UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP
POS AM, 1996-09-06
MISCELLANEOUS SHOPPING GOODS STORES
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<PAGE>   1




   
   As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 6, 1996
                          Registration No. 33-61300-01
    
________________________________________________________________________________

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

   
                         POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 6
    
                                       TO
                                    FORM S-1

                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

                           UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                                   California
                            (State of Incorporation)
                                      5941
            (Primary standard industrial classification code number)
                                   95-1854273
                    (I.R.S. employer identification number)
                         2525 EAST EL SEGUNDO BOULEVARD
                         EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA  90245
                                 (310) 536-0611
              (Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
       including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)

                                ROBERT W. MILLER
                          KATHLEEN REID-SEIDNER, ESQ.
                           UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
                         2525 EAST EL SEGUNDO BOULEVARD
                         EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA  90245
                                 (310) 536-0611
  (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
                             of agents for service)

                                    COPY TO:
                            EDMUND M. KAUFMAN, ESQ.
                              IRELL & MANELLA LLP
                       333 SOUTH HOPE STREET, SUITE 3300
                         LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA  90071
                                 (213) 620-1555

         Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:  From
time to time following the effective date.

         If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be
offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), check the following
box.  [X]

         If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an
offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the
following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the
earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  [ ] __________

         If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule
462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the
Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering.  [ ] __________

         If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule
434, please check the following box.  [ ]
<PAGE>   2
                                EXPLANATORY NOTE

   
         This Registration Statement contains a Prospectus relating to the
offer of up to $500,000 aggregate principal amount of Senior Subordinated Notes
due 2002 of United Merchandising Corp., a California corporation (the "Company"
or "Big 5") (the "Notes").  The holders of the Notes may sell the Notes from
time to time, either directly or through agents, dealers or underwriters to be
designated from time to time, on terms determined at the time of sale.  The
purpose of this Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to the Registration Statement is
to revise the Prospectus contained herein to reflect the Company's results of
operations for, and other material events that occurred during, the period
subsequent to the date on which the Registration Statement became effective
(June 29, 1993).
    

         On April 15, 1993, the Company and its former parent, Big 5 Holdings,
Inc. ("Big 5 Holdings"), which was merged into the Company on August 10, 1993,
also filed a registration statement (the "Exchange Registration Statement") on
Form S-4 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, relating to the offer to
exchange up to $54,500,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company's Series B
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2002 (the "New Notes"), for a like principal
amount of the Notes.  The Exchange Registration Statement was filed in order to
satisfy certain requirements under the Registration Rights Agreement dated as
of September 25, 1992 among the Company, Big 5 Holdings, and the original
purchasers of the Notes.  The Company believed that the holders of Notes
covered by this Registration Statement were ineligible to participate in the
exchange offer described in the Exchange Registration Statement.  Accordingly,
this Registration Statement was filed in order to provide the holders of the
Notes covered by this Registration Statement with increased liquidity relative
to that which would otherwise have been available to them.





                                     -ii-
<PAGE>   3
                             CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET

      The following information sets forth the location in the Prospectus
               of the answers to the items in Part I of Form S-1


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 FORM S-1 ITEM NUMBER AND CAPTION                                 LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS
 --------------------------------                                 ----------------------
 <S>      <C>                                                     <C>
 1.       Forepart of the Registration Statement and Outside      Cover Page of Registration
          Front Cover Page of Prospectus                          Statement; Outside Front Cover
                                                                  Page of Prospectus

 2.       Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages of            Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages
          Prospectus                                              of Prospectus

 3.       Summary Information, Risk Factors and Ratio of          Prospectus Summary; Risk Factors; Selected
          Earnings to Fixed Charges                               Historical and Pro Forma Financial Data

 4.       Use of Proceeds                                         Use of Proceeds

 5.       Determination of Offering Price                         Not Applicable

 6.       Dilution                                                Not Applicable

 7.       Selling Security Holders                                Plan of Distribution; Certain Transactions

 8.       Plan of Distribution                                    Front Cover Page of Prospectus; Plan of
                                                                  Distribution

 9.       Description of Securities to be Registered              Description of Securities to be Registered

 10.      Interests of Named Experts and Counsel                  Legal Matters; Experts

 11.      Information with Respect to the Registrant              Cover Page of Registration Statement;
                                                                  Prospectus Summary; Risk Factors;
                                                                  Capitalization; Selected Historical and
                                                                  Pro Forma Financial Data; Pro Forma
                                                                  Financial Data; Management's Discussion
                                                                  and Analysis of Financial Condition and
                                                                  Results of Operations; Business; Financing
                                                                  Arrangements; Management; Principal
                                                                  Stockholders; Certain Transactions; Legal
                                                                  Matters; Experts

 12.      Disclosure of Commission Position on Indemnification
          for Securities Act Liabilities                          Not Applicable
</TABLE>





                                     -iii-
<PAGE>   4
PROSPECTUS


                           UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.

                                   ----------

                       SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2002
                       (INTEREST RATE 13-5/8% PER ANNUM;
                   REDEEMABLE COMMENCING SEPTEMBER 15, 1997)


         This Prospectus relates to the offer (the "Offer") of up to $500,000
aggregate principal amount of the Senior Subordinated Notes due 2002 (the
"Notes") of United Merchandising Corp., a California corporation (the "Company"
or "Big 5"), which Notes were issued through a private placement in reliance on
Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
and Regulation D promulgated thereunder.  The holders of the Notes listed
herein (the "Selling Noteholders") may sell the Notes from time to time, either
directly or through agents, dealers or underwriters to be designated from time
to time, on terms determined at the time of sale.  To the extent required, the
specific Notes to be sold, the names of the Selling Noteholders, the respective
purchase prices and public offering prices, the names of any such agent, dealer
or underwriter, and applicable commissions or discounts with respect to a
particular offer will be set forth in a Prospectus Supplement or, if
appropriate, a post-effective amendment to the registration statement filed
with respect to the Notes.  See "Plan of Distribution."  This Prospectus forms
a part of a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (including all amendments
thereto, the "Registration Statement") filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities Act that originally became
effective on June 29, 1993.

         The Notes will mature on September 15, 2002.  Interest on the Notes is
payable semiannually at the rate of 13-5/8% per annum on each March 15 and
September 15, until maturity.  The Notes are entitled to the benefits of that
certain Indenture dated as of September 25, 1992 (the "Indenture") among the
Company, the Company's former parent, Big 5 Holdings, Inc. ("Big 5 Holdings"),
which was merged into the Company on August 10, 1993, and First Trust National
Association, a national association, as trustee (the "Trustee").  Prior to the
merger of Big 5 Holdings into the Company, Big 5 Holdings was the issuer, and
the Company was the guarantor, of the Notes.

   
         The Notes are unsecured and are subordinate and subject in priority
and right of payment to the prior payment in full of the principal and interest
on all present and future Senior Indebtedness of the Company (as defined in the
Indenture and summarized under "Description of Securities to be Registered --
Certain Definitions").  Such senior financing currently includes, but is not
limited to, a revolving credit facility of the Company in a principal amount of
up to $100,000,000 (the "Revolving Credit Facility") under that certain
Financing Agreement dated as of March 8, 1996 (as amended to date, the "Credit
Agreement") between the Company and the CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc.
("CIT").  As of June 30, 1996, there were borrowings of $63.5 million and
letter of credit commitments of $5.6 million outstanding under the Revolving
Credit Facility.  The Revolving Credit Facility is secured by trade accounts
receivable, merchandise inventories and general intangible assets.  See
"Financing Arrangements."
    

         The Notes are not redeemable prior to September 15, 1997, and are
redeemable thereafter, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company at the
redemption prices described herein.  See
<PAGE>   5
"Description of Securities to be Registered -- Optional Redemption."  In
addition, the Notes are subject to a sinking fund.  See "Description of
Securities to be Registered -- Sinking Fund."

         On April 15, 1993, the Company and Big 5 Holdings also filed a
registration statement (the "Exchange Registration Statement") on Form S-4
under the Securities Act relating to the offer (the "Exchange Offer") to
exchange up to $54,500,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company's Series B
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2002 (the "New Notes") for a like principal
amount of the Notes.  The Exchange Registration Statement was filed in order to
satisfy certain obligations of the Company under that certain Registration
Rights Agreement dated as of September 25, 1992 among the Company, Big 5
Holdings and the original purchasers of the Notes (the "Registration Rights
Agreement").  The Company believed that the holders of Notes covered by this
Prospectus were ineligible to participate in the exchange offer described in
the Exchange Registration Statement.  Accordingly, the Registration Statement
which includes this Prospectus was filed in order to provide the holders of the
Notes covered by this Prospectus with increased liquidity relative to that
which would otherwise have been available to them.

         The terms of the New Notes are identical in all material respects to
the terms of the Notes.  The New Notes evidence the same class of debt
obligation as the Notes and are entitled to the benefits of the Indenture.  The
Notes and the New Notes are hereinafter referred to collectively as the
"Securities."

         No public market for the Securities exists at present.  No assurance
can be given that an active public market will develop for the Securities or
that the Notes and the New Notes will trade as one class or as to the extent of
liquidity available through any trading market for the Securities.  If a public
market for the Notes or the New Notes should develop, such securities could
trade at a discount from their principal amount.  The absence or discontinuance
of a public market for the Securities may adversely affect the price and
liquidity of the Securities.  The Company does not currently intend to list the
Securities on any securities exchange or to seek approval for quotation of the
Securities through any automated quotation system.  The Company has not
obtained and has no plans to obtain a market maker for the Securities.

         The aggregate proceeds to the Selling Noteholders from the sale of the
Notes will be the selling price of the Notes, less the aggregate agents'
commissions and underwriters' discounts, if any, and other expenses of issuance
and distribution not borne by the Company.  The Company will pay substantially
all of the expenses of the Offer (estimated to be $28,000) other than
commissions and discounts of underwriters, dealers or agents.  See "Plan of
Distribution" herein for a description of indemnification arrangements among
the Company and the Selling Noteholders and possible indemnification
arrangements for agents, dealers and underwriters.  The Company will not
receive any proceeds from the Offer.

         The Selling Noteholders and any dealers, agents or underwriters that
participate with the Selling Noteholders in the distribution  of the Notes may
be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act, and
any commissions received by them and any profit on the resale of the Notes
purchased by them may be deemed underwriting commissions or discounts under the
Securities Act.

         SEE "RISK FACTORS" FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS
RELATING TO AN INVESTMENT IN THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY.





                                      -2-
<PAGE>   6
 THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
          EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.  ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
                              A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.


   
               THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS SEPTEMBER 6, 1996.
    





                                      -3-
<PAGE>   7
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION

         The Company has filed the Registration Statement with the Commission
with respect to the securities offered by this Prospectus.  On April 15, 1993,
the Company also filed the Exchange Registration Statement.  This Prospectus
does not contain all the information set forth in the Registration Statement
and the exhibits and schedules thereto, to which reference is hereby made.
Each statement made in this Prospectus referring to a document filed as an
exhibit or schedule to the Registration Statement is qualified in its entirety
by reference to the exhibit or schedule for a complete statement of its terms
and conditions.  In addition, the Company is subject to the informational
requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act"), and in accordance therewith the Company files periodic reports and other
information with the Commission relating to its business, financial statements
and other matters.  Any interested parties may inspect and/or copy the
Registration Statement and/or the Exchange Registration Statement, their
schedules and exhibits, and the periodic reports and other information filed in
connection therewith, 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 the Commission's regional offices located at Citicorp Center,
500 W. Madison Street, 14th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511, and 7 World
Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048.  Copies of such materials
can be obtained at prescribed rates by addressing written requests for such
copies to the Public Reference Section of the Commission at its principal
office at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C.
20549.  The obligations of the Company under the Exchange Act to file periodic
reports and other information with the Commission may be suspended, under
certain circumstances, if the Notes are held of record by fewer than 300
holders at the beginning of any fiscal year and the Notes are not listed on a
national securities exchange.  In such event, the Company would remain subject
to certain information requirements under the Indenture.

         NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS.  IF GIVEN OR
MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MAY NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY.  THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR
SOLICITATION WITH RESPECT TO ANY SECURITY OTHER THAN THE SECURITIES OFFERED
HEREBY OR AN OFFER TO OR SOLICITATION OF ANY PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION IN
WHICH SUCH AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.  NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY DISTRIBUTION OF SECURITIES HEREUNDER SHALL UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS
CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO
CHANGE IN THE INFORMATION SET FORTH HEREIN OR IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY
SINCE THE DATE HEREOF.





                                      -4-
<PAGE>   8
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Page
                                                                 ----
<S>                                                              <C>
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .      6
RISK FACTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .     13
USE OF PROCEEDS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .     17
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .     17
CAPITALIZATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .     19
SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA . . . . .. .     20
PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .     23
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
  CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS  . . . . . . . . . .. .     25
BUSINESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .     32
FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .     37
MANAGEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .     39
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .     44
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .     45
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED . . . . . . . .. .     47
FEES AND EXPENSES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .     67
LEGAL MATTERS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .     67
EXPERTS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .     67
OTHER MATTERS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .     67
ASSISTANCE AND COPIES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .     67
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES  . . . . . . .. .    F-1
</TABLE>
    




                                        
                                      -5-

<PAGE>   9
================================================================================

                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

         The following is a summary of certain information contained elsewhere
in this Prospectus and is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information and financial statements contained elsewhere in this Prospectus.
Prospective investors are urged to read this Prospectus in its entirety.  See
"Risk Factors" for a discussion of certain factors to be considered in
evaluating an investment in the securities offered hereby.

                                  THE COMPANY

         Big 5 Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Big 5 Holdings"), and
its parent, Big 5 Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Parent"), were formed
in 1992 for the purpose of acquiring United Merchandising Corp., a California
corporation (the "Company" or "Big 5").  The acquisition took place on
September 25, 1992, when Big 5 Holdings purchased all of the Company's
outstanding capital stock from Thrifty Corporation, a California corporation
("Thrifty").  On August 10, 1993, Big 5 Holdings was merged into the Company,
which was the surviving entity following the merger.

   
         The Company was founded in 1955 and currently operates a chain of
retail stores under the trade name "Big 5 Sporting Goods."  Big 5 is one of the
leading sporting goods chains in the United States based on revenues, operating
193 stores as of June 30, 1996 located in California, Washington, Arizona, New
Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Texas and Idaho.  According to industry sources, Big
5's fiscal 1995 revenues of $370.1 million were the fourth highest among
full-line sporting goods retailers in the United States.  Big 5's marketing
strategy is directed at the general sporting goods consumer, with product
offerings including a wide selection of sporting goods in a broad range of
prices.
    

         The principal executive offices of the Company are located at 2525
East El Segundo Boulevard, El Segundo, California 90245.  The telephone number
for the principal executive offices is (310) 536-0611.

                                THE ACQUISITION

         Prior to September 25, 1992, the Company was a wholly owned subsidiary
of Thrifty, which was in turn a wholly owned subsidiary of Pacific Enterprises,
a California corporation ("PE").  On September 25, 1992, all of the Company's
outstanding capital stock was acquired by Big 5 Holdings (the "Acquisition")
for a purchase price of $135,000,000 pursuant to a Purchase and Sale Agreement
dated as of May 22, 1992 among Big 5 Holdings, PE and Thrifty (as amended to
the date of closing, the "Purchase Agreement").  Big 5 Holdings and Parent were
each formed in 1992 by Green Equity Investors, L.P., a Delaware limited
partnership ("GEI"), for the sole purpose of consummating the Acquisition.

         In connection with the consummation of the Acquisition, among other
things, the Company issued the Securities in the aggregate principal amount of
$55,000,000.   The Securities were purchased by a total of 28 institutional and
private investors in amounts ranging from $25,000 to $9,000,000 through a
private placement in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and
Regulation D promulgated thereunder.  The Securities are unsecured and
subordinate in priority and right of payment to Senior Indebtedness of the
Company (as defined in the Indenture and summarized under "Descriptions of
Securities to be Registered -- Certain Definitions"), including the Revolving





                                      -6-
<PAGE>   10
   
Credit Facility.  As of June 30, 1996, $36,450,000 in principal amount of the
Securities remained outstanding.
    

                                  RISK FACTORS

         Holders of Notes should carefully consider the matters described under
"Risk Factors."

                                USE OF PROCEEDS

         There will be no cash or other proceeds to the Company from the Offer.
See "Use of Proceeds."

                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

         The Selling Noteholders may sell the Notes from time to time, either
directly or through agents, dealers or underwriters to be designated from time
to time, on terms determined at the time of sale.  To the extent required, the
specific Notes to be sold, the names of the Selling Noteholders, the respective
purchase prices and public offering prices, the names of any such agent, dealer
or underwriter, and applicable commissions or discounts with respect to a
particular offer will be set forth in a Prospectus Supplement or, if
appropriate, a post- effective amendment to the registration statement filed
with respect to the Notes.  See "Plan of Distribution."

                            TERMS OF THE SECURITIES

<TABLE>
<S>                                        <C>
Interest Rate . . . . . . . . . .          13-5/8% per annum.

Interest Payment Dates  . . . . .          Each March 15 and September 15, which commenced on March 15, 1993.

Maturity  . . . . . . . . . . . .          September 15, 2002.

Mandatory Redemption  . . . . . .          The Securities are subject to mandatory redemption through the
                                           operation of a sinking fund to redeem, on each of September 15,
                                           2000 and September 15, 2001 (each a "Mandatory Redemption Date"),
                                           25% of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities outstanding
                                           on September 25, 1992, at a redemption price equal to the principal
                                           amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest to the date of
                                           such redemption.  The Company is required to make sinking fund
                                           payments to the Trustee on or prior to 12:00 noon, New York City
                                           time, on each Mandatory Redemption Date, subject to the right of
                                           the Company to satisfy mandatory sinking fund requirements, in
                                           whole or in part, by the delivery of outstanding Securities by the
                                           Company or through delivery of Securities previously redeemed at
                                           the option of the Company.  As of the date hereof, the Company has
                                           not made any sinking fund payments or reserves therefor and is not
                                           required to do so until September 15, 2000.

Optional Redemption . . . . . . .          The Securities may be redeemed at the Company's option, in
</TABLE>





                                      -7-
<PAGE>   11
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                        <C>
                                           whole or in part, beginning September 15, 1997, at the redemption
                                           prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth
                                           below together with accrued interest to the date of redemption:

                                           Redemption Date
                                           Occurring in the 12 Months
                                           Beginning September 15,           Redemption Price
                                           -----------------------           ----------------

                                           1997                                   105.839
                                           1998                                   103.893
                                           1999                                   101.946
                                           2000 and thereafter                    100.000

Restrictive Covenants . . . . . .          The Indenture contains certain covenants which, among other things,
                                           limit the Company's ability to make certain payments, engage in
                                           transactions with certain shareholders and affiliates, incur
                                           indebtedness, issue capital stock, consummate an asset sale, sell
                                           or issue a subsidiary's capital stock, or merge or consolidate with
                                           or transfer all or substantially all of its properties and assets.

Subordination;                             The Securities are subordinated in right and priority of payment in
Anti-Layering . . . . . . . . . .          full to Senior Indebtedness of the Company (as defined in the
                                           Indenture and summarized under "Description of Securities to be
                                           Registered -- Certain Definitions"), including the Revolving Credit
                                           Facility.  As of June 30, 1996, the aggregate principal amount of
                                           Senior Indebtedness outstanding was $69.1 million.  The Company may
                                           not incur additional indebtedness that is subordinate to Senior
                                           Indebtedness of the Company (as defined) and senior in right of
                                           payment to the Securities.  There is no limitation in the Indenture
                                           relating to the Securities specifically applicable to the amount of
                                           Senior Indebtedness; however, any such Senior Indebtedness is
                                           precluded unless permitted by one or more of the provisions of
                                           Section 5.11 of the Indenture.  Among other provisions, Section
                                           5.11 permits the incurrence of Indebtedness under the Revolving
                                           Credit Facility plus additional Indebtedness (including Senior
                                           Indebtedness) in the amount (net of specified fees and expenses) of
                                           up to $25,000,000 (of which $10,000,000 has been utilized in
                                           connection with the establishment of the Revolving Credit
                                           Facility).

Change in Control . . . . . . . .          Upon a Change in Control (as defined in "Description of Securities
                                           to be Registered -- Change in Control") of the Company, the Company
                                           shall make an offer to all holders of Securities to purchase all or
                                           any portion of the Securities at a repurchase price equal to 101%
                                           of the principal amount
</TABLE>
    





                                      -8-
<PAGE>   12
<TABLE>
<S>                                        <C>
                                           thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the
                                           date of repurchase.

Comparison with the New Notes . .          Based on the position of the Commission enunciated in Morgan
                                           Stanley & Co. Incorporated (avail. June 5, 1991) and other no-
                                           action letters to similar effect, the Company believes that the New
                                           Notes will be freely transferable without compliance with the
                                           registration or prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities
                                           Act provided that the holder of the New Notes is not an affiliate
                                           of the Company and acquires the New Notes in the ordinary course of
                                           business with no agreement or understanding with any person to
                                           participate in the distribution or resale of the New Notes.  The
                                           New Notes otherwise will be identical in all material respects to
                                           the Notes.  Upon complying with the prospectus delivery
                                           requirements of the Securities Act, the Selling Noteholders listed
                                           herein may sell the Notes from time to time, either directly or
                                           through agents, dealers or underwriters to be designated from time
                                           to time, on terms determined at the time of sale.
</TABLE>

         For more complete information regarding the Securities, see
"Description of Securities to be Registered."




                                      -9-
<PAGE>   13
          SUMMARY OF SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA


   
         The summary historical and pro forma financial data set forth below
have been derived from the audited financial statements for the fiscal years
ended December 29, 1991, the 39 weeks ended September 25, 1992 and the 14 weeks
ended January 3, 1993, the unaudited pro forma financial information for the
fiscal year ended January 3, 1993, the audited financial statements for the
fiscal years ended January 2, 1994, January 1, 1995, and December 31, 1995,
which are included elsewhere in this Prospectus, and the unaudited financial
statements for the 26 weeks ended June 30, 1996 and July 2, 1995, which are
also included elsewhere in this Prospectus.  Such data should be read in
conjunction with such financial statements, other information, and the related
notes thereto.  As a consequence of the Acquisition effective September 25,
1992, the Company is deemed for financial reporting purposes to have become a
new reporting entity ("Successor Company") on that date and periods subsequent
to the September 25, 1992 date reflect the allocation of the costs of the
Acquisition to assets and liabilities based on estimates of fair values in
accordance with the purchase method of accounting.  Accordingly, the results of
operations of Successor Company subsequent to September 25, 1992 are not fully
comparable to the results of operations of the Company as constituted prior to
such date ("Predecessor Company").  In particular, operating results subsequent
to September 25, 1992 reflect incremental depreciation and amortization
relating to the purchase method adjustments referred to above and higher
interest charges relating to new indebtedness related to the Acquisition.
    

         The pro forma statement of earnings gives effect to the Acquisition
and related financing AS IF CONSUMMATED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 1992 FISCAL
YEAR.  As a result, such statement is not fully comparable to statements of
operations for prior fiscal periods.  For additional information, see
"Capitalization" and "Pro Forma Financial Data."





                                      -10-
<PAGE>   14
UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.  (Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                    
                                                                             Successor Company                                      
                                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   
                                                        26 Weeks Ended                           Year Ended                    
                                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   
                                             June 30, 1996   July 2, 1995   December 31, 1995   January 1, 1995   January 2, 1994
                                             -------------   ------------   -----------------   ---------------   ---------------
 STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:                        (unaudited)
 <S>                                           <C>             <C>              <C>                <C>               <C> 
 Net sales                                     $189,833        $173,456         $370,126           $364,109          $321,933
 Cost of goods sold,
  buying and occupancy                          130,148         119,279          256,583            244,777           224,094(1)
                                               --------        --------         --------           --------          --------
    Gross profit                                 59,685          54,177          113,543            119,332            97,839

 Operating expenses:
   Selling and administration                    50,660          47,637           95,158             92,238            80,076
   Depreciation and amortization                  4,799           4,724           11,991              9,180             6,999
                                               --------        --------         --------           --------          --------
 Total operating expenses                        55,459          52,361          107,149            101,418            87,075
                                               --------        --------         --------           --------          --------

 Operating income (loss)                          4,226           1,816            6,394             17,914            10,764
 Interest expense (income), net                   5,889           6,141           12,347             11,712            11,793
                                               --------        --------         --------           --------          --------

 Income (loss) before income taxes and        
 extraordinary loss                              (1,663)         (4,325)          (5,953)             6,202            (1,029)
                                              
 Income taxes                                         0               0              368              1,903                 0
                                               --------        --------         --------           --------          --------

 Income (loss) before extraordinary loss         (1,663)         (4,325)          (6,321)             4,299            (1,029)

 Extraordinary loss from extinguishment        
 of debt, net of tax                             (2,222)              0                0             (2,855)                0
                                               --------        --------         --------           --------          --------

 Net income (loss)                              ($3,885)        ($4,325)         ($6,321)            $1,444           ($1,029)
                                               ========        ========         ========           ========          ========

 OPERATING AND OTHER DATA:
   EBITDA (8)                                  $  9,025        $  6,540          $18,386            $27,094           $24,094
   Ratio of earnings to fixed charges              0.80            0.52             0.69               1.31               0.9
   Deficiency in earnings to fixed charges       $1,953          $4,530           $6,383                 $0            $1,668
   Number of stores at end of period                193             178              192                175               162
   
- ---------------------------------   
</TABLE>
    


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        Predecessor Company  
                                                                                    ----------------------------
                                                              Successor Company     39 Weeks from
                                                                14 Weeks from       December 30,
                                               Pro Forma      September 26, 1992    1991 through     Year Ended
                                              Year Ended      through January 3,    September 25,   December 29,
                                            January 3, 1993          1993               1992            1991    
                                            ---------------   ------------------    -------------   ------------
 STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:               
 <S>                                           <C>                <C>                 <C>             <C>
 Net sales                                     $312,415           $ 89,616            $222,799        $292,218
 Cost of goods sold, 
  buying and occupancy                          221,795(2)          64,147(3)          150,660         197,867
                                               --------           --------            --------        --------
    Gross profit                                 90,620             25,469              72,139          94,351

 Operating expenses:
   Selling and administration                    80,076             20,629              59,447          69,447
   Depreciation and amortization                  6,317(4)           1,684(5)            1,762           2,393
                                               --------           --------            --------        --------
 Total operating expenses                        86,393             22,313              61,209          71,840
                                               --------           --------            --------        --------

 Operating income (loss)                          4,227              3,156              10,930          22,511
 Interest expense (income), net                  10,872(6)           3,256(7)           (1,059)            677
                                               --------           --------            --------        --------

 Income (loss) before income taxes and         
 extraordinary loss                              (6,645)              (100)             11,989          21,834
                                               
 Income taxes                                         0                  0               4,964           8,770
                                               --------           --------            --------        --------

 Income (loss) before extraordinary loss         (6,645)              (100)              7,025          13,064

 Extraordinary loss from extinguishment         
 of debt, net of tax                                  0                  0                   0               0
                                               --------           --------            --------        --------

 Net income (loss)                              ($6,645)             ($100)             $7,025         $13,064
                                               ========           ========            ========        ======== 

 OPERATING AND OTHER DATA:
   EBITDA (8)                                   $24,836            $10,118             $14,718         $24,217
   Ratio of earnings to fixed charges               0.6                0.9                 4.0             4.8
   Deficiency in earnings to fixed charges       $7,284               $259                   0               0
   Number of stores at end of period                147                147                 140             137
   
- ---------------------------------   
</TABLE>
    


1   Includes $6,332 increase related to the purchase accounting inventory
    revaluation.
2   Includes $11,080 increase related to the purchase accounting inventory
    revaluation.  Predecessor Company recorded inventory on a LIFO basis.  In
    connection with the Acquisition, the Company adopted the FIFO method for
    recording inventory.  As a result, a $657 LIFO benefit recorded in 
    Predecessor Company is reversed to reflect the FIFO method as of the 
    beginning of the year.
3   Includes $4,749 increase related to the purchase accounting inventory
    revaluation.
4   Includes $3,828 increase related to depreciation and amortization of
    purchase accounting asset revaluation.
5   Includes $957 increase related to depreciation and amortization of purchase
    accounting asset revaluation.
6   Includes (i) $11,291 increase in interest expense on debt arising from the
    Acquisition, and (ii) $640 increase related to amortization of financing 
    fees.
7   Includes (i) $3,096 increase in interest expense on debt arising from the
    Acquisition, and (ii) $160 increase related to amortization of financing 
    fees.
8   EBITDA represents net income (loss) before taking into consideration
    interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation expense, non-cash rent
    expense (see footnote 5 to the financial statements), amortization expense
    associated with the write-up of





                                      -11-
<PAGE>   15
assets related to the Acquisition, expense incurred related to management stock
grants related to the Acquisition, LIFO provision incurred prior to the
Acquisition and extraordinary loss from early extinguishment of debt.





