,000
William Blair & Company, L.L.C....................................... 20,000
EVEREN Securities, Inc............................................... 20,000
Ingalls & Snyder..................................................... 20,000
Janney Montgomery Scott Inc.......................................... 20,000
The Ohio Company..................................................... 20,000
---------
Total........................................................... 3,000,000
=========
</TABLE>

The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the several
Underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the shares of Common Stock
offered hereby are subject to approval of certain legal matters by their counsel
and to certain other conditions. The Underwriters are obligated to take and pay
for all the shares of Common Stock offered hereby (other than those covered by
the over-allotment option described below) if any of such shares of Common Stock
are taken.

The Company has been advised by the Underwriters that they propose to offer
the shares of Common Stock to the public at the offering price set forth on the
cover of this Prospectus and to certain dealers at such price, less a concession
not in excess of $0.81 per share. The Underwriters may allow, and such dealers
may re-allow, a concession not in excess of $0.10 per share to certain other
dealers. After the initial offering, the offering price and other selling terms
may be changed by the Underwriters. The Company has granted to the Underwriters
an option, exercisable not later than 30 calendar days from the date of this
Prospectus, to purchase up to 450,000 additional shares of Common Stock at the
same price per share as the Company receives for the other shares that the
Underwriters have agreed to purchase.

To the extent that the Underwriters exercise such option to purchase up to
a total of 450,000 shares of Common Stock, each of the Underwriters will have a
firm commitment to purchase approximately the same percentage thereof that the
number of shares of Common Stock to be purchased by it shown in the above table
bears to the total number of shares of Common Stock shown in the above table,
and the Company will be obligated, pursuant to the option, to sell such Common
Stock to the Underwriters. The Underwriters may exercise such option only to
cover over-allotments made in connection with the sale of the Common Stock
offered hereby.

The Underwriting Agreement contains covenants of indemnity among the
Underwriters and the Company against certain civil liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act.

The Company has agreed that it will not, and shall cause each director and
executive officer of the Company to agree that such person will not, without the
prior written consent of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation,
(x) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to
purchase, purchase

30
<PAGE> 31

any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase
or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of
Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable
for Common Stock, or (y) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers
all or a portion of the economic consequences associated with the ownership of
the Common Stock (regardless of whether any of the transactions described in
clause (x) or (y) of this paragraph is to be settled by the delivery of Common
Stock, or such other securities, in cash or otherwise), for a period of 90 days
after the date of the Underwriting Agreement, other than (i) the shares of
Common Stock offered hereby, and (ii) the Company may issue any shares of Common
Stock sold upon the exercise of an option or warrant or Right (as defined), or
the conversion of a security outstanding on the date hereof or pursuant to any
employee stock option or other benefit plan in existence on the date hereof, or
pursuant to the Company's Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan or the
Stockholders Rights Agreement. During the 90-day restricted period, (i) the
Company agrees not to file any registration statement with respect to, and (ii)
the directors and executive officers agree not to make any demand for or
exercise any right with respect to the registration of any shares of Common
Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for
Common Stock without the prior written consent of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
Securities Corporation.

Due to the repayment of borrowings under the SCM Loan, certain affiliates
of members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. participating
in the distribution will receive more than 10% of the net proceeds of the
Offering.

Certain of the Underwriters have provided from time to time, and are
expected to provide in the future, investment banking services to the Company
and certain of their affiliates for which such Underwriters have received and
will receive customary fees and commissions.

In connection with the Offering, the Underwriters may engage in
transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the
Common Stock. Specifically, the Underwriters may over-allot the Offering,
creating a syndicate short position. The Underwriters may bid for and purchase
shares of Common Stock in the open market to cover syndicate short positions. In
addition, the Underwriters may bid for and purchase shares of Common Stock in
the open market to stabilize the price of the Common Stock. These activities may
stabilize or maintain the market price of the Common Stock above independent
market levels. The Underwriters are not required to engage in these activities,
and may end any of these activities at any time.

LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters in connection with the Common Stock offered hereby
are being passed upon for the Company by Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P. and
for the Underwriters by Davis Polk & Wardwell.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of OM Group, Inc. at December 31,
1996 and 1995, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1996, and the financial statements of SCM Metal Products, Inc. for the year
ended September 28, 1996, appearing or incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus and Registration Statement in which this Prospectus is included, have
been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their
reports thereon appearing elsewhere herein and in the Registration Statement or
incorporated by reference. Such financial statements have been included herein
or incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports given upon the
authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

31
<PAGE> 32

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors...................... F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets............................................ F-3
Statements of Consolidated Income...................................... F-4
Statements of Consolidated Stockholders' Equity........................ F-5
Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows.................................. F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............................. F-7
</TABLE>

F-1
<PAGE> 33

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OM GROUP, INC.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of OM Group,
Inc. as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements
of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1996. 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 financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of OM Group, Inc.
at December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the consolidated results of its operations
and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Cleveland, Ohio
January 30, 1997

F-2
<PAGE> 34

OM GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
---------------------
1995 1996
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents............................................ $ 9,098 $ 7,818
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $194 in 1995 and $210 in
1996.............................................................. 71,959 60,054
Inventories.......................................................... 139,067 195,050
Other current assets................................................. 13,817 8,245
-------- --------
Total current assets......................................... 233,941 271,167
Property, plant and equipment:
Land................................................................. 331 467
Buildings and improvements........................................... 33,607 40,569
Machinery and equipment.............................................. 102,576 122,695
Furniture and fixtures............................................... 3,427 4,074
-------- --------
139,941 167,805
Less accumulated depreciation................................ 42,661 57,184
-------- --------
97,280 110,621
Other assets:
Unprocessed inventory................................................ 27,499
Goodwill and other intangible assets, less accumulated amortization
of $4,088 in 1995 and $4,967 in 1996.............................. 23,842 23,036
Other assets......................................................... 2,979 6,310
-------- --------
Total assets................................................. $358,042 $438,633
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt.................................... $ 5,263 $ 3,586
Accounts payable..................................................... 61,917 77,330
Accrued income taxes................................................. 9,484 2,753
Other accrued expenses............................................... 10,282 13,637
-------- --------
Total current liabilities.................................... 86,946 97,306
Long-term debt......................................................... 89,845 109,295
Contract payable....................................................... 27,499
Deferred income taxes.................................................. 18,597 17,773
Other long-term liabilities............................................ 1,226 1,438
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value:
Authorized 2,000,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding
Common stock, $.01 par value:
Authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued 18,759,346 shares............ 125 188
Capital in excess of par value....................................... 102,088 102,125
Retained earnings.................................................... 61,763 86,345
Treasury stock (129,168 shares in 1995 and 141,432 shares in 1996, at
cost)............................................................. (2,512) (3,095)
Foreign currency translation adjustments............................. (36) (241)
-------- --------
Total stockholders' equity................................... 161,428 185,322
-------- --------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity................... $358,042 $438,633
======== ========
</TABLE>

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-3
<PAGE> 35

OM GROUP, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE
DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales.................................................. $251,275 $360,959 $387,999
Cost of products sold...................................... 190,701 286,396 304,025
-------- -------- --------
60,574 74,563 83,974
Selling, general and administrative expenses............... 25,413 30,594 32,553
-------- -------- --------
Income from operations........................... 35,161 43,969 51,421
Other income (expense)
Interest expense......................................... (3,150) (5,516) (7,485)
Interest income.......................................... 366 398 244
Foreign exchange (loss) gain............................. (1,349) (333) 223
-------- -------- --------
(4,133) (5,451) (7,018)
-------- -------- --------
Income before income taxes................................. 31,028 38,518 44,403
Income taxes............................................... 10,286 12,585 14,356
-------- -------- --------
Net income....................................... $ 20,742 $ 25,933 $ 30,047
-------- -------- --------
Net income per share............................. $ 1.09 $ 1.36 $ 1.56
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-4
<PAGE> 36