                                      -12-
<PAGE>   16
                           UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
                         (Dollar Amounts in Thousands)
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               Successor Company                               Predecessor Company
                                      ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------

                                       June 30,   December 31,     January 1,      January 2,      January 3,       December 29,
                                         1996         1995           1995            1994            1993              1991     
                                       --------   ------------     ----------      ----------      ----------       ------------ 
 BALANCE SHEET DATA:                  (unaudited)
 <S>                                   <C>          <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>                <C>
 Total Assets                          $198,843     $207,119        $227,707        $214,291        $202,330           $125,609

 Working capital (excluding current
    maturities of long-term debt)        75,248       74,994          69,064          67,278          71,799             71,146
 Payable to former parent (1)                 0            0               0               0               0              2,958

 Long-term debt (including current 
  maturities):
    Term Loan                                 0            0               0          44,000          49,000                  0

    Revolving Credit Facility            63,455       67,144          60,000               0               0                  0

    Senior Subordinated Notes
      due 2002 (Notes and New Notes 
       combined)                         36,450       36,450          36,450          55,000          55,000                  0
                                       --------     --------        --------        --------        --------           --------
       Total long-term debt              99,905      103,594          96,450          99,000         104,000                  0

 Stockholder's equity                  $ 25,189     $ 29,074        $ 35,395        $ 33,787        $ 34,790           $ 83,114
                                       ========     ========        ========        ========        ========           ========
</TABLE>
    
____________________________________

(1)      Prior to the Acquisition, the Company funded certain of its borrowing
         needs through an intercompany account with Thrifty.  This account had
         no specified due date and reflected interest which approximated the
         rate of Thrifty's short-term borrowings.





                                      -13-
<PAGE>   17
                                  RISK FACTORS

         In addition to the other matters described in this Prospectus, the
following risk factors should be carefully considered by prospective investors
before deciding to participate in the Offer.

OPERATING LOSSES

         When calculated on a pro forma basis to give effect to the Acquisition
and related financing, the results of operations of the Company for the 53
weeks ended January 3, 1993 ("Pro Forma 1992") reflect a net loss of $6.6
million (the "Pro Forma 1992 Results").  See "Pro Forma Financial Data."  The
Company believes the Pro Forma 1992 Results are attributable to the following:
(i) an $11.1 million increase in costs of goods sold resulting from the
inventory revaluation occurring in connection with the Acquisition, (ii)
nonrecurring expenses totaling approximately $3.3 million, consisting of the
write-off of the Company's intercompany receivable with Thrifty, compensation
expense related to management's acquisition of Parent's equity securities,
write-offs of excess inventories and miscellaneous write-offs related to
balance sheet accounts, (iii) added depreciation and amortization ($3.8
million) from increases in asset values (other than inventory) related to the
allocation of the costs of the Acquisition to assets, and (iv) the increase in
interest expense from $0.7 million in fiscal 1991 to $10.9 million for Pro
Forma 1992, reflecting additional interest expense related to borrowings under
the Company's bank facility.

         For the fiscal year ended January 2, 1994, the Company reported a net
loss of $1.0 million (the "1993 Results").  See "Summary Historical and Pro
Forma Financial Data."  The Company believes the 1993 Results are attributable
to the following:  (i) a $6.3 million increase in costs of goods sold resulting
from the inventory revaluation occurring in connection with the Acquisition,
(ii) added depreciation and amortization ($3.9 million) from increases in asset
values (other than inventory) related to the allocation of the costs of the
Acquisition to assets, and (iii) an increase in interest expense of $11.8
million, reflecting additional interest expense related to borrowings under the
Company's bank facility and the Securities.  See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."  The 1993 Results
are not comparable to the Pro Forma 1992 Results because the financial
information contained in this Prospectus for periods after the Acquisition is
presented on a different cost basis than that for the periods before the
Acquisition.

   
         For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, the Company reported a
net loss of $6.3 million, and for the 26 weeks ended June 30, 1996, the Company
reported a net loss of $3.9 million.  The net loss for fiscal 1995 reflects an
increase in the non-cash portion of rent expense to $3.3 million as compared
with $0.5 million during fiscal 1994, which non-cash rent expense is expected
to decline significantly in 1996 and thereafter.  See "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Results of
Operations -- Fiscal 1995 Versus Fiscal 1994."  The net loss during the first
half of 1996 consists of a $5.1 million net loss during the first quarter of
1996 offset by net income of $1.2 million during the second quarter of 1996.
The first quarter net loss includes $2.2 million of extraordinary loss
attributable to early extinguishment of debt in connection with the company's
refinancing of its old Revolving Credit Facility with the Revolving Credit
Facility, which was consummated in March 1996.  See "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Results of
Operations -- 26 Weeks Ended June 30, 1996 Versus 26 Weeks Ended July 2, 1995."
The remaining $2.9 million of net loss during the first quarter of 1996
primarily reflects the seasonal nature of the Company's business, which
historically has resulted in lower sales volume during the first quarter of
each year.  See "Seasonality."
    





                                      -14-
<PAGE>   18
         The Company continually monitors its store-level personnel and other
variable costs as well as fixed costs and attempt to reduce such costs as a
percentage of sales through improved management information systems and
continued expansion of operations resulting in improved economies of scale.
The Company also monitors and seeks to improve its methods of forecasting
inventory requirements in order to reduce its working capital requirements.
See "Business--Expansion and Store Development; Distribution and Information
Systems."  In addition, the Company believes that nonrecurring expenses related
to the Acquisition will not have an adverse effect on results of operations in
the future.  The Company's ability to meet its debt service obligations will
depend upon its future performance, which, in turn, will be subject to general
economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors affecting the
operations of the Company, including factors beyond its control.  Accordingly,
there can be no assurance that the Company's business plans will be successful
or that operating cash flow will be sufficient to meet the Company's debt
service obligations, including, without limitation, its interest and principal
payment obligations with respect to the Securities.  See "High Leverage" and
"Expansion Program."

HIGH LEVERAGE

   
         The Company will continue to be highly leveraged following the Offer.
In addition to the obligations evidenced by the $36,450,000 aggregate principal
balance of outstanding Securities, the debt obligations of the Company include
all present and future Senior Indebtedness of the Company (as defined in the
Indenture and summarized under "Description of Securities to be Registered --
Certain Definitions"), including, without limitation, the Revolving Credit
Facility.  As of June 30, 1996, there were borrowings of $63.5 million and
letter of credit commitments of $5.6 million outstanding under the Revolving
Credit Facility.  The Securities are subordinate in right and priority of
payment in full to all such Senior Indebtedness.  See "Description of
Securities To Be Registered --  Subordination" and "Financing Arrangements."
The foregoing leverage will have important consequences to Holders of the
Securities, including the following:  (i) the Company's highly leveraged
condition could make the procurement of additional capital resources difficult
if that were to become necessary; (ii) a substantial portion of the Company's
cash flow from operations will be required to be dedicated to the payment of
the Company's interest expense and principal repayment obligations; (iii) the
Company's high degree of leverage will make it more vulnerable in a downturn of
business; and (iv) the Company's principal repayment obligations could limit
the amount of internally generated funds available to fund the Company's
expansion and, therefore, could require a reduction of its expansion plans.
    

         The Company's ability to meet its debt service obligations and to
reduce its total debt will be dependent upon its future performance, which, in
turn, will be subject to general economic conditions and to financial, business
and other factors affecting the operations of the Company, including factors
beyond its control.  The Company's earnings were insufficient to cover fixed
charges for the 53 weeks ended January 3, 1993 (on a pro forma basis) and the
fiscal years ended January 2, 1994 and December 31, 1995 by $7.3 million, $1.7
million and $6.4 million, respectively.  However, for each of these periods,
the Company's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, LIFO
and non- recurring expenses related to the Acquisition ("EBITDA") exceeded the
minimum amounts of EBITDA required under the terms of the Company's bank
facility for such periods.  See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations."

         The Credit Agreement and the Indenture impose certain operating and
financial restrictions on the Company, including restrictions on the Company's
ability to make certain payments outside the ordinary course of business,
engage in transactions with certain shareholders and affiliates, incur
indebtedness, issue capital stock, consummate an asset sale, sell or issue a
subsidiary's capital stock,





                                      -15-
<PAGE>   19
or merge or consolidate with or transfer all or substantially all of its
properties and assets.  See "Financing Arrangements" and "Description of
Securities to be Registered -- Covenants."

EXPANSION PROGRAM

         The Company's continued growth is dependent to a significant degree
upon its ability to open new stores on a profitable basis and to increase sales
in existing stores.  During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, the
Company opened a total of 19 new stores and intends to continue opening new
stores and remodeling certain older, existing stores at a rate consistent with
its historical operations, including plans to open approximately ten new stores
in 1996 at an aggregate cost, including working capital, of approximately $5
million.  See "Business -- Expansion and Store Development."  Historically, the
majority of the Company's new stores have been profitable and have generated
positive cash flow beginning with the commencement of operations, although new
stores during the first full year of operation usually generate profits and
cash flow at lower levels than mature stores which have been operating for 18
to 36 months.  New stores tend to mature and become more profitable as consumer
awareness increases through, among other things, the Company's marketing and
advertising programs.

         The Company's ability to expand will depend, in part, on business
conditions and the availability of suitable sites, acceptable lease terms,
qualified managers and sales associates, and sufficient capital.  In addition,
a decline in the Company's overall financial performance, increased rents or
any other adverse effects arising from the commercial real estate market in the
Company's markets may adversely impact the Company's current expansion plan.
The Company expects that the net cash generated from operations, together with
borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility to support working capital
requirements, will enable the Company to finance the expenditures related to
its planned expansion.  There can be no assurance that the Company will possess
sufficient funds to finance the expenditures related to its planned expansion,
that new stores can be opened on a timely basis, or that such new stores can be
operated on a profitable basis.  In the event net cash generated from
operations together with working capital reserves and borrowings under the
Revolving Credit Facility are insufficient to finance the expenditures related
to the Company's planned expansion, it would be required to reduce its
expansion plans, which could have an adverse impact on the Company's financial
condition and results of operation as a consequence of its inability to take
advantage of the increased sales and improved economies of scale (i.e., the
anticipated reduction in fixed costs as a percentage of sales as the sales base
increases) that the Company anticipates in connection with the growth of its
operations.

COMPETITION

         The sporting goods business and the retail environment are highly
competitive, and the Company competes with national, regional and local
sporting goods chains, large retailers, specialty stores and sporting goods
superstores.  The principal competitive factors include store location and
image, product selection, quality and price, and customer service.  A number of
the Company's competitors are larger and have greater resources than the
Company.

ABSENCE OF PUBLIC MARKET

         No public market for the Securities exists at present.  No assurance
can be given that an active public market will develop for the Securities or
that the Notes and the New Notes will trade as one class after the consummation
of the Exchange Offer or as to the extent of liquidity available through any
trading market for the Securities.  If a public market for the Notes or the New
Notes





                                      -16-
<PAGE>   20
should develop, such securities could trade at a discount from their principal
amount.  The Company does not currently intend to list the Securities on any
securities exchange or to seek approval for quotation of the Securities through
any automated quotation system.  The Company has not obtained and has no plans
to obtain a market maker for the Securities.

FRAUDULENT TRANSFER CONSIDERATIONS

         The Acquisition could become subject to challenge under federal or
state fraudulent transfer laws, particularly if Thrifty becomes a debtor in a
case under the United States Bankruptcy Code, if a court were to determine that
Thrifty received less than reasonably equivalent value for the Company and, at
the time of the Acquisition, Thrifty was insolvent, was rendered insolvent, was
engaged in a business or transaction for which its remaining assets constituted
unreasonably small capital, or intended to incur or believed that it would
incur debts beyond its ability to pay as such debts matured.  The Company does
not believe that any of these tests will be satisfied, based in part on an
opinion of a nationally recognized investment bank delivered prior to the
Acquisition to the effect that the terms of the Acquisition were fair to
Thrifty from a financial point of view, and on an opinion of a nationally
recognized solvency appraisal firm delivered prior to the Acquisition as to
Thrifty's solvency at the time of the Acquisition.

         However, if a court were to determine that the Acquisition did
constitute a fraudulent transfer, the court could avoid the transfer of the
Company to Big 5 Holdings or take other action detrimental to the interest of
the Company and its creditors.  The Company believes that the most likely
result in such an event could be the entry of a money judgment against the
Company for an amount equal to the difference between the price paid by Big 5
Holdings in the Acquisition and the "reasonably equivalent value," as
determined by the court, of Thrifty's interest in the Company prior to the
Acquisition, although the court could take other action detrimental to the
Company, such as ordering the return of the Company to Thrifty.

DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL

         The Company's operations depend to a great extent on the management
effort of its officers and other key personnel and on its ability to attract
and retain the existing senior management in the future.  The loss of the
services of certain members of the existing senior management team could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business.  The Company currently
maintains key person insurance in the amount of $5 million covering Steven G.
Miller, the President, Chief Operating Officer and a director of the Company.
The beneficiaries under the key person policy are the Company and CIT, who are
entitled to receive $2 million and $3 million, respectively (in the case of
CIT, for application to the Revolving Credit Facility), in the event the entire
amount of insurance becomes payable (provided that, in the event of a default
under the Revolving Credit Facility, CIT is entitled to receive all $5
million).  There can be no assurance that such insurance will be available in
the future.

SEASONALITY

         The business of the Company is seasonal in nature.  Historically, the
Company's revenues and income are highest during its fourth quarter, due to the
holiday season.  As a result, the Company's results of operations are likely to
vary substantially during its fiscal year.





                                      -17-
<PAGE>   21
                                USE OF PROCEEDS

         The Company will not receive any proceeds from the Offer.  The
proceeds received by the Company from the offer of the Notes were used to
consummate the Acquisition.

                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

         The Notes may be sold from time to time to purchasers directly by any
of the Selling Noteholders.  Alternatively, any of the Selling Noteholders may
from time to time offer the Notes through underwriters, dealers or agents.  At
the time a particular offer of Notes is made, if required, a Prospectus
Supplement will be distributed which will set forth the aggregate amount of
Notes being offered and the terms of the offering, including the names or names
of any underwriters, dealers or agents, any discounts, commissions and other
terms constituting compensation from the Selling Noteholders, and any
discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers.

         The Notes may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions at
a fixed offering price, which may be changed, or at varying prices determined
at the time or at negotiated prices.  Such prices will be determined by the
Selling Noteholders or by agreement among the Selling Noteholders and
underwriters or dealers.

         The Company will pay substantially all of the expenses incident to the
registration, offering and sale of the Notes to the public other than
commissions and discounts of underwriters, dealers or agents.  Such expenses
(excluding such commissions and discounts) are estimated to be approximately
$28,000.  Under agreements entered into with the Company, the Selling
Noteholders will be, and any underwriter they utilize may be, indemnified by
the Company against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities under
the Securities Act.

         The following table sets forth the names of the Selling Noteholders
and the aggregate principal amount of Notes beneficially owned by each Selling
Noteholder as of the date hereof:





                                      -18-
<PAGE>   22
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        
                                                                                          
 NAME                                                                    PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
 ----                                                                        OF NOTES
                                                                         BENEFICIALLY OWNED
                                                                         ------------------
 <S>                                                                          <C>
 The Leonard and Emese Green Living Trust(1)                                   $100,000

 Jonathan Sokoloff(1)                                                           100,000

 Christopher Walker                                                             100,000

 Robert W. Miller(2)                                                             50,000

 Daniel and Elaine Seigel(3)                                                     50,000

 Naomi Bement(3)                                                                 25,000
 
 Linda Maslowe(3)                                                                25,000

 Philip Maslowe(3)                                                               25,000

 William Yingling(3)                                                             25,000
                                                                               --------
    TOTAL                                                                      $500,000
                                                                               ========
</TABLE>

__________________________

(1)      Mr. Green (or entities controlled by him) and Mr. Sokoloff are general
         partners of Leonard Green & Associates ("LGA") and may be deemed to be
         beneficial owners of the 3,100,160 shares or 77.5% of Parent's
         outstanding common stock, par value $.01 (the "Common Stock"), owned
         by GEI, and the 129,932 shares or 86.6% of Parent's outstanding Series
         A 9% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $.01 (the
         "Preferred Stock"), owned by GEI, by reason of their interests in LGA,
         which is the sole general partner of GEI.  In addition, Messrs. Green
         and Sokoloff are directors of the Company.

(2)      Mr. Miller is Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive
         Officer of the Company.

(3)      As of the date of their acquisition of the Notes, William Yingling,
         Daniel Seigel, Philip Maslowe (Linda Maslowe's spouse), and Christian
         Bement (Naomi Bement's spouse) held, respectively, the following
         executive officer positions with the Company's former direct parent,
         Thrifty:  Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive
         Officer; President; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
         Officer; and Executive Vice President and Chief of Human Resources.
         None of these persons is currently employed by Thrifty or its
         affiliates.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    Principal Amount of
                                                   Principal Amount of               Notes Beneficially
 Name                                             Notes Offered for Sale           Owned After the Offer
 ----                                             ----------------------           ---------------------
   <S>                                                      <C>                              <C>
   *                                                        *                                *
</TABLE>


*  To be provided by amendment.





                                      -19-
<PAGE>   23
                                 CAPITALIZATION

   
         The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company as of
June 30, 1996.  Because there will be no cash proceeds to the Company arising
from the Offer, no pro forma financial data are included in the following
table.
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          AS OF
                                                                                      JUNE 30 1996
                                                                                      ------------
                                                                             (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                       (UNAUDITED)
 SHORT-TERM DEBT: (1)
 <S>                                                                                    <C>
    Current installments of long-term debt                                              $      0

 LONG-TERM DEBT: (1)
    Revolving Credit Facility                                                             63,455
    Senior Subordinated Notes
      due 2002 (Notes and New Notes combined)                                             36,450
                                                                                        --------
    Total long-term debt                                                                  99,905
                                                                                        --------
 STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY:
    Common Stock, no par value.  Authorized 2,500
      shares; issued and outstanding 1,300 shares                                         35,080
    Accumulated deficit                                                                   (9,891)
                                                                                        --------
    Net stockholder's equity                                                              25,189
                                                                                        --------

      Total capitalization                                                              $125,094
                                                                                        ========
</TABLE>
    

(1)  See "Financing Arrangements" and "Description of Securities to be
     Registered -- Subordination."





                                      -20-
<PAGE>   24
                SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA


   
     The selected historical and pro forma financial data set forth below have
been derived from the audited financial statements for the fiscal years ended
December 29, 1991, the 39 weeks ended September 25, 1992 and the 14 weeks ended
January 3, 1993, the unaudited pro forma financial information for the fiscal
year ended January 3, 1993, the audited financial statements for the fiscal
years ended January 2, 1994, January 1, 1995, and December 31, 1995, which are
included elsewhere in this Prospectus, and the unaudited financial statements
for the 26 weeks ended June 30, 1996 and July 2, 1995, which are also included
elsewhere in this Prospectus.  Such data should be read in conjunction with
such financial statements, other information, and the related notes thereto.
As a consequence of the Acquisition effective September 25, 1992, the Company
is deemed for financial reporting purposes to have become a new reporting
entity ("Successor Company") on that date and periods subsequent to the
September 25, 1992 date reflect the allocation of the costs of the Acquisition
to assets and liabilities based on estimates of fair values in accordance with
the purchase method of accounting.  Accordingly, the results of operations of
Successor Company subsequent to September 25, 1992 are not fully comparable to
the results of operations of the Company as constituted prior to such date
("Predecessor Company").  In particular, operating results subsequent to
September 25, 1992 reflect incremental depreciation and amortization relating
to the purchase method adjustments referred to above and higher interest
charges relating to new indebtedness related to the Acquisition.
    

     The pro forma statement of earnings gives effect to the Acquisition and
related financing AS IF CONSUMMATED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 1992 FISCAL YEAR.
As a result, such statement is not fully comparable to statements of operations
for prior fiscal periods.  For additional information, see "Capitalization" and
"Pro Forma Financial Data."





                                      -21-
<PAGE>   25
                           UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
                         (Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                       
                                                                           Successor Company
                                            -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     26 Weeks Ended                             Year Ended
                                            ----------------------------   ----------------------------------------------------
                                             June 30, 1996  July 2, 1995   December 31, 1995  January  1, 1995  January 2, 1994
                                             -------------  ------------   -----------------  ----------------  ---------------
                                                      (unaudited)
 <S>                                           <C>            <C>               <C>               <C>             <C>
 STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:        
 Net sales                                     $189,833       $173,456          $370,126          $364,109        $321,933
 Cost of goods sold, buying and occupancy       130,148        119,279           256,583           244,777         224,094 1
                                               --------       --------          --------          --------        --------
    Gross profit                                 59,685         54,177           113,543           119,332          97,839

 Operating expenses:
   Selling and administration                    50,660         47,637            95,158            92,238          80,076
   Depreciation and amortization                  4,799          4,724            11,991             9,180           6,999
                                               --------       --------          --------          --------        --------
 Total operating expenses                        55,459         52,361           107,149           101,418          87,075
                                               --------       --------          --------          --------        --------

 Operating income (loss)                          4,226          1,816             6,394            17,914          10,764
 Interest expense (income), net                   5,889          6,141            12,347            11,712          11,793
                                               --------       --------          --------          --------        --------
 Income (loss) before income                   
  taxes and extraordinary loss                   (1,663)        (4,325)           (5,953)            6,202          (1,029)
  Income taxes                                        0              0               368             1,903               0
                                               --------       ---------         --------          --------        -------- 

 Income (loss) before extraordinary loss         (1,663)        (4,325)           (6,321)            4,299          (1,029)
                                                                       
 Extraordinary loss from extinguishment
  of debt, net of tax                            (2,222)             0                 0            (2,855)              0
                                               --------       --------          --------          --------        -------- 

 Net income (loss)                              ($3,885)       ($4,325)          ($6,321)           $1,444         ($1,029)
                                               ========       ========          ========          ========        ======== 

 OPERATING AND OTHER DATA:
   EBITDA (8)                                   $ 9,025        $ 6,540           $18,386           $27,094         $24,094
   Ratio of earnings to fixed charges              0.80           0.52              0.69              1.31             0.9
   Deficiency in earnings to fixed charges       $1,953         $4,530            $6,383                $0          $1,668
   Number of stores at end of period                193            178               192               175             162
                                                                       

</TABLE>
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                       Predecessor Company
                                                                                               ----------------------------------
                                                                      Successor Company         39 Weeks from
                                                                        14 Weeks from            December 30,
                                               Pro Forma             September 26, 1992          1991 through        Year Ended
                                              Year Ended              through January 3,         September 25,       December 29,
                                            January 3, 1993                  1993                    1992                1991    
                                            ---------------          -------------------       ----------------      ------------
 <S>                                            <C>                        <C>                     <C>                <C>
 STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:        
 Net sales                                      $312,415                   $ 89,616                $222,799            $292,218
 Cost of goods sold, buying and occupancy        221,795 2                   64,147 3               150,660             197,867
                                                --------                   --------                --------             -------
    Gross profit                                  90,620                     25,469                  72,139              94,351

 Operating expenses:
   Selling and administration                     80,076                     20,629                  59,447              69,447
   Depreciation and amortization                   6,317 4                    1,684 5                 1,762               2,393
                                                --------                   --------                --------             -------
 Total operating expenses                         86,393                     22,313                  61,209              71,840
                                                --------                   --------                --------             -------

 Operating income (loss)                           4,227                      3,156                  10,930              22,511
 Interest expense (income), net                   10,872 6                    3,256 7                (1,059)                677
                                                --------                   --------                --------            --------
 Income (loss) before income
  taxes and extraordinary loss                    (6,645)                      (100)                 11,989              21,834
 Income taxes                                          0                          0                   4,964               8,770
                                                --------                   --------                --------            --------
 Income (loss) before extraordinary loss          (6,645)                      (100)                  7,025              13,064
                                                ========                   ========                ========            ========

 Extraordinary loss from extinguishment
  of debt, net of tax                                  0                          0                       0                   0
                                                --------                   --------                --------            --------

 Net income (loss)                               ($6,645)                     ($100)                 $7,025             $13,064
                                                ========                   ========                ========            ========

 OPERATING AND OTHER DATA:
   EBITDA (8)                                    $24,836                    $10,118                 $14,718             $24,217
   Ratio of earnings to fixed charges                0.6                        0.9                     4.0                 4.8
   Deficiency in earnings to fixed charges        $7,284                       $259                       0                   0
   Number of stores at end of period                 147                        147                     140                 137
                                          
- ---------------------------------   
</TABLE>
    

1   Includes $6,332 increase related to the purchase accounting inventory
    revaluation.
2   Includes $11,080 increase related to the purchase accounting inventory
    revaluation.  Predecessor Company recorded inventory on a LIFO basis.  In
    connection with the Acquisition, the Company adopted the FIFO method for
    recording inventory.  As a result, a $657 LIFO benefit recorded in 
    Predecessor Company is reversed to reflect the FIFO method as of the 
    beginning of the year.
3   Includes $4,749 increase related to the purchase accounting inventory
    revaluation.
4   Includes $3,828 increase related to depreciation and amortization of
    purchase accounting asset revaluation.
5   Includes $957 increase related to depreciation and amortization of purchase
    accounting asset revaluation.
6   Includes (i) $11,291 increase in interest expense on debt arising from the
    Acquisition, and (ii) $640 increase related to amortization of financing 
    fees.
7   Includes (i) $3,096 increase in interest expense on debt arising from the
    Acquisition, and (ii) $160 increase related to amortization of financing 
    fees.
8   EBITDA represents net income (loss) before taking into consideration
    interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation expense, non-cash rent
    expense (see footnote 5 to the financial statements), amortization expense
    associated with the write-up of





                                      -22-


<PAGE>   26
assets related to the Acquisition, expense incurred related to management stock
grants related to the Acquisition, LIFO provision incurred prior to the
Acquisition and extraordinary loss from early extinguishment of debt.





                                      -23-
<PAGE>   27
                           UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
                         (Dollar Amounts in Thousands)
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    Successor Company                           Predecessor Company
                                       ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------
                                         June 30,     December 31,    January 1,     January 2,     January 3,      December 29,
                                           1996            1995          1995           1994           1993             1991
                                         --------      ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------       -----------
 BALANCE SHEET DATA:                   (unaudited)
 <S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>
 Total Assets                            $198,843       $207,119       $227,707       $214,291       $202,330         $125,609

 Working capital (excluding current
    maturities of long-term debt)          75,248         74,994         69,064         67,278         71,799           71,146

 Payable to former parent (1)                   0              0              0              0              0            2,958

 Long-term debt (including current 
  maturities):
    Term Loan                                   0              0              0         44,000         49,000                0

    Revolving Credit Facility              63,455         67,144         60,000              0              0                0

    Senior Subordinated Notes
      due 2002 (Notes and New Notes
       combined)                           36,450         36,450         36,450         55,000         55,000                0
                                         --------       --------       --------       --------       --------         --------
       Total long-term debt                99,905        103,594         96,450         99,000        104,000                0

 Stockholder's equity                    $ 25,189       $ 29,074       $ 35,395       $ 33,787       $ 34,790         $ 83,114
                                         ========       ========       ========       ========       ========         ========
</TABLE>
    
____________________________________

(1)  Prior to the Acquisition, the Company funded certain of its borrowing
     needs through an intercompany account with Thrifty.  This account had no
     specified due date and reflected interest which approximated the rate of
     Thrifty's short-term borrowings.





                                      -24-
<PAGE>   28
                            PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)

                               Pro Forma Combined
              (53 Weeks Ended January 3, 1993 as Adjusted to Give
                           Effect to the Acquisition)


     The following unaudited pro forma statement of operations presents the pro
forma results of operations of the Company for the 53 weeks ended January 3,
1993.  The unaudited pro forma statement of operations combines the results of
operations of Predecessor Company for the 39 weeks ended September 25, 1992 and
the results of operations of the Company for the 14 weeks ended January 3, 1993
and gives effect to the Acquisition as though it occurred AT THE BEGINNING OF
THE 1992 FISCAL YEAR.  The unaudited pro forma statement of operations, which
contains assumptions and includes adjustments as described in the notes that
follow, should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements
and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus.  The unaudited pro
forma information does not purport to represent the results that actually would
have occurred if such transactions had in fact occurred on such date or to
project the results that may be achieved in the future.





                                      -25-
<PAGE>   29
                           UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
                         (Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  United Merchandising
                                   United Merchandising Corp.            Corp.
                                     (Predecessor Company)         (Successor Company)
                                         39 Weeks from               14 Weeks from                                  Pro Forma
                                       December 30, 1991           September 26, 1992                               Year Ended
                                   through September 25, 1992   through January 3, 1993     Adjustments          January 3, 1993
                                   --------------------------   -----------------------     -----------          ---------------
 STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS:
 <S>                                      <C>                          <C>                  <C>                      <C>
 Net sales                                $222,799                     $ 89,616             $      0                 $312,415
 Cost of goods sold, 
  buying and occupancy                     150,660                       64,147                6,988(1)(2)            221,795
                                         ---------                    ---------             --------                 --------
   Gross profit                             72,139                       25,469               (6,988)                  90,620

 Operating expenses:
   Selling and administration               59,447                       20,629                    0                   80,076
   Depreciation and amortization             1,762                        1,684                2,871(3)                 6,317
                                         ---------                    ---------             --------                 --------
 Total operating expenses                   61,209                       22,313                2,871                   86,393
                                         ---------                    ---------             --------                 --------
 Operating income                           10,930                        3,156               (9,859)                   4,227
 Interest expense (income), net             (1,059)                       3,256                8,675(4)                10,872
                                         ---------                    ---------             --------                 --------
 Income (loss) before income taxes          11,989                         (100)             (18,534)                  (6,645)
 Income taxes                                4,964                            0               (4,964)(5)                    0
                                         ---------                    ---------             --------                 --------
 Net income (loss)                         $ 7,025                       $ (100)            $(13,570)                $ (6,645)
                                         =========                    =========             ========                 ========

</TABLE>

(1) Predecessor Company recorded inventory on a LIFO basis.  In connection with
    the Acquisition, the Company adopted the FIFO method for recording
    inventory.  As a result, the $657 LIFO benefit recorded in 1992 in
    Predecessor Company is reversed to reflect the FIFO method as of the
    beginning of the year.

(2) Reflects $6,331 increase related to purchase accounting inventory
    revaluation.

(3) Reflects $2,871 increase in depreciation and amortization expense due to
    purchase accounting revaluation of assets.

(4) Reflects (i) $8,195 net increase in interest expense on debt arising from
    the Acquisition, and (ii) $480 increase in amortization of financing fees.

(5) Reflects $4,964 decrease in income taxes since Pro Forma results reflect a
    pre-tax loss for the year.

                                      -26-
<PAGE>   30
                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

   
         The fiscal years ended January 2, 1994, January 1, 1995 and December
31, 1995 are referred to below as "Fiscal 1993," "Fiscal 1994" and "Fiscal
1995," respectively.

26 Weeks Ended June 30, 1996 Versus 26 Weeks Ended July 2, 1995

(1)      Net Sales

         Net sales for the 26 weeks ended June 30, 1996 of $189.8 million
increased 9.4% (or $16.4 million) from $173.5 million reported for the 26 weeks
ended July 2, 1995.  Same store sales increased 1.5% compared with the same
period last year.  Sales generated from an increase in store count from 178 at
July 2, 1995 to 193 at June 30, 1996 created the remaining 7.9% of the 9.4%
sales increase for the 26 week period.

(2)      Gross Profit

         Gross profit increased 10.2% (or $5.5 million) from $54.2 million for
the 26 weeks ended July 2, 1995 to $59.7 million for the 26 weeks ended June
30, 1996, while the Company's gross profit margin increased from 31.2% of sales
in the 1995 period to 31.4% of sales in the 1996 period.  These improvements
resulted from increased sales, improved point of sale margins and positive
store inventory results partially offset by increased occupancy and
distribution costs which were impacted by the Company's store growth and lower
first quarter 1996 margins arising from higher volumes of sales of lower margin
ski-related products.

(3)      Operating Expenses

         Selling and administration expenses increased 6.3% (or $3.0 million)
from $47.6 million for the 26 weeks ended July 2, 1995 to $50.7 million for the
26 weeks ended June 30, 1996.  This increase resulted primarily from the store
growth achieved by the Company during the past year.  When measured as a
percentage of sales, selling and administration expenses decreased from 27.5%
of sales for the 1995 period to 26.7% of sales in the 1996 period.  This
decrease reflects the Company's focus on controllable expense categories in
response to general weakness in the economy experienced throughout 1995.

         Depreciation and amortization increased 1.6% (or $0.1 million) from
$4.7 million for the prior year period to $4.8 million for the 26 weeks ended
June 30, 1996.

(4)      EBITDA

         EBITDA increased 38.0% (or $2.5 million) from $6.5 million for the 26
weeks ended July 2, 1995 to $9.0 million for the 26 weeks ended June 30, 1996.
Increased sales coupled with the Company's focus on expenses were the primary
factors contributing to this increase.
    





                                      -27-
<PAGE>   31
(5)      Interest Expense, Net

   
         Interest expense, net decreased 4.1% (or $0.2 million) from $6.1
million for the prior year period to $5.9 million for the 26 weeks ended June
30, 1996.  This decrease reflects lower average borrowing levels on the
Company's Revolving Credit Facility during the 26 weeks ended June 30, 1996.

(6)      Extraordinary Loss From Early Extinguishment of Debt

         During the 26 weeks ended June 30, 1996, the Company refinanced its
indebtedness under its old credit facility with borrowing under the Revolving
Credit Facility.  In connection with the refinancing, the Company accelerated
amortization of $1.1 million of certain fees, and paid $1.2 million in
prepayment premiums and other fees.  Accordingly, a charge of $2.2 million is
recorded as an extraordinary loss for the 26 weeks ended June 30, 1996.  No
such event occurred during the 26 weeks ended July 2, 1995.

(7)      Net Loss

         Net loss for the 26 weeks ended June 30, 1996 decreased to $3.9
million from a net loss of $4.3 million for the 26 weeks ended July 2, 1995.
The net loss for the 26 weeks ended June 30, 1996 is $1.7 million before the
extraordinary loss described above.
    

Fiscal 1995 Versus Fiscal 1994

(1)      Net Sales

         Net sales increased 1.6% (or $6.0 million) from $364.1 million in
Fiscal 1994 to $370.1 million in Fiscal 1995, while the number of stores
increased by 17 (or 9.7%) from 175 in Fiscal 1994 to 192 in Fiscal 1995.  Same
store sales decreased 4.9% in Fiscal 1995 reflecting a general slow-down in
retail spending by consumers, heavy rains experienced in early 1995, the
short-term positive impact of the Northridge earthquake on 1994's sales, and
the extremely dry and warm November and December 1995 weather's impact on ski
and winter related product sales.  Sales generated from new stores opened in
1994 and 1995 offset the decline in same store sales, resulting in the 1.6%
increase in net sales for the year.

(2)      Gross Profit

         Gross profit decreased 4.9% (or $5.8 million) from $119.3 million in
Fiscal 1994 to $113.5 million in Fiscal 1995.  Gross profit margin decreased
from 32.8% of sales in the 1994 period to 30.6% of sales in the 1995 period.
Certain gross profit costs, including minimum rent and other occupancy and
distribution costs, are relatively fixed in nature or fluctuate primarily based
on the number of stores.  Accordingly, the same store sales decrease in Fiscal
1995 negatively impacted the Company's gross margin.  Gross margin was also
impacted by a successful campaign focused on reducing inventory levels for
certain product categories.  This inventory reduction plan resulted in lower
gross margin as the Company adjusted prices to achieve its targeted inventory
levels.

(3)      Operating Expenses

         Selling and administration expenses increased 3.3% (or $3.0 million)
from $92.2 million in Fiscal 1994 to $95.2 million in Fiscal 1995.  This
increased resulted from the significant store growth





                                      -28-
<PAGE>   32
achieved by the Company during the past year and a significant increase in
advertising costs.  These increases were partially offset by the Company's
focus on other variable expense categories in reaction to the general weakness
in the economy.  When measured as a percentage of sales, selling and
administration expenses increased from 25.4% of sales in the 1994 period to
25.7% in the 1995 period, reflecting the relatively fixed nature of many of
these costs combined with the same store sales decrease discussed above.

         Depreciation and amortization expense increased 30.4% (or $2.8
million) from $9.2 million in Fiscal 1994 to $12.0 million in Fiscal 1995.
This increase reflects the Company's spending on store growth and computer
software and hardware for the Company's new computerized financial and
merchandising systems, along with an increase of $2.8 million related to the
non-cash portion of rent expense.  This non-cash rent expense is expected to
decline significantly in 1996 and thereafter.

(4)      EBITDA

         1995 reflects EBITDA of $18.4 million which is 32.1% (or $8.7 million)
lower than 1994's EBITDA of $27.1 million.  Decreases in same- store sales and
gross margin coupled with advertising expense increases were the primary
factors contributing to the decrease.  In addition to a difficult retail
environment, sales were impacted by poor weather conditions throughout the
year.

(5)      Interest Expense, Net

         Interest expense, net for 1995 increased 5.1% (or $0.6 million) from
$11.7 million in Fiscal 1994 to $12.3 million in Fiscal 1995.  This variance
results from higher borrowing balances throughout 1995, partially offset by
lower interest rates on the Company's bank facility, and the impact of the
repurchase of a portion of the Securities late in 1994.  The decrease in
interest rates results from lower interest rates under the Company's bank
facility, coupled with a full year impact on interest expense resulting from
the repurchase of $18.6 million of higher interest Securities, which took place
in the fourth quarter of 1994.

(6)      Income Taxes

   
         Income taxes were $0.4 million in Fiscal 1995 versus $1.9 million in
Fiscal 1994.  The $0.4 million in Fiscal 1995 represents a change in the
valuation allowance for deferred taxes.  Such change was based upon the
Company's determination that a 100% valuation allowance was appropriate
inasmuch as the Company had incurred taxable losses during two consecutive
fiscal years and could not substantiate that it would be able to generate
future taxable income in order to realize its deferred tax assets.
    

(7)      Net Income (Loss)

         Fiscal 1995 net loss was $6.3 million compared to net income of $1.4
million for Fiscal 1994.  Approximately $3.3 million of the Fiscal 1995 loss is
related to the non-cash portion of rent expense compared to $0.5 million in
1994.  This non-cash rent expense is expected to decline significantly in 1996
and thereafter.  Decreases in same-store sales and gross margins and increases
in advertising expense were the other primary factors for the earnings decline
in Fiscal 1995.





                                      -29-
<PAGE>   33
         Fiscal 1994 Versus Fiscal 1993

(1)      Net sales

         Net sales increased 13.1% (or $42.2 million) from $321.9 million in
Fiscal 1993 to $364.1 million in Fiscal 1994, while the number of stores
increased by 13 (or 8.0%) from 162 in Fiscal 1993 to 175 in Fiscal 1994.  Sales
for stores open in both Fiscal 1994 and Fiscal 1993 increased 5.7%. Such same
store sales comparisons reflect positive sales during 1994, particularly in the
first half of the year, reflecting a stabilization of the economy, especially
in the Company's core California market, significant growth of in-line skate
product sales and the temporary positive impact on sales in Southern California
after the Northridge earthquake.  Sales generated from new stores opened in
1993 and 1994 generated the remaining 7.4% increase in sales between years.

(2)      Gross Profit

         Gross profit increased 22.0% (or $21.5 million) from $97.8 million in
Fiscal 1993 to $119.3 million in Fiscal 1994.  The Company believes Fiscal
1994's figures are not fully comparable to Fiscal 1993's figures as a result of
the decrease in gross profit in Fiscal 1993 resulting from the inventory
revaluation which occurred in connection with the Acquisition.  Excluding this
expense for comparative purposes results in gross profit which increased 14.5%
(or $15.1 million) from $104.2 million in Fiscal 1993 to $119.3 million in
Fiscal 1994.  This increase was principally due to the increase in store count
from 162 in Fiscal 1993 to 175 in Fiscal 1994 combined with a more favorable
product mix in Fiscal 1994.  When measured as a percentage of sales, this
adjusted gross profit increased from 32.4% in Fiscal 1993 to 32.8% in Fiscal
1994.

(3)      Operating Expenses

         Selling and administration expenses increased 15.1% (or $12.1 million)
from $80.1 million in Fiscal 1993 to $92.2 million in Fiscal 1994.  This
increase resulted primarily from the significant store growth achieved by the
Company in Fiscal 1994 and added expenses related to the implementation of the
Company's new computerized merchandise and distribution systems.  When measured
as a percentage of sales, selling and administration expenses increased from
24.8% in Fiscal 1993 to 25.4% in Fiscal 1994.

         Depreciation and amortization expense increased 31.2% (or $2.2
million) from $7.0 million in Fiscal 1993 to $9.2 million in Fiscal 1994.  This
increase reflects the Company's spending on store growth and computer software
and hardware for the Company's new computerized financial and merchandising
systems.

(4)      EBITDA

         EBITDA increased 12.4% (or $3.0 million) from $24.1 million in Fiscal
1993 to $27.1 million in Fiscal 1994, which amount exceeded the EBITDA covenant
minimum requirement for Fiscal 1994.  The increase in EBITDA resulted primarily
from the Company's strong sales performance in Fiscal 1994.





                                      -30-
<PAGE>   34
(5)     Interest Expense, Net

         Interest expense, net decreased 0.8% (or $0.1 million) from $11.8
million in Fiscal 1993 to $11.7 million in Fiscal 1994.  This decrease
reflected lower interest rates on the Company's bank facility, coupled with the
positive impact on interest expense resulting from the repurchase of $18.6
million of higher interest Securities and slightly lower average borrowing
levels during Fiscal 1994, partially offset by an increase in interest rates in
the last half of Fiscal 1994.

(6)      Income Taxes

         Income taxes were $1.9 million in Fiscal 1994 versus no tax provision
for Fiscal 1993, reflecting the positive income before taxes in Fiscal 1994.

(7)      Extraordinary Loss from Early Extinguishment of Debt, Net of Tax

         During 1994, the Company retired all of its obligations under its
original bank facility entered into in connection with the Acquisition (the
"Original Bank Facility") as well as $18.6 million in principal amount of
Securities.  In connection therewith, the Company accelerated amortization of
$3.3 million of certain fees and paid a premium of $1.5 million related to the
repurchase of Securities.  Accordingly, an after tax charge of $2.9 million was
recorded as an extraordinary loss in Fiscal 1994.  No such event occurred in
Fiscal 1993.

(8)      Net Income (Loss)

         Fiscal 1994 net income was $1.4 million compared to a net loss of $1.0
million for Fiscal 1993, reflecting the positive sales results achieved in
1994.  Net income for Fiscal 1994 includes  $4.8 million before taxes of costs
related to the debt refinancing, and Fiscal 1993 net income includes $6.3
million before taxes of costs for the amortization of Acquisition related
inventory revaluation.

IMPACT OF INFLATION

         The Company does not believe that inflation has a material impact on
the Company's results of operations.  The Company believes that it is generally
able to pass along any inflationary increases in costs to its customers.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

         The Company is highly leveraged as a result of the Securities and the
Senior Indebtedness (as defined in the Indenture and summarized in "Description
of Securities to be Registered -- Certain Definitions"), including, without
limitation, the Revolving Credit Facility.  The Revolving Credit Facility is
secured by trade accounts receivable, merchandise inventories and general
intangible assets and has a borrowing limit (including advances, outstanding
letters of credit and unreimbursed drawings under letters of credit) at any
time equal to the lesser of $100,000,000 and the Borrowing Base (as defined in
the Credit Agreement).  The Borrowing Base is equal to 65% of the aggregate
value of Eligible Inventory (as defined in the Credit Agreement) from time to
time.

         As a result of borrowings incurred in connection with the Acquisition,
the Company's interest expense increased from $0.7 million in fiscal 1991 to
$10.9 million in fiscal 1992 (on a pro forma basis), $11.8 million in Fiscal
1993, $11.7 million in Fiscal 1994 and $12.3 million in Fiscal 1995.  As a
result, and taking into account other factors related to the Acquisition, when
calculated on a pro





                                      -31-
<PAGE>   35
forma basis to give effect to the Acquisition and related financing, the
results of operations of the Company for fiscal 1992 (on a pro forma basis),
Fiscal 1993 and Fiscal 1995 include net losses of $6.6 million, $1.0 million
and $6.3 million, respectively.  The Company believes that operating cash flow
(i.e., income before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization)
will be sufficient to cover the interest expense arising from the Revolving
Credit Facility and the Securities.  However, the Company's ability to meet its
debt service obligations will depend upon its future performance, which, in
turn, will be subject to general economic conditions and to financial, business
and other factors affecting the operations of the Company, including factors
beyond its control.  Accordingly, there can be no assurance that operating cash
flow will be sufficient to meet the Company's debt service obligations.

         The Credit Agreement includes covenants that, among other things,
limit the Company's ability to incur debt, merge or consolidate with or invest
in other companies, sell or lease or otherwise transfer all or substantially
all of its properties or assets, make certain payments with respect to its
outstanding capital stock, and engage in transactions with affiliates.  The
Credit Agreement also contains a financial covenant that requires the Company
to maintain, during each quarter, a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined).
The Securities also contain various restrictive covenants similar to (although
generally less restrictive than) those contained in the Credit Agreement.  The
Company believes that the restrictive covenants under the Credit Agreement will
not impair its ability to accomplish its expansion plans or other business
strategies, which the Company expects to fund through the net cash generated
from operations, together with borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.
However, the Company's leveraged condition could make the procurement of
additional capital resources difficult if that were to become necessary.
Further, the limitations on capital expenditures resulting from the Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio contained in the Revolving Credit Agreement could impair
the Company's ability to undertake the cost of construction of new stores and
improvements if that were to become necessary.

   
         As of June 30, 1996, there were borrowings of $63.5 million and letter
of credit commitments of $5.6 million outstanding under the Revolving Credit
Facility, and the Company's cash and cash equivalents balance was $1.1 million.
    

         Net cash used in operating activities was $3.8 million in Fiscal 1995.
This figure reflects the significant decrease in accounts payable in Fiscal
1995 as the Company paid for increased inventory purchases in the fourth
quarter of Fiscal 1994 and early in Fiscal 1995.  The accounts payable decrease
was partially offset by the significant reduction in the Company's inventory
levels resulting from a successful inventory reduction plan implemented by the
Company in 1995.  The Company's inventory levels decreased 9.0% or $13.6
million in 1995 from $151.1 million at January 1, 1995 to $137.5 million at
December 31, 1995.  This reduction was accomplished even as the Company grew
its store base from 175 stores at January 1, 1995 to 192 stores at December 31,
1995.  Net cash used in investing activities was $7.4 million in Fiscal 1995,
reflecting capital expenditures associated with the Company's store growth
program.  The cumulative effect of cash used in operating activities of $3.8
million, cash used in investing activities of $7.4 million and cash provided by
financing activities of $6.7 million resulted in a net decrease in cash and
cash equivalents of $4.5 million in Fiscal 1995.

   
         Net cash used in operating activities was $1.1 million for the 26
weeks ended June 30, 1996 versus $29.2 million for the 26 weeks ended July 2,
1995.  Reduced inventory purchases and related payables decreases were the
primary factors in the improvement in cash requirements for the 1996 period.
During the 1996 period, the Company's inventory levels were 9.5% (or $14.8
million) lower than the prior year period's levels, totaling $140.3 million at
June 30, 1996 versus $155.0 million at July 2, 1995.  This reduction was
accomplished even as the Company grew its
    





                                      -32-
<PAGE>   36
   
store base from 178 at July 2, 1995 to 193 at June 30, 1996.  Net cash provided
by investing activities was $2.6 million for the 26 weeks ended June 30, 1996
versus cash use of $2.8 million for the 26 weeks ended July 2, 1995 reflecting
$4.7 million in net proceeds from the sale/leaseback of the Company's Fontana
distribution center.  The cumulative effect of net cash used in operating
activities and net cash provided by investing activities resulted in a
reduction in the Company's borrowing of $3.7 million for the 26 weeks ended
June 30, 1996, versus an increase of $26.0 million for the 26 weeks ended July
2, 1995, and a decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $2.1 million versus
$6.0 million for the comparable 26 week periods in 1996 and 1995, respectively.
    

IMPACT OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

         Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121 (FAS 121),
"Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets
to be Disposed of," issued in March 1995, and effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1995, establishes accounting standards for the
recognition and measurement of impairment of long-lived assets, certain
identifiable intangibles, and goodwill either to be held or disposed of.  The
adoption of FAS 121 did not have a material impact on the Company's financial
position or results of operations.

         In October of 1995, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
123 (FAS 123), "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," was issued.  FAS 123
encourages, but does not require, a fair value based method of accounting for
employee stock options and will be effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1995.  The Company anticipates that it will continue to elect to
measure compensation costs under APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees," and will adopt the pro forma disclosures in 1996.  If the
Company makes this election, FAS 123 will have no impact on the Company's
financial statements.





                                      -33-
<PAGE>   37
                                    BUSINESS

GENERAL

         Big 5 Holdings and Parent were formed in 1992 for the purpose of
acquiring the Company.  The acquisition took place on September 25, 1992, when
Big 5 Holdings purchased all of the Company's outstanding capital stock from
Thrifty.  On August 10, 1993, Big 5 Holdings was merged into the Company, which
was the surviving entity following the merger.

   
         The Company was founded in 1955 and currently operates a chain of
retail stores under the trade name "Big 5 Sporting Goods."  Big 5 is one of the
leading sporting goods chain in the United States based on revenues, operating
193 stores at June 30, 1996 located in California, Washington, Arizona, New
Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Texas and Idaho.  According to industry sources, Big
5's fiscal 1995 revenues of $370.1 million were the fourth highest among
full-line sporting goods retailers in the United States.  Big 5's marketing
strategy is directed at the general sporting goods consumer, with product
offerings including a wide selection of sporting goods in a broad range of
prices.
    

         During the five fiscal years ending December 31, 1995, Big 5 opened a
total of 66 new stores located throughout California, Washington, Arizona, New
Mexico, Oregon, Nevada, Texas and Idaho.  In 1993 and 1994, Big 5 successfully
completed the implementation and installation of new merchandising,
distribution and financial systems.  These systems provide the Company with
valuable information in tracking inventories.  In 1990 Big 5's new distribution
warehouse located in Fontana, California, was completed; since that time,
substantially all of Big 5's merchandise has been distributed from the Fontana
facility to individual stores.

EXPANSION AND STORE DEVELOPMENT

         The Company opened a total of 19 new stores and closed two stores in
1995; however, the Company plans to reduce the number of new store openings in
1996 to approximately five to ten new stores in reaction to the retail
environment in the states in which the Company operates.  Big 5 intends to
locate such new stores principally within, or adjacent to, its existing markets
to take advantage of economies of scale relating to marketing, distribution and
management.  Big 5's typical store design is a multi-department store of
approximately 10,000 to 15,000 total square feet.  The Company's stores are
principally located in strip centers or stand-alone locations.  In addition to
new store expansion, Big 5 intends to continue its efforts (through existing
store remodeling, improved systems and other means) to increase sales in
existing locations.

         As part of its expansion plan in 1995, the Company acquired seven
store sites located in New Mexico and western Texas from Gardenswartz Sportz, a
regional sporting goods chain, all of which stores were converted to Big 5's
store design.  As part of the transaction, the Company acquired fixtures and
leases of the sites.  The purchase price paid by the Company for the seven
stores and leases was approximately $1 million.  In addition, the aggregate
expenditures for furniture, equipment, additional fixtures and additional
inventory were approximately $4 million.

         Big 5's ability to expand will depend, in part, on business conditions
and the availability of suitable sites, acceptable lease terms and sufficient
capital.  Generally, the opening of a new store by Big 5 requires expenditures
for additional inventory, furniture, fixtures and equipment (including
point-of-sale equipment and computers), and miscellaneous overhead expenses.
Big 5's leases generally require the lessor, rather than Big 5, to fund all or
a significant portion of the capital expenditures related to new store
construction and costs of improvements.  Big 5 expects that the net





                                      -34-
<PAGE>   38
cash generated from operations, together with borrowings under the Revolving
Credit Facility, will enable Big 5 to finance the expenditures related to its
planned expansion, although there can be no assurance in this regard.  See
"Risk Factors --  Expansion Program."  Big 5's ability to expand or to remodel
existing stores will be subject to successful site acquisition and/or
negotiation of new leases or amendments to existing leases, and may be limited
by zoning, fire and other governmental regulations.

         The following table sets forth the number of Big 5 stores for the last
five fiscal years:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       1991      1992         1993          1994       1995
                                       ----     ------       ------        ------      ----
 <S>                                   <C>        <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>
 Total at period beginning             130        137         147           162         175
 Opened during period                    7         10          15            15          19

 Closed during period                   -           -           -            (2)        (2)
                                       ---         ---         ---           ---       ----

 Total at period end                   137        147         162           175         192
                                       ===        ===         ===           ===         ===
</TABLE>


MERCHANDISE

         Big 5's marketing strategy is directed at consumers who seek quality
sporting goods merchandise.  Merchandise is offered in a broad range of prices.
The assortment of products sold in Big 5 stores includes, among other things,
athletic shoes and apparel, in-line skates and accessories, equipment for team
sports, tennis, golf, skiing, fitness, camping, hunting and fishing, and other
general athletic products.  Big 5 offers a variety of recognized brand name
products, private label merchandise, and products manufactured exclusively for
Big 5 by various manufacturers.  Big 5's assortment of products by sports
category has remained relatively consistent during its history as a sporting
goods chain, except that sales of athletic shoes and clothing have increased in
the last decade and sales of in-line skates and accessories have increased in
the last two years.

ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION

         Big 5's advertising is conducted principally through print media.
Print advertising consists of inserts in numerous newspapers and direct
mailings made throughout Big 5's geographic markets (generally, at least once
each week).  Such advertisements typically highlight a broad range of
merchandise to maintain consumer awareness of Big 5's full product line and
feature specially priced products to attract consumers.  Big 5 has an in-house
advertising staff that designs and produces its advertising, which enables Big
5 to maintain a timely and flexible advertising campaign.

PROPERTIES

   
         As of June 30, 1996, Big 5 operated 193 stores.  All but two of Big
5's store sites are leased.  Only 12 of Big 5's leases are due to expire by the
year 2000, and most of Big 5's leases contain renewal options.  Big 5's stores
average approximately 10,000 to 15,000 square feet in size.  Specific store
locations are selected based on market demographics, competitive factors and
site economics.  The Company owns two Big 5 store sites.  The Company currently
leases its Fontana warehouse facility from the State of Wisconsin Investment
Board.  The lease for such facility has an initial term of ten years commencing
on March 5, 1996, and requires annual rental payments of $1.4 million.  The
Company also has the right to exercise three five-year options beyond the
initial ten-
    





                                      -35-
<PAGE>   39
year term.  The Fontana warehouse facility is Big 5's central distribution
center, from which substantially all of Big 5's merchandise is shipped directlyW
To retail locations.