OM GROUP, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOREIGN
CAPITAL IN CURRENCY
COMMON EXCESS OF RETAINED TREASURY TRANSLATION
STOCK PAR VALUE EARNINGS STOCK ADJUSTMENTS TOTAL
------ ---------- -------- -------- ----------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at January 1, 1994....... $125 $ 102,088 $ 23,058 $(389) $124,882
Net income....................... 20,742 20,742
Translation adjustment........... 205 205
Dividends paid................... (3,496) (3,496)
Treasury stock purchased......... $ (1,158) (1,158)
---- -------- ------- ------- ----- --------
Balance at December 31, 1994..... 125 102,088 40,304 (1,158) (184) 141,175
Net income....................... 25,933 25,933
Translation adjustment........... 148 148
Dividends paid................... (4,474) (4,474)
Treasury stock purchased......... (1,354) (1,354)
---- -------- ------- ------- ----- --------
Balance at December 31, 1995..... 125 102,088 61,763 (2,512) (36) 161,428
Net income....................... 30,047 30,047
Non-employee directors'
compensation................... 100 100
Translation adjustment........... (205) (205)
Dividends paid................... (5,465) (5,465)
Treasury stock purchased......... (583) (583)
Three-for-two stock split........ 63 (63) 0
---- -------- ------- ------- ----- --------
Balance at December 31, 1996..... $188 $ 102,125 $ 86,345 $ (3,095) $(241) $185,322
==== ======== ======= ======= ===== ========
</TABLE>

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-5
<PAGE> 37

OM GROUP, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Operating activities
Net income............................................... $ 20,742 $ 25,933 $ 30,047
Items not affecting cash:
Depreciation and amortization......................... 10,689 13,734 15,814
Foreign exchange loss (gain).......................... 1,349 333 (223)
Deferred income taxes................................. 2,962 1,552 7,841
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable................................... (21,401) (25,336) 11,905
Inventories........................................... (48,635) (14,081) (83,482)
Accounts payable and other accruals................... 41,338 7,342 34,765
Other................................................. (1,181) (5,833) (851)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities.................. 5,863 3,644 15,816
Investing activities
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment, net...... (19,674) (31,215) (28,129)
Acquisitions of businesses............................... (14,511) (395)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities...................... (19,674) (45,726) (28,524)
Financing activities
Dividend payments........................................ (3,496) (4,474) (5,465)
Long-term borrowings..................................... 18,000 94,418 33,364
Payments of long-term debt............................... (2,000) (46,021) (15,591)
Purchase of treasury stock............................... (1,158) (1,354) (583)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by financing activities.................. 11,346 42,569 11,725
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash.................... 47 19 (297)
-------- -------- --------
Increase (decrease) in cash................................ (2,418) 506 (1,280)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year............. 11,010 8,592 9,098
-------- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year................... $ 8,592 $ 9,098 $ 7,818
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-6
<PAGE> 38

OM GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

A. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Organization and Consolidation

OM Group, Inc. (the Company) and its operating subsidiaries manufacture and
sell metal carboxylates, salts, and powders that are primarily derived from
cobalt and nickel. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market and are principally
valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment is recorded at historical cost less
accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of plant and equipment is provided by the
straight-line method over the useful lives of the various classes of assets.
Long-lived assets are assessed for impairment when operating profits for the
related business indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

Research and Development

Selling, general and administrative expenses include research and
development costs of $2,791, $3,413 and $3,756 in 1994, 1995 and 1996,
respectively.

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes are provided to recognize the effect of temporary
differences between financial and tax reporting arising principally from
different depreciation methods and inventory reserves. Deferred income taxes are
not provided for undistributed earnings of foreign consolidated subsidiaries, to
the extent such earnings are reinvested for an indefinite period of time.

Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currency for the Company's Kokkola, Finland subsidiary is
the U.S. dollar since a majority of its purchases and sales are denominated in
U.S. dollars and it holds a significant intercompany note payable, denominated
in U.S. dollars. Accordingly, foreign exchange gains and losses related to
assets, liabilities and transactions which are denominated in other currencies
(principally the Finnish Markka) are included in results of operations. The
Company enters into forward contracts to partially hedge its balance sheet
exposure to the Finnish Markka, and accordingly, gains or losses related to the
forward contracts are included in results of operations.

The functional currency for the Company's other subsidiaries outside of the
United States is the applicable local currency. For those operations, financial
statements are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates as to
assets and liabilities and weighted average exchange rates as to revenues and
expenses. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of
stockholders' equity.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill and other intangibles represent principally the excess of the
acquisition purchase price of businesses acquired over the fair market value of
the net tangible assets acquired. These intangible assets are

F-7
<PAGE> 39

OM GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED

being amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective useful lives
(fifteen to forty years). Goodwill is assessed for impairment when operating
profits for the related business indicate that the carrying value may not be
recoverable.