         The chart below sets forth information with respect to Big 5's
geographic markets:

   
                                              Store Statistics by Region
                                                     As of June 30, 1996
                                                     -------------------
    

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    Percentage of Total
                                  Number of Stores                   Number of Stores 
                                  ----------------                  ------------------
<S>                                       <C>                               <C>
Southern California                        78                                40%
Central California                         21                                11%
Northern California                        42                                22%
Washington                                 25                                13%
Arizona                                    10                                 5%
New Mexico                                  5                                 3%
Oregon                                      5                                 3%
Nevada                                      4                                 2%
Texas                                       2                                 1%
Idaho                                       1                                --%
                                          ---                               ----
Total                                     193                               100%
                                          ===                               ====
</TABLE>

INDUSTRY AND COMPETITION

         Sporting goods are marketed through various retail entities, including
sporting goods stores, department stores, discount retailers, specialty stores
and mail order.  The industry is highly fragmented; according to the National
Sporting Goods Association, total U.S. retail sales of sporting goods were
approximately $35.5 billion in 1995.  In general, Big 5's competitors tend to
fall into four basic categories: traditional sporting goods stores, mass
merchandisers, specialty sporting good stores and sporting goods superstores.
Certain of Big 5's competitors are larger and have greater capital resources
than Big 5.

         Traditional Sporting Goods Stores.  This category consists of
traditional sporting goods chains that began operations generally 20 to 30
years ago.  Such stores include Oshman's Sporting Goods, a nationwide sporting
goods chain; and Copeland's, a sporting goods chain located primarily in the
same markets as Big 5.

         Mass Merchandisers.  This category includes discount retailers such as
Wal-Mart and K-mart, and department stores such as JC Penney and Sears.

         Specialty Sporting Goods Stores.  This category consists primarily of
specialty stores that focus on a single category of sporting goods, such as
athletic footwear, apparel or ski equipment.  Such stores are typically 2,000
to 10,000 square feet in size and are often located in shopping malls.
Examples include Foot Locker, Champs, and The Athlete's Foot.

         Sporting Goods Superstores.  Stores in this category typically are
larger than 30,000 square feet and tend to be free-standing locations.
Examples include Oshman's Super Sports, Sports Authority, Sports & Recreation,
and Sportmart.





                                      -36-
<PAGE>   40
         Big 5 believes that the primary elements of competition in the
sporting goods industry are experienced and knowledgeable personnel, personal
attention given to customers, breadth, depth, price and quality of merchandise
offered, purchasing and pricing policies, effective sales techniques, direct
involvement of senior officers in monitoring store operations, and store
location and design.  Big 5 believes that it competes successfully in each of
these areas.  However, the competitive environment is often affected by factors
beyond a particular retailer's control, such as shifts in consumer preferences,
economic conditions, and population and traffic patterns.  Big 5 believes that
in the future the ability to effectively compete will be increasingly dependent
on volume purchasing capability and superior management information systems.


DISTRIBUTION AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS

         The majority of Big 5's merchandise is warehoused in an approximately
440,000 square foot facility located in Fontana, California and transported by
trucks to Big 5 stores.  The distribution center was opened in February 1990.
On March 5, 1996, the Company first purchased the Fontana facility building and
improvements from MLTC Funding, Inc. ("MLTC"), which previously owned and
leased such property to the Company, and then entered into a sale and leaseback
agreement with regard to the Fontana facility with the State of Wisconsin
Investment Board.  Prior to this transaction, the Company owned the land
associated with the facility and leased the buildings and improvements.  See
"Certain Transactions - Subleases".

         In 1989, the Company converted all of its stores to a computerized,
point-of-sale system.  This system allows the Company to capture data at the
point of sale and communicate with headquarters through its satellite
communications network.  In addition, in 1993 and 1994, the Company implemented
a new data processing system called the C.O.A.C.H. (Customer Oriented Approach
for Continued High-Performance) system, which is a low maintenance data
processing environment with a scalable platform capable of sustaining the
Company's growth.  The C.O.A.C.H.  system includes a Windows NT Local Area
Network that connects all corporate users to electronic mail, scheduling
capabilities, and the AS/400 host processor.  The host processor and the
Company's stores are linked in a Wide Area Network with satellite
communications for credit card, in-house tender authorization, and daily
polling of point-of-sale transactions.  In the Company's distribution center,
radio frequency terminals are used in the areas of receiving, stock putaway,
stock movement, order filling, cycle counting and inventory management.  Store
processes have been streamlined by implementing radio frequency, hand-held
terminals to assist in store ordering, receiving, transfers, and perpetual
inventories.

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICE MARKS AND TRADEMARKS

         The Company uses the "Big 5 Sporting Goods" name as a service mark in
connection with its business operations and has registered such name as a
federal service mark.  The Company has also registered federally and/or locally
as trademarks and service marks certain private labels under which it
manufactures or has manufactured to its specifications a variety of
merchandise, including apparel.

EMPLOYEES

         As of December 31, 1995, Big 5 had approximately 4,460 employees.  Of
these, the Teamsters Union currently represents 378 employees (or approximately
8.5%), who are primarily employees in the Company's distribution center and
non-management employees in certain stores.  In 1994, the Company signed a new
contract with the Teamsters Union, which contract expires in August 1997.  The
Company has not had a strike or work stoppage in the last fifteen years.  The





                                      -37-
<PAGE>   41
Company believes that it provides working conditions and wages that compare
favorably with those offered by other retailers in the industry and that its
employee relations are good.

EMPLOYEE TRAINING

         Big 5 has developed an extensive training program for all store
employees, including salespeople, cashiers and management trainees.  An
introductory program for all full-time, permanent, retail employees stresses
excellence in customer service as well as effective selling skills.  Big 5's
InfoWindow, an interactive, multimedia training system, provides a
cost-effective, consistent method of training employees, which is designed to
improve performance, customer service and on-the-job safety.  Store employees
gain hands-on practice using a touch-screen monitor and simulated keyboard to
learn how to provide high quality customer service and use Big 5's in-store
systems.  Every Big 5 store employee must complete the training program before
commencing work on the sales floor.  In addition, cashiers receive additional
training relating to Big 5's POS system and cash handling, and management
trainees receive additional training throughout their careers, including
seminars that focus on advanced management and sales skills and store specific
information relating to loss prevention, scheduling and merchandising strategy.

LITIGATION

         The Company is from time to time involved in ordinary routine
litigation incidental to the conduct of its business.  The Company regularly
reviews all pending litigation matters in which it is involved and establishes
reserves deemed appropriate by management for such litigation matters.  The
Company believes that no litigation currently pending against it will have a
material adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations.





                                      -38-
<PAGE>   42
                             FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

   
         The Company's principal senior financing arrangement consists of the
Revolving Credit Facility in the principal amount of up to $100,000,000, issued
pursuant to the Credit Agreement.  The payment of principal and interest of and
on the Securities is subordinated in the manner provided in the Indenture to
the prior payment of the Revolving Credit Facility.  As of June 30, 1996, there
were borrowings of $63.5 million and letter of credit commitments of $5.6
million outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility.
    

         Subject to the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement, the
Revolving Credit Facility permits the Company to obtain revolving loans up to a
maximum aggregate principal amount that, together with the aggregate undrawn
amount of all outstanding letters of credit and of all unreimbursed amounts
drawn under letters of credit, does not exceed the lesser of $100,000,000 and
the Borrowing Base, which is generally equal to 65% of the Company's Eligible
Inventory.  The value of the Company's Eligible Inventory as of June 30, 1996
was approximately $130.0 million.  At the Company's election (provided it is
not in default), loans under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a
rate of LIBOR plus 2.5% or the Chemical Bank prime lending rate plus 0.75%,
payable monthly at the end of each month.  While an Event of Default is
continuing, interest is payable at a rate per annum equal to 2% in excess of
the otherwise applicable rate.

         The Revolving Credit Facility requires a monthly payment of an unused
line of credit fee equal to 0.375% per annum on the average daily amount by
which the $100,000,000 line of credit exceeds the sum of the average daily
outstanding revolving loans and the average daily undrawn face amount of
outstanding letters of credit.  In addition, upon entering into the Credit
Agreement, the Company was required to pay a loan facility fee, a loan
syndication fee and a collateral management fee equal to $500,000, $250,000 and
$100,000, respectively.  The collateral management fee is also payable on each
anniversary of the Credit Agreement.  The Credit Agreement also requires the
Company to pay certain other customary fees and expenses.

         Subject to the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement, the
Company may request that CIT and the other lenders party to the Credit
Agreement assist the Company in obtaining letters of credit in amounts not
exceeding $15,000,000 in the aggregate.  With respect to letters of credit, in
addition to customary fees and charges by the issuing bank, the Company is
required to pay a letter of credit guaranty fee to the agent on the undrawn
amount of such letter of credit at a rate equal to 1.25% per annum (3.25% per
annum while any Event of Default is continuing).

         The Credit Agreement has an initial term of three years expiring on
March 8, 1999, after which it is renewed for successive one-year periods unless
terminated by either party.  Revolving loans under the Credit Agreement are
non-amortizing during the term thereof and become due and payable upon
termination.  Subject to certain limitations set forth in the Credit Agreement,
the Company may borrow, repay and re-borrow the revolving loans throughout the
term of the Credit Agreement.  Upon notice, the Company may at any time reduce
the line of credit available under the Credit Agreement, without penalty,
provided that each such reduction is for a minimum of $5.0 million and is
permanent and irrevocable.  The Company is obligated to pay an early
termination fee if the Company terminates the Revolving Credit Facility and
Credit Agreement in full prior to the end of the initial three-year term.

         The Credit Agreement is secured by trade accounts receivable,
merchandise inventories and general intangible assets (including trademarks and
tradenames) of the Company and is also guaranteed by Parent.  The Credit
Agreement contains covenants restricting the ability of the





                                      -39-
<PAGE>   43
Company to, among other things, incur debt, merge or consolidate with or invest
in other companies, sell or lease or otherwise transfer all or substantially
all of its properties or assets, make certain payments with respect to its
outstanding capital stock, and engage in certain transactions with affiliates.
In addition, the Credit Agreement contains certain customary representations,
warranties and covenants found in credit agreements of this nature.





                                      -40-
<PAGE>   44
                                   MANAGEMENT


EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

         The following table sets forth certain information regarding the
executive officers and directors of the Company.  The Company's directors are
elected at each annual meeting of stockholders to serve for a period of one
year or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.  The Company's
executive offices serve at the pleasure of the Company's Board of Directors.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Name                              Age                           Positions
 ----                              ---                           ---------
 <S>                               <C>            <C>
 Robert W. Miller                  72             Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board

 Steven G. Miller                  44             President, Chief Operating Officer and Director

 Charles P. Kirk                   40             Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 Kathleen Reid-Seidner             41             Secretary, Vice President and General Counsel

 Richard A. Johnson                50             Senior Vice President, Store Operations

 Thomas J. Schlauch                51             Senior Vice President, Buying

 Steven J. Pechter                 38             Senior Vice President, Management Information Systems

 Leonard I. Green                  62             Director

 Jonathan D. Sokoloff              38             Director

 Jennifer Holden Dunbar            33             Director
</TABLE>

         ROBERT W. MILLER became Chairman of the Company in September 1992.
Mr. Miller had been the Company's Chief Executive Officer and President since
1973.

         STEVEN G. MILLER became President, Chief Operating Officer and a
Director of the Company in September 1992.  Mr. Miller, Robert Miller's son,
had been the Company's Executive Vice President, Administration, since 1988.

         CHARLES P. KIRK became Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of the Company in September 1992.  Mr. Kirk had been Thrifty's Director
of Planning and Vice President of Planning and Treasury since October 1990.
Prior to joining Thrifty, Mr. Kirk had held various financial positions with
Thrifty's former parent, PE, since 1981.

         KATHLEEN REID-SEIDNER became Secretary, Vice President and General
Counsel of the Company in September 1992.  Ms. Reid-Seidner had been Thrifty's
Vice President and Corporate Counsel since 1990 and Thrifty's Corporate Counsel
since 1987.

         RICHARD A. JOHNSON became Senior Vice President, Store Operations, for
the Company in July 1992.  Mr. Johnson had been the Company's Vice President,
Store Operations, since 1986.





                                      -41-
<PAGE>   45
         THOMAS J. SCHLAUCH became Senior Vice President, Buying, for the
Company in July 1992.  Mr. Schlauch had been the Company's Head of Buying since
1990 and Vice President, Buying, since 1982.

         STEVEN J. PECHTER became Senior Vice President, Management Information
Systems, for the Company in July 1992.  Mr. Pechter had been the Company's Vice
President, Management Information Systems, since 1990 and a member of the
Operations Department since 1983.

         LEONARD I. GREEN became a Director of the Company in September 1992.
Since 1989, Mr. Green has been a general partner or the co-trustee of a trust
that owns all of the capital stock of a corporate general partner of LGA.  Mr.
Green had been, until June 1989 and for more than five years preceding that
date, a partner of Gibbons, Green, van Amerongen.  Mr. Green is also a director
of Carr-Gottstein Foods Co., Foodmaker, Inc., Horace Mann Educators Corp.,
Thrifty PayLess Holdings, Inc. ("TPH") and several private companies.

         JONATHAN D. SOKOLOFF became a Director of the Company in September
1992.  Mr. Sokoloff has been a partner of LGA since 1990.  Mr. Sokoloff was
previously a Managing Director at Drexel Burnham Lambert Incorporated.  Mr.
Sokoloff is also a director of Carr-Gottstein Foods Co., TPH and several
private companies.

         JENNIFER HOLDEN DUNBAR became a Director of the Company in September
1992.  She joined LGA as an associate in 1989, became a principal in 1993, and
through a corporation became a partner in 1994.  Ms. Holden Dunbar previously
was an associate with the merchant banking firm of Gibbons, Green, van
Amerongen and a financial analyst in mergers and acquisitions with Morgan
Stanley & Co.  Ms. Holden Dunbar is also a director of Kash n' Karry Food
Stores, Inc., TPH and several private companies.





                                      -42-
<PAGE>   46
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

         (1)     Summary Compensation Table

         The following table sets forth the annual and long-term compensation
of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and four additional most highly
compensated executive officers whose annual salaries and bonus exceeded
$100,000 in total during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           LONG-TERM
                                           ANNUAL COMPENSATION         COMPENSATION AWARDS
                                           ---------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Securities
                                                                                   Underlying
                                                                    Restricted       Stock        All Other
                                                                    Stock Award     Options/    Compensation
  Name and Principal Position    Year    Salary ($)    Bonus ($)        ($)         SARs (#)         ($)
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  <S>                            <C>       <C>          <C>           <C>              <C>            <C>
  Robert W. Miller,              1995      $290,000     $  -0-        $ -0-             -0-           $-0-
  Chief Executive Officer        1994       276,000      240,000        -0-            10,000          -0-
                                 1993       276,000      200,000        -0-             7,500          -0-
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Steven G. Miller,              1995       210,000        -0-          -0-             -0-            -0-
  President and Chief            1994       200,000      100,000        -0-            10,000          -0-
  Operating Officer              1993       200,000      100,000        -0-             7,500          -0-
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Thomas J. Schlauch,            1995       150,000       25,000        -0-             -0-            -0-
  Senior Vice President,         1994       142,000       50,000        -0-             6,000          -0-
  Buying                         1993       116,000       40,000        -0-             5,000          -0-
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Richard A. Johnson,            1995       117,000       20,000        -0-             -0-            -0-
  Senior Vice-President, Store   1994       112,000       36,000        -0-             6,000          -0-
  Operations                     1993       108,000       30,000        -0-             5,000          -0-
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Charles P. Kirk,               1995       130,000       12,000        -0-             -0-            -0-
  Senior Vice President &        1994       124,000       24,000        -0-             6,000          -0-
  Chief Financial Officer        1993       124,000       20,000        -0-             2,500          -0-
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>





                                      -43-
<PAGE>   47
(2)     Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises in Fiscal 1995 and 1995 Fiscal Year-End
Option Value

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           Number of
                                                         Unexercised             Value of Unexercised in the
                           Shares                   Options Held at Fiscal             Money Options
                         Acquired on     Value             Year End                  at Fiscal Year End
         Name           Exercise (#)   Realized    Exercisable/Unexercisable    Exercisable/Unexercisable(1)
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  <S>                        <C>          <C>              <C>                               <C>
  Robert W. Miller           -0-          -0-              0/25,000                          0/0
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Steven G. Miller           -0-          -0-              0/25,000                          0/0
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Thomas J. Schlauch         -0-          -0-              0/16,000                          0/0
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Richard A. Johnson         -0-          -0-              0/16,000                          0/0
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Charles P. Kirk            -0-          -0-              0/10,500                          0/0
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


(1)      Represents the difference between the fair market value of the Common
         Stock at the end of Fiscal 1995 as determined by the Company's Board
         of Directors and the exercise price of the options.

         (3)     Employment Contracts and Change in Control Arrangements

         The Company and each of Steven G. Miller and Robert W. Miller
(collectively, the "Executives") have entered into employment agreements, dated
as of January 1, 1993, whereby Steven Miller is to continue to serve as
President and Chief Operating Officer and Robert Miller as Chairman of the
Board of Directors (the "Board") and Chief Executive Officer of the Company
until December 31, 1994 and for additional successive one-year periods
thereafter, unless any party gives timely notice to the other that the
employment term shall not be so extended.  Steven Miller is initially to be
paid an annual base salary of $200,000, and Robert Miller is initially to be
paid an annual base salary of $276,000.  The agreements require the Company to
provide the Executives with those benefits generally available to the Company's
senior executive officers, including health insurance, sick leave, and profit
sharing plan participation, and require the Board to make an annual
determination as to whether each is entitled to receive a bonus for such year
and an increase in base salary for the next year.  Robert Miller's agreement
also provides for supplemental annual retirement benefits and health insurance
benefits for himself and his surviving spouse upon his retirement.

         Employment under both agreements is terminable by the Company at any
time, with or without cause, and, under Robert Miller's agreement, by him, if
for good reason (as defined in his employment agreement).  If Steven Miller or
Robert Miller is terminated without cause or, in the case of Robert Miller, by
him for good reason, each is entitled to receive as severance pay his base
salary through the remainder of the employment term as then in effect.  The
agreement of either Executive may be terminated if the Executive becomes unable
to render full services during certain prescribed periods of time.  The
agreements contain covenants precluding the Executives from engaging in certain
competition with the Company and from soliciting certain employees of the
Company and its affiliates for a specified period following the termination of
employment, the basis of which depends upon the reason for the termination.





                                      -44-
<PAGE>   48
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

         The compensation committee of the Company's Board of Directors for the
year ended December 31, 1995 consisted of Messrs. Green, Sokoloff, Robert
Miller, Steven Miller and Ms. Holden Dunbar.  The general partners of LGA,
which is the general partner of the majority stockholder of the Company's
parent, include Mr. Sokoloff, a corporation the capital stock of which is
wholly-owned by a trust of which Mr.  Green is co-trustee, and a corporation
the capital stock of which is beneficially owned by Ms. Holden Dunbar.  For the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, the Company paid LGA $567,880 plus
out-of-pocket expenses for various management, consulting and financial
planning services.

COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

         Directors of the Company, as such, do not receive any compensation.
However, LGA, with respect to which Messrs. Green and Sokoloff and Ms. Holden
Dunbar (or entities controlled by them) are general partners, will receive as
compensation for certain financial advisory services an annual fee of $567,880
plus out-of-pocket expenses.  The Company believes that the terms of its oral
agreement with LGA are comparable to what could be obtained from an unrelated,
but equally qualified, third party.





                                      -45-
<PAGE>   49
                             PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS


         The Company's outstanding capital stock is wholly owned by Parent.
Parent's outstanding equity securities consist of Parent's Common Stock, par
value $.01 (the "Common Stock"), and Parent's Series A 9% Cumulative Redeemable
Preferred Stock, par value $.01 (the "Preferred Stock").  The following table
sets forth the ownership of each class of the Parent's equity securities by the
Company's directors, executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table
above, and all executive officers and directors of the Company as a group.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             Common Stock                            Preferred Stock 
     Name of                     -------------------------------------     ------------------------------------
 Beneficial Owner                Number of Shares     Percent of Class     Number of Shares    Percent of Class
- -----------------                ----------------     ----------------     ----------------    ----------------
<S>                              <C>                       <C>                 <C>                  <C>
Robert W. Miller                   100,000                  2.5%                 -0-                 -0-
Steven G. Miller                    50,000                  1.3                  -0-                 -0-
Thomas J. Schlauch                  20,000                  (1)                  -0-                 -0-
Richard A. Johnson                  20,000                  (1)                  -0-                 -0-
Charles P. Kirk                     14,000                  (1)                  -0-                 -0-
Leonard I. Green                      (2)                   (2)                  (2)                 (2)
Jonathan D. Sokoloff                  (2)                   (2)                  (2)                 (2)
Jennifer Holden Dunbar                (2)                   (2)                  (2)                 (2)
All Executive Officers and
  Directors as a Group(10)       3,357,160(3)              84.0                129,932(3)           86.6%
</TABLE>


(1)      Less than one percent.
(2)      Messrs. Green and Sokoloff and Ms. Holden Dunbar (or entities
         controlled by them) are general partners of LGA and may be deemed to
         be beneficial owners of the 3,100,160 shares or 77.5% of the
         outstanding Common Stock owned by GEI, and the 129,932 shares or 86.6%
         of the outstanding Preferred Stock owned by GEI, by reason of their
         interests in LGA, which is the sole general partner of GEI.
(3)      Includes the shares identified in note (2) above.

TERMS OF THE COMMON STOCK AND PREFERRED STOCK

         Common Stock held by executives of the Company was issued pursuant to
Management Subscription and Stockholders Agreements (collectively, the
"Agreements") dated as of September 25, 1992 among Parent, GEI, and the
respective members of the Company's management (collectively, the "Investors").
The Agreements prohibit the transfer of such Common Stock until the fifth
anniversary of the issuance thereof or the occurrence of any earlier specified
event that terminates such prohibition, with an exception for transfers to
"related transferees" (as defined therein).  Thereafter, such shares of Common
Stock are transferrable subject to a right of first refusal in favor of Parent.
The Agreements also contain certain "put" and "call" options exercisable,
generally, upon termination of an Investor's employment with the Company,
certain registration rights, and "tag-along" and "drag-along" sale rights in
the event GEI proposes to sell a majority of its shares of Common Stock.
Common Stock and Preferred Stock held by GEI was issued pursuant to that
certain Stock Subscription Agreement dated as of September 25, 1992 by and
between Parent and GEI, which grants GEI certain registration and other rights.





                                      -46-
<PAGE>   50
                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS

RELATIONSHIP WITH THRIFTY

         Prior to the Acquisition, the Company was a wholly owned subsidiary of
Thrifty, which was in turn a wholly owned subsidiary of PE.  PE sold its
ownership interest in the Company and Thrifty in two separate transactions
occurring on September 25, 1992 (the "Closing Date").  In the first
transaction, Big 5 Holdings acquired all of the Company's outstanding capital
stock pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.  Big 5 Holdings and Parent were
formed in 1992 by GEI for the sole purpose of consummating the Acquisition.  In
the second transaction, pursuant to that certain Purchase and Sale Agreement
dated as of May 22, 1992 between PE and TPH (as amended to the date of closing,
the "Thrifty Purchase Agreement"), PE contributed all of the outstanding
capital stock of Thrifty to Thrifty PayLess, Inc. ("TPI"), and thereafter sold
all of the outstanding capital stock of TPI to TPH (the "Thrifty Acquisition").

         The Company continues to maintain certain relationships with Thrifty
arising from the Company and Thrifty's prior relationship and arising under the
Purchase Agreement and the Thrifty Purchase Agreement.

         (1)  Purchase Agreement.

         Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, PE continues to have certain
indemnification obligations to the Company with respect to breaches of
representations and warranties contained in the Purchase Agreement with respect
to environmental matters.  The Purchase Agreement specifies a $2.5 million
minimum dollar limit and a $25 million maximum dollar limit, though the maximum
dollar limit may increase under certain circumstances up to an absolute
limitation of $40 million.  The period during which environmental
indemnification claims may be asserted ends on September 25, 2012.  The
Purchase Agreement also provides that, with certain exceptions, such
indemnification rights constitute the sole remedies of the parties thereto.
Pursuant to an Amended and Restated Indemnification Implementation Agreement
dated as of April 20, 1994, the Company may only pursue its indemnification
claims against PE through TPH as its agent.

         (2)  The Tax Indemnity Agreement.

         In connection with the closings of the Acquisition and the Thrifty
Acquisition, PE, TPH, Thrifty and the Company entered into a Tax Indemnity
Agreement dated as of September 25, 1992. Such agreement sets forth the
parties' agreements with respect to various tax matters and obligations under
ERISA, including the allocation of various tax obligations relating to the
inclusion of the Company and each member of the affiliated group of which the
Company is the common parent in certain consolidated and/or unitary tax returns
of PE.

         (3)  Subleases.

         The Company previously subleased the building and improvements of its
Fontana, California distribution center from Thrifty Realty Company, a
California corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thrifty.  See "Business
- - Distribution and Information Systems".  However, on March 5, 1996, as
permitted by the terms of such sublease, the Company purchased the facility
from MLTC for a purchase price of $8.9 million, thereby terminating such
sublease.  Concurrently with such purchase, the Company entered into a
sale/leaseback transaction with respect to the distribution center with the
State of Wisconsin Investment Board.





                                      -47-
<PAGE>   51
         The Company subleases certain business equipment and other personal
property from Thrifty, including the Company's "Point of Sale" system (the
"Equipment"), pursuant to a Sublease (the "Sublease") dated as of September 25,
1992 between the Company and Thrifty, as subsequently amended.  Thrifty
currently holds a leasehold interest in the Equipment pursuant to an Amended
and Restated Master Lease Agreement dated as of April 20, 1994 between MLTC, as
lessor, and Thrifty, as lessee (the "Master Lease").  The Master Lease contains
a non-disturbance and attornment agreement pursuant to which the Company's use
and enjoyment of the Equipment will not be disturbed as a result of any default
under the Master Lease provided that the Company is not in default under the
Sublease.

         The Master Lease provides Thrifty with an option to purchase the
Equipment, and the Sublease provides the Company with the same option.  The
Company's option to purchase is exercisable notwithstanding any default under
the Master Lease provided the Company is not otherwise in default under the
Sublease; however, in the event a default exists under the Master Lease, the
Company's exercise of its purchase option requires the payment by the Company
of all amounts due and payable under the Master Lease at the time of the
consummation of the purchase pursuant to the exercise of such option.  Such
amounts may include rent, fees and other expenses that are not allocable to the
Equipment (the "Excess Fees") if the same are due and payable but have not
otherwise been paid by Thrifty.  To the extent the Company is required to pay
such Excess Fees, Thrifty is obligated under the Sublease to reimburse the
Company for the full amount of such Excess Fees.

         The Company believes that all other material terms of the Sublease,
including rent payments, are comparable to what could be obtained from an
unrelated third party.

ACQUISITIONS BY AFFILIATES

         A portion of the Notes were acquired by affiliates of the Company:
Robert Miller ($50,000); Jonathan Sokoloff ($100,000); and the Leonard and
Emese Green Living Trust ($100,000).  Mr. Miller is Chairman of the Board of
Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.  Mr. Sokoloff and Mr.
Green, who is a beneficiary under the Leonard and Emese Green Living Trust, are
members of the Board of Directors of the Company.   Additionally, Messrs. Green
and Sokoloff may be deemed to be beneficial owners of the 3,100,160 shares or
approximately 77.5% of the outstanding Common Stock owned by GEI, and the
129,932 shares or 86.6% of the outstanding Preferred Stock owned by GEI, by
reason of their interests in LGA.  By virtue of its ownership of Parent's
Common Stock, GEI has the ability to elect all of the directors of Parent and
the Company thereby control each of their respective management and policies.
The foregoing Note purchases were made on the same terms as all other purchases
of the Notes.

CONSULTING FEES

         As consideration for the provision of ongoing financial advisory
services, the Company has agreed pursuant to an oral arrangement to pay an
annual fee of $567,880, plus out-of-pocket expenses, to LGA, the general
partner of GEI.  The Company believes that the terms of its agreement with LGA
are comparable to what could be obtained from an unrelated, but equally
qualified, third party.