Cash Equivalents

For purposes of the statements of cash flows, all highly liquid investments
with a maturity of three months or less when purchased are considered to be cash
equivalents.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share are computed based on weighted average shares
outstanding and the dilutive effect of stock options outstanding as discussed in
Note F.

Stock Options and Compensation Plans

The Company grants stock options for a fixed number of shares to certain
employees with an exercise price equal to the fair value of the shares at the
date of grant and accounts for stock options using the intrinsic value method.
Accordingly, compensation expense is not recognized for the stock option grants.

Beginning in 1995, non-employee members of the Board of Directors were
eligible to receive their annual retainer in the form of cash, stock options, or
restricted stock. Directors may purchase stock options for a price equal to the
difference between the exercise price (75% of fair market value on date of
grant) and the fair market value per share. Restricted shares may be purchased
at a price equal to fair market value per share. Also, directors electing to
receive restricted stock receive additional restricted stock equal to 5% of
their applied cash compensation. Accordingly, compensation expense is recognized
for stock option and restricted share grants elected by eligible directors.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions in certain circumstances that affect the amounts reported in the
accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes. Actual results could
differ from these estimates.

B. INVENTORIES

Current inventories consist of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
---------------------
1995 1996
<S> <C> <C>
Raw materials and supplies................................... $ 99,853 $116,389
Finished goods............................................... 74,715 87,980
-------- --------
174,568 204,369
LIFO reserve................................................. (35,501) (9,319)
-------- --------
Total inventories............................................ $139,067 $195,050
======== ========
</TABLE>

Unprocessed inventory represents cobalt slag feedstock. A twelve-month
supply of the cobalt slag feedstock is included in inventory; the remainder of
the slag is classified as non-current unprocessed inventory. The cost of the
cobalt obtained is based upon prevailing market prices.

F-8
<PAGE> 40

OM GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED

C. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Long-term debt consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------
1995 1996
<S> <C> <C>
Notes payable to banks........................................ $56,000 $ 79,000
Notes payable to insurance companies.......................... 30,000 30,000
Business acquisition debt..................................... 8,510 3,447
Other......................................................... 598 434
------- --------
95,108 112,881
Less: Current portion......................................... 5,263 3,586
------- --------
Total long-term debt.......................................... $89,845 $109,295
======= ========
</TABLE>

At December 31, 1996, the Company had a $120 million revolving credit
facility with a group of banks, with variable interest rates based upon either
the agent bank's rate or LIBOR plus a .35% to .75% margin, at the Company's
option. Under the credit agreement, the Company must exceed a minimum predefined
working capital ratio and meet certain funded debt ratios. There are also
covenants which restrict the dividend paying and borrowing capability of the
Company.

In connection with the acquisition of SCM (as described further in Note I),
the Company's revolving credit facility, which expires in 2002, was further
expanded to $240 million in January, 1997, with a $10 million sublimit for
letters of credit.

The Company has an interest rate swap agreement to convert the variable
interest rates on an aggregate contract amount of $30 million to a fixed rate of
7.28% plus .35% to .75% for a three year period ending December 20, 1997. The
combined effective rate of the Company's bank borrowings and the related swap
agreement was approximately 7.1% at December 31, 1996. The net interest paid or
received on the interest rate swap is included in interest expense. The
counterparties to the interest rate swap are international commercial banks. At
December 31, 1996, the fair value of the interest rate swap based upon current
settlement prices approximated $471 payable.

During 1995, the Company borrowed $30 million from a group of insurance
companies through a private placement. The borrowings bear interest at 7.38% and
are due August 30, 2005. Under the terms of the note purchase agreement, the
Company must meet certain interest coverage and funded debt ratios. There are
also covenants which restrict the dividend paying and borrowing capability of
the Company.

In connection with several business acquisitions during 1995, the Company
issued notes payable with a combined effective rate of 8.9%. The balance on
these notes is due in 1997.

Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt for the five years following
December 31, 1996 are as follows: 1997 -- $3,586; 1998 -- $148; 1999 -- $147; $0
in 2000 and $0 in 2001. Interest paid was $3,056, $4,454 and $7,056 for the
years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively. At December 31,
1996, the carrying value of the Company's debt approximated its fair value.