                                      -48-
<PAGE>   52
                   DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED


         The Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture (the "Indenture"),
dated as of September 25, 1992, by and among the Company, Big 5 Holdings and
First Trust National Association, a national association, as "Trustee."  The
New Notes offered in exchange for the Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer will
be issued under, and the New Notes and the Notes remaining after the Exchange
Offer will both be governed by, the Indenture.  The New Notes and the Notes are
hereinafter referred to collectively as the "Securities."  The Securities were
issued in an aggregate principal amount of $55,000,000.

         The terms of the Securities include those stated in the Indenture and
those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of
1939, as amended (the "Trust Indenture Act").  The Securities are subject to
all such terms, and reference is made to the Indenture and the Trust Indenture
Act for a statement thereof.  The definitions of certain capitalized terms are
set forth below under "Certain Definitions" or within the summary of certain
provisions.  The section numbers in the summary refer to sections in the
Indenture.  The Indenture has been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act.

GENERAL

   
         As of June 30, 1996, there were $36,450,000 aggregate principal amount
of Securities outstanding.  The Securities are unsecured obligations of the
Company and payment of principal and interest on such Securities is
subordinated, to the extent and in the manner provided in the Indenture, to the
prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness (see "Subordination").
    

         Interest on the Securities is payable semi-annually on each March 15
and September 15 to the registered holders of such Securities at an interest
rate per annum of 13-5/8%.  Interest on the Securities will accrue from the
most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been
paid, from the date of issuance of the Securities.  Interest will be computed
on the basis of a 360-day year for the actual number of days elapsed.  The
Securities mature on September 15, 2002 ("Stated Maturity").

         The Company will maintain an office or agency where the Securities may
be presented for registration for transfer or for exchange (the "Registrar")
and an office or agency where the Securities may be presented for payment (the
"Paying Agent").  The Registrar will keep a register of the Securities and of
their transfer and exchange.  The Company may appoint one or more co-Registrars
and one or more additional Paying Agents.  As of September 25, 1992, the
Trustee has been appointed by the Company as Registrar and Paying Agent.

CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

         Certain capitalized terms used herein are defined as follows:

         "Affiliate" of any specified person means any other person directly or
indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with such specified person.  For the purposes of this definition,
"control" when used with respect to any person means the power to direct the
management and policies of such person, directly or indirectly, whether through
the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.





                                      -49-
<PAGE>   53
         "Asset Sale" means any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposition
of any property (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) by the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary to any person other than the Company or a wholly owned
Subsidiary, excluding (i) any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposition
of any property sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business, (ii)
any sale/leaseback of real and/or personal property acquired subsequent to the
Issue Date, (iii) sales of damaged, worn out or obsolete property or property
that is otherwise no longer necessary for the proper conduct of business
(including motor vehicles and inventory) in the ordinary course of business,
and (iv) the abandonment of any assets and properties of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary which are no longer useful in its business and cannot be
sold.

         "Average Life" means, as of the date of determination, with reference
to any security or instrument, the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the sum of
the products of the number of years from the date of determination to the dates
of each successive scheduled  principal (or redemption) payment of such
security or instrument multiplied by the amount of such principal (or
redemption) payment (ii) the sum of all such principal (or redemption)
payments.

         "Bank Facility" means the Credit Agreement, as amended, modified or
supplemented from time to time, or any agreement, as amended, modified or
supplemented from time to time, pursuant to which Refinancing Indebtedness is
incurred with respect thereto.

         "Bankruptcy Law" means Title 11, U.S. Code or any similar federal,
state or foreign law for the relief of debtors.

         "Capital Stock" means, with respect to any person, any and all shares,
interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of
corporate stock, or other equity interest, including, without limitation, each
class of common stock and preferred stock of such person.

         "Capitalized Lease Obligation" means obligations under a lease that is
required to be capitalized for financial reporting purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), and the amount of
Indebtedness represented by such obligations shall be the capitalized amount of
such obligations determined in accordance with GAAP.

         "Change of Control" means, at any time, the beneficial ownership
(within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act whether or not such
provision is applicable) by LGA and its Affiliates as a group (within the
meaning of section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act whether or not such provision
is applicable) of securities constituting less than a majority (or, after any
public offering of any shares of Capital Stock of the Company entitling the
holders thereof to vote on a regular basis for members of the Board of
Directors of the Company, less than 30%) of the Company's then outstanding
voting securities entitling the holders thereof to vote on a regular basis for
members of the Board of Directors of the Company.

         "Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio" of any person means, for any
period, the ratio, on a pro forma basis, of (a) EBDAIT of such person for such
period plus 33-1/3% of Consolidated Rental Expense of such person for such
period to (b) Consolidated Interest Expense of such person for such period plus
33-1/3% of Consolidated Rental Expense of such person for such period;
provided, that in making such computation, in calculating EBDAIT and
Consolidated Interest Expense, (a) acquisitions which occurred during the
Reference Period or subsequent to the Reference Period and on or prior to the
date of the transaction giving rise to the need to calculate the Consolidated
Interest Coverage Rate (the "Transaction Date") shall be assumed to have
occurred on the first day of the Reference Period, (b) the incurrence of any
Indebtedness or Disqualified Capital Stock during the Reference Period or





                                      -50-
<PAGE>   54
subsequent to the Reference Period and on or prior to the Transaction Date and
the application of the proceeds therefrom shall be assumed to have occurred on
the first day of such Reference Period, (c) the Consolidated Interest Expense
of such person attributable to interest (or dividends) on any Indebtedness or
Disqualified Capital Stock computed on a pro forma basis and bearing a floating
interest (or dividend) rate shall be computed as if the highest rate in effect
from the beginning of the Reference Period to the Transaction Date had been the
applicable rate for the entire period, and (d) in the cases as described in the
summary below under "Limitation on Incurrence of Additional
Indebtedness/Issuances of Disqualified Capital Stock," the incurrence of
Indebtedness or Disqualified Capital Stock giving rise to the need to calculate
the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio shall be assumed to have occurred on
the first day of the Reference Period.

         "Consolidated Interest Expense" of any person means for any period,
the aggregate amount (without duplication) of (a) interest of such person and
its consolidated subsidiaries, whether expenses or capitalized (including, in
accordance with the following sentence, interest attributable to Capitalized
Lease Obligations), paid, accrued, or scheduled to be paid or accrued during
such period, in respect of all Indebtedness of such person and its consolidated
subsidiaries (including (i) the interest portion of all deferred payment
obligations, calculated in accordance with the effective interest method, and
(ii) all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to
letters of credit and bankers' acceptance financings and costs associated with
currency and interest rate swap arrangements, in each case to the extent
attributable to such period, and (b) dividend requirements of such person and
its consolidated subsidiaries with respect to Disqualified Capital Stock
(whether in cash or otherwise (except dividends payable solely in shares of
Qualified Capital Stock)) paid, accrued or scheduled to be paid or accrued
during such period, in each case to the extent attributable to such period and
excluding items eliminated in consolidation.  For purposes of this definition,
(a) interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an
interest rate reasonably determined by the Board of Directors of such person
(as evidenced by a board resolution based upon advice of independent public
accountants) to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease
Obligation in accordance with GAAP, and (b) interest expense attributable to
any Indebtedness represented by the guaranty by such person or a subsidiary of
such person of an obligation of a person other than such person shall be deemed
to be the interest expense attributable to the items guaranteed.

         "Consolidated Net Income" means, with respect to any person for any
period, the net income (or loss) of such person and its consolidated
subsidiaries (determined in accordance with GAAP) for such period, adjusted to
exclude (only to the extent included in computing such net income (or loss) and
without duplication):  (a) all extraordinary, unusual and non-recurring gains
or losses or other gains or losses from the sale of assets (other than the sale
of Inventory in the ordinary course of business), (b) the net income, if
positive, of any person, other than a consolidated subsidiary in which such
person or any of its consolidated subsidiaries has an interest, except to the
extent of the amount of any dividends or distributions actually paid in cash to
such person or a consolidated subsidiary of such person during such period, but
not in excess of such person's pro rata share of such person's net income
during such period, (c) the net income of any person acquired in a pooling of
interests transaction for any period prior to the date of such acquisition, and
(d) the net income, if positive, of any of such person's subsidiaries to the
extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions is
not at the time permitted by operation of the terms of its charter or any
agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental
regulation applicable to such subsidiary.

         "Consolidated Net Worth" of any person means the consolidated
stockholders' equity of such person and its consolidated subsidiaries, as
determined in accordance with GAAP (calculating the assets of such person on a
first-in, first-out basis), adjusted to exclude (to the extent included in





                                      -51-
<PAGE>   55
calculating such equity), (a) the amount of equity attributable to any
Disqualified Capital Stock, and (b) all revaluations and other write-ups in the
book value of any asset of such person or consolidated subsidiary of such
person subsequent to the Issue Date (other than write-ups in the book value of
assets (i) in connection with the acquisition thereof (whether by asset
purchase, stock purchase, merger or otherwise) during the twelve-month period
immediately following such acquisition and (ii) in connection with the
Acquisition).

         "Consolidated Rental Expense" of any person means the rental expense
attributable to operating leases of such person and its consolidated
subsidiaries, determined in accordance with GAAP.

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

         "Determination Date" means the first day of the fiscal quarter of the
Company immediately following the first fiscal quarter of the Company at the
end of which the Consolidated Net Worth of the Company exceeds $45,000,000.

         "Disqualified Capital Stock" means, with respect to any person,
Capital Stock of such person that, by its terms or by the terms of any security
into which it is convertible or exchangeable, is, or upon the happening of an
event or the passage of time would be, required to be redeemed or repurchased
(other than at the option of the holder) by such person or any of its
subsidiaries, in whole or in part, on or prior to the Maturity Date of the
Securities.

         "EBDAIT" means, with respect to any person, for any period, the
Consolidated Net Income of such person for such period adjusted to exclude (in
each case without duplication and only to the extent included in computing such
Consolidated Net Income), (i) consolidated tax expense, (ii) depreciation and
amortization expense (but only to the extent not included in Consolidated
Interest Expense), (iii) Consolidated Interest Expense, and (iv) non-cash items
which increased or decreased Consolidated Net Income, in each case determined
for such period on a consolidated basis for such person and its consolidated
subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, except as specifically otherwise provided
in the Indenture.

         "Holder" means the person in whose name a Security is registered on
the Registrar's books.

         "Indebtedness" means, without duplication, with respect to any person,
(i) all liabilities, contingent or otherwise, of such person (a) for borrowed
money (whether or not the recourse of the lender is to the whole of the assets
of such person or only to a portion thereof), (b) evidenced by bonds, notes,
debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit, (c) representing the
balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property or services
(other than accounts payable or other obligations to trade creditors arising in
the ordinary course of business), (d) evidenced by bankers' acceptances or
similar instruments issued or accepted by banks, or (e) for the payment of
money relating to a Capitalized Lease Obligation; (ii) reimbursement
obligations of such person with respect to letters of credit; (iii) all
liabilities of others of the kind described in the preceding clause (i) or (ii)
that such person has guaranteed or that is otherwise its legal liability; (iv)
all obligations secured by a Lien to which the property or assets (including,
without limitation, leasehold interests and any other tangible or intangible
property rights) of such person are subject, whether or not the obligations
secured thereby shall have been assumed by or shall otherwise be such person's
legal liability; and (v) any and all deferrals, renewals, extensions,
refinancings and refundings (whether direct or indirect) of, or amendments,
modifications or supplements to, any liability of the kind





                                      -52-
<PAGE>   56
described in any of the preceding clauses (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv), or this
clause (v), whether or not between or among the same parties.

         "Intercompany Agreements" means the Services Agreement and the
Implementation Agreement.

         "Inventory" of any person means any and all inventory, raw materials,
work-in-process and finished products of such person, now or hereafter
acquired, intended for sale or lease or to be furnished under contracts of
service in the ordinary course of business of such person, of every kind and
description, in the custody or possession, actual or constructive, of such
person including such inventory as is temporarily out of the custody or
possession of such person.

         "Investment" by any person in any other person means (a) the
acquisition (whether for cash, property, services, securities or otherwise) of
capital stock, bonds, notes, debentures, partnership or other ownership
interests or other securities of such other person or any agreement to make any
such acquisition (including, without limitation, any "short sale" or any sale
of any securities of such person at a time when such securities are not owned
by the person entering into such short sale); (b) the making of any deposit
with, or advance, loan or other extension of credit to or on behalf of, such
other person (including the purchase of property from another person subject to
an understanding or agreement, contingent or otherwise, to resell such property
to or on behalf of such person) and (without duplication) any amount committed
to be advanced, lent or extended to such other person; or (c) the entering into
any guaranty of, or other contingent obligation with respect to, Indebtedness
or other liability of such other person.  For purposes of the provision in the
Indenture summarized below as "Limitation on Restricted Payments," (i)
"Investment" shall include the fair market value of the net assets of any
Restricted Subsidiary at the time that such Restricted Subsidiary is designated
an Unrestricted Subsidiary and shall exclude the fair market value of the net
assets of any Unrestricted Subsidiary at the time that such Unrestricted
Subsidiary is designated a Restricted Subsidiary, and (ii) any property
transferred to or from an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be valued at its fair
market value at the time of such transfer; in each case the fair market value
of net assets shall be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company, and
such determination shall be evidenced by a board resolution.

         "Issue Date" means the date of first issuance of the Securities under
this Indenture.

         "Lien" means any mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance, charge, interest
or adverse claim affecting title or resulting in an encumbrance against real or
personal property, or a security interest of any kind (including any
conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature
thereof, any option or other agreement to sell and any filing of or agreement
to give any financing statement in respect of any of the foregoing under the
Uniform Commercial Code ("UCC") (or equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction).

         "Management Investors" means all officers of the Company (who are
full-time employees of the Company) and any other employees of the Company.

         "Marketable Securities" means, in the case of debt securities,
securities that are Investment Grade (a currently effective rating by S&P of
BBB- or higher and by Moody's of Baa3 or higher) and are traded on either the
New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange or the NASDAQ National
Market System and, in the case of equity securities, securities that are traded
on either the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange or the
NASDAQ National Market System.





                                      -53-
<PAGE>   57
         "Maturity Date," when used with respect to any Security, means the
date on which the principal of such Security becomes due and payable as therein
or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity, Change of Control Payment
Date, Purchase Date, or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption,
mandatory redemption or otherwise.

         "Net Proceeds" means in the case of any sale by the Company of
Qualified Capital Stock, the aggregate net cash proceeds and fair market value
of Marketable Securities (valued at the fair market value thereof at the time
of receipt, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the
Company, which determination shall be evidenced by a board resolution), other
than securities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, received by the
Company after payment of expenses, commissions, discounts and the like incurred
in connection therewith.

         "Payment Restriction" means any encumbrance, restriction or limitation
on the ability of (i) any Restricted Subsidiary to (a) pay dividends or make
other distributions on its Capital Stock owned by, or make payments on any
obligation, liability or Indebtedness owed to, the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary, (b) make loans or advances to the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary, or (c) transfer any of its properties or assets to the Company or
any Restricted Subsidiary, or (ii) the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to
receive or retain any such amounts set forth in clause (i)(a), (i)(b), or
(i)(c), above.

         "Proceeds" means, with respect to any Asset Sale, the proceeds of such
Asset Sale in the form of cash or cash equivalents or Marketable Securities,
including payments in respect of deferred payment obligations when received in
the form of cash or cash equivalents or Marketable Securities (to the extent
corresponding to the principal, but not interest, component thereof, except to
the extent such obligations are financed or sold with recourse to the Company
or any Subsidiary), net of (a) any amounts actually applied by the Company and
its Subsidiaries to repay Indebtedness outstanding at the time of such Asset
Sale that is either (i) secured by a Lien on the property or assets sold or
(ii) accelerated as a result of such sale, (b) income, sales, transfer and
similar taxes paid or actually payable by the Company and its Subsidiaries as a
result thereof, (c) the direct, out-of-pocket expenses of the Company and its
Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, reasonable brokerage fees,
investment banking fees, and fees and expenses of counsel, accountants and
appraisers, incurred in connection with any such sale, (d) in the case of bulk
sales of Inventory not in the ordinary course of business, any amounts actually
applied substantially concurrently with such Asset Sale to repay accounts
payable of the Company and its Subsidiaries incurred in connection with the
acquisition of such inventory, which accounts payable are existing at the time
of such Asset Sale, and (e) appropriate amounts to be provided by the Company
or any Subsidiary thereof, as the case may be, as a reserve, in accordance with
GAAP, against any liabilities associated with such assets and retained by the
Company or any Subsidiary thereof, as the case may be, after such sale or other
disposition of such assets (provided, that any reduction in any such reserve in
compliance with GAAP shall be deemed to constitute the receipt by the Company
or any Subsidiary which effected such Asset Sale of Proceeds from an Asset Sale
in the amount of such reduction).

         "Qualified Capital Stock" means any Capital Stock of the Company that
is not Disqualified Capital Stock.

         "Reference Period," with regard to any person, means the four full
fiscal quarters ended on the last day of the fiscal quarter immediately
preceding any date upon which any determination is to be made pursuant to the
terms of the Securities or the Indenture.





                                      -54-
<PAGE>   58
         "Refinancing Indebtedness" means Indebtedness or Disqualified Capital
Stock (a) issued in exchange for, or the proceeds from the issuance and sale of
which are used to substantially concurrently repay, redeem, refund, refinance,
discharge or otherwise retire for value, in whole or in part, or (b) except in
the case of Indebtedness under the Bank Facility, constituting an amendment,
modification or supplement to, or a deferral or renewal of (each of (a) and
(b), constituting a "Refinancing"), any Indebtedness or Disqualified Capital
Stock in a principal amount or liquidation preference (or, if such Refinancing
Indebtedness is issued at less than its principal amount, with an original
issue price, as determined in accordance with GAAP) not to exceed (after
deduction of the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the refinancing)
the lesser of (i) the principal amount or liquidation preference of the
Indebtedness or Disqualified Capital Stock so Refinanced (or, in the case of
the Bank Facility, the principal amount of term loans plus the total revolving
loan and letter of credit commitments (used and unused) outstanding thereunder
on the date of the Indenture (after giving effect to the initial advance of
term and revolving loans under the Bank Facility) to the extent that the
incurrence of such Indebtedness is permitted under "Limitation on Incurrences
of Additional Indebtedness/Issuances of Disqualified Stock" summarized below)
and (ii) if such Indebtedness being Refinanced was issued with an original
issue discount, the accredit value thereof (as determined in accordance with
GAAP) at the time of such Refinancing; provided, that (A) Refinancing
Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary shall only be used to refinance
outstanding Indebtedness of such Restricted Subsidiary, and (B) Refinancing
Indebtedness shall (x) not have an Average Life less than the Indebtedness to
be so Refinanced at the time of such Refinancing and (y) in all respects, be no
less subordinated, if applicable, to the rights of Holders under the Securities
than was the Indebtedness or Disqualified Capital Stock to be Refinanced.

         "Restricted Debt Prepayment" means any purchase, redemption, or other
acquisition or retirement for value of, or any payment in respect of any
amendment (in anticipation of or in connection with any retirement,
acquisition, or defeasance of such Indebtedness) of the terms of, or any
defeasance of, any Subordinated Indebtedness, directly or indirectly, by the
Company or a Restricted Subsidiary prior to the scheduled maturity, or prior to
any scheduled repayment of principal or sinking fund payment, as the case may
be, of such Subordinated Indebtedness, other than (x) in exchange for Qualified
Capital Stock or (y) in exchange for Subordinated Indebtedness in a principal
amount (or, if such Indebtedness is issued at less than its principal amount,
with an original issue price, as determined in accordance with GAAP) not to
exceed the lesser of (i) the principal amount of such Subordinated Indebtedness
being acquired in exchange therefor and (ii) if such Subordinated Indebtedness
being acquired was issued with an original issue discount, the accredit value
thereof (as determined in accordance with GAAP) at the time of the exchange.

         "Restricted Investment" means any direct or indirect Investment
(including by way of redesignation of subsidiaries as set forth in the
definition of "Investment") by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in any
Affiliate of the Company or any Subsidiary.

         "Restricted Payment" means any (i) Stock Payment, (ii) Restricted
Investment or (iii) Restricted Debt Prepayment, except that the following shall
not be deemed to be Restricted Payments:  (a) the payment of dividends on, the
making of any distributions with respect to, or the acquisition of any shares
of Capital Stock of the Company in exchange for, up to an aggregate amount
equal to the Net Proceeds (not previously so expended) from the sale (other
than to a Subsidiary) of shares of Qualified Capital Stock subsequent to the
Issue Date; (b) payments between the Company and its wholly owned Restricted
Subsidiaries; (c) loans to Management Investors for the purpose of their
acquiring shares of Capital Stock of Parent; provided that the aggregate
principal amount of such loans outstanding at any one time pursuant to this
clause (c) in excess of $1.5 million shall be Restricted Payments; (d) payments
by the Company to Parent in amounts sufficient to allow it to





                                      -55-
<PAGE>   59
acquire shares of Capital Stock of Parent, or options, warrants or rights to
acquire shares of Capital Stock of Parent or other Capital Stock- equivalent of
Parent, that are held by Management Investors; provided that the aggregate
amount of such payments made pursuant to this clause (d) in excess of
$1,000,000 (net of cash received from sales of Capital Stock of Parent by the
Company to Management Investors in the same fiscal year) in any fiscal year
shall be Restricted Payments; (e) the payment of dividends to Parent in an
amount sufficient to permit it to (i) eliminate fractional shares; or (ii)
collect or compromise in good faith a debt, claim or controversy with any
shareholder at a price not in excess of the fair market value thereof; provided
that the aggregate amount of such payments made pursuant to this clause (e) in
excess of $1,000,000 shall be Restricted Payments; and (f) the payment of
dividends to Parent in an amount sufficient to enable Parent to pay its
overhead and operating expenses; provided, that the aggregate amount of such
payments made pursuant to this clause (f) in excess of $250,000 in any fiscal
year shall be Restricted Payments.

         "Restricted Subsidiary" means each Subsidiary that is not an
Unrestricted Subsidiary.

         "Senior Indebtedness" means the principal of, and interest on, any
Indebtedness of the Company, whether outstanding on the date of the Indenture
or hereafter created, incurred, assumed, guaranteed or in effect guaranteed by
the Company unless, in the case of any particular Indebtedness, the instrument
creating or evidencing the same or the assumption or guarantee thereof
expressly provides that such Indebtedness shall be pari passu or subordinate in
right of payment to the Securities; provided, however, that Senior Indebtedness
shall not include (a) in the case of the obligation of the Company in respect
of each Security, the obligation of the Company in respect of other Securities,
(b) Indebtedness of the Company to a Subsidiary or an Affiliate of the Company,
(c) Indebtedness to, or guaranteed on behalf of, any individual shareholder,
director, officer or employee of the Company or of any Subsidiary (including,
without limitation, amounts owed for compensation), (d) Indebtedness
represented by Capitalized Lease Obligations, (e) Indebtedness and other
amounts incurred in connection with obtaining goods, materials or services, and
(f) Indebtedness incurred in violation of the provisions of the Indenture
summarized in "Limitation on Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness/Issuances of
Disqualified Capital Stock" and "Limitation on Ranking of Future Indebtedness"
below; provided, however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, all obligations,
whether for principal, interest (including, without limitation, interest
accruing after the commencement of a proceeding under Bankruptcy Law as to the
Company, whether or not a claim for such interest is an allowed claim in such
proceeding), costs, fees, expenses, indemnities or otherwise, of the Company,
now existing or hereafter incurred under the Bank Facility (excluding principal
amounts in excess of the principal amount of term loans plus the total
revolving loan and letter of credit commitments (used and unused) outstanding
under the Bank Facility on the date of this Indenture (after giving effect to
the initial advance of term and revolving loans under the Bank Facility), which
such excess amounts shall not constitute Senior Indebtedness) or any guaranty
executed and delivered by the Company thereunder or pursuant thereto shall in
any event constitute Senior Indebtedness.

         "Stock Payment" means, with respect to any person, (a) the declaration
or payment by such person, either in cash or in property, of any dividend on,
or the making by such person or any of its subsidiaries of any other
distribution in respect of, such person's Capital Stock or any warrants,
options, or rights (other than exchangeable or convertible Indebtedness of such
person) to purchase or acquire any shares of any class of such Capital Stock
except, in the case of the Company, dividends or other distributions payable
solely in shares of Qualified Capital Stock, or (b) the redemption, repurchase,
retirement or other acquisition for value, or any payment with respect to any
redemption, repurchase, retirement or other acquisition for value, by such
person or any of its subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, of such person's
Capital Stock or any warrants, options or rights (other than exchangeable or
convertible Indebtedness of such person) to purchase or acquire shares of any
class





                                      -56-
<PAGE>   60
of such Capital Stock; provided, however, that in the case of a Subsidiary, the
term "Stock Payment" shall not include any such payment with respect to its
Capital Stock or warrants, rights or options to purchase or acquire shares of
any class of its Capital Stock that are owned by the Company or a wholly owned
Subsidiary.

         "Subordinated Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of the Company that (i)
has a maturity and Average Life longer than those of the Securities and (ii) is
subordinated in right of payment to the Securities.

         "Subsidiary" means each direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company.

         "Unrestricted Subsidiary" shall mean (i) any Subsidiary that, at the
time of determination, shall be an Unrestricted Subsidiary (as designated by
the Board of Directors of the Company, as provided below) and (ii) any
subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.  The Board of Directors of the
Company may designate any Subsidiary (including any newly acquired or newly
formed subsidiary at or prior to the time it is so formed or acquired) to be an
Unrestricted Subsidiary unless such Subsidiary owns any Capital Stock of, or
owns or holds any Lien on any property of, any Subsidiary that is not an
Unrestricted Subsidiary.  The Board of Directors of the Company may designate
any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary.  Any such
designation shall be evidenced by filing with the Trustee a certified copy of
the resolution giving effect to such designation and an officers' certificate
certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing applicable
conditions.

         "U.S. Government Obligations" means direct non-callable obligations
of, or non-callable obligations guaranteed by, the United States of America for
the payment of which obligation or guarantee the full faith and credit of the
United States of America is pledged.

         "U.S. Legal Tender" means such coin or currency of the United States
of America as at the time of payment shall be legal tender for the payment of
public and private debts.

OPTIONAL REDEMPTION

         The Securities may be redeemed in whole or from time to time in part
at any time on and after September 15, 1997, at the option of the Company, at
the redemption price (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount (the
"Redemption Price")) set forth below with respect to the indicated redemption
date ("Redemption Date"), together with any accrued but unpaid interest to such
Redemption Date.  The Securities may not be so redeemed before September 15,
1997.

If redeemed during the 12-month period beginning September 15:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR                              PERCENTAGE
- ----                              ----------
<S>                               <C>
1997                              105.839
1998                              103.893
1999                              101.946
2000 and thereafter               100.000
</TABLE>

         If less than all of the Securities are to be redeemed, the Trustee
shall, if applicable, first allocate the principal amount of Securities to be
redeemed pro rata between the Notes and the New Notes and then select the
Securities to be redeemed by lot or by such other method (other than pro rata)
as the Trustee shall determine to be fair and appropriate.  The Trustee shall
make the selection





                                      -57-
<PAGE>   61
from the Securities outstanding and not previously called for redemption.
Securities in denominations of $1,000 may be redeemed only in whole.  At least
30 days but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date, the Company shall
mail a notice of redemption to each Holder whose Securities are to be redeemed
at such Holder's address as it appears in the register maintained by the
Registrar.  Once notice of redemption is mailed, Securities called for
redemption become due and payable together with accrued and unpaid interest on
the Redemption Date and at the Redemption Price and shall cease to bear
interest from and after the Redemption Date.

SINKING FUND

         The Securities are subject to a mandatory sinking fund pursuant to
which the Company will redeem 25% of the aggregate principal amount of
Securities outstanding on the Issue Date on each of September 15, 2000 and
September 15, 2001 at the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to
the date of such redemption.

         The Company (a) may deliver Securities outstanding (other than any
previously called for redemption) and (b) may apply as a credit Securities
which have been redeemed at the election of the Company, in each case in
satisfaction of all or any part of either sinking fund payment required to be
made.  Before August 1, 2000 and August 1, 2001 the Trustee shall select the
Securities to be redeemed on September 15, 2000 and September 15, 2001,
respectively, in the manner specified under "Optional Redemption" above.
During 1994, the Company repurchased $18,550,000 in principal amount of the
Securities.

SUBORDINATION

   
         The Securities are subordinate to Senior Indebtedness.  As of June 30,
1996, the aggregate principal amount of Senior Indebtedness outstanding was
approximately $69.1 million.
    

         The Indenture provides that no payment shall be made by the Company on
account of principal of or interest on the Securities or to redeem, defease, or
acquire any of the Securities (i) upon the maturity of any Senior Indebtedness
by lapse of time, acceleration, demand, or otherwise, unless and until all
principal thereof, interest thereon and other obligations constituting such
Senior Indebtedness shall first be paid in full or (ii) upon any default in
payment of any principal of or interest on any Senior Indebtedness when due and
payable, unless and until such default shall have been cured or waived or shall
have ceased to exist.

         Upon the happening of an event of default with respect to any Senior
Indebtedness permitting the holders thereof to accelerate the maturity thereof
or demand payment (other than a default in payment of the principal of or
interest on such Senior Indebtedness), upon written notice thereof given to the
Company and the Trustee by any holders of such Senior Indebtedness ("Payment
Notice"), then, unless and until such event of default shall have been cured or
waived or shall have ceased to exist, no payment shall be made by the Company
with respect to the principal of or interest on the Securities or to redeem (or
make a deposit in redemption of), defease or acquire any of the Securities;
provided, however, that this paragraph shall not prevent the making of any
payment for more than 179 days after the Payment Notice shall have been given.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) not more than one Payment Notice shall be
given within a period of 360 consecutive days, (ii) no event of default which
existed or was continuing on the date of any Payment Notice (whether or not
such event of default is on the same issue of Senior Indebtedness) shall be
made the basis for the giving of a subsequent Payment Notice, (iii) if the
Company or the Trustee receives any Payment Notice, a similar notice relating
to or arising out of the same default or facts giving rise to such default





                                      -58-
<PAGE>   62
(whether or not such default is on the same issue of Senior Indebtedness) shall
not be effective and (iv) no Payment Notice may be given by a holder or holders
(or the representative of holders) (1) of any Senior Indebtedness other than
Senior Indebtedness under the Bank Facility while the Bank Facility is in
effect or any Senior Indebtedness thereunder is outstanding or (2) of less than
the lesser of (x) one half of the principal amount then outstanding and having
been drawn under the Bank Facility (while any such amount is still outstanding)
and (y) $10,000,000 principal amount of Senior Indebtedness.

         Upon any distribution of assets of the Company upon any dissolution,
winding up, liquidation or reorganization of the Company (including, without
limitation, in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership proceedings or upon any
assignment for the benefit of creditors), holders of all Senior Indebtedness
shall first be entitled to receive payments in full of the obligations payable
in respect thereof, before the Holders are entitled to receive any payment.
Any payment or distribution of assets of the Company shall be paid by the
liquidating trustee or agent or such other person directly to the holders of
Senior Indebtedness to the extent necessary to make payment in full of all
Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid after giving effect to all concurrent
payments and distributions to or for the holders of such Senior Indebtedness.

         Subject to the payment in full to the holders of Senior Indebtedness
of all Senior Indebtedness, the holders of Securities shall be subrogated to
the rights of the holders of Senior Indebtedness to receive payments or
distributions of assets of the Company applicable to the Senior Indebtedness
until all amounts owing on the Securities shall be paid in full.

CERTAIN COVENANTS

         The Indenture contains, among others, the following covenants:

         (1)     Limitation on Restricted Payments

         The Company may not, nor may it permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, make any Restricted Payment if, at the
time of such Restricted Payment, or on a pro forma basis after giving effect
thereto, (a) a Default or an Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing or (b) the Company's Consolidated Net Worth shall not exceed
$45,000,000, or (c) the Company's Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio for its
four full fiscal quarters ended on the last day of the fiscal quarter
immediately preceding the date upon which such Restricted Payment is made would
be less than 3.0 to 1.0, or (d) the aggregate amount of all Restricted Payments
expended, including such Restricted Payment (the amount of any Restricted
Payment, if other than cash, to be the fair market value thereof at the date of
payment, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company
and evidenced by a board resolution), subsequent to the Determination Date,
shall exceed 50% of the aggregate Consolidated Net Income of the Company earned
during the period beginning on the Determination Date and ending with the last
day of the fiscal quarter immediately preceding the date of such Restricted
Payment.

         Notwithstanding the foregoing, if no other Default or Event of Default
shall have occurred and be continuing, or on a pro forma basis after giving
effect to such Restricted Payment would occur, the preceding paragraph shall
not prevent the payment of any dividend within 60 days after the date of its
declaration if such dividend would have been permitted on the date of its
declaration; provided, however, that the payment of each dividend paid in
accordance with this clause shall be counted for purposes of computing the
aggregate amount of Restricted Payments expended for purposes of clause (d) in
the preceding paragraph.





                                      -59-
<PAGE>   63
         (2)     Limitation on Transactions with Shareholders and Affiliates

         None of the Company or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries may (i)
sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties, assets or
securities to, (ii) purchase or lease any property, assets or securities from,
(iii) make any Investment in, or (iv) enter into or amend any contract or
agreement with or for the benefit of, either (A) an Affiliate of any of them
(other than, in each twelve-month period, Affiliate Transactions in the
ordinary course of business involving less than, in the aggregate, $500,000) or
(B) any person or person who is a member of a group (as such term is used for
purposes of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) that, directly or
indirectly, is the beneficial holder of 10% or more of any class of equity
securities of the Company or (C) any person who is an Affiliate of any such
holder (each case, an "Affiliate Transaction"), unless, in each case, prior to
entering into any transaction or any series of related transactions to which
this provision applies involving or having a value (in the case of clause (A),
in such twelve-month period) of more than $500,000, the Company delivers to the
Trustee an officers' certificate stating that, in the good faith determination
of the Board of Directors of the Company (as evidenced by a board resolution),
the transaction, or series of Affiliate Transactions, is on terms in the
aggregate no less favorable to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as
the case may be, than could be obtained from an unaffiliated third party.  In
addition, neither the Company nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may enter
into an Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions
involving more than $5,000,000 (other than (i) the performance by the Company
of its obligations hereunder, under the Securities, or under the Intercompany
Agreements and (ii) transactions pursuant to any of the Intercompany
Agreements), unless the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may
be, has received an opinion from an Independent Financial Advisor (as defined
in the Indenture) to the effect that such Affiliate Transaction, or series of
Affiliate Transactions, is fair to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary,
as the case may be, from a financial point of view.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the following do not constitute "Affiliate Transactions":  (x) the
payment of reasonable expenses and reasonable and customary management fees
from the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to LGA, and (y) transactions
exclusively between or among the Company and any of its wholly owned Restricted
Subsidiaries.

         (3)     Limitation on Incurrences of Additional Indebtedness/Issuances
                 of Disqualified Capital Stock

         (a)     Except as set forth below, the Company may not, and the
Company may not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly,
issue, incur, assume, guarantee, become directly or indirectly liable, with
respect to (including as a result of an acquisition), extend the maturity of,
or otherwise become responsible for, contingently or otherwise any Indebtedness
or any Disqualified Capital Stock from and after the Issue Date.  Indebtedness
and Disqualified Capital Stock incurred by any person that is not a Restricted
Subsidiary, which Indebtedness is outstanding at the time such person becomes a
Restricted Subsidiary, or is merged or consolidated with, the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary is not (subject to the provisions set forth in the
definition of Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio) deemed to have been
incurred or issued, as the case may be, at the time such person becomes a
Restricted Subsidiary or is merged or consolidated with the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary.

         (b)     The Company may incur Indebtedness or Disqualified Capital
Stock if (i) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing at the time of, or would occur after giving effect, on a pro forma
basis, to, such incurrence of such Indebtedness of Disqualified Capital Stock
and (ii) on the date of the incurrence of such Indebtedness or Disqualified
Capital Stock (the "Incurrence Date"), the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio
of the Company for the Reference





                                      -60-
<PAGE>   64
Period immediately preceding the Incurrence Date would have been at least the
following respective ratios for the following respective fiscal years
corresponding to such Incurrence Date:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         The Consolidated
If the Incurrence Date                   Interest Coverage
is during the                            Ratio must be
fiscal year ending                       at least          
- ----------------------                   ------------------
<S>                                      <C>
December 31, 1993                        2.00 to 1
December 31, 1994                        2.25 to 1
December 31, 1995 and thereafter         2.50 to 1
</TABLE>

(provided, that such ratio shall be 2.00 to 1 for all fiscal years with respect
solely to incurrences by the Company of Subordinated Indebtedness).

         (c)     The Company may incur Indebtedness evidenced by the Securities
and other obligations under the Indenture.

         (d)     The Company may incur Indebtedness pursuant to the terms of
the Bank Facility (including any guarantees thereof and letters of credit
issued thereunder); provided that the aggregate principal amount incurred and
outstanding pursuant to this clause (d), including any Refinancing Indebtedness
issued with respect to such Indebtedness, shall not at any time exceed the
principal amount of term loans plus the total revolving loan and letter of
credit commitments (used and unused) outstanding under the Bank Facility on the
date of the Indenture after giving effect to the initial advance of term and
revolving loans under the Bank Facility plus fees and expenses incurred in
connection with such refinancing.

         (e)     Subject to the provisions of clauses (d), (f), (h), and (i),
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary may incur Refinancing Indebtedness,
provided that any Refinancing Indebtedness issued in exchange for or to
refinance Subordinated Indebtedness shall also satisfy the definition of
Subordinated Indebtedness.

         (f)     The Company or any Restricted Subsidiary may incur
Indebtedness to the Company or to a wholly owned Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company; provided that no Restricted Subsidiary shall become liable to any
person other than the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary that is a wholly
owned Subsidiary in respect of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (f),
including, pursuant to any Refinancing Indebtedness issued in exchange for or
to refinance any such Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (f).

         (g)     The Company or any Restricted Subsidiary may incur
Indebtedness consisting of Capitalized Lease Obligations or indebtedness the
proceeds of which are applied toward the purchase of assets in the ordinary
course of the Company's business and with respect to which there is created a
security interest in such assets in favor of the seller thereof; provided that
the aggregate principal amount incurred pursuant to this clause (g) shall not
exceed $7,500,000 per fiscal year.

         (h)     The Company or any Restricted Subsidiary may incur
Indebtedness so long as such Indebtedness, including any Refinancing
Indebtedness used to refinance such Indebtedness, is issued in the ordinary
course of business under Interest Swap Obligations (as defined in the
Indenture) or is (consistent with past practices and in the ordinary course of
business) in the form of performance bonds or letters of credit or
reimbursement obligations in respect thereof, letter of credit obligations





                                      -61-
<PAGE>   65
related to insurance with respect to claims by employees for work-related
injuries, or bank overdrafts that are repaid within three business days.

         (i)     To the extent that the following shall constitute Indebtedness
solely under clause (iv) of the definition of Indebtedness, the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary may incur:  (A) Liens arising out of judgments or awards
(other than any judgment that could constitute an Event of Default under clause
(6) under "Event of Default" summarized below) in respect of which the Company
or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries shall in good faith be prosecuting an
appeal or proceedings for review and in respect of which it shall have secured
a subsisting stay of execution pending such appeal or proceedings for review,
provided that it shall have set aside on its books adequate reserves, in
accordance with GAAP, with respect to such judgment or award; (B) Liens for
taxes, assessments or governmental charges or levies, provided that payment
thereof shall not at the time be required under the Indenture; (C) Liens to
secure payments of workmen's compensation and other payments, public liability,
unemployment and other insurance, social security obligations, or the
performance of bids, tenders, leases, contracts (other than contracts for the
payment of money), public or statutory obligations, surety, stay or appeal
bonds, or other similar obligations arising in the ordinary course of business;
(D) mechanics', workmen's or other similar liens arising in the ordinary course
of business and securing sums which are not past due or are being contested by
appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been established
in accordance with GAAP; (E) zoning restrictions, easements, restrictions on
the use of real property or other minor irregularities in title thereto, which
do not materially impair the use of such property in the normal operation of
the business of the Company or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries or the value
of such property; (F) unperfected Liens arising by operation of law under
Article 2 of the UCC in favor of unpaid sellers or prepaying buyers of goods
relating to amounts that are not past due in accordance with their respective
terms of sale; and (G) rights arising as a matter of law or existing as of the
Issue Date, in each case, of the lessor of any premises leased by the Company
with respect to tangible property on the leased premises.

         (j)     The Company may incur Indebtedness and Disqualified Capital
Stock in addition to Indebtedness and Disqualified Capital Stock incurred
pursuant to clauses (a) through (i); provided that the aggregate principal
amount of Indebtedness and liquidation preference of Disqualified Capital Stock
incurred and outstanding at any time pursuant to this clause, including any
Refinancing Indebtedness issued in exchange for or to refinance any such
Indebtedness incurred (after deduction of fees and expenses incurred in
connection with such refinancing), shall not in the aggregate exceed $25
million.

         In the case of any Indebtedness outstanding pursuant to clauses (d) or
(j), the amount deemed to be incurred and outstanding shall include amounts
incurred and outstanding pursuant to clause (e) above that were incurred in
exchange for or to refinance such Indebtedness.  Notwithstanding the foregoing
provisions, the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness that may be
outstanding pursuant to clauses (d) and (j) may not exceed the sum of (x)
$25,000,000 (after the deduction of fees and expenses referred to in clause
(j)), plus (y) the principal amount of term loans plus the total revolving loan
and letter of credit commitments (used and unused) outstanding under the Bank
Facility on the date of the Indenture after giving effect to the initial
advance of term and revolving loans under the Bank Facility plus fees and
expenses referred to in clause (d), minus (z) the aggregate amount of all
Deemed Permanent Reductions (defined in "Sales of Assets" summarized below).

         (4)     Limitation on Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions
                 Affecting Subsidiaries

         The Company may not, and may not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to,
directly or indirectly, create or suffer to exist or allow to become effective
any Payment Restriction with respect





                                      -62-
<PAGE>   66
to any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, except for (i) restrictions contained in
the Indenture, (ii) restrictions contained in the Bank Facility and (iii)
customary provisions in instruments or agreements relating to the enforcement
of rights under any Liens on assets of such Restricted Subsidiary.

         (5)     Sales of Assets

         (a)     Neither the Company nor any Restricted Subsidiary may
consummate any Asset Sale, unless (x) the consideration received by the Company
or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, is not less than the fair
market value of the property (as determined by the Board of Directors of the
Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, and evidenced by a
board resolution) and (y) at least 80% of the consideration received therefor
by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, is in the
form of U.S. Legal Tender or U.S.  Government Obligations; provided, however,
that the amount of (i) any liabilities of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary (as shown on the most recent balance sheet or in the notes thereto)
that are assumed by the transferee in any Asset Sale and from which the Company
or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, has been unconditionally and
irrevocably released (other than liabilities that are incurred in connection
with or in anticipation of such Asset Sale) and (ii) any notes or other
obligations received by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary from such
transferee that are immediately converted by the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary into U.S. Legal Tender or U.S.  Government Obligations shall be
deemed to be U.S. Legal Tender or U.S. Government Obligations.

         (b)     Except with respect to a permitted sale of all or
substantially all of the Company's assets under the Indenture, if the aggregate
Proceeds of all Asset Sales from and after the Issue Date exceeds $3,000,000,
then the Company may, at its election, use the Proceeds from such Asset Sales
so in excess of $3,000,000 as working capital in the ordinary course of
business or apply such Proceeds to an investment in assets or businesses
consistent with the fundamental nature of the business of the Company or to
expenditures in the business of the Company, provided that such investment or
expenditure occurs within one year of the receipt of such Proceeds from such
Asset Sales that first exceeded $3,000,000 (or, in the case of Proceeds
received subsequent to the date on which Proceeds from Asset Sales first
exceeded $3,000,000, within 12 months of such receipt); provided, however, that
to the extent such Proceeds are not so accordingly used, such remaining
Proceeds shall be applied (A) to repayment or prepayment of Senior
Indebtedness, or (B) to repurchase the Securities pursuant to this provision.
The amount of any payment under clause (A) shall constitute a "Deemed Permanent
Reduction."  The Company shall accumulate all Proceeds allocated pursuant to
clause (B) and the aggregate amount of such accumulated Proceeds shall be the
"Accumulated Amount."

         (c)     If as of the last day of any fiscal quarter of the Company the
Accumulated Amount is at least $5 million, then not later than 45 days
thereafter, the Company is required to make an unconditional offer (a "Section
5.13 Offer") to the Holders to purchase, on a pro rata basis, Securities having
a principal amount (the "Offer Amount") equal to the Accumulated Amount, at a
purchase price (the "Section 5.13 Offer Price") equal to 100% of principal
amount plus accrued but unpaid interest to, and including, the date the
Securities tendered are purchased and paid for (the "Purchase Date").  Notice
of a Section 5.13 Offer shall be sent at least 20 business days prior to the
Final Put Date (as defined below) by the Company to each Holder and to the
Trustee.  The notice, which shall govern the terms of the Section 5.13 Offer,
shall state: (1) that the Section 5.13 Offer is being made; (2) the Offer
Amount, the Section 5.13 Offer Price the Final Put Date, and the Purchase Date,
which Purchase Date shall be on or prior to 35 days following the date the
Section 5.13 Offer is first mailed to Holders and, in no event, later than 80
days following the fiscal quarter end on which the Accumulated Amount was at
least $5 million; (3) that any Security not tendered or accepted for





                                      -63-
<PAGE>   67
payment will continue to accrue interest; (4) that, unless the Company defaults
in depositing U.S. Legal Tender with the Paying Agent, any Security accepted
for payment shall cease to accrue interest after the Purchase Date; (5) that
Holders electing to have a Security purchased will be required to surrender the
Security, with the form entitled "Option of Holder to Elect Purchase" on the
reverse of the Security completed, to the Paying Agent at the address specified
prior to the close of business on the third business day prior to the Purchase
Date (the "Final Put Date"); (6) that Holders will be entitled to withdraw
their elections if the Paying Agent receives, up to the close of business on
the Final Put Date, proper notification that such Holder is withdrawing his
election to have such principal amount of Securities purchased; (7) that if
Securities in a principal amount in excess of the principal amount of
Securities to be acquired are tendered and not withdrawn the Company shall
purchase Securities on a pro rata basis; (8) that Holders whose Securities were
purchased only in part will be issued new Securities as to the unpurchased
portion of the Securities surrendered; and (9) the circumstances and relevant
facts regarding such Asset Sales.  Any such Section 5.13 Offer must comply with
all applicable provisions of federal and state laws and any provisions of the
Indenture that conflict with such laws shall be deemed to be superseded by the
provisions of such laws.

         On or before a Purchase Date, the Company is required to accept for
payment Securities or portions thereof properly tendered on or prior to the
Final Put Date, sufficiently deposit with the Paying Agent U.S. Legal Tender
and deliver to the Trustee Securities so accepted together with an officers'
certificate.  The Paying Agent is required to promptly mail or deliver to
Holders of Securities the Section 5.13 Offer Price for such Securities and the
Trustee is required to promptly authenticate and mail or deliver to such
Holders a new Security equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of
the Security surrendered.  Any Securities not so accepted must be promptly
mailed or delivered by the Company to the Holder thereof.  The Company will
publicly announce the results of the Section 5.13 Offer on or as soon as
practicable after the Purchase Date.  If the amount required to acquire all
Securities tendered by Holders pursuant to the Section 5.13 Offer (the "Section
5.13 Acceptance Amount") is less than the Offer Amount, the excess of the Offer
Amount over the Section 5.13 Acceptance Amount may be used by the Company for
general corporate purposes and upon consummation of any Section 5.13 Offer the
Accumulated Amount will be reduced to zero.

         Whenever Proceeds received by the Company (in excess of the
$3,000,000), and prior to the purchase of Securities or an allocation to the
payment of Senior Indebtedness exceeds $1,500,000, such Proceeds are required
to be set aside by the Company in a separate account pending deposit with the
Paying Agent Offer or delivery by the Company of the Section 5.13 Offer Price
to the Holders of the Securities or allocation of Proceeds to the payment of
Senior Indebtedness or to working capital or investment in assets or businesses
or to expenditures in the business of the Company as set forth above.  Such
Proceeds may be invested as prescribed in the Indenture.  The Company is
entitled to any interest or dividends accrued, earned or paid on such
investments provided that there is no Event of Default.

         (6)     Limitation on Change of Control

         Not later than 10 days after the occurrence of a Change of Control,
the Company is required to make an unconditional offer (a "Change of Control
Offer") to the Holders to purchase all of the Securities pursuant to the offer
described below, at a purchase price (the "Change of Control Purchase Price")
equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest,
if any, to, and including, the Change of Control Payment Date (as defined
below).  Within five days after each date upon which a Change of Control occurs
(the "Change of Control Date"), the Company is required to so notify the
Trustee.





                                      -64-
<PAGE>   68
         Notice of a Change of Control Offer must be sent, at least 20 business
days prior to the Final Change of Control Put Date, by the Company to each
Holder and the Trustee.  The notice, which will govern the terms of the Offer,
shall state:  (1) that the Change of Control Offer is being made and that all
Securities, or portions thereof, tendered will be accepted for payment; (2) the
Change of Control Purchase Price, and the purchase date on which Securities
tendered shall be purchased and on which the Change of Control Purchase Price
shall be paid (which shall be no later than 60 days from the Change of Control
Date) (the "Change of Control Payment Date"), and the Final Change of Control
Put Date (as defined below); (3) that any Security not tendered or accepted for
payment will continue to accrue interest; (4) that, unless the Company defaults
in depositing U.S. Legal Tender with the Paying Agent any Security accepted for
payment shall cease to accrue interest after the Change of Control Payment
Date; (5) that Holders electing to have a Security purchased will be required
to surrender the Security, with the form entitled "Option of Holder to Elect
Purchase" on the reverse of the Security completed, to the Paying Agent at the
address specified in the notice prior to the close of business on the third
business day prior to the Change of Control Payment Date (the "Final Change of
Control Put Date"); (6) that Holders will be entitled to withdraw their
election if the Paying Agent receives, up to the close of business on the
Change of Control Put Date, proper notification that the Holder is withdrawing
and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have such
principal amount of Securities purchased; and (7) a brief description of the
events resulting in such Change of Control.  Any such Change of Control Offer
must comply with all applicable provisions of federal and state laws, and any
provisions of the Indenture which conflict with such laws shall be deemed to be
superseded by the provisions of such laws.  On or before the Change of Control
Payment Date, the Company must accept for payment Securities or portions
thereof properly tendered prior to the Final Change of Control Put Date,
sufficiently deposit with the Paying Agent U.S. Legal Tender and deliver to the
Trustee Securities so accepted together with an officers' certificate.  The
Paying Agent is required to promptly mail to the Holders of Securities the
Change of Control Purchase Price, and the Trustee is required to promptly
authenticate and mail or deliver to such Holders a new Security equal in
principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the Security surrendered.  Any
Securities not so accepted will be promptly mailed or delivered by the Company
to the Holder thereof.  The Company will publicly announce the results of the
Change of Control Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Change of
Control Payment Date.

         (7)     Restriction on Sale and Issuance of Subsidiary Stock

         The Company may not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to issue any
shares of Capital Stock, or any options, warrants or rights (including
convertible or exchangeable securities) to acquire shares of Capital Stock, of
any Restricted Subsidiary to any person other than the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary that is a wholly owned Subsidiary.

         (8)     Limitation on Ranking of Future Indebtedness

         The Company may not, directly or indirectly, incur, create, or suffer
to exist any Indebtedness which is subordinate or junior in right of payment
(to any extent) to any Senior Indebtedness and senior or superior in right of
payment (to any extent) to the Securities.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

         The following are Events of Default under the Indenture:  (1) Default
in the payment of interest on any Securities when due and payable that
continues for a period of 30 days; (2) Default in the payment of the principal
and premium of any Securities when due and payable; (3) the Company fails to
comply with any of its other agreements contained in the Securities or the
Indenture and the





                                      -65-
<PAGE>   69
Default continues for the period and after the Trustee or the Holders of at
least 33-1/3% notify the Company of the Default, and the Company does not cure
the Default within 30 days after receipt of the notice; (4) default under any
Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, if such default either
results from the failure to pay any portion of principal under such
Indebtedness when due at final maturity or results in any Indebtedness becoming
due prior to its stated maturity, and the aggregate principal amount of such
Indebtedness aggregates $5 million or more; (5) certain events of bankruptcy,
insolvency or reorganization of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiaries; or
(6) any writ of attachment issued against the property of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiaries having a value of at least $5 million, or final
judgments not covered by insurance for the payment of money which in the
aggregate at any one time exceed $5 million rendered against the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiaries by a court of competent jurisdiction and remain
undischarged for a period of 60 days after such judgment becomes final and
nonappealable.

         If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default pursuant to
clause (5) above (except in certain cases of insolvency)) occurs and is
continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 33-1/3% of the Securities
may declare the aggregate principal amount of the Securities outstanding,
together with accrued but unpaid interest, due and payable.  If an Event of
Default pursuant to clause (5) above (except in certain cases of insolvency)
occurs, all unpaid principal and accrued interest on the Securities shall ipso
facto be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on
the part of the Trustee or any Holder.  The Holders of a majority of the
Securities may rescind an acceleration if certain conditions exist.

         Holders of a majority of the outstanding Securities may waive an
existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences, except a Default in
the payment of principal of or interest on any Security.

         The Company is required to deliver to the Trustee within 90 days after
the end of its fiscal year an officers' certificate regarding knowledge of such
officers with respect to the failure to comply with any conditions or covenants
of the Indenture and a written report of an independent certified public
accounting firm regarding, in connection with their audit examination, any
Default or Event of Default coming to their attention.  The Company is required
to deliver an officers' certificate to the Trustee upon any officer becoming
aware of any Default or Event of Default, specifying what action the Company is
taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS

         The Indenture provides that the Company may not consolidate with or
merge with or into any other person or transfer all or substantially all of its
properties and assets as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to another
person or group of affiliated persons or adopt a Plan of Liquidation (as
defined in the Indenture), unless, among other things, (1) the Company shall be
the continuing person, or the surviving person (if other than the Company)
shall be a corporation organized and validly existing under the laws of the
United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, and shall
expressly assume, by a supplemental indenture, all the obligations of the
Company under the Securities and the Indenture; (2) on a pro forma basis
immediately after giving effect to such transaction and the assumption
contemplated by clause (1) and the incurrence or anticipated incurrence of any
Indebtedness to be incurred in connection therewith, the surviving person has a
Consolidated Net Worth (on a pro forma basis immediately after giving effect to
such transaction) equal to or greater than the Consolidated Net Worth of the
Company, and could incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to
"Limitation of Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness and Issuance of
Disqualified Capital Stock" above; and (3) immediately before and on a pro
forma basis





                                      -66-
<PAGE>   70
immediately after giving effect to such transaction and the assumption of the
obligations as set forth in clause (1) and the incurrence or anticipated
incurrence of any Indebtedness to be incurred, no Default or Event of Default
shall have occurred and be continuing.

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF THE INDENTURE

         The Indenture provides that if the Company irrevocably deposits in
trust with the Trustee certain funds to pay the principal of and interest on
the outstanding Securities on the dates on which any such payments are due and
payable in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and the Securities,
provided that certain other conditions are met, the Company shall be deemed to
have paid and discharged the entire Indebtedness on the Securities and the
provisions of the Indenture (except for certain obligations surviving the
satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture identified in Section 9.03 of the
Indenture).