The Company enters into forward contracts to purchase Finnish Markka to
partially hedge its balance sheet exposure to rate fluctuations between the
Finnish Markka and the U.S. Dollar. At December 31, 1996, the fair value of the
forward contracts, based on the current settlement price, approximated $220
payable, which was recorded in results of operations.

F-9
<PAGE> 41

OM GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED

D. INCOME TAXES

Income before income taxes consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
United States........................................ $ 9,022 $ 4,654 $ 1,384
Outside the United States............................ 22,006 33,864 43,019
------- ------- -------
$31,028 $38,518 $44,403
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>

Income taxes are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current:
United States:
Federal......................................... $ 2,508 $ 2,158 $ 923
State and local................................. 604 85 258
Outside the United States.......................... 4,212 8,790 5,334
------- ------- -------
7,324 11,033 6,515
Deferred:
United States...................................... 914 949 644
Outside the United States.......................... 2,048 603 7,197
------- ------- -------
2,962 1,552 7,841
------- ------- -------
$10,286 $12,585 $14,356
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>

Significant components of the Company's deferred income taxes are as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------
1995 1996
<S> <C> <C>
Current -- Principally inventories............................. $(3,671) $ 2,835
Long-term -- Principally accelerated depreciation.............. 18,597 17,773
------- -------
$14,926 $20,608
======= =======
</TABLE>

A reconciliation of income taxes computed at the United States statutory
rate to the effective income tax rate follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
31,
----------------------
1994 1995 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Income taxes at the United States statutory rate............... 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit................. 1.4 0.1 0.4
Effective tax rate differential of earnings outside of the
United States................................................ (3.9) (7.2) (5.7)
Change in statutory tax rate outside of the United States...... 1.8
Adjustment of worldwide tax liabilities........................ 2.9 2.2
Other--net..................................................... 0.7 0.1 0.4
---- ---- ----
33.2% 32.7% 32.3%
==== ==== ====
</TABLE>

The Company has not provided additional United States income taxes on
approximately $80 million of undistributed earnings of consolidated foreign
subsidiaries included in stockholders' equity. Such earnings

F-10
<PAGE> 42

OM GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED

could become taxable upon the sale or liquidation of these foreign subsidiaries
or upon dividend repatriation. The Company's intent is for such earnings to be
reinvested by the subsidiaries or to be repatriated only when it would be tax
effective through the utilization of foreign tax credits. It is not practicable
to estimate the amount of unrecognized withholding taxes and deferred tax
liability on such earnings.

Income tax payments were $4,082, $5,060, and $14,129 during the years ended
December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively.

E. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The Company sponsors a non-contributory, qualified profit sharing plan
covering all United States employees. Company contributions are determined by
the Board of Directors based upon participant compensation. The Company also
sponsors a non-contributory, non-qualified supplemental executive retirement
plan for certain employees, providing benefits beyond those covered in the
qualified profit sharing plan. Aggregate plan expenses were $1,160, $1,388, and
$1,727 in 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively.

The Company provides health care benefits upon retirement for certain
United States employees with a specified number of years of service. The
estimated cost of their benefits is actuarially determined and accrued over the
employees' service periods as a level percentage of compensation for employees
expected to qualify for benefits.

Expenses for postretirement benefits other than pensions are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------
1994 1995 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Service cost................................................. $15 $16 $ 27
Interest cost................................................ 63 75 84
--- --- ---
$78 $91 $ 111
=== === ===
</TABLE>

The liability recognized in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31,
1996 for postretirement benefit obligations other than pensions is $827 ($761 at
December 31, 1995). For measurement purposes, a 9.55% blended annual rate of
increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed,
grading ratably to 5.9% through 2006. An increase of 1% in assumed health care
cost trend rates would increase the accumulated benefit obligation as of
December 31, 1996 by $155 and the aggregate annual service and interest cost by
$16. The discount rate used in determining the accumulated benefit obligation as
of December 31, 1996 and 1995 was 7.75%.

F. COMMON STOCK AND STOCK OPTIONS

On November 5, 1996, the Board of Directors approved a three-for-two stock
split of its common stock, in the form of a stock dividend, with one additional
common share issued December 2, 1996 for every two common shares held by
shareholders of record on November 15, 1996. All share and per share information
included in the accompanying financial statements have been retroactively
adjusted to give effect to the split.

On November 5, 1996, the Board of Directors declared a dividend
distribution of one Right for each outstanding share of common stock to
stockholders of record on November 15, 1996. Each Right entitles the shareholder
to purchase one one-hundredth share of Series A Participating Preferred Stock at
a purchase price of $160 per share, subject to adjustment.

The Rights are not currently exercisable, but would become exercisable if
certain events occurred relating to a person or group (Acquiring Person)
acquiring or attempting to acquire 15% or more of the outstanding shares of
common stock. In the event that the Rights become exercisable, each Right
(except for Rights beneficially owned by the Acquiring Person, which become null
and void) would enable the holder to purchase

F-11
<PAGE> 43

OM GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED

for the exercise price then in effect, shares of the Company's common stock
having a value of twice the exercise price.

The Rights may be redeemed by the Board of Directors in whole, but not in
part, at a price of $0.01 per Right. The Rights have no voting or dividend
privileges and are attached to, and do not trade separately from the common
stock. The Rights expire on November 14, 2006.

The Company's Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan has authorized the
grant of options to management personnel for up to 1,523,438 shares of the
Company's common stock. All options granted have 10 year terms and vest and
become fully exercisable at the end of the fiscal year following the year of
grant.

Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is
required by FASB Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation,"
and has been determined as if the Company had accounted for its employee stock
options under the fair value method of that Statement. The fair value of these
options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes options pricing
model with the following weighted-average assumptions for 1995 and 1996:
risk-free interest rate of 6.5%; dividend yield of 1.2%; the volatility factor
of the expected market price of the Company's common stock of .20; and a
weighted-average expected life of the option of 5 years.

For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the
options is amortized to expense over the options' vesting period. The Company's
pro forma information follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1996
<S> <C> <C>
Pro forma net income........................................... $25,782 $28,874
Pro forma earnings per share:
Primary...................................................... $1.35 $1.50
Fully diluted................................................ $1.34 $1.50
</TABLE>

A summary of the Company's stock option activity, and related information
for the years ended December 31 follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1995 1996
------------------ -------------------- --------------------
Weighted Weighted Weighted
Average Average Average
Exercise Exercise Exercise
Options Price Options Price Options Price
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Outstanding at January 1.......... 736,851 $ 6.47 900,101 $ 7.65 1,061,656 $ 9.94
Granted......................... 163,250 13.00 208,055 18.72 202,860 25.96
Exercised....................... (46,500) 5.04 (17,355) 9.19
Forfeited....................... (4,082) 12.25
------- ------ --------- ------- --------- -------
Outstanding at December 31........ 900,101 $ 7.65 1,061,656 $ 9.94 1,243,079 $12.55
======= ====== ========= ======= ========= =======
Exercisable at end of year........ 736,851 $ 6.47 878,168 $ 7.89 1,055,579 $10.05
Weighted-average fair value of
options granted during the
year............................ $ 5.46 $ 7.37
</TABLE>

The weighted-average remaining contractual life of these options
outstanding is 7.2 years.

G. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company's Finnish operating subsidiary has agreed to take shipment of
43,000 wet metric tons of Zairian cobalt and nickel slag from La Generale des
Carrieres et des Mines (Gecamines) in 1997. The cost of the cobalt obtained will
be based upon the prevailing market price as material is processed.

F-12
<PAGE> 44

OM GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED

The Company is a party to various legal proceedings incidental to its
business and is subject to a variety of environmental and pollution control laws
and regulations in the jurisdictions in which it operates. As is the case with
other companies in similar industries, the Company faces exposure from actual or
potential claims and legal proceedings involving environmental matters. Although
it is difficult to quantify the potential impact of compliance with or liability
under environmental protection laws, management believes that the ultimate
aggregate cost to the Company of environmental remediation, as well as other
legal proceedings arising out of operations in the normal course of business,
will not result in a material adverse effect upon its financial condition or
results of operations.