AMENDMENTS, SUPPLEMENTS AND WAIVERS

         The Indenture provides that the Company and the Trustee may from time
to time enter into supplemental indentures for certain specified purposes,
including to cure ambiguities, defects or inconsistencies (provided such
amendment does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder), to provide for a
succession to the obligations of the Company, and to make any other change that
does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder.  Other amendments and
supplements to the Indenture may be made by the Company and the Trustee, with
the written consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount
of outstanding Securities.  In addition, Holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of outstanding Securities may waive compliance by the Company
with respect to any provision of the Indenture.  However, no such amendment,
supplement or waiver may, without the consent of the Holder of each outstanding
Security affected thereby, (1) change the principal amount of Securities whose
Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver; (2) reduce the rate
or extend the time for payment of any Security; (3) reduce the principal amount
of any Security, or reduce the Change of Control Purchase Price or the Section
5.13 Offer Price; (4) change the Maturity or the Change of Control Purchase
Date or the Purchase Date of any Security; (5) alter the redemption provisions
or the provisions of the "Sales of Assets" or the "Limitation on Change of
Control" described above, in either case, in a manner adverse to any Holder;
(6) make any changes in the provisions concerning waivers of Defaults or Events
of Default by Holders of the Securities or the rights of Holders to recover the
principal or premium of, interest on, or redemption payment with respect to,
any Security; (7) make the principal of, or the interest on, any Security
payable with anything or in any manner other than as provided for in this
Indenture and the Securities; or (8) make any changes to this provision or the
provisions of Section 7.04 relating to waivers of past defaults or Section 7.07
relating to the right of a Holder to receive payments.

CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE

         The Indenture provides that, except during the continuance of a
Default or an Event of Default, the Trustee will perform only such duties as
are specifically set forth in the Indenture.  During the occurrence and
continuation of a Default or an Event of Default, the Trustee is required to
exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by the Indenture and use
the same degree of care and skill in their exercise as a prudent person would
exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs.

         The Indenture and the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act contain
limitations on the rights of the Trustee, should it become a creditor of the
Company, to obtain payment of claims in certain





                                      -67-
<PAGE>   71
cases or to realize on certain property received by it in respect of such
claims, as security or otherwise.  The Trustee is permitted to engage in other
transactions; provided, however, that if it acquires any conflict of interest
(as defined in the Trust Indenture Act) it must eliminate such conflict or
resign.





                                      -68-
<PAGE>   72
                               FEES AND EXPENSES

         The Company will pay substantially all of the expenses of the Offer
other than commissions and discounts of underwriters, dealers or agents.  The
expenses are estimated in the aggregate to be $28,000.

                                 LEGAL MATTERS

         Certain legal matters regarding the legality of the Notes offered
hereby will be passed upon for the Company by Irell & Manella LLP.  The law
firm of Irell & Manella LLP owns 13,600 shares of Parent's Common Stock and 570
shares of Parent's Preferred Stock.

                                    EXPERTS

         The financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 1995 and
January 1, 1995 and for the three fiscal years ended December 31, 1995 included
herein and elsewhere in the Registration Statement have been included herein
and elsewhere in the Registration Statement in reliance upon the report of KPMG
Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public accountants, appearing elsewhere
herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.

                                 OTHER MATTERS


         No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representations, other than those contained in this Prospectus.  If given or
made, such information or representation may not be relied upon as having been
authorized by the Company.  The Company is not aware of any jurisdiction in
which the making of the Offer is not in compliance with applicable law.  If the
Company becomes aware of any jurisdiction in which the making of the Offer
would not be in compliance with applicable law, the Company will make a good
faith effort to comply with such law.  If, after such good faith effort, the
Company cannot comply with any such law, the Offer will not be made to (nor
will tenders be accepted from or on behalf of) Holders residing in such
jurisdictions.  Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any distribution of
securities hereunder shall under any circumstances create any implication that
the information contained herein is correct as of any time subsequent to the
date hereof or that there has been no change in the information set forth
herein or in the affairs of the Company since the date hereof.


                             ASSISTANCE AND COPIES

         For further information, Holders may contact the Company, Attention:
Kathleen Reid-Seidner, Secretary, at 2525 East El Segundo Boulevard, El
Segundo, California 90245, or by telephone at the following number:  (310)
536-0611.

         Requests for additional copies of this Prospectus should also be
directed to Kathleen Reid-Seidner, Secretary, at the above address and
telephone number.  Holders may also contact their broker, dealer, commercial
bank or trust company for assistance concerning the Offer.





                                      -69-
<PAGE>   73
                                    INDEX TO
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           Page
<S>                                                                        <C>
Report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, Independent                                F-2
   Certified Public Accountants

Balance Sheets of United                                                    F-3
   Merchandising Corp. as of December 31,
   1995 and January 1, 1995

Statements of Operations of                                                 F-5
   United Merchandising Corp. for the
   fiscal years ended December 31, 1995,
   January 1, 1995 and January 2, 1994

Statements of Stockholder's                                                 F-6
   Equity of United Merchandising Corp.
   for the fiscal years ended December 31,
   1995, January 1,  1995 and January 2,
   1994

Statements of Cash Flows of                                                 F-7
   United Merchandising Corp. for
   the fiscal years ended December 31, 1995,
   January 1, 1995 and January 2, 1994

Notes to Financial Statements                                               F-8
   December 31, 1995 and January 1, 1995

Balance Sheets of United Merchandising                                      F-18
   Corp. as of June 30, 1996 (unaudited)
   and December 31, 1995

Statements of Operations of United                                          F-19
   Merchandising Corp. for the 26 weeks
   ended June 30, 1996 (unaudited) and
   July 2, 1995 (unaudited)

Statements of Cash Flows of United                                          F-20
   Merchandising Corp. for the 26 weeks
   ended June 30, 1996 (unaudited) and
   July 2, 1995 (unaudited)

Notes to Financial Statements                                               F-21
   June 30, 1996 (unaudited) and
   July 2, 1995 (unaudited)
</TABLE>
    





                                      F-1
<PAGE>   74





Peat Marwick LLP
725 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA  90017


                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

The Board of Directors and Stockholder
United Merchandising Corp.:

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of United Merchandising Corp.
as of December 31, 1995 and January 1, 1995 and the related statements of
operations, stockholder's equity and cash flows for the years ended December
31, 1995, January 1, 1995 and January 2, 1994. 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 financial position of United Merchandising Corp. as
of December 31, 1995  and January 1, 1995 and the results of its operations and
its cash flows for each of the years ended December 31, 1995, January 1, 1995
and January 2, 1994, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.

                           /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


March 15, 1996




                                     F-2
<PAGE>   75



                           UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.

                                 Balance Sheets

                         (Dollar amounts in thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     DECEMBER 31,         JANUARY 1,
                         ASSETS                                          1995                1995
                                                                 -----------------    ---------------
 <S>                                                            <C>                       <C>
 Current assets:
     Cash and cash equivalents                                  $       3,198               7,668
     Trade and other receivables, net of allowance for
          doubtful accounts of $267 and $175, respectively              3,377               4,180
     Merchandise inventories                                          137,512             151,051
     Prepaid expenses                                                   1,106               1,228
                                                                 -----------------    ---------------

         Total current assets                                         145,193             164,127
                                                                 -----------------    ---------------

 Property and equipment:
     Land                                                               3,341               3,341
     Buildings and improvements                                        13,261              11,558
     Furniture and equipment                                           27,937              24,164
     Less accumulated depreciation and amortization                   (12,023)             (8,087)
                                                                 -----------------    ---------------

         Net property and equipment                                    32,516              30,976
                                                                 -----------------    ---------------

 Deferred income taxes, net                                               --                  368
 Leasehold interest, net of accumulated amortization of
     $10,202 and $8,300, respectively                                  21,130              24,253
 Other assets, at cost, less accumulated amortization of $652
     and $233, respectively                                             2,365               2,731
 Goodwill, less accumulated amortization of $630 and $426,
     respectively                                                       5,915               5,252
                                                                 -----------------    ---------------

                                                                $     207,119             227,707
                                                                 =================    ===============
</TABLE>


 See accompanying notes to financial statements.





                                      F-3
<PAGE>   76



                           UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.

                           Balance Sheets (continued)

                         (Dollar amounts in thousands)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         DECEMBER 31,         JANUARY 1,
            LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY                             1995                1995
                                                                      -----------------    ---------------
<S>                                                                   <C>                   <C>
 Current liabilities:
     Accounts payable                                                 $     42,812              63,977
     Accrued expenses                                                       27,387              30,908
     Income taxes payable                                                      --                  178
                                                                      -----------------    ---------------
         Total current liabilities                                          70,199              95,063

 Deferred rent                                                               4,252                 799

 Long-term debt                                                            103,594              96,450
                                                                      -----------------    ---------------
         Total liabilities                                                 178,045             192,312
                                                                      -----------------    ---------------     
Commitments and contingencies

 Stockholder's equity:
     Common stock, no par value.  Authorized 2,500 shares; issued
        and outstanding 1,300 shares                                        35,080              35,080
     Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)                                (6,006)                315
                                                                      -----------------    ---------------
         Net stockholder's equity                                           29,074              35,395
                                                                      -----------------    ---------------
                                                                     $     207,119             227,707
                                                                      =================    ===============
</TABLE>


 See accompanying notes to financial statements.





                                      F-4
<PAGE>   77



                           UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.

                            Statements of Operations

                         (Dollar amounts in thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                YEAR ENDED          YEAR ENDED           YEAR ENDED
                                                               DECEMBER 31,         JANUARY 1,           JANUARY 2,
                                                                  1995                 1995                 1994
                                                               ------------         ----------           ---------- 
 <S>                                                             <C>                  <C>                  <C>
 Net sales                                                       $370,126             364,109              321,933

 Cost of goods sold, buying and occupancy                         256,583             244,777              224,094
                                                                 --------             -------              ------- 
         Gross profit                                             113,543             119,332               97,839
                                                                 --------             -------              ------- 

 Operating expenses:
     Selling and administrative                                    95,158              92,238               80,076
     Depreciation and amortization                                 11,991               9,180                6,999
                                                                 --------             -------              ------- 
         Total operating expenses                                 107,149             101,418               87,075
                                                                 --------             -------              ------- 
         Operating income                                           6,394              17,914               10,764

 Interest expense                                                  12,347              11,712               11,793
                                                                 --------             -------              ------- 
         Income (loss) before income taxes and
                   extraordinary loss                              (5,953)              6,202               (1,029)
                                                                 --------             -------              ------- 
 Income taxes:
     Current                                                          --                2,081                 (910)
     Deferred                                                         368                (178)                 910
                                                                 --------             -------              ------- 
         Total income taxes                                           368               1,903                  --
                                                                 --------             -------              ------- 
         Income (loss) before extraordinary loss                   (6,321)              4,299               (1,029)

 Extraordinary loss from early extinguishment of debt,
     net of income taxes                                              --               (2,855)                 --
                                                                 --------             -------              ------- 
         Net income (loss)                                       $ (6,321)              1,444               (1,029)
                                                                 ========             =======              =======
</TABLE>



 See accompanying notes to financial statements.





                                      F-5
<PAGE>   78



                           UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.

                       Statements of Stockholder's Equity

                         (Dollar amounts in thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                   Retained
                                                                                                   earnings
                                                                               Common            (accumulated
                                                                                stock              deficit)
                                                                               -------           ------------
 <S>                                                                           <C>                  <C>
 Balance at January 3, 1993                                                    $34,890                (100)

 Contribution of capital                                                            26                 --

 Net loss for the year ended January 2, 1994                                       --               (1,029)
                                                                               -------              ------

 Balance at January 2, 1994                                                     34,916              (1,129)

 Contribution of capital                                                           185                 --

 Distribution of capital                                                           (21)                --

 Net income for the year ended January 1, 1995                                     --                1,444
                                                                               -------              ------

 Balance at January 1, 1995                                                     35,080                 315

 Net loss for the year ended December 31, 1995                                     --               (6,321)

                                                                               -------              ------
 Balance at December 31, 1995                                                  $35,080              (6,006)
                                                                               =======              ======
</TABLE>


 See accompanying notes to financial statements.





                                      F-6
<PAGE>   79



                           UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.

                            Statements of Cash Flows

                         (Dollar amounts in thousands)




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             YEAR ENDED      YEAR ENDED      YEAR ENDED
                                                            DECEMBER 31,     JANUARY 1,      JANUARY 2,
                                                                1995            1995            1994     
                                                            ------------     ----------      ----------
<S>                                                           <C>             <C>             <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income (loss)                                           $ (6,321)          1,444          (1,029)
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
    provided by (used in) operating activities:
      Depreciation and amortization                             11,991           9,180           6,999
      Amortization of inventory write-up                             -               -           6,332
      Amortization of deferred finance charges                     429             538             640
      Deferred tax provision (benefit)                             368            (178)            910
      Non-cash charges related to refinancing                        -           3,267               -
      Change in assets and liabilities:
        Merchandise inventories                                 13,539         (17,972)        (20,042)
        Trade accounts receivable, net                             803            (912)           (536)
        Prepaid expenses                                           122            (198)           (905)
        Income taxes receivable (payable)                         (178)            888            (710)
        Accounts payable                                       (21,165)         17,743          16,116
        Accrued expenses                                        (3,412)           (644)         (1,548)  
                                                              --------        --------        --------

          Net cash provided by (used in)
            operating activities                                (3,824)         13,156           6,227   
                                                              --------        --------        --------

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Purchases of property and equipment                           (6,822)         (9,153)         (6,010)
  Purchases of business                                         (1,000)              -               -
  Other assets                                                     448            (189)           (704)  
                                                              --------        --------        --------

          Net cash used in investing activities                 (7,374)         (9,342)         (6,714)  
                                                              --------        --------        --------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Net Borrowings under revolving
    credit facilities                                            7,144          58,940               -
  Repayments of term loan                                            -         (44,000)              -
  Repayment of long-term debt, net                                   -         (18,550)         (5,000)
  Other                                                           (416)              -               -
  Contribution of capital                                            -             164              26   
                                                              --------        --------        --------

          Net cash provided by (used in)
            financing activities                                 6,728          (3,446)         (4,974)  
                                                              --------        --------        --------

          Net increase (decrease) in cash and
            cash equivalents                                    (4,470)            368          (5,461)

Cash and cash equivalents balance at beginning of period         7,668           7,300          12,761   
                                                              --------        --------        --------

Cash and cash equivalents balance at end of period            $  3,198           7,668           7,300   
                                                              ========        ========        ========

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
  Interest paid                                               $ 12,300          11,817          10,799
  Income taxes paid                                               --              --               992 
                                                              ========        ========        ========
</TABLE>



See accompanying notes to financial statements.





                                      F-7
<PAGE>   80
                           UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.

                         Notes to Financial Statements

                    December 31, 1995 and January 1, 1995

                         (Dollar amounts in thousands)


(1)      BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

        The accompanying financial statements represent the financial position
        and results of operations of United Merchandising Corp. (the Company).
        The Company operates as a specialty sporting goods retailer under the
        Big 5 Sporting Goods name carrying a broad range of hardlines, softlines
        and footwear, operating 192 stores at December 31, 1995 in California,
        Washington, Oregon, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada,  Idaho (Western states)
        and Texas.

        Through September 25, 1992, the Company (Predecessor) was a wholly owned
        subsidiary of Thrifty Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pacific
        Enterprises. Effective September 1992, Big 5 Corporation (Parent), a
        corporation newly formed by a group of investors, including management
        of the Company, established Big 5 Holdings, Inc., which subsequently
        acquired (the Acquisition) through a leveraged buyout all of the
        outstanding stock of Predecessor.  In 1993, Big 5 Holdings, Inc. was
        merged into the Company.

(2)      SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

        REPORTING PERIOD

        The Company reports on a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Sunday
        nearest December 31.  All years presented had a 52-week year.

        REVENUE RECOGNITION

        The Company's revenue is received from retail sales of merchandise
        through the Company's stores.  Revenue is recognized when merchandise is
        received by the customer and is shown net of returns. The costs of
        distribution center operations are included in cost of sales, buying and
        occupancy.

        EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

        Earnings (loss) per share data are not presented as they are not
        meaningful to the financial statements.

        CASH EQUIVALENTS

        The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original
        maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

        MERCHANDISE INVENTORIES

        The Company values its merchandise inventories using the lower of
        average cost (which approximates the first-in, first-out cost) or market
        method.





                                      F-8
<PAGE>   81
                           UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.

                   Notes to Financial Statements, Continued 

                         (Dollar amounts in thousands)


PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated over the estimated
useful lives or lease terms, using the straight-line method.

The estimated useful lives are 40 years for buildings, 7 years for fixtures and
equipment and the shorter of the lease term or 10 years for leasehold
improvements.  Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.

LEASEHOLD INTEREST

Pursuant to the Acquisition, certain assets were recorded for the net fair
value of favorable operating lease agreements.  The leasehold interest asset is
being amortized over ten years on a straight-line basis.

GOODWILL

Goodwill, which represents the excess of purchase price over fair value of net
assets acquired, is amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging
from 15 to 30 years.

OTHER ASSETS

Other assets consist principally of deferred financing costs and such costs are
amortized straight-line over the terms of the respective debt.

SELF INSURANCE RESERVES

The Company maintains self-insurance programs for workers' compensation and
general liability risks.  The Company is self-insured up to specified
per-occurrence limits and maintains insurance coverage for losses in excess of
specified amounts.  Estimated costs under these programs, including incurred
but not reported claims, are recorded as expenses based upon actuarially
determined historical experience and trends of paid and incurred claims.

PREOPENING EXPENSES

New store preopening expenses are charged against operations as incurred.

ADVERTISING EXPENSES

The Company recognizes advertising costs the first time the advertising takes
place.  Advertising expenses amounted to $22,621 for the year ended December
31, 1995, $20,423 for the year ended January 1, 1995 and $16,525 for the year
ended January 2, 1994.  Advertising expense is included in selling and
administrative.





                                      F-9
<PAGE>   82
                           UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued

                         (Dollar amounts in thousands)


         INCOME TAXES

         The Company accounts for income taxes under Statement of Financial
         Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" (SFAS 109).
         Under the asset and liability method of SFAS 109, deferred tax assets
         and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences
         attributable to differences between financial statement carrying
         amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax
         bases.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax
         rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those
         temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  Under
         SFAS 109, the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change
         in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the
         enactment date.

         Pursuant to the Acquisition, the Company entered into a tax indemnity
         agreement with its former parent.

         USE OF ESTIMATES

         Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and
         assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the
         disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these
         financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting
         principles.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.

         IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

         Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121 (FAS 121),
         "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived
         assets to be Disposed of," issued in March 1995 and effective for
         fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1995, establishes accounting
         standards for the recognition and measurement of impairment of
         long-lived assets, certain identifiable intangibles and goodwill either
         to be held or disposed of.  Management believes the adoption of FAS 121
         will not have a material impact on the Company's financial position or
         results of operations.

         STOCK COMPENSATION

         In October of 1995, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123
         (FAS 123), "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," was issued. FAS
         123 encourages, but does not require, a fair value based method of
         accounting for employee stock options and will be effective for fiscal
         years beginning after December 15, 1995.  The Company anticipates that
         it will continue to elect to measure compensation costs under APB
         Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" and will
         adopt the pro forma disclosures in 1996.  If the Company makes this
         election, FAS 123 will have no impact on the Company's financial
         statements.

         RECLASSIFICATIONS

         Certain reclassifications of the prior year financial statements have
         been made to conform to the 1995 presentation.

(3)      FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

         The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair
         value of each class of financial instruments for which it is
         practicable to estimate that value.

         Cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, trade accounts
         payables and accrued expenses:  The carrying amounts approximate the
         fair values of these instruments due to their short-term nature.





                                      F-10
<PAGE>   83
                           UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued

                         (Dollar amounts in thousands)


         The fair value of the Company's Senior Subordinated Notes at December
         31, 1995 approximated $27,350 based on recent market prices.  The
         carrying amount of the revolving credit facility reflects the fair
         value based on current rates available to the Company for debt of the
         same remaining maturities.  See note 4 for interest rates on
         outstanding long-term debt.

(4)      LONG-TERM DEBT

         Long-term debt consists of the following:
         <TABLE>
         <CAPTION>
                                              December 31,         January 1,
                                                  1995                1995
                                             -------------       -------------
         <S>                                <C>                       <C>
         Revolving credit facility          $     67,144               60,000
         Senior subordinated debt                 36,450               36,450
                                             -------------       -------------

         Total long-term debt               $    103,594               96,450
                                             ============        =============
         </TABLE>


         Effective March 8, 1996, the Company entered into a credit agreement
         (the "CIT Credit Agreement") among the Company, Parent and the CIT
         Group, which provided the Company with a three-year non-amortizing
         $100,000 revolving debt facility (the "CIT Facility").  Proceeds from
         the initial funding under the CIT Facility were used to repay in full
         all of the Company's outstanding obligations under its existing
         revolving credit facility with General Electric Capital Corporation
         (the "GECC Facility").

         The CIT Facility bears interest at various rates based on the adjusted
         Eurorate plus 2.5% or the Chemical Bank prime lending rate plus .75%
         and is secured by the trade accounts receivable, merchandise
         inventories and general intangible assets (as defined) by the Company.
         A fee of 3/8% is assessed on the unused portion of the facility.

         Pursuant to the refinancing, the Company will incur a charge of $1,112
         related to a write-off of deferred finance costs capitalized in
         conjunction with the GECC Facility in the first quarter of the year
         ended December 29, 1996.

         Prior to March 8, 1996, including the period ended December 31, 1995,
         the Company had operated under a credit agreement dated October 20,
         1994 as amended among the Company, Parent, General Electric Capital
         Corporation as Agent and Wells Fargo Bank, which provided the Company
         with a five-year non-amortizing $100,000 revolving debt facility.
         Proceeds from the initial funding under the GECC Facility were used to
         repay in full all of the Company's outstanding obligations under its
         existing revolving debt facility and term debt loan with Union Bank of
         Switzerland, as agent and lender (the "UBS Facility"). Additionally,
         the GECC Facility allowed the Company to use up to $22,000 to
         repurchase the Company's Senior Subordinated Debt (the "Senior Debt").
         In 1994 the Company had repurchased $18,550 in principal amount of the
         Senior Debt, utilizing $14,550 in borrowings under the GECC Facility.
         The Company paid a premium of $1,491 related to the repurchase of
         Senior Debt during 1994





                                      F-11
<PAGE>   84
                           UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued

                         (Dollar amounts in thousands)

         and recorded a charge of $3,267 reflecting acceleration of the
         financing fees related to the retired UBS Facility and Senior Debt
         which were being amortized over the respective terms of the two
         facilities.  These amounts are reflected as extraordinary losses from
         early extinguishment of debt, net of income taxes of $1,903, in the
         statement of operations for the year ended January 1, 1995.

         The Company has treated the outstanding December 31, 1995 balance of
         $67,144 on the GECC Facility as long-term debt since the Company
         intends to renew the CIT facility through its maturity date of March 8,
         1999, and since the Company's borrowing base will be adequate to
         support borrowings equal to or greater than the current amount.

         The GECC Facility interest was at various rates based on the Eurorate
         (5.687% at December 31, 1995) plus 2.25% ("LIBOR Borrowings") or the
         prime lending rate (8.5% at December 31, 1995) plus .75% ("Base Rate
         Borrowings") and was secured by all of the assets of the Company. A fee
         of 3/8% was assessed on the unused portion of the facility.  On
         December 31, 1995, the Company had $60,000 in LIBOR Borrowings, $7,144
         in Base Rate Borrowings and Letters of Credit of $4,052 outstanding.
         The Company's maximum eligible borrowing available under the facility
         is limited to 65% of eligible inventory.  Available borrowings on the
         GECC Facility amounted to $15,102 at December 31, 1995.

         The unsecured senior subordinated debt is due 2002 and bears interest
         at 13.625%.  The notes may be redeemed in whole or from time to time in
         part at any time on and after September 15, 1997, at the option of the
         Company, at the redemption price set forth below with respect to the
         indicated redemption date, together with any accrued but unpaid
         interest to such redemption date.  The notes may not be so redeemed
         before September 15, 1997.

         If redeemed during the 12-month period beginning September 15:

         <TABLE>
         <CAPTION>
                         Year                       Percentage
                         ----                       ----------
                 <S>                                  <C>
                 1997                                 105.839
                 1998                                 103.893
                 1999                                 101.946
                 2000 and thereafter                  100.000
                                                      =======
         </TABLE>

         During the year ended January 2, 1994, the Company exchanged the senior
         subordinated debt (Old Notes) in the amount of $55,000 for new senior
         subordinated debt (New Notes) in the amount of $54,500.  The remaining
         $500 of Old Notes continues to be outstanding.  The terms of the New
         Notes are identical to the Old Notes in all material respects, except
         that the New Notes have been registered under the Securities Exchange
         Act of 1933, as amended.

         In June 1993, the Company purchased an interest rate protection
         agreement on a notional principal amount.  The notional principal
         amount amortizes through June 30, 1996, with a notional principal
         amount of $17,250 at December 31, 1995.  The protection covers a
         three-year period ending June 30, 1996 and caps the interest rate
         charged to the Company at a Eurorate of 4.5%. The Company is exposed
         to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the financial
         institution.  However, the Company does not anticipate nonperformance.
         The retirement of the Company's term debt on October 24, 1994 did not
         impact the interest rate cap which was in force as of December 31,
         1995.

         The various debt agreements contain restrictions on working capital,
         acquisition of treasury stock and payment of cash dividends.  In
         addition, the agreements restrict liens on assets and the acquisition
         or sale of subsidiaries.

         The aggregate maturities of long-term debt for each of the five years
         subsequent to December 31, 1995 are as follows:

         <TABLE>
                        <S>                 <C>
                        1996                $          --
                        1997                           --
                        1998                           --
                        1999                        67,144
                        2000                           --
                        Thereafter                  36,450
                                            ===============  
         </TABLE>


                                      F-12
<PAGE>   85
                           UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
                         (Dollar amounts in thousands)


(5)      LEASES

The Company currently leases certain stores, distribution facilities, vehicles
and equipment under noncancelable operating leases that expire through the year
2018.  These leases generally contain renewal options for periods ranging from 5
to 15 years and require the Company to pay all executory costs such as
maintenance and insurance.  Certain leases contain options to purchase the
leased assets.

Certain leases contain escalation clauses, and provide for contingent rentals
based on percentages of sales.  The Company recognizes rental expense on a
straight-line basis over the terms of the underlying leases, without regard to
when rentals are paid.  The accrual of the non-cash portion of this rental
expense has been included in depreciation and amortization in the accompanying
statements of operations and cash flows and deferred rent in the accompanying
balance sheets.

Rental expense for operating leases consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  YEAR         YEAR        YEAR
                                  ENDED        ENDED       ENDED
                               DECEMBER 31,   JANUARY 1,  JANUARY 2,
                                   1995         1995        1994
                             --------------  ----------  -----------
 <S>                              <C>          <C>          <C>
 Cash rental payments       $      21,003       18,482     16,144
 Non-cash rentals                   3,344          496        265
 Contingent rentals                   989        1,275      1,187
                             --------------  ----------  -----------

 Rental expense             $      25,336       20,253     17,596
                             ==============  ==========  ===========
</TABLE>


Future minimum lease payments (cash rentals) under noncancelable operating
leases (with initial or remaining lease terms in excess of one year) as of
December 31, 1995 are:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

         Year ending:
                 <S>              <C>     <C>
                 1996             $         22,136
                 1997                       22,203
                 1998                       22,161
                 1999                       21,122
                 2000                       19,918
                 Thereafter                171,058
                                    ---------------

                                  $        278,598
                                    ===============
</TABLE>





                                      F-13
<PAGE>   86
                           UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
                         (Dollar amounts in thousands)


(6)      ACCRUED EXPENSES

Accrued expenses consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     DECEMBER 31,         JANUARY 1,
                                                                         1995                1995
                  <S>                                                  <C>                 <C>
                                                                     -----------          ----------
                  Payroll and related expenses                         $ 7,545               8,075
                  Self insurance reserves                                6,011               6,448
                  Sales tax                                              4,427               4,599
                  Other                                                  9,404              11,786
                                                                       -------              ------ 
                                                                       $27,387              30,908
                                                                       =======              ====== 
</TABLE>

In the fourth quarter of 1995, based upon facts and developments, the Company
revised estimates of its self-insurance reserves and management bonuses
resulting in a reversal in the amount of  $2,100 which has been reflected in
the accompanying statement of operations.