H. BUSINESS AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

The Company operates in a single business segment serving numerous
customers and industries; its operations are located principally in the United
States and Finland. Financial information by geographic area is summarized as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales:
United States........................................... $119,470 $149,114 $160,507
Finland................................................. 125,740 202,114 219,754
Other................................................... 6,065 9,731 7,738
-------- -------- --------
$251,275 $360,959 $387,999
======== ======== ========
Operating profit:
United States........................................... 12,706 12,108 13,781
Finland................................................. 26,200 37,227 44,063
Other................................................... (177) 504 304
Corporate administrative expense........................ (3,568) (5,870) (6,727)
-------- -------- --------
35,161 43,969 51,421
Other expense............................................. (4,133) (5,451) (7,018)
-------- -------- --------
Income before income taxes................................ $ 31,028 $ 38,518 $ 44,403
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------
1995 1996
<S> <C> <C>
Identifiable assets:
United States..................................................... $141,422 $161,945
Finland........................................................... 209,576 270,013
Other............................................................. 7,044 6,675
-------- --------
$358,042 $438,633
======== ========
</TABLE>

I. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On January 21, 1997, pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement dated December
20, 1996, the Company acquired SCM Metal Products, Inc., a subsidiary of U.S.
Industries, Inc. SCM, with annual sales in fiscal 1996 of approximately $94
million, is one of the world's leading producers of specialty chemicals and
powders, principally specialty powders primarily from copper, iron and stainless
steel. The total consideration paid by the Company for SCM was $122 million,
financed entirely through bank borrowings. The Company is considering other
longer term financing options. The acquisition, which is not reflected in the
accompanying financial statements, will be accounted for by the purchase method
of accounting.

F-13
<PAGE> 45

OM GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED

J. QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
QUARTER ENDED
------------------------------------------------------------
MARCH 31 JUNE 30 SEPTEMBER 30 DECEMBER 31
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1995
Net sales............................ $89,429 $84,974 $80,967 $105,589
Gross profit......................... 17,547 19,131 18,477 19,408
Income from operations............... 10,218 11,553 11,099 11,099
Net income........................... 6,090 6,722 6,606 6,515
Net income per share................. $0.32 $0.35 $0.35 $0.34
Market price: high-low............... 16 5/8 - 14 1/2 19 1/2 - 15 3/8 21 3/8 - 18 5/8 22 3/8 - 18 7/8
Dividends paid per share............. $0.06 $0.06 $0.06 $0.06
1996
Net sales............................ $102,853 $101,485 $89,071 $94,590
Gross profit......................... 20,211 21,030 20,905 21,828
Income from operations............... 12,258 13,084 13,036 13,043
Net income........................... 7,151 7,583 7,670 7,643
Net income per share................. $0.37 $0.39 $0.40 $0.40
Market price: high-low............... 25 1/8 - 21 5/8 28 - 24 1/2 27 3/8 - 22 3/4 28 3/4 - 25 3/8
Dividends paid per share............. $0.07 $0.07 $0.07 $0.07
</TABLE>

F-14
<PAGE> 46
METAL CARBOXYLATES

(21% of Sales)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CUSTOM PAINT FUEL INK
CATALYSTS DRIERS ADDITIVES DRIERS
--------- ------ --------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Applications Oxidation Oxidation Combustion Oxidation
Carbonylation Catalysts Improvers Catalysts
Polymerization Polymerization Soot Suppressants Polymerization
Esterification Catalysts Smoke Suppressants Catalysts
Corrosion Inhibitors

End Markets Adhesion Promoters Driers Used in Additives Used Offset Letterpress
in Steel Belted Automotive Paints in Marine, Diesel Inks, Overprint
Radial Tires, House Paints, and Aviation Fuels Varnishes,
Catalysts Used To Marine Coatings, Gravure Inks
Produce Traffic Paint,
Petrochemicals, Industrial Coatings
Urethane Foam

<CAPTION>
POLYESTER
LUBRICANT CURING
ADDITIVES AGENTS STABILIZERS
--------- --------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Applications Extreme Polymerization Heat
Pressure Catalysts Stabilizers
Anti-Wear
Anti-Oxidants
Corrosion Inhibitors

End Markets Engine Oils, Unsaturated Polyester Flexible PVC
Gear Oils, Resin Used in Used in Vinyl
Greases, Reinforced Flooring, Medical
Cutting Oils, Fiberglass Boats, Tubing, Garden
Lubricating Oils Cultured Marble, Hoses, Shower
Storage Tanks, Curtains
Bathrooms,
Automobile
Components
</TABLE>

METAL SALTS

(45% of Sales)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PETROLEUM
COLORANTS STORAGE REFINING
AND PIGMENTS ADDITIVES MEDIA CATALYSTS
------------ --------- ------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Applications Adhesives Antifouling Electroreprography Desulfurization
Colorants Agents Information Storage Denitrofication
Pigments
Decolorizers

End Markets Ceramic Tiles, Marine Paints, Magnetic Media Desulfurized and
Pigments, Colored Roofing Materials Audio and Denitroized Oil Used
Glassware, Video Tapes in Gasoline Fuel Oil,
Porcelain Compact Discs Chemical
Enamel, Frits Feedstocks

<CAPTION>
AGENTS FOR
STEEL SPECIALTY CUSTOM
PLATING CHEMICALS CATALYSTS
---------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Applications Anti-Corrosion Raw Material Oxidation Catalysts
Agents Intermediates Hydrogenation
Catalysts
Hydroformylation
Catalysts
Polymerization
Catalysts

End Markets Plating Solutions for Vitamin Supplements, Detergents,
Electrogalvanized Catalysts for Organic Carpeting, Bottles
Steel Chemicals, Metal (PET), Textiles
Oxides (Rechargeable Silicones
Batteries)
</TABLE>

METAL POWDERS

(34% of Sales)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COBALT EXTRA-FINE 400 MESH-GRADE CHEMICAL GRADE COPPER
POWDER COBALT POWDER COBALT POWDER POWDER
----------------- -------------- -------------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Applications Adhesives Adhesives Raw Material Compacting
Intermediates Powder Metallurgy

End Markets Cutting Tools, Diamond Metal Carboxylates, Bushings and
Cutting Tool Inserts, Cutting Tools Metal Inorganic Salts Bearings,
Drill Bits, Saw Rechargeable Friction Materials
Teeth, Batteries
Grinders/Polishers

<CAPTION>
STAINLESS OTHER
STEEL IRON METAL BASED
POWDER POWDER POWDER
--------- ------ -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Applications Anti-Corrosion Vitamin Solder Pastes
Agents Supplements and Electrical Conductors
Strengtheners

End Markets Pressed Metals Processed Foods Microelectronics
High-Tech Brazing Pastes
Alloys High-Temp
Electrical
Applications
</TABLE>

METALS PRODUCTION
FACILITIES
COBALT, NICKEL & COPPER ----------------------------
- ----------------------- Europe
Powders ------
Cathodes Kokkola, Finland
Granules Ezanville, France
Ingots
Concentrates United States
Slags -------------
Scrap Metal Research Triangle Park, NC
Recycled Catalysts Franklin, PA
Johnstown, PA
St. George, UT
OTHER
----- Asia Pacific (Joint Ventures)
Barium ----------------------------
Calcium Kim Hae City, Korea
Copper Singapore
Iron
Manganese
Zinc
Zirconium
Others

ACIDS

Acetic
2-Ethyl Hexoic
Hydrochloric
Naphthenic
Neodecanoic
Nitric
Sulfuric
Others

SOLVENTS
--------
Mineral Spirits
Water
Others

PROPRIETARY
ADDITIVES [OMG LOGO]
<PAGE> 47

======================================================

NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN 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. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY THE SHARES BY ANYONE IN ANY JURISDICTION IN
WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT AUTHORIZED, OR IN WHICH THE PERSON
MAKING THE OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DO SO, OR TO ANY PERSON TO
WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES,
CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF
ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
<S> <C>
Available Information............... 3
Incorporation by Reference.......... 3
Prospectus Summary.................. 4
Risk Factors........................ 8
Price Range of Common Stock
and Dividends..................... 10
Use of Proceeds..................... 10
Capitalization...................... 11
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined
Condensed Financial Data.......... 12
Selected Financial Data............. 15
Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations..................... 16
Business............................ 18
Management.......................... 27
Underwriting........................ 30
Legal Matters....................... 31
Experts............................. 31
Index to Financial Statements....... F-1
</TABLE>

======================================================

3,000,000 SHARES
[OM GROUP LOGO]

OM GROUP, INC.
COMMON STOCK
------------------------

PROSPECTUS
------------------------
DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
SECURITIES CORPORATION

MERRILL LYNCH & CO.

FIRST ANALYSIS SECURITIES CORPORATION
April 24, 1997

======================================================