(7)      INCOME TAXES

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions
of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31,          JANUARY 1,
                                                                    1995                 1995
 <S>                                                               <C>                 <C>
                                                                ------------          ----------  
Deferred assets:
    Self insurance reserves                                        $ 2,050               2,093
    Employee benefits                                                1,167                 959
    State taxes                                                      1,065                 873
    Federal net operating loss carryforward                          2,245               1,470
    State net operating loss carryforward                              182                 --
    Non-cash rentals                                                 1,488                 279
    Other                                                              770                 660
                                                                   -------             -------                                   
            Gross deferred tax assets                                8,967               6,334
                                
 Valuation allowance                                                (7,475)             (4,485)
                                                                   -------              ------
            Net deferred tax assets                                $ 1,492               1,849
                                                                   =======              ======

 Deferred liabilities:
   Basis in fixed assets                                           $ 1,252               1,244
   Amortization of tangible and intangible assets                      240                 237
                                                                   -------              ------
             Total deferred tax liabilities                        $ 1,492               1,481
                                                                   =======              ======
</TABLE>





                                      F-14
<PAGE>   87
                           UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
                         (Dollar amounts in thousands)


The net change in the total valuation allowance for the year ended December 31,
1995 was $2,990.  In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets,
management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all
of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  The ultimate realization of
deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income
during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible.
Management considers the scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities,
projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this
assessment.  At January 1, 1995, the deferred tax asset represented alternative
minimum tax adjustments which management expected to realize in the December 31,
1995 tax year.  However, such realization did not occur and, given the history
of income tax losses experienced by the Company, management recorded a valuation
reserve for the gross deferred tax asset at December 31, 1995.  At December 31,
1995, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards for Federal income tax
purposes of $6,413 which are available to offset future Federal taxable income
through the year 2010 based on current law.  At December 31, 1995, the Company
has net operating loss carryforwards for state income tax purposes of $3,007
which are available to offset future state taxable income through the year 2000
based on current law.

A reconciliation of the difference between the Company's provision for income
taxes and the statutory income tax for the years ended December 31, 1995,
January 1, 1995 and January 2, 1994 is as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    YEAR ENDED          YEAR ENDED       YEAR ENDED
                                   DECEMBER 31,         JANUARY 1,       JANUARY 2,
                                       1995                1995             1994
 <S>                                  <C>               <C>              <C>
                                   -----------          ----------       ----------     
 Statutory tax expense
    (benefit)                        $(2,408)              2,171             (346)
 State income tax expense
    (benefit)                            (81)                237              (61)
 Inventory                               --                 (280)          (1,329)
 Depreciation and
    amortization of tangible             213                 415             (835)
    and intangible assets
 Accrued liabilities                      19                 867            2,061
 MIS migration fees                      --               (1,190)          (1,257)
 Other                                 1,362              (1,430)             335
 Benefit not recorded due to
    net carryforward position          1,263               1,113            1,432
                                    --------              ------           ------               
                                    $    368               1,903              --
                                    ========              ======           ====== 

                                            

</TABLE>



                                      F-15
<PAGE>   88
                           UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
                         (Dollar amounts in thousands)


(8)      EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Effective January 4, 1993, the Company established a 401(k) plan to cover all
eligible employees.  All employees' contributions may be supplemented by
Company contributions.  The Company contributed $667 for the year ended
December 31, 1995, $1,060 for the year ended January 1, 1995 and $969 for the
year ended January 2, 1994 in employer matching and profit sharing
contributions.

Certain employees of the Company participate in a stock option plan of the
parent company's stock.  Options are granted by the Board of Directors at fair
market value, as determined by valuation models prepared by the Board.
Compensation expense has not been recorded for any of the periods presented.

The Company has no significant post retirement or post employment benefits.

(9)      RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company received certain administrative support services from a related
party for which the Company pays a negotiated fee based on services provided.
The services were terminated April 1995.  These charges totaled $61 for the
year ended December 31, 1995, $1,099 for the year ended January 1, 1995 and
$2,579 for the year ended January 2, 1994.

In addition, the Company leases certain property and equipment from a related
party who leases this property and equipment from an outside party.  Charges
related to these leases totaled $1,857 for the year ended December 31, 1995,
$1,738 for the year ended January 1, 1995 and $1,864 for the year ended January
2, 1994.

The Company has an agreement to pay $568, plus expenses, annually to an advisor
group of its investor.  Certain individuals of the investor advisor group are
members of the Company's Board of Directors.  In 1994, the Company paid this
advisor group an additional $500 for services related to securing the GECC
Facility.

Affiliates of the Company own $250 of the Senior Subordinated Notes.

(10)     CONTINGENCIES

The Company is involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the
ordinary course of business.  In the opinion of management, the ultimate
disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

(11)     BUSINESS CONCENTRATIONS

The Company operates specialty sporting goods retail stores located principally
in Western states of the U.S.  The retail industry is impacted by the general
economy.  Changes in the marketplace may significantly effect management's
estimates and the Company's performance.





                                      F-16
<PAGE>   89
                           UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued
                         (Dollar amounts in thousands)


(12)     SALE LEASEBACK

On March 5, 1996, the Company entered into a sale and leaseback agreement (the
"transaction") with regard to its warehouse facility located in Fontana,
California.  Prior to this transaction, the Company owned the land associated
with the facility and leased the buildings and improvements.  In contemplation
of the transaction, the Company purchased the building and improvements at a
purchase price of $8,910.  The transaction was then completed with the sale of
the land, building and improvements at a sale price of $13,900.  The gain on
the transaction was insignificant and will be amortized on a straight-line
basis over the related lease term.  The net cash proceeds after expenses
totaled $4,728 which was used to repay a portion of the GECC Facility (note 4).

Under the leaseback agreement the Company has committed to lease the facility
for ten years under a noncancelable operating lease.  The future minimum lease
payments are reflected in the future minimum lease payments under noncancelable
operating leases.





                                      F-17
<PAGE>   90


                           UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.

                                 Balance Sheets
                             (Dollars in Thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                June 30,      December 31,  
                                                                  1996            1995   
                                                             -------------   -------------      
Assets                                                         (Unaudited)                  
<S>                                                          <C>             <C>            
                                                                                            
Current assets
   Cash and cash equivalents                                 $      1,062    $      3,198   
   Trade and other receivables, net of allowance for 
      doubtful accounts of $753 and $267, respectively              2,308           3,377   
   Merchandise inventories                                        140,257         137,512
   Prepaid expenses                                                   550           1,106   

                                                             ------------   -------------
                    Total current assets                          144,177         145,193   
                                                             ------------   -------------                               
Property and equipment:                                                                     
   Land                                                               786           3,341
   Buildings and improvements                                      13,437          13,261
   Furniture and equipment                                         28,730          27,937   
   Less accumulated depreciation and
      amortization                                                (14,601)        (12,023)
                                                             ------------   -------------       

                    Net property and equipment                     28,352          32,516
                                                             ------------   -------------

                                                                                            
Leasehold interest, net of amortization of $10,876 and                                      
   $10,202, respectively                                           18,093          21,130   

Other assets, at cost, less accumulated
   amortization of $534 and $652, respectively                      2,430           2,365
Excess of cost over net assets acquired, less                                               
   accumulated amortization of $754 and $630, respectively          5,791           5,915
                                                             ------------    ------------
                                                             $    198,843    $    207,119   
                                                             ============    ============   
 Liabilities and stockholder's equity

 Current liabilities:                                                                      
      Accounts payable                                       $     43,188    $     42,812
      Accrued expenses                                             25,741          27,387
                                                             ------------    ------------   
                     Total current liabilities                     68,929          70,199

 Deferred rent                                                      4,820           4,252
 Long-term debt                                                    99,905         103,594
                                                             ------------    ------------   
                     Total liabilities                            173,654         178,045
                                                             ------------    ------------


 Commitments and contingencies



 Stockholder's equity

      Common stock, no par value.  Authorized 2,500 
      shares; issued and outstanding 1,300 shares                  35,080          35,080
      Accumulated deficit                                          (9,891)         (6,006)
                                                             ------------    ------------

                     Total stockholder's equity                    25,189          29,074
                                                             ------------    ------------   
                                                             $    198,843    $    207,119
                                                             ============    ============   
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to financial statements




                                      F-18
<PAGE>   91





                           UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.


                            Statements of Operations
                             (Dollars in Thousands)
                                  (Unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             13 Weeks Ended                   26 Weeks Ended
                                                     ------------------------------      ------------------------------
                                                     June 30, 1996     July 2, 1995      June 30, 1996     July 2, 1995
                                                     -------------     ------------      -------------     ------------
<S>                                                  <C>                <C>              <C>               <C>
Net sales                                            $    98,216        $   90,023       $  189,833        $   173,456

   Cost of goods sold, buying
    and occupancy                                         66,260            61,513           130,148           119,279
                                                     -----------         ---------       -----------       -----------
Gross profit                                              31,956            28,510            59,685            54,177
                                                     -----------         ---------       -----------       -----------
Operating expenses:
   Selling and administration                             25,318            23,824            50,660            47,637
   Depreciation and amortization                           2,459             2,418             4,799             4,724
                                                     -----------         ---------       -----------       -----------

   Total operating expenses                               27,777            26,242            55,459            52,361
                                                     -----------         ---------       -----------       -----------
           Operating income                                4,179             2,268             4,226             1,816

Interest expense, net                                      2,927             3,184             5,889             6,141
                                                     -----------         ---------       -----------       -----------
           Income (loss) before
              income taxes and extraordinary loss          1,252              (916)           (1,663)           (4,325)

Income taxes                                                 - -               - -               - -              - -
                                                     -----------          --------       -----------       -----------
           Net income (loss) before extraordinary
                   loss                                    1,252              (916)           (1,663)           (4,325)
          Extraordinary loss from early
                  extinguishment of debt                     - -               - -            (2,222)              - -
                                                     -----------            ------        ----------       ------------
                      Net income (loss)                   $1,252             ($916)          ($3,885)           ($4,325)
                                                     ===========            ======        ==========       =============
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to financial statements.





                                       F-19
<PAGE>   92





                           UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.

                            Statements of Cash Flows
                             (Dollars in Thousands)
                                  (Unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    26 Weeks Ended
                                                                         ---------------------------------
                                                                           June 30, 1996      July 2, 1995
                                                                         ---------------    --------------
<S>                                                                      <C>                <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net loss                                                               $       (3,885)     $      (4,325)
  Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
    provided by operating activities:
        Depreciation and amortization                                             4,799              4,724
        Non-cash charge related to refinancing                                    1,063                -.-
        Change in assets and liabilities:
          Merchandise inventories                                                (2,745)            (3,971)
          Accounts receivable                                                     1,069              2,700
          Prepaid expenses                                                          556                509
          Accounts payable                                                          376            (22,113)
          Accrued expenses                                                       (2,285)            (6,677)
                                                                         --------------      -------------
                Net cash (used in) operating activities                          (1,052)           (29,153)
                                                                         --------------      -------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Purchases of property and equipment                                              (988)            (3,343)
  Purchases of assets held pending sale and leaseback                            (8,910)               -.-
  Proceeds from sale and lease back of assets                                    13,900                -.-
  Other assets                                                                   (1,397)               505
                                                                         --------------      -------------
                 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities              2,605             (2,838)
                                                                         --------------      -------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
   Net borrowings under revolving credit facilities                              63,455             26,000
   Repayment of long-term debt, net                                             (67,144)               -.-
                                                                         --------------      -------------

                Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities              (3,689)            26,000
                                                                         --------------      -------------
                Net decrease in cash and cash  equivalents                       (2,136)            (5,991)

 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                                 3,198              7,668
                                                                         --------------      -------------
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                              $        1,062      $       1,677
                                                                         ==============      =============
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.





                                       F-20
<PAGE>   93





                           UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.

                         Notes to Financial Statements

                             (Dollars in Thousands)


FINANCIAL INFORMATION


1.       In the opinion of management of United Merchandising Corp. ("the
         Company"), the accompanying unaudited financial statements contain all
         adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments,
         necessary to present the financial position and cash flows as of and
         for the period ended June 30, 1996.

2.       These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
         Company's 1995 audited financial statements included herein.

3.       Effective March 8, 1996, the Company entered into a Financing
         Agreement, dated as of such date (the "CIT Credit Agreement"), between
         the Company and The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc., which provides
         the Company with a three-year, non-amortizing, $100,000 revolving debt
         facility (the "CIT Facility").  Proceeds from the initial funding
         under the CIT Facility were used to repay in full all of the
         obligations under the Company's revolving debt facility with General
         Electric Capital Corporation (the "GECC Facility").  The CIT Facility
         bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.5%, or the Chemical Bank
         prime lending rate plus .75%, is secured by trade accounts receivable,
         merchandise inventories and general intangible assets (as defined) of
         the Company, and has a borrowing limit, including advances,
         outstanding letters of credit and unreimbursed drawings under letters
         of credit at any time equal to the lesser of $100,000 and the
         Borrowing Base.  The Borrowing Base is equal to 65% of the aggregate
         value of Eligible Inventory (as defined) from time to time.

4.       On March 5, 1996 the Company entered into a sale and leaseback
         agreement (the "transaction") with regard to its warehouse facility
         located in Fontana, California.  Prior to this transaction, the
         Company owned the land associated with the facility and leased the
         buildings and improvements.  In contemplation of the transaction, the
         Company purchased the building and improvements at a purchase price of
         $8,910.  The transaction was then completed with the sale of the land,
         building and improvements at a sale price of $13,900.  The gain on the
         transaction was insignificant and will be amortized on a straight-line
         basis over the related lease term.  The net cash proceeds after
         expenses totaled $4,728, which were used to repay a portion of the
         GECC Facility.  Under the leaseback agreement, the Company has
         committed to lease the facility for ten years under a noncancelable
         operating lease.





                                       F-21
<PAGE>   94
                                    PART II

                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS


ITEM 13.         OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION

         The following table sets forth the expenses payable in connection with
the offering of the securities to be registered and offered hereby.  All of
such expenses are estimates, other than the registration fee payable to the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee . . . . .    $156.25

Printing and Engraving Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       0.00
Legal Fees and Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $23,000.00

Accounting Fees and Expenses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $5,000.00

Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       0.00
                                                             -----------
        Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $28,156.25
                                                             ===========
</TABLE>




ITEM 14.         INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

         Subsection (b) of Section 317 of the California Corporations Code
("CCC") empowers a corporation to indemnify any director or officer, or former
director or officer, who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party
to any proceeding (as defined in Section 317(a)) (other than an action by or in
the right of the corporation), against expenses, judgments, fines, settlements
and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such
proceeding, provided that such director or officer acted in good faith in a
manner reasonably believed by such director or officer to be in the best
interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, provided that such director or officer had no reasonable cause to
believe his or her conduct was unlawful.

         Subsection (c) of Section 317 empowers a corporation to indemnify any
director or officer, or former director or officer, who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action by
or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason
of the fact that such person acted as a director or officer, against expenses
actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or settlement
of such action, provided that such director or officer acted in good faith and
in a manner reasonably believed by such director or officer to be in the best
interests of the corporation and its shareholders, except that no
indemnification may be made under Subsection (c) of Section 317 in respect of
(i) any claim, issue or matter as to which such director or officer shall have
been adjudged to be liable to the corporation, unless and only to the extent
that the court in which such action was brought shall determine that such
director or officer is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such
expenses which the court





                                      II-1
<PAGE>   95
shall deem proper, (ii) amounts paid in settling or otherwise disposing of a
pending action without court approval, and (iii) expenses incurred in defending
a pending action which is settled or otherwise disposed of without court
approval.

         Section 317 further provides that, to the extent a director or officer
of a corporation has been successful on the merits in the defense of any
proceeding referred to in subsections (b) and (c) or in the defense of any
claim, issue or matter therein, such director or officer shall be indemnified
against expenses actually and reasonably incurred by such officer or director
in connection therewith; that indemnification provided for by Section 317 shall
not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which the indemnified party may
be entitled; and that the corporation shall have the power to purchase and
maintain insurance on behalf of a director or officer of the corporation
against any liability asserted against such officer or director or incurred by
him or her in any such capacity or arising out of his or her status as such,
whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify him or her
against such liabilities under Section 317.

         Subject to approval of certain of the Company's lenders, the Company's
Board of Directors has approved certain amendments to the Company's Certificate
of Incorporation and By-Laws, which provide, in effect, that to the extent and
under the circumstances permitted by Section 317 of the CCC and subject to
certain conditions, the Company shall indemnify any person who was or is a
party or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any action, suit
or proceeding of the type described above by reason of the fact that he or she
is or was a director or officer of the Company, or is or was serving at the
request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of the
Company.

         Subject to approval of certain of the Company's lenders, the Company's
Articles of Incorporation, as amended, currently provide that, to the fullest
extent permitted by applicable law, a director of the Company shall not be
personally liable to the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages for
breach of fiduciary duty as a director.

ITEM 15.         RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES

         On September 25, 1992, Big 5 Holdings acquired all of the Company's
outstanding capital stock, consisting of 1,300 shares of common stock, zero par
value, for an aggregate purchase price of $135 million, and Parent acquired all
of Big 5 Holdings' outstanding capital stock, consisting of 1,000 shares of
common stock, par value $.01, for an aggregate purchase price of $35,000,000.
Both of these sales were conducted in connection with the Acquisition.

         Exemption from registration with respect to the above-described sales
was claimed under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act regarding transactions not
involving any public offering.





                                      II-2
<PAGE>   96
ITEM 16.         EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(A)      SCHEDULE OF EXHIBITS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO.                       DESCRIPTION
- -----------                       -----------
<S>                               <C>
2.1                               Purchase and Sale Agreement among 
                                  Big 5 Holdings, Thrifty and PE dated 
                                  as of May 22, 1992 (1)

3.1                               Articles of Incorporation of the 
                                  Company filed with the California 
                                  Secretary of State on September 7, 
                                  1955(1)

3.2                               Amendment to Articles of 
                                  Incorporation of the Company filed 
                                  with the California Secretary of State 
                                  on September 21, 1992 (1)

3.3                               Bylaws of the Company (1)

4.1                               Indenture among the Company, Big 5 
                                  Holdings and First Trust National 
                                  Association relating to the Notes dated
                                  as of September 25, 1992 (1)

4.2                               Form of the Notes (1)

4.3                               Purchase Agreement among the 
                                  Company, Big 5 Holdings and the 
                                  original purchasers of the Notes dated 
                                  as of September 25, 1992 (1)

4.4                               Registration Rights Agreement among 
                                  the Company, Big 5 Holdings and the 
                                  original purchasers of the Notes
                                  dated as of September 25, 1992 (1)

5.1                               Opinion of Irell & Manella (2)

10.1(a)                           Financing Agreement dated March 8, 
                                  1996 between The CIT Group/Business 
                                  Credit, Inc. and the Company(3)

10.1(b)                           Grant of Security Interest in and 
                                  Collateral Assignment of Trademarks 
                                  and Licenses dated as of March 8,
</TABLE>





                                      II-3
<PAGE>   97
<TABLE>
EXHIBIT NO.                       DESCRIPTION
- -----------                       -----------
<S>                               <C>
                                  1996 by the Company in favor of The 
                                  CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc.(3)

10.1(c)                           Guarantee dated March 8, 1996 by 
                                  Parent in favor of The CIT 
                                  Group/Business Credit, Inc.(3)

10.2                              Tax Indemnity Agreement by and 
                                  among PE, TPH, Thrifty and Big 5 
                                  Holdings dated as of September 25, 
                                  1992 (1)

10.3(a)                           Amended and Restated Indemnification 
                                  Implementation Agreement between the 
                                  Company and TPH dated as of April
                                  20, 1994 (4)

10.3(b)                           Agreement and Release among PE, 
                                  TPH, TPI, Thrifty and the Company 
                                  dated as of March 11, 1994 (4)

10.4(a)                           Big 5 Corporation 1992 Equity Plan (1)

10.4(b)                           Stock Subscription Agreement between 
                                  Parent and GEI dated as of 
                                  September 25, 1992 (1)

10.5(a)                           Employment Agreement between the 
                                  Company and Robert W. Miller dated 
                                  as of January 1, 1993 (1)

10.5(b)                           Employment Agreement between the 
                                  Company and Steven G. Miller dated 
                                  as of January 1, 1993 (1)

10.5(c)                           Sublease between the Company and 
                                  Thrifty dated as of September 25, 
                                  1992 (2)

10.5(d)                           Form of Amendment of Registration 
                                  Rights Agreement among the 
                                  Company, Big 5 Holdings and Holders 
                                  of the Securities (re: ongoing 
                                  registration rights) (2)
</TABLE>





                                      II-4
<PAGE>   98
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO.                       DESCRIPTION
- -----------                       -----------
<S>                               <C>
10.5(e)                           Form of Amendment of Registration 
                                  Rights Agreement among the 
                                  Company, Big 5 Holdings and Holders 
                                  of the Securities (re: extension of 
                                  Effectiveness Date) (2)

10.6(a)                           Agreement of Purchase and Sale 
                                  between the Company and the State of 
                                  Wisconsin dated as of February 13,
                                  1996(3)

10.6(b)                           Lease between the Company (Lessee) 
                                  and the State of Wisconsin Investment 
                                  Board (Lessor) dated as of March 5,
                                  1996(3)

12.1                              Computation of Ratio of Earnings to 
                                  Fixed Charges (5)

22                                List of the subsidiaries of the 
                                  Company: none.

24.1                              Consent of Irell & Manella (included 
                                  in Exhibit 5.1).

24.2                              Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, 
                                  independent certified public 
                                  accountants (5)

26.1                              Form T-1 statement of eligibility and 
                                  qualification under the Trust Indenture 
                                  Act of 1939 of First Trust National 
                                  Association (1)
- ----------------------                                    
</TABLE>

(1)      Incorporated by reference herein to the indicated exhibits filed in
         response to Item 21 of Part II, "Exhibits," of the Registration
         Statement on Form S-4 of the Company and Big 5 Holdings initially
         filed on April 15, 1993.

(2)      Previously filed.

(3)      Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibits filed in response
         to Item 14 of Part IV of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
         the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995.





                                      II-5

<PAGE>   99
(4)      Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibits filed in response
         to Item 14 of Part IV of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
         the fiscal year ended January 1, 1995.

(5)      Filed herewith.

(B)      FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

         None.

ITEM 17.         UNDERTAKINGS

(a)      Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
         Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
         persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or
         otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
         Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
         in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event
         that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than
         the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a
         director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the
         successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by
         such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the
         securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the
         opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
         precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question
         whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
         expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
         adjudication of such issue.

(b)      The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

         (1)     To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
                 made, a post-effective amendment to this registration
                 statement:

                 (i)      To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3)
                          of the Securities Act;

                 (ii)     To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events
                          arising after the effective date of the registration
                          statement (or the most recent post-effective
                          amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
                          aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the
                          information set forth in the registration statement;

                 (iii)    To include any material information with respect to
                          the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in
                          the registration statement or any material change to
                          such information in the registration statement.

         (2)     That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
                 Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be
                 deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
                 securities offered therein, and the offering of such
                 securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
                 fide offering thereof.

         (3)     To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
                 amendment any of the securities being registered which remain
                 unsold at the termination of the offering.





                                      II-6
<PAGE>   100
                                   SIGNATURES

   
         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
registrant has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Form S-1
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Los Angeles, State of California on September 6,
1996.
    

                                  UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.,
                                  a California corporation



                                  By:  /s/ ROBERT W. MILLER     
                                     ---------------------------
                                     Robert W. Miller,
                                     Chairman of the Board of Directors
                                     Chief Executive Officer





                                      II-7
<PAGE>   101
   
         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Form S-1 Registration Statement has been
signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on September 6,
1996.
    

Signature                                 Title
- ---------                                 -----


 /s/ ROBERT W. MILLER             Chairman of the Board of Directors
- -----------------------           and Chief Executive Officer (Principal
Robert W. Miller                  Executive Officer of the Registrant)


Steven G. Miller*                 President, Chief
- ----------------------------      Operating Officer and Director
Steven G. Miller


Charles P. Kirk*                  Senior Vice President and Chief
- -----------------------------     Financial Officer (Principal Financial
Charles P. Kirk                   and Accounting Officer of the Registrant)


Leonard I. Green*                 Director
- -----------------------------                     
Leonard I. Green


Jonathan D. Sokoloff*             Director
- -----------------------------                     
Jonathan D. Sokoloff


Jennifer Holden Dunbar*           Director
- ----------------------------                      
Jennifer Holden Dunbar


*By: /s/ ROBERT W. MILLER 
 -------------------------
 Robert W. Miller
 Attorney-in-Fact




                                      II-8
<PAGE>   102
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX

EXHIBIT NO.         DESCRIPTION                                        PAGE
- -----------         -----------                                        ----
12.1                Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges         

24.2                Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP,
                    independent certified public accountants

<PAGE>   1
                          UNITED MERCHANDISING CORP.
                      RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                                 CALCULATION
                         (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSAND)
                                      

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        
                                                  Predecessor Company   
                                               -------------------------    Successor Company             Pro Forma
                                                           39 Weeks from    -----------------                      
                                                            December 30,       14 Weeks from                Combined
                                                Year Ended  1991 through    September 26, 1992            Year Ended
                                               December 29, September 25,   through January 3,             January 3,
                                                    1991      1992               1993                        1993    
                                               -------------------------   ------------------            ------------
 <S>                                               <C>          <C>                    <C>                <C>
 I.  EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES:
       Earnings:

          Pre-tax income from
          continuing operations                    $21,834      $11,989                ($100)             ($6,645)
          Add fixed charges                          5,711        3,962                4,775               17,412
          Subtract capitalized interest in
          fixed charges                                  0            0                 (159)                (639)
                                                   -------      -------              --------             --------
      Earnings                                      27,545       15,951                4,516               10,128 
                                                   -------      -------              --------             --------

       Fixed charges:
          Net interest expense per
          financials                                   677       (1,059)               3,256               10,872
       Add:
          Interest income                                0        1,059                    0                1,059
          Rents                                      5,034        3,962                1,519                5,481 
                                                   -------      -------              --------             --------

       Fixed charges                                 5,711        3,962                4,775               17,412
 Ratio of earnings to fixed charges                   4.82         4.03                 0.95                 0.58
 Deficiency in earnings to fixed charges                                                 259                7,284
</TABLE>

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        26 Weeks Ended       
                                                January 2,    January 1,         December 31,    ----------------------------
                                                    1994         1995               1995         July 2, 1995   June 30, 1996
                                                 ---------   -----------       --------------    ------------   -------------
 <S>                                              <C>            <C>                 <C>            <C>              <C>
 I.  EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES:                                                                                    
       Earnings:                                                                                                   
          Pre-tax income from                                                                                      
          continuing operations                   ($1,029)       $6,202              ($5,953)        ($4,325)        ($1,663)
                                                                                                                   
          Add fixed charges                        17,569        18,298               20,791           9,463           9,735
          Subtract capitalized interest in                                                                         
          fixed charges                              (639)         (539)                (430)           (205)           (290)
                                                  -------       -------              -------         -------         -------
                                                                                                                   
      Earnings                                     15,901        23,961               14,408           4,933           7,782
                                                  -------       -------              -------         -------         -------
                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                   
       Fixed charges:                                                                                              
          Net interest expense per                                                                                 
          financials                               11,793        11,712               12,347           6,141           5,889
       Add:                                                                                                        
          Interest income                               0             0                    0               0               0
          Rents                                     5,776         6,586                8,444           3,322           3,846
                                                  -------       -------              -------         -------         -------
                                                                                                                   
       Fixed charges                               17,569        18,298               20,791           9,463           9,735
 Ratio of earnings to fixed charges                  0.91          1.31                 0.69            0.52            0.80
 Deficiency in earnings to fixed charges            1,668             0                6,383           4,530           1,953
</TABLE>
    






                                  EXHIBIT 12.1

<PAGE>   1
                                                              EXHIBIT 24.2


The Board of Directors
United Merchandising Corp.:


We consent to the use of our reports included herein and to the reference to
our firm under the heading "Experts" in the prospectus.


KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


September 4, 1996



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